Camera Apparatus Network Search and Sensor Overlay
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in finding and managing multiple cameras installed in a building, as existing systems require dedicated sensor devices and a centralized management server, leading to complexity and high operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A camera apparatus with a search unit that connects to other cameras via a network and a display unit that shows information and instructions on a terminal device to superimpose sensor values onto video images, allowing users to easily locate and manage camera feeds without the need for external servers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a centralized management server (VMS) is used to manage multiple cameras, then camera management capability is improved, but device complexity and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each camera apparatus autonomously performs search and display functions without requiring a centralized VMS server. The camera independently searches for other cameras via network and displays their information on terminal devices, making the system self-managing and eliminating complex centralized infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the camera management functionality from a separate centralized VMS system and integrates it directly into each camera apparatus. This allows cameras to manage themselves independently, removing the need for external management servers and reducing system complexity
2Loss of information
If dedicated sensor devices and centralized servers are required, then sensor value display capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The camera apparatus performs multiple functions: it acts as both a video capture device and a sensor value display device. By integrating the display function directly into the camera, the system eliminates the need for dedicated sensor devices and simplifies user operation to a single unified interface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the video capture function and sensor value display function into a single camera apparatus. This consolidation allows users to access both video feeds and sensor information through one device, improving ease of operation while maintaining full display capability
3Area of stationary object
If many cameras are installed in a building, then monitoring coverage is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in finding specific cameras
Solution Approach 1:
Each camera apparatus automatically searches for and acquires information about other cameras in the network, then displays this information including camera locations and statuses on terminal devices. This feedback mechanism provides users with real-time information about available cameras, making it easy to locate and select specific cameras even when many are installed throughout the building
Data Source
AI summary
A camera apparatus includes a search unit configured to search for another camera apparatus connected to the camera apparatus via a network, and a display unit configured to display, on a terminal device, information related to a device connected to the another camera apparatus found by the search and an instruction area for issuing an instruction to display a video image that is generated by superimposing, on a video image captured by the another camera apparatus, the information related to the device connected to the another camera apparatus.