Monitoring Camera Mask Region Joining for PTZ Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional monitoring camera systems face limitations in processing multiple mask regions due to hardware constraints, leading to impaired video image utility when the number of regions exceeds a predetermined number, and fail to adapt to changes in the image capturing range during PTZ operations.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring camera device that employs an image capturing unit, a mask region storage unit, and a mask execution region setting unit to join mask regions based on closeness evaluation values, generating an enlarged mask region when the number of mask regions exceeds a threshold, while considering changes in the image capturing range to prioritize region selection and minimize unnecessary masking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mask processing is performed on multiple regions using hardware function, then privacy protection is achieved, but the number of mask regions is limited by hardware resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple mask regions into a single composite mask region when the number of mask regions exceeds hardware processing capacity. The mask execution region setting unit generates one mask execution region that encompasses multiple original mask regions, reducing the number of regions to be processed by the hardware while still protecting all required areas.
2Productivity
If a plurality of mask regions is transformed into one enlarged mask region, then processing load is reduced, but the mask region becomes bigger than necessary and video image utility is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different processing strategies to different regions based on their characteristics. When combining mask regions, the system carefully determines the minimum necessary coverage area that includes all required mask regions while excluding unnecessary areas. The mask execution region is set to cover exactly the needed protection areas without excessive expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial combination of mask regions - not all regions are merged into one, but only those that can be effectively combined without excessive expansion. The mask execution region setting unit selectively combines regions based on their spatial relationships and the resulting coverage efficiency.
3Device complexity
If mask regions are joined to reduce number of regions, then hardware processing limitation is addressed, but conditions for joining are unclear leading to uncertain selection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces specific parameters and criteria for determining which mask regions to combine. The mask execution region setting unit uses spatial parameters such as distance between regions, overlap areas, and geometric relationships to objectively determine which regions should be merged into the composite mask region.
4Adaptability or versatility
If PTZ operation changes image capturing range, then monitoring flexibility is improved, but the number of mask regions changes and may exceed predetermined number
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic mask region management system that automatically adapts to PTZ operations. When the image capturing range changes, the mask execution region setting unit recalculates which mask regions should be combined based on the new viewing parameters, ensuring the number of mask execution regions remains within hardware limits while maintaining appropriate privacy protection.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
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AI summary
The monitoring camera device has: an image capturing unit which captures an image of an object and generates a video image; a mask region storage unit which stores a mask region; a mask execution region setting unit which, when a predetermined number or more mask regions are included in an image capturing range, joins a plurality of mask regions to be selected based on a closeness evaluation value which represents closeness of the mask regions and generates an enlarged mask region, and sets as a mask execution region the plurality of mask regions which includes the enlarged mask region in the image capturing range; and a mask processing unit which performs mask processing on the mask execution region of the video image.