Multi-Camera View Selection via Physical-to-Pixel Mapping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current image technologies cannot effectively map an object in physical space captured in multiple images to corresponding pixels within those images, limiting the ability to selectively extract and display specific areas of interest from high-resolution image data captured by multiple cameras with overlapping fields of view.
Innovation Solution
A computer system processes requests to identify and extract an area of interest by determining the camera that wholly contains the object, transforming the object's physical location into a pixel position within that camera's image, and then extracting the area of interest centered around that pixel position, allowing for precise selection and display of the object within the image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple high-resolution cameras with overlapping fields of view are used to capture images, then the coverage area and ability to track objects across different views are improved, but the complexity of selecting and extracting the appropriate area of interest from the plurality of images increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system comprising processor units that act as a mediator between the multiple cameras and the final image output. This intermediary automatically performs the complex task of receiving image data from multiple cameras, identifying the area of interest based on object location information, selecting the appropriate camera view, and extracting the relevant portion. This intermediary system resolves the contradiction by automating the complex selection process, making it manageable despite the multiple overlapping cameras being used to expand coverage area.
2Measurement precision
If the area of interest is extracted from a specific camera's image, then the precision of object representation is improved, but the time and computational resources required to process and extract the area of interest increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing the spatial relationships and overlapping regions between multiple camera fields of view before actual image processing occurs. The system pre-processes and stores information about which areas are covered by which cameras, creating a lookup structure that enables rapid retrieval. When an object is detected, the system can quickly identify which camera contains the area of interest without having to analyze all images in real-time, thus maintaining high precision while reducing processing time.
3Manufacturing precision
If high-resolution images are captured to maintain image quality, then the detail and clarity of captured objects are improved, but the data processing and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements the extraction principle by selectively extracting only the relevant area of interest from high-resolution images captured by multiple cameras, rather than processing, storing, or transmitting the entire high-resolution image data. The system identifies the specific portion of the image containing the object of interest and extracts only that region. This dramatically reduces the quantity of data that needs to be processed and stored while preserving the high image quality and detail within the extracted area of interest.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of selecting an area of interest from a plurality of images captured by a plurality of cameras are described. The method includes receiving a request for an area of interest from a plurality of images, the area of interest containing an object of interest selected by a user, the object of interest being captured in one or more images captured by one or more of the plurality of cameras, the plurality of cameras having overlapping field of views; determining a camera within the plurality of cameras that wholly contains the area of interest; transforming the physical location of the object of interest into a pixel position such that the area of interest being essentially centered around the pixel position corresponding to the physical location of the object of interest; and extracting the area of interest.