Maritime Infrared Camera Real-Time Processing Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional infrared cameras for maritime applications lack user-controlled processing capabilities, making it difficult for users to switch between different processing techniques during viewing, leading to less-than-desirable image quality and reduced user input.
Innovation Solution
An infrared camera system with a processing component that allows users to select between various modes of operation, such as man overboard, night docking, and hazy conditions, using mode modules that enable real-time image processing and display adjustments, including the use of a searchlight and narrow field of view camera to aid in detection and identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If user-controlled processing is implemented in conventional infrared cameras, then user input and control are improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple processing modes and controls
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different processing modes (standard, high contrast, edge enhancement) based on user selection, allowing the processing characteristics to be adjusted in real-time without requiring separate physical devices or complex manual adjustments to multiple parameters
Solution Approach 2:
Different processing modes are implemented by changing processing parameters (contrast enhancement levels, edge detection sensitivity, histogram equalization intensity) rather than adding separate hardware components, thereby improving user control while managing device complexity through software-based parameter adjustment
2Manufacturing precision
If real-time processing mode changes are implemented, then image quality is improved, but processing time increases due to multiple processing operations
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple processing modes are pre-computed and prepared in advance, allowing the system to switch between different processed versions of the image data without performing full processing operations in real-time, thereby maintaining high image quality while reducing actual processing time during mode switching
Solution Approach 2:
The processing pipeline is segmented into separate processing stages (contrast enhancement, edge detection, histogram equalization) that can be independently applied or combined based on the selected mode, allowing efficient reuse of intermediate processing results across different modes
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image capture components are deployed around the watercraft perimeter, then detection coverage is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each image capture component is designed to be multi-functional, serving both as an infrared sensor for thermal detection and potentially integrating other sensing capabilities, thereby achieving comprehensive perimeter coverage without requiring separate specialized sensors for each function
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple image capture components are integrated into a unified processing system that combines data from all sensors, allowing the system to achieve comprehensive coverage benefits while managing complexity through centralized processing and coordinated operation of the sensor array
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
Enhances user control and image quality by allowing real-time processing mode changes, improving situational awareness and detection capabilities, particularly in challenging maritime conditions like night operations and hazy environments.
Implementation Method 1
Infrared cameras are utilized in a variety of imaging applications to capture infrared images
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods disclosed herein provide for some embodiments infrared camera systems for maritime applications. For example in one embodiment, a watercraft includes a plurality of image capture components coupled to the watercraft to capture infrared images around at least a substantial portion of a perimeter of the watercraft; a memory component adapted to store the captured infrared images; a processing component adapted to process the captured infrared images according to a man overboard mode of operation to provide processed infrared images and determine if a person falls from the watercraft; and a display component adapted to display the processed infrared images.