Multi-Target Camera Zoom Control for Stable Tracking Size

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image capturing systems struggle to track multiple targets within the angle of view while maintaining appropriate size, leading to potential undetection of smaller targets.

Innovation Solution

An image capturing system that includes a camera and a controller, utilizing machine learning techniques to detect and track multiple targets, and controls operations such as panning, tilting, and zooming to ensure all targets remain within the view, restricting zooming if necessary to maintain detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the image capturing unit zooms in to track a single target, then the tracking precision for that target is improved, but smaller targets may become undetectable or fall outside the angle of view

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetracking precisionVSAvoidnumber of detectable targets
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the zoom magnification adjustable and changeable based on real-time detection of multiple targets. The control unit dynamically modifies the zoom level to ensure all detected targets remain within the angle of view, transitioning between different magnification states as targets move or are detected

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback by continuously monitoring the positions and sizes of detected targets, then adjusting the zoom magnification accordingly. The control unit receives detection results and modifies the image capturing parameters to maintain optimal viewing conditions for all targets, creating a closed-loop control system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Area of stationary object

If the image capturing unit maintains a wide angle of view to include multiple targets, then all targets remain detectable, but the tracking precision for individual targets decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangle of viewVSAvoidtracking precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the zoom magnification based on the number and distribution of detected targets. When multiple targets are detected, the control unit modifies the magnification to optimize both the angle of view for including all targets and the precision for tracking them, rather than maintaining a fixed wide angle

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the zoom magnification parameter adaptively based on detection results. The control unit modifies this optical parameter to balance between including multiple targets in the frame and maintaining sufficient resolution for accurate tracking of each target

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If the system tracks all detected targets simultaneously, then comprehensive monitoring is achieved, but it becomes difficult to maintain appropriate size for each target in the image

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of tracked targetsVSAvoidtarget size consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts zoom magnification based on the collective positions and sizes of multiple targets. The control unit modifies the magnification level to ensure all tracked targets maintain appropriate sizes within the image frame, adapting to changes in target distribution and number

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4704434A2Information processing device, method, and recording medium
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 CANON KK
  • EP4704434A2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4704434A2 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4704434A2 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

An information processing device (1) includes setting means (213) for setting plural tracking targets (402) to be tracked during image capturing by image capturing means (100), size detection means for detecting sizes of the tracking targets in an image captured by the image capturing means, and control means for controlling zooming of the image capturing means such that the plural tracking targets are included within an angle of view of the image capturing means. The control means controls the zooming such that the size of each tracking target among at least some of the plural tracking targets falls within a predetermined range.