Single Lens Splitter Camera Wavelength Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current camera systems are inadequate for obtaining high-quality iris images from a distance, especially when subjects are moving, as they fail to effectively combine ambient light and infrared imaging for precise focus and tracking.
Innovation Solution
A camera system comprising a focus camera sensitive to ambient light and an iris camera sensitive to infrared light, sharing an optical path with a beam splitter to direct different wavelengths of light to each camera, allowing for simultaneous imaging and auto-focusing, with digital tilt and pan capabilities to track subjects without mechanical adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single camera system is used for both ambient light imaging and infrared iris imaging, then device complexity is reduced, but image quality and focus precision for iris capture deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into two separate camera paths: an ambient light camera for general viewing and focus reference, and an infrared camera for high-quality iris capture. This segmentation allows each camera to be optimized for its specific function, with the infrared camera dedicated solely to iris imaging, thereby resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a beam splitter as an intermediary optical element that separates the light paths for ambient light and infrared wavelengths. This mediator enables both cameras to share a common optical train while maintaining separate imaging paths, achieving both device integration and specialized image quality without requiring completely separate optical systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical tilt and pan adjustments are used to track moving subjects, then tracking capability is achieved, but device complexity and mechanical reliability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical tilt and pan mechanisms with digital image processing methods. The system captures images at multiple angles using fixed cameras positioned at different locations, then uses software to synthesize and display the subject as if viewed from different angles. This substitution eliminates moving mechanical parts while achieving the same tracking and viewing flexibility, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If separate optical paths are used for focus camera and iris camera, then image quality improves, but device complexity and optical path length increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical paths of the focus camera and iris camera by using a beam splitter that allows both cameras to share common optical elements including lenses and filters. This combining approach maintains separate imaging paths for different wavelengths (ambient light and infrared) while reducing overall system complexity compared to completely independent optical systems, thereby resolving the contradiction between focus accuracy and device complexity.
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
Enables high-quality iris image capture and tracking of moving individuals over a range of distances, ensuring accurate identification without subject cooperation, meeting security standards for various levels of security applications.
Implementation Method 1
a beam splitter or other optical element that directs light of some wavelengths to the focus camera and allows other wavelengths to reach the iris camera
Implementation Method 2
directs light of some wavelengths to the focus camera and allows other wavelengths to reach the iris camera
Data Source
AI summary
A camera system may be used to capture iris images of targeted people who may be unaware of being targeted and hence their movement may not be constrained in any way. Iris images may be used for identification and/or tracking of people. In one illustrative embodiment, a camera system may include a focus camera and an iris camera, where the focus camera is sensitive to ambient light or some spectrum thereof, and the iris camera is sensitive to infrared or some other wavelength light. The focus camera and the iris camera may share an optical lens, and the focus camera may be used to auto-focus the lens on a focus target. A beam splitter or other optical element may be used to direct light of some wavelengths to the focus camera for auto-focusing the lens, and other wavelengths to the iris camera for image capture of the iris images.