Dual-Spectrum Tracking System Using IR Pre-Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-resolution images require high image analyzing costs, which is a pressing issue in practical applications involving image processing after image sensing.
Innovation Solution
A tracking system that uses a trackable device with a first illuminating module emitting infrared (IR) light and a tracking device with an optical sensing module capable of capturing IR and visible spectra images, where the processor searches for a region corresponding to the IR light in the IR image and locates a associated region in the visible image to calculate the spatial status of the trackable device, reducing computation time and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-resolution images are captured and analyzed, then tracking precision is improved, but image analyzing cost and computation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tracking process into two stages: first, use the IR camera to quickly locate the rough position of the target; second, use the visible light camera to capture high-resolution images only of the located region. This segmentation of the analysis process reduces the overall computation time while maintaining tracking precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different quality levels of image capture to different regions: the IR image provides low-resolution overview for quick location, while the visible light camera provides high-resolution detail only for the specific region of interest. This local quality approach reduces total image analyzing time while preserving necessary precision.
2Measurement precision
If high-resolution images are captured and analyzed, then tracking precision is improved, but image analyzing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image analysis task by first processing the low-power IR image to locate the target, then processing only the relevant portion of the visible light image. This reduces the total computational cost while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The IR image serves as an intermediary that guides the more resource-intensive visible light image analysis. By using the IR image to pre-locate the target, the system reduces the computational cost of analyzing the visible light image, achieving precision with lower overall cost.
3Measurement precision
If full image analysis is performed, then object location accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power consumption across two sensors with different power characteristics: the IR camera consumes less power and is used for initial location, while the visible light camera consumes more power but is used only for detailed analysis of the located region. This segmentation reduces total power consumption while maintaining location accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by using the low-power IR camera to locate the target before engaging the higher-power visible light camera. This preliminary location step reduces the need for extensive analysis using the power-intensive visible light sensor, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining accuracy.
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 system efficiently locates the object position quickly and reduces image analyzing time and cost by utilizing IR images to find a smaller region, which is then analyzed in the visible image, enhancing tracking efficiency and reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a first illuminating module, and the first illuminating module emits an infrared (IR) light
Implementation Method 2
The optical module is configured to sense an IR spectrum to capture a first image
Implementation Method 3
sense a visible spectrum to capture a second image
Data Source
AI summary
A tracking system is provided. The tracking system comprises a trackable device which comprises a first illuminating module and the first illuminating module emits an infrared (IR) light and a tracking device which comprises an optical sensing module and a processor. The optical module is configured to sense an IR spectrum to capture a first image and sense a visible spectrum to capture a second image, and the IR light is in the IR spectrum. The processor is coupled to the optical sensing module. The processor is configured to search in the first image a first region corresponding to the IR light, locate in the second image a second region associated with the first region in the first image, and calculate a spatial status of the trackable device according to the second region in the second image.