Hybrid Night Vision With IR-to-Visible Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing monitoring systems struggle to effectively detect and monitor potential security threats in low light conditions, often relying on invasive and disruptive visible light sources.
Innovation Solution
A camera system that toggles between infrared and visible light sources for discreet detection and high-quality recording, using infrared for initial detection and switching to visible light after identifying a person or object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visible light sources are used for surveillance, then image quality is improved, but disruption and invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination function is segmented into two distinct modes: infrared illumination for covert detection and visible light illumination for high-quality recording. The system selects which mode to use based on the operational requirement, thereby resolving the contradiction between image quality and disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between infrared and visible light illumination modes based on the detection phase. During initial detection, infrared mode is active to minimize disruption. Once a target is identified, the system transitions to visible light mode for quality recording, making the illumination characteristic adaptive rather than static.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If infrared light sources are used for surveillance, then disruption is minimized, but image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The surveillance process is segmented into detection phase and recording phase, with each phase using optimized illumination. Infrared illumination is used during detection to minimize disruption, while visible light illumination is used during recording to maximize image quality, accepting that no single illumination source can optimize for both simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination source is made dynamic, switching from infrared to visible light based on the operational phase. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to accept temporary image quality deterioration during infrared detection in exchange for minimal disruption, then achieve high image quality when recording is needed.
3Measurement precision
If continuous visible light illumination is used, then detection accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous visible light illumination, the system uses periodic infrared illumination during detection phases and switches to visible light only when recording is required. This periodic activation of different illumination sources reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining detection accuracy when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system dynamically adjusts its behavior based on operational needs, activating infrared light for low-energy detection and visible light only for recording. This dynamic control optimizes energy consumption by avoiding continuous operation of the more power-intensive visible light source.
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
Enables subtle and effective surveillance by limiting the use of disruptive visible light while ensuring high-quality image capture and verification of detected individuals.
Implementation Method 1
illuminating an area using an infrared light source
Implementation Method 2
illuminating the area using a visible light source
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprises illuminating an area using an infrared light source. The method further comprises, while the area is illuminated using the infrared light source, capturing one or more images of the area. The method further comprises analyzing the one or more images to identify an object in the area. The method further comprises, after identifying the object, illuminating the area using a visible light source.