Electronic Lookout Camera Layout for Wide FOV and 2 Arcminute Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current camera technology is unable to achieve a wide field of view with high resolution at an acceptable cost, making it difficult to automate ship navigation lookout functions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a combination of low-effective-resolution and high-effective-resolution cameras, where the low-resolution cameras provide a wide field of view and the high-resolution cameras achieve the required horizontal resolution of 2 arcminutes, with the high-resolution cameras rotating to cover different sectors of the environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a camera-based detection arrangement achieves continuously 2 arcminute resolution in horizontal direction, then detection precision is improved, but system cost increases to an intolerable level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the high-resolution camera rotatable to scan different sectors of the water surface. Instead of using multiple fixed high-resolution cameras covering all directions simultaneously, one high-resolution camera rotates to provide 2 arcminute resolution sequentially across different angular sectors. This dynamic approach maintains detection precision where needed while reducing the total number of expensive high-resolution cameras required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the monitoring area into multiple sectors, with each sector being monitored by either low-resolution or high-resolution cameras based on its importance. Critical sectors require 2 arcminute resolution from the rotatable high-resolution camera, while less critical areas are monitored by cheaper low-resolution cameras. This segmentation allows the system to achieve necessary detection precision without deploying high-resolution cameras everywhere, thus controlling system cost.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple high-resolution cameras are used to cover 225 deg horizontal FOV, then field of view is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a rotatable high-resolution camera to dynamically expand its field of view over time. By rotating through different angular positions, a single high-resolution camera can cover multiple sectors that would otherwise require multiple stationary cameras. This dynamic scanning approach provides wide coverage capability while minimizing the number of physical cameras needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable high-resolution camera serves multiple functions: it provides high-resolution monitoring for different sectors sequentially, replaces what would otherwise require multiple fixed high-resolution cameras, and can focus on areas of interest as they come into its field of view. This multi-functionality reduces the overall camera count while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability.
3Device complexity
If low-resolution cameras are used to reduce cost, then device complexity is improved, but detection precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different resolution levels in different spatial locations based on their monitoring requirements. Critical areas where object detection precision is paramount receive 2 arcminute resolution from the high-resolution camera, while less critical areas are monitored by lower-resolution cameras. This localized quality differentiation optimizes the balance between overall system cost and detection precision where it matters most.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable high-resolution camera acts as an intermediary that enhances detection precision for specific sectors without requiring all cameras to be high-resolution. When the high-resolution camera rotates to a particular sector, it provides the necessary 2 arcminute resolution for that local area, while other sectors continue to be monitored by cost-effective low-resolution cameras. This intermediary approach allows precision enhancement without universal high-resolution deployment.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing an electronic lookout function for an ego vessel is described. The method comprises receiving first low-effective-resolution image data from a first camera arrangement of the ego vessel, receiving first high-effective-resolution image data from a second camera arrangement of the ego vessel, checking whether there is any object on the water surface within the circular sectors depending on the low- and high-effective-resolution image data, and generating and outputting an object presence signal when an object is detected on the water surface within the circular sectors.