Parallel Biometric Camera with Distributed Image Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional biometric systems face challenges in capturing accurate biometric templates with high resolution and large field of view, leading to increased processing time and infrastructure requirements, which is critical for border security and airport applications, and may exceed the limits of available image sensors, communication methods, and processors.
Innovation Solution
A biometric camera device with multiple image sensors and dedicated biometric processors that perform parallel image capture and processing, allowing for a large field of view without moving parts, focusing on extracting biometric templates locally and sending only relevant data, thus reducing processing time and infrastructure needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single high-resolution image sensor with large field of view is used, then the field of view and resolution requirements are met, but such sensors exceed commercially available limits and physical constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into multiple image sensors, each capturing a portion of the total field of view. Each sensor operates at standard resolution, but collectively they provide both large field of view and high effective resolution through parallel processing and image fusion algorithms.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple cameras with separate image processing algorithms are used, then the field of view requirement is met, but processing time and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces centralized mechanical processing (single powerful computer) with distributed parallel processing across multiple embedded processors. Each processor handles a portion of the image data simultaneously, reducing overall processing time while using standard infrastructure components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary biometric feature extraction and processing at the edge devices (image sensors and embedded processors) before transmitting results. This preliminary action reduces the amount of data that needs centralized processing and enables faster real-time responses.
3Power
If image processing is performed on a powerful local computer, then processing capability is sufficient, but additional infrastructure is required to handle power and heat loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns different processing functions to different components based on their capabilities. Image sensors capture data locally, embedded processors perform initial biometric analysis, and only results are transmitted to remote servers. This distributed architecture reduces local power and heat requirements while maintaining processing capability.
4Device complexity
If image processing is performed on a network-attached computer, then infrastructure requirements are reduced, but network latency affects real-time processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs critical biometric processing operations (face detection, feature extraction, template matching) at the edge devices before data transmission. This preliminary action ensures real-time processing capability while using network-attached storage for non-time-critical functions like database storage and result verification.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an implementation, a biometric camera device includes a plurality of image sensors including a first image sensor and a second image sensor, and a plurality of biometric processors including a first biometric processor connected to the first image sensor and a second biometric processor connected to the second image sensor. The first biometric processor is configured to receive and process image data from the first image sensor according to a first biometric algorithm, and the second biometric processor is configured to receive and process image data from the second image sensor according to a second biometric algorithm. The biometric camera device includes a controller connected to each of the plurality of biometric processors. The controller is configured to receive processed biometric data from each of the biometric plurality of biometric processors.