Camera System Overlap Detection and Absence Region Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing technologies face challenges in accurately identifying and addressing overlap/absence regions in synthesized images from multiple cameras, leading to incomplete coverage and inability to grasp the positions of these regions effectively.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that includes a network camera system with fixed and PTZ cameras, which synthesizes images to calculate differences between display ranges and displays indicators for overlap and absence regions, allowing for adjustments in camera orientation and installation to avoid these areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple fixed cameras are used to capture images, then the coverage area is increased, but overlap/absence regions appear in the synthesis joining portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring area into multiple regions captured by different fixed cameras, and processes each region separately. By segmenting the image synthesis task according to camera fields of view and detecting absence regions in each segment, the system maintains accuracy while achieving wide coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a PTZ camera as an intermediary device to capture absence regions. The PTZ camera acts as a mediator that fills gaps between fixed camera views, allowing the system to maintain high synthesis accuracy across the entire coverage area by compensating for detected absences.
2Reliability
If movable cameras are deployed to compensate for absence regions, then the completeness of image coverage is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) camera that can dynamically adjust its orientation and magnification to target detected absence regions. This dynamic capability allows a single movable camera to compensate for multiple absence regions across different positions and scales, improving coverage completeness without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the detection unit identifies absence regions, and this information feeds back to control the PTZ camera's movement and positioning. This closed-loop control ensures the movable camera efficiently targets only the necessary regions, optimizing the balance between coverage completeness and system complexity.
3Device complexity
If the number of movable cameras is reduced, then the system complexity is decreased, but the ability to cover all absence regions is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the PTZ camera with multi-functionality, enabling it to perform both normal monitoring and targeted capture of absence regions. By making the movable camera versatile in its operations (panning, tilting, zooming to different positions), a single unit can handle multiple absence regions that would otherwise require multiple dedicated cameras, thus reducing system complexity while maintaining reliability.
4Speed
If image synthesis is performed without detecting absence regions, then the processing speed is increased, but the accuracy of subject identification decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary detection of absence regions before final image synthesis. By pre-identifying areas where subjects may be missing or duplicated, the system can prepare appropriate compensation actions (such as directing the PTZ camera to specific regions) in advance, ensuring accurate subject identification without significantly delaying the overall processing speed.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
An image processing apparatus comprises a first acquisition unit configured to acquire a synthesized image that is obtained by synthesizing a plurality of images from a plurality of first image-capturing units that are directed to a predetermined region; a second acquisition unit configured to acquire a reference image from a second image-capturing unit that is directed to the predetermined region; a comparing unit configured to compare the synthesized image and the reference image; and an output unit configured to output a comparison result from the comparing unit.