Monitoring Camera Interference Detection and Administrator Notification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional security systems using monitoring cameras face challenges in accurately detecting and responding to interference events, such as obstructions or camera malfunctions, which can disrupt surveillance and require manual intervention for resolution.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus that receives images from monitoring cameras, determines the presence of interference events through comparison with reference images, and notifies administrators, while also warning the cause of the interference and associating images from other cameras to confirm the interfering factor, utilizing a learning processing unit to improve event detection accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual intervention is used to detect and respond to interference events, then the system can identify problems, but the response time is slow and productivity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference detection accuracyVSAvoidresponse speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically detecting interference events through image analysis. The determination unit compares captured images with reference images to identify obstructions, camera malfunctions, or tampering without human intervention, enabling the system to monitor itself and respond autonomously to interference events.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual visual inspection with automated image processing and analysis. The determination unit uses computational algorithms to analyze image data, detect changes in the monitored area, and identify interference events, substituting human mechanical observation with automated electronic detection systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If multiple monitoring cameras are deployed to cover all areas, then detection coverage is improved, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring coverageVSAvoidsystem configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The determination unit serves multiple functions: it detects obstructions in the monitored area, identifies camera malfunctions, detects tampering attempts, and analyzes images from multiple cameras. This multi-functional design allows a single system to handle various interference detection tasks without requiring separate specialized systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines image capture, image analysis, interference detection, and event determination into a single integrated system. The determination unit processes images from multiple cameras and consolidates detection results, merging multiple detection functions into one unified apparatus that reduces overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If image comparison with reference images is performed continuously, then detection accuracy is improved, but processing time and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference detection accuracyVSAvoidprocessing energy
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The determination unit performs partial image comparison by focusing on specific regions or features that indicate interference events, rather than analyzing every pixel of every image. This selective analysis maintains detection accuracy while reducing the computational energy required for continuous image processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs image comparison at periodic intervals rather than continuously analyzing every captured frame. The determination unit compares images with reference images at scheduled times or when specific conditions are met, reducing processing energy consumption while maintaining effective monitoring coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 quick resolution of interference events, accurate detection of monitoring interference, prevention of further interference, and confirmation of interfering factors, thereby ensuring continuous surveillance and reducing manual intervention.

Implementation Method 1

a monitoring camera 2, performs capturing of a region to be captured

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation detection: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

the captured region is illuminated by infrared light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP3989196B1Apparatus, system, method and program
Publication Date: 2023.05.03 YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP3989196B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3989196B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3989196B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is an apparatus including a receiving unit for receiving an image captured by a monitoring camera; a determination unit for determining, based on the image that was received, the presence or absence of an occurrence of an event that interferes with monitoring by means of the monitoring camera; and a notification unit for notifying an administrator of the monitoring camera that the presence of the occurrence of the event has been determined, in response to the determination.