Dynamic Camera Controller for Lecture Capture Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lecture capture systems require multiple cameras, increasing costs and limiting flexibility in capturing different aspects of a lecture, such as the lecturer, auditor, board writing, and presentation slides, while also restricting the lecturer's ability to deliver lectures in their original style.
Innovation Solution
A controller that dynamically controls the imaging directions of multiple cameras based on the situation, allowing for cost reduction by eliminating the need for overhead cameras and enabling flexible configuration and user-defined scenarios for capturing different aspects of a lecture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras are used to capture different directions (lecturer, auditor, board, slides), then the completeness of lecture capture is improved, but the system cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single camera to perform multiple imaging functions through dynamic direction control. The camera can switch between capturing the lecturer, auditor, board writing, and presentation slides by adjusting its imaging direction based on detected object situations, replacing what would traditionally require multiple dedicated cameras
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the camera's imaging direction adjustable and changeable in real-time. The control unit dynamically controls the camera to image in different directions (first imaging direction for lecturer/board, second imaging direction for auditor/slides) based on the situation of detected objects, allowing one camera to adaptively fulfill multiple capture roles
2Measurement precision
If overhead cameras are used for tracking and detection, then the accuracy of object detection is improved, but the system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by combining tracking and detection functions into a single camera system. The same camera that captures images in different directions also performs both tracking of the lecturer and detection of auditor actions, eliminating the need for separate overhead cameras dedicated solely to detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses image data captured by the main camera to create virtual representations of object positions and situations. The control unit generates control signals based on analyzing the captured images, effectively copying the detection function from traditional overhead cameras into the main imaging system
3Ease of operation
If fixed camera configurations are used, then the system simplicity is maintained, but the flexibility in capturing different lecture scenarios is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by transitioning from fixed camera configurations to dynamic direction control. The camera's imaging direction is no longer fixed but is continuously adjusted based on the situation of detected objects, allowing flexible adaptation to different lecture scenarios while maintaining automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback by using the detected situation of objects (lecturer position, auditor actions, board writing detection) to automatically adjust the camera's imaging direction. The control unit receives information about object situations and uses this feedback to generate appropriate control signals for capturing the relevant scene
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology relates to a controller and a control method capable of providing an imaging system which achieves cost reduction.A control unit controls a first imaging direction of a first imaging unit and a second imaging direction of a second imaging unit as a direction different from the first imaging direction in accordance with a situation of an object associated with a first image captured by the first imaging unit or a second image captured by the second imaging unit. For example, the present technology is applicable to a lecture capture system.