RF-Beam Target Tracking Camera for Moving Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera systems struggle to maintain focus on a moving object-of-interest without continuous human operation, as fixed-position cameras lose the target when the object moves significantly, leading to capturing background instead.
Innovation Solution
A target tracking device equipped with a camera, RF transmitter, and receiver, using a dynamically adjustable millimeter-wave RF beam to detect and track a retroflector affixed to the object, distinguishing it from false targets through dual-frequency signals and adjusting its position to maintain focus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a camera operates in a fixed position focused on a fixed point, then the camera can operate continuously without human intervention, but the camera will film background instead of the moving target when the target moves significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs an RF tracking subsystem that continuously monitors the position of the target and provides feedback signals to the camera mounting system. This feedback mechanism enables automatic adjustment of camera position and orientation to maintain target centering without human intervention, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and target acquisition reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines a fixed-position camera system with an active RF tracking subsystem and automated mounting system. This merging allows the camera to remain physically fixed while the tracking system electronically determines target position and automatically adjusts camera orientation, achieving both continuous operation and reliable target tracking
2Device complexity
If a fixed position camera is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the camera cannot track moving targets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an RF tracking subsystem as an intermediary between the simple fixed camera and the requirement for target tracking. This intermediary system uses RF signals to detect target position and generates control signals that automatically adjust camera orientation, providing tracking capability while maintaining relative system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical tracking mechanisms with an RF-based detection and control system. Instead of using mechanical gimbals or motors to continuously track the target, the patent uses RF signal processing to determine target position and electronically controls camera orientation, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining tracking versatility
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
The system effectively tracks and maintains focus on moving objects, reducing the need for continuous human operation and minimizing false target identification, ensuring consistent image capture.
Implementation Method 1
a receiver to detect backscatter comprising at least a portion of the RF beam reflected from a tracking target
Implementation Method 2
a lens configured to focus light from the scene on the exposure medium to record an image of the scene
Data Source
AI summary
A target tracking device transmits a radio frequency beam towards a scene, detects backscatter comprising at least a portion of the RF beam reflected from a reflecting object at the scene, and performs operations that include determining whether the reflecting object is a tracking target, determining a position of the tracking target, and generating tracking information indicative of a position adjustment for maintaining an alignment of the target tracking device and the tracking target. A target tracking method includes transmitting a millimeter wavelength beam in a direction of orientation of a camera, detecting backscatter reflected from a reflecting object, determining whether the reflecting object is a tracking target, and determining a position of the tracking target. If a distance to the tracking target has increased from a prior distance, tracking information indicative of a position adjustment for offsetting the increase in distance may be generated.