Imaging System Using Positioning Signals for Reliable Object Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging systems fail to reliably track and image objects during vigorous movements, multiple object scenarios, fast movements, and changing light conditions, such as in concerts, sports, or plays.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system comprising a transmitter (beacon device) that wirelessly transmits positioning signals, a positioning device to determine the object's position, and a control device to adjust the camera's direction and magnification based on the object's position and imaging data, allowing for precise tracking and imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If image analysis is used to track objects, then the imaging system can automatically position the object in the center of the field of view, but the system fails to track objects during vigorous movements, fast movements, or when multiple objects overlap
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces positioning signals as an intermediary mechanism between the object and the imaging system. Transmitters attached to objects emit positioning signals that are received by the imaging system, providing a reliable position reference that works independently of visual recognition challenges. This mediator enables automatic tracking to function reliably even when image analysis fails due to fast movement, overlap, or lighting changes.
2Device complexity
If the camera uses only image analysis for tracking, then the system structure remains simple, but tracking fails when objects move fast, overlap, or when lighting conditions change significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two tracking approaches: positioning signal-based tracking and image analysis-based tracking. The control device combines information from transmitters (positioning signals) and the imaging device (image data) to determine object positions. This combination maintains reasonable system complexity while dramatically improving tracking reliability across diverse conditions including fast movement, object overlap, and varying lighting.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional image analysis alone is used, then the system can handle simple scenarios, but it cannot reliably track objects in complex scenarios involving multiple objects, fast movements, or changing light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal tracking system that handles multiple tracking scenarios through a single integrated approach. The positioning signals provide a common foundation that works across diverse situations (single object, multiple objects, fast movement, varying lighting), while image analysis supplements this for scenarios requiring visual recognition. This multi-functional system adapts to complex scenarios while maintaining high reliability through the complementary nature of the two tracking methods.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system includes: a transmitter that is attached to an object and wirelessly transmits a positioning signal; a positioning device that determines the position of the object based on the positioning signal; an imaging device that images the object in a variable direction and at a variable magnification; and a control device. The control device calculates a direction and a distance from the imaging device to the object based on the position of the object, and sets a first direction and a first magnification on the imaging device based on the calculated direction and distance. Then, the control device sets a second direction and a second magnification on the imaging device based on imaging data generated by imaging the object, the imaging data being generated by the imaging device on which the first direction and the first magnification are set.