Mirror Tracking Camera Using TOF Sensing for Fast Object Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tracking systems face challenges in accurately and efficiently tracking rapidly moving or accelerating objects, particularly those with low optical contrast, due to limitations in responsivity and optical resolution.
Innovation Solution
A tracking camera system incorporating a mirror assembly, a camera sensor, and a time-of-flight (TOF) sensor, with a controller that adjusts the mirror assembly based on data from both sensors to maintain focus on the object of interest, using a pulsed laser for TOF measurements and an event camera for high temporal resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional camera sensor is used to track rapidly moving objects, then the system structure remains simple, but the tracking precision and temporal resolution are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a camera sensor and a TOF sensor into a single tracking camera system, merging visual imaging capabilities with distance measurement capabilities. This integration allows the system to achieve high tracking precision through fused data from both sensors while managing complexity through a unified device architecture rather than separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic mirror assembly adjustment based on real-time feedback from both camera and TOF sensors. The mirror assembly can rapidly reposition to track fast-moving objects, with the system adapting its response based on object speed, distance, and predicted trajectory, thereby achieving high temporal resolution tracking.
2Measurement precision
If the tracking system uses high temporal resolution sensing, then tracking precision improves, but the computational load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary that receives data from both sensors and processes it to generate mirror assembly adjustment signals. This intermediary component manages the computational load by implementing efficient algorithms that fuse camera and TOF data, predict object trajectories, and generate control signals without requiring excessive computational resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary processing of sensor data to predict object position and trajectory before generating mirror adjustment commands. By anticipating where the object will be rather than simply reacting to its current position, the system reduces computational complexity while maintaining high temporal resolution tracking precision.
3Speed
If the mirror assembly is adjusted rapidly to track fast-moving objects, then tracking speed improves, but mechanical stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamically adjustable mirror assembly that can rapidly reposition to track fast-moving objects. The system optimizes the balance between tracking speed and mechanical stability by adjusting mirror positions based on real-time feedback, allowing rapid movement when needed while maintaining stability during steady-state tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses continuous feedback from both camera and TOF sensors to monitor object position and adjust mirror assembly positioning. This feedback mechanism allows the system to make precise, rapid adjustments only when necessary to maintain tracking accuracy, rather than constant high-speed adjustments that would compromise mechanical stability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the system tracks low optical contrast objects, then tracking versatility improves, but detection difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges data from camera sensors (providing visual information) and TOF sensors (providing distance and depth information) to track objects with low optical contrast. By combining these different sensing modalities, the system overcomes the limitation of visual-only systems that struggle with low-contrast objects, achieving enhanced detection capability through multi-sensor fusion.
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 precise tracking of fast-moving objects with high spatial and temporal resolution, providing accurate distance and bearing information, even in bright sunlight, with improved signal-to-noise ratio and reduced computational load.
Implementation Method 1
a time-of-flight (TOF) sensor
Implementation Method 2
a camera sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A tracking camera is disclosed, including a mirror assembly and sensors communicatively coupled to a controller. The controller receives data from the sensors and adjusts the mirror assembly based on the data. The sensors include a time-of-flight sensor for determining distance.