IoT Camera Array for Real-Time Object Search via Wireless Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile communication networks lack an efficient method to locate missing persons or objects in real-time, relying on manual identification which can be challenging, especially in cases like Amber Alerts where vehicles are involved and moving.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication network that utilizes an array of IoT cameras and devices to gather images, compare them with reference images, and notify authorities of the location of missing persons or objects, enabling real-time tracking and identification through edge computing and image servers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual identification methods are used to locate missing persons or objects, then the system complexity is low, but the search efficiency and response time are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-service through AI-based image recognition that autonomously compares captured images with reference images, identifies matching features, and locates missing persons or objects without requiring manual intervention from search personnel
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical identification processes with automated computer vision and machine learning algorithms that process images electronically, achieving faster and more accurate identification through computational methods rather than human observation
2Measurement precision
If an array of cameras and IoT devices is deployed to gather images in real-time, then the location accuracy and speed are improved, but the device complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs multi-functional IoT devices and cameras that serve multiple purposes - they capture images for identification, provide location data, and communicate with the central processing system, reducing the need for specialized dedicated equipment for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a centralized image processing server as an intermediary that receives images from multiple cameras and IoT devices, performs the heavy computational tasks of image comparison and analysis, and returns location results, thereby simplifying the complexity distribution across the network
3Loss of time
If images from multiple camera sources are compared automatically, then the response time is reduced, but the computational resources and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-processing images from multiple camera sources before they are compared with reference images, including image enhancement, feature extraction, and preparation of comparison data, which optimizes the subsequent matching process and reduces overall response time
Solution Approach 2:
The computational task is segmented into separate processing stages - image capture, image transmission, image comparison, and result generation - allowing different parts of the system to operate independently and efficiently, reducing the computational burden on any single component
Data Source
AI summary
A method of searching for missing objects by gathering images from an array of cameras in a wireless communication network. The method includes receiving, at an image server via the wireless communication network, images from the array of cameras, which are communicatively coupled to the wireless communication network. The method further includes receiving, at the server from a third party via the wireless communication network, (i) a reference image, wherein the reference image includes an object of interest, and (ii) a request as to whether the object of interest is present in any of the images. The images are analyzed with respect to the reference image to determine if any of the images include the object of interest.