Multi-Unit Imaging Support for Undistorted Face Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing face recognition systems face challenges in capturing undistorted face images, especially when subjects are tall, as imaging units arranged vertically can cause lens distortion, making it difficult for individuals to determine the optimal direction for image capture.

Innovation Solution

An imaging support apparatus that includes multiple imaging units arranged vertically, a processor to extract face areas from captured images, and a suggestion unit that directs the subject to align their face with the imaging unit minimizing distortion by emitting light towards the appropriate unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If multiple imaging units are arranged vertically to capture face images, then the coverage area increases and more subjects can be imaged, but lens distortion increases making face recognition difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidimage distortion
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the imaging task by assigning different imaging units to capture different body regions. The imaging unit positioned at eye level is specifically designated for face imaging, while other units handle body parts. This segmentation ensures that face images are captured by the most appropriate imaging unit, minimizing distortion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary analysis by extracting face areas from images captured by multiple imaging units and evaluating their suitability. Based on this preliminary evaluation, it determines which imaging unit is most suitable for face imaging before proceeding with recognition, thereby avoiding distorted images.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If imaging units are positioned at different heights, then subjects of different heights can be captured, but it becomes difficult for subjects to determine the optimal direction for face imaging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different subject heightsVSAvoidease of determining imaging direction
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides visual feedback by displaying suitability information (such as arrows or highlights) that indicates which imaging unit is most suitable for capturing the subject's face. This feedback guides subjects to orient themselves correctly toward the appropriate imaging unit, making the system easy to use despite multiple imaging units at different heights.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If face images are captured from various directions by multiple imaging units, then recognition coverage is improved, but selecting the most suitable image for recognition becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecognition coverageVSAvoidimage selection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual image selection with automated computational processing. It extracts face areas from images captured by multiple imaging units, evaluates their suitability based on distortion and quality metrics, and automatically selects the most suitable image for recognition, thereby simplifying the process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10212336B2Imaging support apparatus, imaging support method, and computer program product
Publication Date: 2019.02.19 KK TOSHIBA
  • US10212336B2 patent drawing
  • US10212336B2 patent drawing
  • US10212336B2 patent drawing

AI summary

According to an embodiment, an imaging support apparatus includes a memory and a processor. The processor acquires a plurality of images obtained by imaging a face of a subject by a plurality of imaging devices. The processor extracts a face area from each of the plurality of images. The processor specifies a certain imaging device as an imaging device suitable for imaging the face of the subject face among the plurality of imaging devices based on a position of the face area in each of the plurality of images. The processor causes a suggestion device to suggest a direction toward which the face of the subject is to be directed for imaging the face of the subject by the certain imaging device.