Infrared LED Subject Detection via Image Differencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image capture apparatuses face challenges in accurately detecting subjects, particularly in outdoor environments with strong sunshine, where sensor saturation occurs, leading to inconclusive subject detection.
Innovation Solution
The image capture apparatus employs an infrared LED to project light onto the subject, capturing images both with and without illumination, and uses the difference between these images to determine the subject's status, effectively overcoming sensor saturation issues in various environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple images are captured and processed to detect subject status, then detection accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing multiple images (first image without illumination, second image with illumination, third image without illumination) before final status detection. This preliminary capture of multiple states enables subsequent efficient processing through image differencing to determine subject status.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic action by capturing images at different time points with periodic illumination (illumination on, then off). This periodic capturing approach allows the system to detect changes in subject status by comparing images taken at different phases of the illumination cycle.
2Measurement precision
If illumination is applied to improve subject detection, then detection capability is enhanced, but sensor saturation occurs in strong sunlight
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial illumination (infrared LED) rather than full-spectrum lighting, providing just enough light to improve detection without causing sensor saturation. The illumination is applied selectively in specific wavelength ranges and at controlled intensities to avoid overwhelming the sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of illumination wavelength by using infrared LED instead of visible light. This parameter change allows illumination to be applied in the infrared spectrum where the sensor remains sensitive but less prone to saturation from ambient sunlight, thereby improving detection capability without causing saturation.
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
This approach enables accurate subject detection in diverse environments by leveraging the difference in infrared light reflection, enhancing detection accuracy and reliability across different lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an irradiation unit configured to apply illumination toward a subject
Implementation Method 2
a status detection unit configured to detect a status of the subject by using a difference image between the second image and the third image
Data Source
AI summary
A camera body includes an infrared LED that applies infrared light toward a face of a user that is a subject, and an infrared detection camera. The camera body determines a first irradiation amount of the infrared LED and a second exposure condition of the infrared detection camera in accordance with an LED OFF image acquired by capturing an image of the subject in a first exposure condition used by the infrared detection camera without the infrared light applied toward the subject, acquires the LED OFF image and acquires an image (LED ON image) of the subject irradiated with a first irradiation amount in image capture in a second exposure condition used by the infrared detection camera, and detect a face direction of the subject by using a difference image between these images.