Dual Camera System for Locating Hidden Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of devices and systems that effectively locate objects or persons hidden from view, especially when they are at different altitudes or heights, or obscured by obstacles, requiring innovative solutions for object tracking and visualization.
Innovation Solution
A dual-camera system with geospatial coordinate generation and communication capabilities, where one camera is mobile and wearable, and the other is attached to a platform with actuators, allowing for real-time image sharing and pose adjustment to bring the object into view, even when it is obscured or at varying heights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single camera is used to locate objects, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to locate hidden objects at different altitudes or obscured by obstacles is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the locating function into two separate camera devices: a first camera for direct viewing and a second camera for locating hidden objects. Each camera is independently operated and can be positioned differently, allowing the system to handle complex scenarios without requiring a single complex device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary communication mechanism between the two cameras. The first camera can request location data from the second camera, and the second camera responds with data that enables the first camera to guide the second camera into the correct pose, facilitating coordinated operation without requiring direct physical integration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the camera is fixed in position, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to track objects at varying heights and positions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system makes both cameras mobile and wearable rather than fixed. The first camera can move to different locations to search for objects, and the second camera can be positioned on the object itself or near it, allowing dynamic adaptation to various altitudes and positions while tracking objects in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
Each camera device is designed to be portable and mobile, capable of performing multiple functions: locating objects, tracking moving targets, operating at different altitudes, and communicating with other devices. This universal design allows a single device to handle diverse tracking scenarios without requiring specialized fixed installations.
3Measurement precision
If real-time image sharing and pose adjustment are implemented, then the object localization accuracy is improved, but the communication and coordination requirements increase system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback loop where the first camera requests location data from the second camera, receives geospatial coordinate information, and uses this feedback to guide the second camera into the correct pose. This continuous feedback mechanism enables accurate real-time localization while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized communication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter representation of object location from simple visual detection to precise geospatial coordinates (latitude, longitude, altitude). By using standardized coordinate parameters and mathematical calculations to determine camera poses, the system achieves high localization accuracy while managing communication complexity through parameter-based rather than image-based coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
A distance substantially between a camera and an object is measured preferably with a rangefinder. Positional coordinates including an altitude of the camera are determined. A pose including pitch and azimuth of the camera directed at the object is determined from sensors. Positional coordinates of the object are determined using at least the positional coordinates of the camera, the pose of the camera and the distance substantially between the camera and the object which are used to determine a location volume. A database is searched for objects located at least partially inside the location volume. The camera is part of a computing device with a screen. Search results are listed on the screen and an outline of a hidden object in the location volume is drawn on the screen.