Dual-Spectral Network Camera for Low-Light Feature Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network cameras struggle with dynamic range and low-light sensitivity, particularly in visual and near-infrared spectral bands, which limits their effectiveness in varying illumination conditions and object recognition.
Innovation Solution
A dual-spectral band network camera system with a color image sensor and a monochrome image sensor, each with unique optics and spectral responses, where the monochrome sensor has higher sensitivity and faster frame rates, and an image processor that selects and processes images based on illumination conditions to enhance image quality and feature recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a color image sensor with infrared-cut filter is used, then color image quality is improved, but low-light sensitivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system divides the imaging function into two separate sensors: a color image sensor with infrared-cut filter for color imaging, and a monochrome image sensor without filter for high-sensitivity imaging. Each sensor is optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between color quality and low-light sensitivity through functional segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-sensor approach to a dual-sensor approach, adding a new dimension to the imaging system. By capturing images in both color and monochrome modes simultaneously or selectively, the system can switch between dimensions based on illumination conditions to optimize performance.
2Illumination intensity
If a monochrome image sensor without infrared-cut filter is used, then low-light sensitivity is improved, but color information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging function is segmented between two sensors: the monochrome sensor captures high-sensitivity grayscale images, while the color sensor captures color information. The system can select or combine outputs based on requirements, allowing the monochrome sensor to excel at low-light sensitivity without permanently losing color capability at the system level.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a monochrome imaging dimension alongside color imaging. By having both dimensions available, the system can switch to monochrome mode when color information is less critical than sensitivity, or combine both dimensions to achieve optimal results in various conditions.
3Measurement precision
If dual-sensor system is implemented, then image quality and sensitivity are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the dual-sensor outputs through a single image processing pipeline that can handle both color and monochrome data. The processing unit integrates both sensor streams, allowing flexible combination strategies (switching, blending, or selective processing) that manage complexity while maintaining the benefits of dual sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The image processing unit is designed with universal capability to process both color and monochrome images, applying appropriate algorithms based on the input type and illumination conditions. This multi-functional processing approach manages the complexity of handling dual sensors through a unified processing architecture.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The dual-spectral band camera system provides sharper images and improved low-light sensitivity, enabling effective feature recognition and tracking, especially in low illumination, by prioritizing monochrome images and optimizing image processing for better dynamic range and bandwidth utilization.
Implementation Method 1
one of the sensors is color image sensor with infrared-cut filter positioned in front of pixel array, while the other sensor is monochrome image sensor with optics characterized by lower f-number than that used for color sensor and without infrared-cut filter in its field of view
Implementation Method 2
image processor continuously monitors exposure settings of the image sensors as well as brightness of both color and monochrome images and selects the image to be transmitted off camera based on the illumination conditions
Data Source
AI summary
The subject of this invention is the network camera sensitive to both visual and near-infrared or infrared spectral bands and comprising two or more image sensors with different spectral responses, one or more image processors, and network interfaces. In the preferred embodiment the network camera disclosed in this invention comprises two image sensors with individual optics, where both sensors have similar fields of view. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention one of the sensors is color image sensor with infrared-cut filter positioned in front of pixel array, while the other sensor is monochrome image sensor with optics characterized by lower f-number than that used for color sensor and without infrared-cut filter in its field of view. In one of the embodiments of this invention, monochrome sensor has larger pixel sizes than color sensor to provide for higher low-light sensitivity.