Surveillance Apparatus with Variable Optical Camera Field of View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical surveillance cameras are vulnerable to adverse weather conditions and vandalism, and their field of view is limited, making them ineffective in certain scenarios such as fog, smoke, or when obstructed, while stereoscopic camera systems are complex, expensive, and larger.
Innovation Solution
A surveillance apparatus combining an optical camera with a radar sensor, where the field of view of the optical camera is variable with respect to the radar sensor's field of view, allowing the radar sensor to provide additional sensing capabilities in adverse conditions and the optical camera to focus on detected objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a stereoscopic camera system is used to obtain three-dimensional images, then depth information and spatial awareness are improved, but device complexity, size, and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a radar sensor and an optical camera into a single surveillance apparatus, merging two different sensing modalities (electromagnetic radiation detection and optical imaging) to achieve both depth measurement and visual imaging functions in one integrated system, thereby avoiding the complexity of stereoscopic camera systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical stereoscopic camera system with a radar-based depth measurement system. Instead of using multiple optical cameras requiring complex calibration, the system uses radar electromagnetic radiation to measure distances and positions, substituting optical mechanics with electromagnetic field-based measurement
2Reliability
If an optical surveillance camera is used under adverse weather conditions (smoke, dust, fog), then visual surveillance is impaired, but switching to radar sensor alone loses high-resolution imaging capability
Solution Approach 1:
The surveillance apparatus is designed with multi-functionality by integrating both radar sensor and optical camera, enabling the system to perform electromagnetic radiation-based detection for adverse conditions and optical imaging for high-resolution visualization, with the ability to switch or combine functions based on environmental conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operational mode by making the field of view of the optical camera variable with respect to the radar sensor's field of view. The radar continuously monitors the entire area while the optical camera focuses on specific regions of interest identified by the radar, allowing adaptive response to changing conditions
3Ease of operation
If the optical camera field of view is fixed to match the radar sensor, then system alignment is simplified, but the ability to focus on specific detected objects is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The optical camera's field of view is made dynamically adjustable relative to the radar sensor's fixed field of view. The system can electronically or mechanically adjust the camera's viewing angle and focus on specific regions of interest identified by the radar, providing both ease of initial alignment and adaptability for focused surveillance of detected objects
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 combination enables effective surveillance in adverse conditions and after vandalism, with a wider field of view and high-resolution imaging, while maintaining system cost-effectiveness and simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
a radar sensor that emits and receives electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 2
an optical camera that captures images based on received light
Data Source
AI summary
A surveillance apparatus, a corresponding method, surveillance radar apparatus, computer program, and non-transitory computer-readable recordable recording medium, the surveillance apparatus including an optical camera that captures images based on received light, the optical camera having a first field of view, a radar sensor that emits and receives electromagnetic radiation, the radar sensor having a second field of view, and wherein the first field of view is variable with respect to the second field of view.