Distributed Video Camera Control for Live Events
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional video camera systems for live events limit viewer experience by restricting camera shots in broadcast feeds, and existing technologies do not allow for individual or group control of camera positions and orientations in real-time, especially with the use of camera drones.
Innovation Solution
A video camera system that includes multiple video cameras, a production facility, and video player systems connected via a network, allowing individual subscribers to control camera drones for customized live video feeds, with a video access server managing drone positions and orientations within restricted areas to avoid collisions and interference with the event.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple video cameras are used for broadcasting an event, then the broadcast video feed can capture more perspectives, but viewers are still limited by the particular camera shots selected by the production facility
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides control authority into segments: the production facility retains control for the main broadcast feed, while individual subscribers receive segmented control rights for specific camera drones. This allows viewers to independently control certain cameras without complicating the overall production facility's control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
A server acts as an intermediary between subscriber control inputs and camera drone actuators. The server receives control commands from subscribers, processes them to ensure safety and coordination, then transmits the processed commands to the appropriate cameras, thereby enabling viewer control without directly complicating the camera control system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If camera drones are used for live event coverage, then dynamic and customized shots can be provided, but collision and interference with the event must be avoided
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-establishes restricted areas and no-fly zones around the event venue before drones are deployed. These geographic boundaries and safety parameters are configured in advance, preventing drones from entering areas that could interfere with the event or cause safety issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The server continuously monitors drone positions, orientations, and environmental conditions, providing real-time feedback to adjust drone operations. This closed-loop control allows the system to respond to changing conditions and maintain safety while preserving positioning flexibility.
3Ease of operation
If individual subscribers control camera drones, then personalized live video feeds can be generated, but coordination and collision avoidance between multiple drones must be managed
Solution Approach 1:
The server serves as a coordinating intermediary that receives control commands from multiple subscribers, processes them collectively to prevent conflicts, and distributes appropriate commands to each drone. This central coordination layer enables individual subscriber control while managing the complexity of multi-drone coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges individual subscriber control inputs into a unified coordination framework managed by the server. By combining and harmonizing multiple control streams before executing them on the drones, the system maintains ease of operation for individual users while managing the overall complexity through centralized integration.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a video camera system that includes a first subset of video cameras that are configured to generate at least one broadcast video signal of an event, and a second subset of video cameras that are each individually controllable in response to subscriber control data from a corresponding one of a plurality of video player systems to generate a plurality of processed video signals of the event. A video access server receives the subscriber control data from the video player systems corresponding to a plurality of subscribers for control of the second subset of video cameras, and for routing the processed video signals of the event such that each of the plurality of processed video signals of the event is routed to the corresponding one of the plurality of video player systems. Other embodiments are disclosed.