Video Surveillance Camera Refocus via Temperature Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Video surveillance cameras experience frequent focus shifts due to temperature changes, vibrations, and scene changes, leading to blurry video and the need for mechanisms designed for millions of cycles of focus adjustment, which is inefficient and results in objectionable out-of-focus footage.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that refocus a video surveillance camera by sensing temperature changes, light levels, and time intervals, using a processor to determine if a focus operation is necessary, thereby minimizing refocusing events and eliminating the need for continuous mechanical adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous focus adjustment is performed to maintain focus despite temperature changes and vibrations, then focus stability is improved, but the mechanism requires millions of cycles of operation and produces blurry video during adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic focus adjustment based on temperature thresholds rather than continuous adjustment. The processor monitors temperature changes and triggers focus operations only when temperature differential exceeds a predetermined threshold, converting continuous adjustment into periodic action. This reduces mechanical cycle requirements while maintaining focus stability under varying temperature conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary temperature monitoring and prediction to anticipate focus requirements. By continuously tracking temperature trends and predicting future temperature differentials, the system proactively adjusts focus before actual defocus occurs, rather than reacting to already-blurred video. This preliminary action reduces the frequency of mechanical adjustments needed.
2Reliability
If continuous focus adjustment is performed to maintain focus, then focus stability is improved, but blurry video occurs during adjustment periods
Solution Approach 1:
By switching from continuous to periodic focus adjustment based on temperature thresholds, the system minimizes the number of times the focus mechanism operates. This reduces the duration of blurry video periods during adjustment, as the mechanism remains stationary and in focus between threshold-based trigger events.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary temperature monitoring and predicts when temperature differential will exceed thresholds, triggering focus adjustment just before defocus occurs. This ensures video quality is maintained by adjusting focus at the optimal moment rather than after blur has already degraded the video.
3Measurement precision
If frequent focus operations are performed to compensate for temperature changes, then focus accuracy is improved, but mechanical wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic focus adjustment triggered by temperature threshold exceedance rather than frequent continuous adjustment. This periodic operation based on actual temperature conditions significantly reduces the total number of mechanical cycles, extending mechanism lifespan while maintaining focus accuracy when temperature changes actually occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the focus operation frequency based on temperature change parameters. By monitoring temperature differential and only triggering focus operations when the differential exceeds predetermined thresholds, the system adapts the operation frequency to actual environmental conditions, reducing unnecessary mechanical cycles while maintaining focus accuracy when needed.
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
The solution reduces the frequency of blurry footage by optimizing focus adjustments based on temperature, light, and time, minimizing mechanical stress and maintaining clear video surveillance without requiring mechanisms for frequent operation.
Implementation Method 1
sensing a first temperature of the camera at the first time, sensing a second temperature of the camera at a second time
Implementation Method 2
sensing a level of light in a field of view of the camera at the second time
Data Source
AI summary
A method of refocusing a video surveillance camera includes performing a first focusing operation of a camera at a first time, sensing a first temperature of the camera at the first time, sensing a second temperature of the camera at a second time, determining if a change in temperature between the first temperature and the second temperature is greater than a predetermined temperature change, sensing a level of light in a field of view of the camera at the second time, determining if the level of light sensed in the field of view of the camera at the second time is within a predetermined light level range, determining if a period of time between the first time and second time is greater than a predetermined period of time, and performing a focus operation if the change in temperature between the first temperature and the second temperature is greater than the predetermined temperature change, the level of light sensed in the field of view of the camera at the second time is within the predetermined light level range, and the period of time between the first and second time is greater than a predetermined period of time.