Dynamic Frame Rate Image Analysis for Bandwidth Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current monitoring systems face limitations in achieving highly accurate image analysis processing due to the constraint of using a large amount of network bandwidth, which restricts the accuracy of image analysis even with no frame loss, and existing solutions do not effectively address this issue.

Innovation Solution

An image processing system where cameras transmit images at a lower frame rate for network efficiency, and an analysis apparatus requests additional high-frame-rate images from cameras when initial image analysis is insufficient, allowing for reanalysis and improved accuracy without excessive bandwidth usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If cameras transmit images at low resolution or low frame rate to save network bandwidth, then network bandwidth usage is reduced, but the accuracy of image analysis processing is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork bandwidth usageVSAvoidaccuracy of image analysis processing
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the frame rate of image transmission based on analysis requirements. Cameras transmit images at variable frame rates, switching between low frame rate for normal operation and high frame rate when reanalysis is needed, resolving the contradiction between bandwidth efficiency and analysis accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary image analysis at low frame rate, then proactively requests additional high-frame-rate images when analysis accuracy is insufficient. This preliminary action approach allows the system to maintain low bandwidth usage while having the capability to obtain high-quality images when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If cameras transmit high frame rate images continuously to improve image analysis accuracy, then the accuracy of image analysis processing is improved, but network bandwidth is used excessively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of image analysis processingVSAvoidnetwork bandwidth usage
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic low frame rate transmission as the baseline operation, with occasional high frame rate transmission triggered by analysis needs. This periodic action pattern ensures high accuracy when required while maintaining bandwidth efficiency during normal operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the frame rate parameter dynamically based on analysis requirements. The frame rate is adjusted from low to high temporarily when reanalysis is needed, then returns to low frame rate, optimizing the balance between accuracy and bandwidth consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3249919B1Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and program
Publication Date: 2022.02.02 CANON KK
  • EP3249919B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3249919B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3249919B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

To achieve highly accurate image analysis processing without using a large amount of network bandwidth, an analysis apparatus acquires an image via a network, executes analysis processing, acquires additional image data depending on a result of the analysis processing, and executes reanalysis processing by using the additional image data.