Optical Path Adjusting Unit for Extended Monitoring Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image capturing units in monitoring devices have limited fields of view, restricting the number of objects that can be monitored and requiring either increased device size or complexity to cover larger areas, which is aesthetically unpleasing, wasteful of space, and costly.
Innovation Solution
The monitoring device incorporates an optical path adjusting unit, such as mirrors or lenses, to extend the field of view by allowing light from outside the original capture area to be reflected or refracted into the image capturing unit, enabling the monitoring of areas that would otherwise be beyond the device's original viewing range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the field of view of the image capturing unit is increased to monitor more objects, then the monitoring coverage is improved, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical path adjusting unit as an intermediary component between the image capturing unit and the extension area. This unit includes optical elements (such as mirrors or lenses) that mediate the light path, enabling the image capturing unit to capture images of areas outside its original field of view without requiring physical expansion of the device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the monitoring capability from the original two-dimensional field of view into a third dimension by using optical path adjustment. The optical elements redirect light from extension areas (spatially separated from the direct line of sight) into the image capturing unit, effectively adding a dimensional aspect to the field of view expansion.
2Area of moving object
If multiple image capturing units are added to cover larger areas, then the monitoring coverage is improved, but the device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path adjusting unit enables a single image capturing unit to perform multiple functions: capturing images within the original field of view and simultaneously capturing images of extension areas. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated image capturing units for monitoring extension areas, reducing device footprint and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple potential image capturing units into a single unit by using the optical path adjusting unit to combine light paths from different areas (original field of view and extension areas) into one image capturing sensor, thereby reducing the number of components needed.
3Area of moving object
If the field of view is extended to monitor extension areas, then the monitoring coverage is improved, but the image capturing unit cannot directly capture light from extension areas
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path adjusting unit serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the image capturing unit and the extension areas. It contains optical elements that intercept light from extension areas (which would otherwise not reach the image capturing unit) and redirect this light into the image capturing unit's sensor, making the extension areas detectable.
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
This solution allows for more flexible placement of image capturing units, reduces the overall size and cost of the monitoring device, and enables the monitoring of multiple objects without increasing the apparatus's size or complexity, while maintaining image quality and enabling effective state determination of monitored objects.
Implementation Method 1
at least part of optical path adjusting units include a mirror, and the mirror is configured to reflect light emitted from the extension area of the carrying area corresponding to the optical path adjusting unit to which the mirror belongs
Implementation Method 2
at least part of optical path adjusting units include a lens, and the lens is configured to refract light emitted from the extension area of the carrying area corresponding to the optical path adjusting unit to which the lens belongs
Data Source
AI summary
The monitoring device of the disclosure includes a carrying unit having at least one carrying area for carrying a monitored object, at least part of the carrying area is provided with a corresponding image capturing unit and a corresponding optical path adjusting unit; the image capturing unit captures a monitoring image of the carrying area, each image capturing unit has a preset field of view, each image capturing unit forms the monitoring image according to light incident from the field of view; at least part of the carrying area is an extension area, the extension area is positioned outside the field of view of the image capturing unit; the optical path adjusting unit enables the light emitted from the extension area of the carrying area corresponding thereto to enter the image capturing unit from the field of view of the image capturing unit corresponding to the carrying area.