Object detection and tracking with variable-field illumination devices

摘要

Imaging systems and methods optimize illumination of objects for purposes of detection, recognition and/or tracking by tailoring the illumination to the position of the object within the detection space. For example, feedback from a tracking system may be used to control and aim the lighting elements so that the illumination can be reduced or increased depending on the need.

主权项

1. An object illumination and image capture system part of a person-machine interface comprising:
a camera having a fixed field of view; a plurality of individually controllable lighting elements directed toward the field of view, at least some of the lighting elements having different beam angles, including at least one wide-beam lighting element and one or more narrow-beam lighting elements; and a controller coupled to the camera and the light sources and configured to:
operate the camera to capture a sequence of images including a control object arriving at and moving in the field of view;operate the lighting elements to illuminate the field of view with the wide-beam lighting element while detecting the arrival of the control object and to activate the narrow-beam lighting elements and follow the control object with the narrow-beam lighting elements as it moves within the field of view; andilluminate the moving control object using the narrow-beam lighting elements with sufficient intensity to facilitate detection of control gestures by the control object within the field of view.