Multi-Sensor Imaging System Using Segmented Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional imaging systems using multiple cameras are costly and require extensive hardware installation, limiting their ability to capture images from multiple perspectives and are inefficient in data processing and transmission.

Innovation Solution

A cost-effective imaging system with multiple sensors packaged with digitization, compression, and communication components, connected to a central processor and controller via wired and wireless communication, allowing for optimal scene creation with multiple points of view and resolutions, and supporting advanced analytics and data management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple cameras are mounted in an integrated manner to acquire images from multiple perspectives, then the ability to capture multiple viewpoints is improved, but the system cost and hardware installation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultiple viewpoints capabilityVSAvoidhardware installation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the imaging function into multiple independent sensor units distributed at different locations, each capturing images from its own viewpoint. These segmented sensors communicate with a central processor to collectively provide multi-perspective imaging capabilities without requiring a single complex integrated camera system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The central processor performs multiple functions including receiving images from various sensors, processing the image data, and generating composite views. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated hardware for each processing task, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple cameras are mounted in an integrated manner to acquire images from multiple perspectives, then the ability to capture multiple viewpoints is improved, but the installation and mounting costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultiple viewpoints capabilityVSAvoidinstallation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses multiple independent, relatively simple sensor units that can be installed separately at different locations rather than one complex integrated system. This segmentation allows for simpler, more cost-effective installation at each site while achieving the combined capability of multiple viewpoints through central processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Quantity of substance

If a single camera is moved to different positions to acquire images, then the hardware cost is reduced, but the time required for image acquisition increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehardware quantityVSAvoidimage acquisition time
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of moving a single camera, the system segments the imaging function across multiple stationary sensors positioned at different locations. Each sensor simultaneously captures images from its fixed position, eliminating the time loss associated with moving a single camera while using comparable hardware resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple sensors operate continuously and simultaneously to capture images from different viewpoints, ensuring that image acquisition from all perspectives occurs at the same time rather than sequentially, thus eliminating time loss while maintaining hardware efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Area of stationary object

If extensive hardware is strategically placed to provide complete viewing coverage, then the surveillance coverage is improved, but the system cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurveillance coverage areaVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The surveillance area is divided into multiple zones, each monitored by independent sensors positioned strategically. Each sensor covers a specific area with relatively simple hardware, while the central processor integrates data from all sensors to provide complete surveillance coverage, reducing individual component complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The central processor acts as an intermediary that receives data from multiple simple sensors and synthesizes comprehensive surveillance information. This intermediary approach allows extensive coverage to be achieved through coordination of simple components rather than requiring each component to be complex.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20230086558A1Panoptes Device or Image Acquisition System Having Multiple Independent Sensors
Publication Date: 2023.03.23 STOREVISION NORTH AMERICA INC
  • US20230086558A1 patent drawing
  • US20230086558A1 patent drawing
  • US20230086558A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An acquisition imaging system is described herein that acquires multiple images from multiple imagers where each are sent to a single processor/controller, resulting in a single, resultant image providing a detailed field of view. The system is comprised of multiple sets of images taken by multiple sensors, strategically placed to acquire multiple perspectives of an image field. Each sensor is packaged with digitization, compression and communication components in an imager to allow for the transfer of the image to a processor/controller system controller. PanOpts supports multiple processors and controllers configurations as well. The system’s controller acts as the network interface, power supply and centralized management for processing information, specifically the analytics. The present invention has applications in surveillance, event classification systems, indexed archival storage, real-time and post facto image content analytics, future filtering vectors; ad hoc querying, automatic queries, and multiple query languages.