Camera Subject Tracking via Touchpad and Trigger Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for recording events, such as sports games or concerts, require constant attention to the camera, detracting from the live experience and resulting in poor-quality recordings due to the need for constant monitoring of the viewfinder or screen.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a touchpad interface for two-dimensional control and a trigger for three-dimensional control, allowing camera operators to control pan-tilt-zoom functions without intense focus on the screen, enabling simultaneous enjoyment and high-quality recording of events.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If one pays close attention to the camera and viewfinder to achieve high-quality recording, then the quality of photographic record is improved, but the enjoyment of the live event is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequality of photographic recordVSAvoidenjoyment of live event

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The camera system performs automatic subject tracking using image recognition and servo control mechanisms, eliminating the need for manual operation. The camera serves itself by automatically detecting and following the subject of interest, allowing the operator to simply observe the event without constant camera monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical camera control is replaced with automated electronic systems including image recognition algorithms, servo motors, and computer vision technology. This substitution enables the camera to autonomously track subjects without requiring manual intervention or constant operator attention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If one concentrates on the live event without camera monitoring, then the enjoyment of the event is improved, but the photographic record quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenjoyment of eventVSAvoidphotographic record quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The camera system autonomously monitors and tracks subjects using automated image recognition and servo control, performing the recording function without operator intervention. This allows the operator to fully concentrate on enjoying the event while the camera independently maintains high-quality recording.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual camera operation is replaced with automated electronic control systems that continuously analyze video feeds, identify subjects of interest, and adjust camera positioning and focus automatically, ensuring high-quality recording without operator attention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Area of stationary object

If a video camera records the entire sports playing area from a fixed location, then the coverage area is improved, but the ability to track specific individuals deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidtracking of specific individual

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The camera system dynamically adjusts its positioning and focus based on real-time subject detection. While maintaining the ability to capture wide areas when needed, the system automatically zooms and tracks specific individuals when detected, transitioning between wide coverage and focused tracking modes as required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Static fixed-position recording is replaced with dynamically controlled camera systems using servo motors and image recognition algorithms that automatically identify and follow specific individuals within the broader scene, enabling both area coverage and individual tracking simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Measurement precision

If manual servo control is used to track a single individual, then the tracking precision is improved, but the operator's attention is constantly required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking precisionVSAvoidoperator attention required

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The camera system performs automatic subject tracking through image recognition and servo control mechanisms, eliminating the need for manual operation. The camera serves itself by autonomously detecting and following the subject of interest, allowing the operator to simply observe the event without constant camera monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical camera control is replaced with automated electronic systems including image recognition algorithms, servo motors, and computer vision technology. This substitution enables the camera to autonomously track subjects with high precision without requiring manual intervention or constant operator attention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10536671B1Apparatus, system and method for tracking subject with still or video camera

Publication Date: 2020.01.14 MUSCO CORP

AI summary

An apparatus, method, and system for controlling camera aiming and operation through a convenient and intuitive interface using correlative touch and feel, which allows a camera operator to primarily pay attention to a game or event, while simultaneously controlling a still or video camera in three control dimensions, with a high degree of accuracy or quality.