Camera Placement Optimization Using Virtual Area Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera placement methods for monitoring areas are inefficient in optimizing camera positions and orientations, particularly in complex environments with obstacles, and do not adequately consider required view angles and resolution, leading to incomplete coverage and unnecessary monitoring of non-restricted areas.
Innovation Solution
A method using a processor to model a virtual area, evaluate iterations of a fitness function that calculates simulated coverage and view angles, and select optimal camera positions and orientations based on required view angles, resolution, and area coverage, incorporating particle swarm optimization and active edge algorithms to ensure comprehensive monitoring while minimizing unnecessary coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual expert knowledge is used for camera setup, then monitoring quality can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and requires trained personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical area with identical geometric properties and obstacles. This virtual model allows automated simulation and optimization of camera placements without requiring physical trial-and-error or expert manual intervention, thereby reducing setup time while maintaining monitoring quality through accurate virtual-to-physical mapping
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-configuration by automatically evaluating multiple camera placement scenarios using fitness functions that consider coverage area, view angles, and resolution requirements. The optimization algorithm independently determines optimal camera positions and orientations without human intervention, eliminating the need for trained personnel while achieving professional-grade monitoring setup
2Loss of time
If automated camera placement is used, then setup time is reduced, but view angle requirements and resolution may not be adequately satisfied
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts camera parameters including position, orientation, field of view angles, and resolution settings during the optimization process. The fitness function continuously evaluates multiple configurations and adapts the camera setup to satisfy both coverage requirements and specific view angle constraints, ensuring high measurement precision while maintaining automated efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The optimization algorithm systematically varies multiple parameters including camera location coordinates, orientation angles, focal length, and resolution settings to find the optimal configuration. By changing these parameters iteratively and evaluating them against fitness criteria, the system simultaneously achieves rapid automated setup and precise satisfaction of view angle and resolution requirements
3Reliability
If camera coverage is maximized to cover entire area, then monitoring completeness improves, but unnecessary monitoring of non-restricted areas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different monitoring requirements to different zones within the area. Restricted areas are assigned high-priority monitoring with specific view angle and resolution requirements, while non-restricted areas have reduced or no monitoring requirements. The fitness function incorporates zone-specific weights to optimize camera placement for targeted areas, achieving complete monitoring of critical zones without unnecessary coverage of non-sensitive regions
4Reliability
If multiple cameras are deployed to ensure coverage, then monitoring reliability improves, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optimization algorithm determines the minimum number of cameras required to achieve the desired monitoring coverage and reliability. Rather than deploying excessive cameras, the system calculates the optimal subset that satisfies coverage requirements while minimizing system complexity. The fitness function evaluates coverage adequacy and stops adding cameras once reliability thresholds are met, avoiding unnecessary system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of camera placement for monitoring an area, and in particular to the field of assisted camera placement in an area comprising a monitoring area. The present invention is based upon the realization that in many cases, the monitoring of a monitoring area needs to be performed with a required view angle of incidence in order to facilitate monitoring of the area. The present invention provides methods, systems and computer-readable recording mediums for selecting position and orientation for one or more monitoring cameras in an area, the area comprising at least a monitoring area.