Multi-Sensor Imaging System with Centralized Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging systems using multiple cameras are costly and require extensive hardware for installation, limiting their ability to capture images from multiple perspectives, as they are typically designed for a single viewpoint.
Innovation Solution
A cost-effective imaging system comprising multiple image acquisition sensors with digitization, compression, and communication components, remotely connected to a controller for centralized management, enabling multiple viewpoints and resolutions, and integrated into existing building structures for efficient installation and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering 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 cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into separate functional modules: independent image capture devices (cameras or sensors) are segmented from the processing system. Each capture device can be independently positioned to provide different viewpoints, while the processing system remains separate and handles image integration. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity while maintaining multi-perspective capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a universal processing system that can handle images from multiple different capture devices with various viewpoints. The processing system is designed to be multi-functional, capable of integrating images from any number of sources and any configuration of viewpoints, making the system adaptable without requiring dedicated hardware for each specific multi-view configuration.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple cameras are strategically placed to provide complete viewing coverage, then the viewing coverage is improved, but the installation cost and hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the image capture function from the processing system, allowing capture devices to be placed in optimal positions for coverage while the processing system remains in a centralized, cost-effective location. This separation enables flexible placement of sensors without requiring expensive integrated multi-camera assemblies, reducing installation costs while maintaining comprehensive viewing coverage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single image acquisition camera is moved to different positions to capture multiple perspectives, then the multiple viewpoints capability is improved, but the time required for image acquisition increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions multiple image capture devices at different viewpoints in advance, before image acquisition begins. Each device is pre-configured to capture from its specific perspective simultaneously. This preliminary positioning eliminates the time delay associated with moving a single camera between positions, as all viewpoints are captured concurrently by the pre-deployed sensor array.
Data Source
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. 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.