Obstacle-Aware Image Capture System for Whiteboard Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera-based systems for capturing images of whiteboards and similar surfaces often produce incomplete images due to obstacles, leading to wasteful processing and resource usage, as they fail to effectively detect and account for objects within the field of view.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising at least one digital camera and a processor that captures low-resolution images, compares them to a reference image to detect obstacles, and only processes high-resolution images when the obstacle is absent, thereby conserving resources and ensuring complete image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If camera-based systems capture images of the background surface without obstacle detection, then complete images can be obtained, but processing and memory resources are wasted when obstacles are present
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary obstacle detection by capturing a low-resolution reference image and comparing it with subsequent images before processing high-resolution images. This preliminary action identifies obstacles in advance, preventing wasteful processing of images that would be incomplete anyway.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses different image resolutions for different purposes: low-resolution images for obstacle detection and comparison, and high-resolution images only when needed for complete image capture. This local quality differentiation optimizes resource usage by applying appropriate processing intensity only where necessary.
2Loss of information
If the system processes every captured image, then all possible information is captured, but unnecessary processing occurs when obstacles obscure the target area
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures a reference image and uses it as a basis for comparison with subsequent images. This feedback mechanism allows the system to determine whether obstacles are present and whether processing is necessary, improving processing efficiency without losing important information.
Solution Approach 2:
By performing obstacle detection through low-resolution image comparison before committing to full processing, the system preliminarily assesses whether the captured image contains useful information worth processing, thereby avoiding unnecessary processing operations.
3Loss of energy
If low-resolution images are used for obstacle detection, then processing resources are conserved, but image quality may be insufficient for accurate detection
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different quality levels appropriately: low-resolution images are sufficient for obstacle detection purposes, while high-resolution images are reserved for cases where complete image capture is needed. This local quality strategy conserves resources while maintaining adequate detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial processing by using low-resolution images for the specific task of obstacle detection, which is sufficient for that purpose without requiring full high-resolution processing. This partial action approach conserves resources while achieving the detection objective.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for capturing images of a target area on which information is recorded includes a boom assembly adapted to extend outwardly from a generally vertical surface. At least one digital camera is mounted on the boom assembly at a location spaced from the surface. The at least one digital camera is oriented so that the field of view thereof encompasses a target area on the surface. A controller is in communication with the at least one digital camera. The controller conditions the at least one digital camera to acquire an image of the target area. The image acquired by the at least one digital camera is conveyed to the controller and is processed to determine if an obstacle blocking the target area is in the captured image. If so, the captured image is not further processed and additional images are acquired until an image of the target area is captured without the obstacle therein.