Automatic Camera Steering via Infrared LED Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional video conference systems with single cameras provide static presentations and require manual operation of multi-camera systems, leading to resource constraints and potential for capturing undesirable subjects due to poor information bandwidth and camera steering mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A camera steering system using infrared signals from communicators with integrated LEDs to automatically focus on participants, allowing for automatic image capture and orientation based on audio signals, enabling efficient operation without a dedicated operator and reducing unwanted captures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras are added to provide multiple views, then the presentation becomes more dynamic and informative, but the system complexity increases and requires a dedicated operator
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically selects which camera to use and what to capture based on infrared signals from communicators worn by participants. The camera steering mechanism autonomously orients toward speakers without human intervention, allowing the system to self-manage complexity while maintaining multiple view capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
Manual camera selection and steering operations are replaced with automated infrared signal-based steering. The mechanical/manual process of choosing cameras is substituted with an optical/electromagnetic field-based automatic steering system that responds to infrared emissions from communicators
2Measurement precision
If manual operation is required for camera steering, then control precision is maintained, but resource constraints increase due to operator availability requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The camera steering system performs self-navigation by detecting infrared signals from communicators and automatically orienting the camera toward speakers. This eliminates the need for operator availability while maintaining precise camera control through automated signal response
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors infrared signal strength and camera position, using feedback from the infrared detectors to automatically adjust camera orientation. This closed-loop feedback mechanism maintains precision while removing human operational requirements
3Productivity
If camera steering mechanisms are used to capture speakers, then presentation focus is improved, but unwanted captures occur due to poor information bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
Infrared signals from communicators serve as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the gap between audio detection and camera steering. This intermediary infrared communication channel provides reliable directional information without being confused by ambient sounds, preventing unwanted captures while maintaining efficient speaker focus
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 system effectively captures presentations by automatically focusing on speakers, reducing resource constraints and minimizing unwanted captures, while maintaining secrecy and improving presentation dynamics without the need for a trained operator.
Implementation Method 1
an electronic CCD or CMOS video camera capable of detecting both visible light and infrared
Implementation Method 2
at least one infrared LED
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic camera steering control for directing video conferences including a communicator with a microphone and a voice activated LED emitter. Cameras receive an LED signal transmitted by the LED emitter and focus on the speaker associated with the activated LED emitter. A controller automatically selects and inserts into the video stream the audio and video of the speaker.