Multi-Camera Surveillance Layout With Infrared Edge Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surveillance devices with multiple camera modules still suffer from visual blind spots due to structural limitations and inadequate lighting, particularly at image edges, which hinders effective image stitching and complete scene capture.
Innovation Solution
A surveillance device with a camera module comprising four cameras on sidewalls, infrared light-emitting units on the top and sidewalls, a photosensor to detect ambient light, and a controller to activate the infrared units for supplementary illumination, ensuring omnidirectional image capture and preventing blind spots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple camera modules are used to capture images from different areas, then the coverage area is improved, but visual blind spots still exist between the captured images due to structural limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional horizontal arrangement of multiple cameras to a vertical arrangement where cameras are disposed at different heights and angles on sidewalls. This dimensional change allows cameras to capture overlapping fields of view that eliminate blind spots between images, while the elevated position on sidewalls provides a new perspective dimension for comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
Each camera is positioned with specific local characteristics - different heights, angles, and orientations on the sidewalls. This local differentiation ensures that each camera captures a unique portion of the environment with optimized viewing angles, while the collective arrangement ensures complete coverage without blind spots.
2Area of stationary object
If camera modules are tilted downward and outward to capture images from various angles, then the field of view is improved, but image edges become blurred under insufficient ambient light, making it difficult to stitch images into a complete scene
Solution Approach 1:
Infrared light-emitting units are introduced as an intermediary element to provide supplementary illumination to the monitored environment. These units compensate for insufficient ambient light, ensuring that image edges remain clear and visible. The infrared lighting enables cameras to capture high-quality images with clear edges that can be successfully stitched into a complete scene, even in low-light conditions.
3Device complexity
If a single camera module with rotatable base is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but time delay caused by rotation results in blind spots during surveillance
Solution Approach 1:
The surveillance system is segmented into multiple stationary camera modules positioned on different sidewalls, each capturing a specific portion of the environment simultaneously. This eliminates the need for a single rotating camera, as multiple fixed cameras work in parallel to provide continuous, real-time coverage of the entire area without rotation-induced blind spots.
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
The device achieves omnidirectional image acquisition and seamless image stitching by providing full-directional illumination, eliminating visual blind spots even in low-light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of sets of infrared light-emitting units are configured to provide infrared light
Implementation Method 2
The photosensor is configured to detect ambient light
Data Source
AI summary
A surveillance device includes a main body, a camera module, a plurality of sets of infrared light-emitting units, a photosensor, and a controller. The main body comprises four sidewalls and a top surface. The camera module includes four cameras, each disposed on a respective one of the four sidewalls. The plurality of sets of infrared light-emitting units are configured to provide infrared light. A first set of infrared light-emitting units is disposed on the top surface of the main body, and a second set of infrared light-emitting units is disposed on the four sidewalls of the main body and positioned adjacent to the four cameras. The photosensor is disposed on the main body and configured to detect ambient light. The controller is configured to turn on or off the plurality of sets of infrared light-emitting units based on the detected ambient light to provide supplementary illumination to the environment.