Imaging apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for practical and accessible solutions to introduce intelligence into homes, particularly in existing kitchens, where users lack the technical capability or financial means to replace appliances with 'smart' ones, and existing wireless integration in devices is not effectively utilized.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus that provides a three-dimensional representation of a scene by rotating an imaging device relative to the scene, processing multiple images to construct a 3D representation, and using algorithms like Bouguet's and Hartley's for stereo calibration and rectification, along with a control module for synchronizing image capture and power management to optimize energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an imaging device is mounted on a rotatable structure to capture multiple images for 3D reconstruction, then the quality and detail of the three-dimensional representation is improved, but the device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device is mounted on a rotatable structure (door assembly) that serves multiple functions: it acts as both the mounting structure and the rotation mechanism. This eliminates the need for separate complex positioning systems while enabling multi-angle image capture for 3D reconstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The door's natural opening and closing motion is utilized to rotate the imaging device through different angles. The system leverages the existing mechanical movement of the door assembly rather than requiring an independent actuation system, thereby reducing device complexity while achieving the required multi-perspective imaging.
2Measurement precision
If multiple images are captured from different relative locations to construct a three-dimensional representation, then the accuracy of object detection and recognition is improved, but the power consumption and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device captures images at specific periodic intervals during the door's opening/closing cycle. Rather than continuously imaging, the system triggers image capture at predetermined angular positions, reducing overall power consumption while still gathering sufficient data for accurate 3D reconstruction and object detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs stereo calibration and establishes geometric relationships between images in advance during the door's movement. This preliminary processing allows for more efficient real-time object detection and recognition, reducing the computational power and time required during active monitoring phases.
3Manufacturing precision
If stereo calibration algorithms like Bouguet's and Hartley's are used to align image planes, then the geometric accuracy of the three-dimensional representation is improved, but the computational complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Stereo calibration using Bouguet's and Hartley's algorithms is performed in advance during an initial setup phase or during door movements when imaging is not critically needed. This preliminary computation establishes the geometric transformation matrices that are then reused for rapid 3D reconstruction during normal operation, significantly reducing processing time during active use.
4Reliability
If the imaging device is synchronized with the door position to capture images at specific locations, then the reliability of image capture is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses position sensors or encoders on the door assembly to provide feedback about the current angular position. This feedback is fed to the control module which triggers image capture at predetermined positions, ensuring reliable image acquisition synchronized with the door's movement without requiring complex centralized control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus for imaging a scene, comprising an imaging device mountable to a structure which is movable relative to a scene to be imaged; a movement sensor configured to output movement data indicative of movement of the imaging device; a location sensor configured to output location data indicative of the location of the imaging device relative to the scene; and a processor configured to receive the movement data from the movement sensor and, in response, to select between a high-power mode and a low-power mode of at least one of the imaging device and the location sensor, wherein more power is consumed in the high-power mode than in the low-power mode.