Fiducial Marker Camera Location Mapping in Video Management Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inconsistent naming conventions for camera locations across different store locations in video management systems (VMS) hinder the ability to quickly identify camera positions and select desired views, particularly in large retail environments, leading to inefficiencies in security monitoring and inventory management.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing fiducial markers with unique indicia, a central computer, and a database to map camera locations and display desired views, where cameras capture images of fiducial markers, and the central computer processes these images to determine marker identities, retrieve associated location and product information, and update the database for accurate location mapping and view selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual naming conventions are used to identify camera locations, then the system is simple to implement, but the ability to quickly identify camera positions and select desired views deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces fiducial markers as intermediary objects placed at known locations within the field of view of each camera. These markers serve as mediators between the camera and the VMS, enabling automatic identification of camera position through image recognition of the markers' unique indicia, thereby resolving the contradiction between operational ease and system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual naming conventions (mechanical/systematic approach) with an automated image recognition system using fiducial markers. The system uses computer vision to detect marker indicia and automatically map camera locations, substituting manual processes with automated optical recognition to improve identification speed while managing complexity through standardized marker protocols
2Measurement precision
If automated image processing is used to identify fiducial markers, then location mapping precision is improved, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-placing fiducial markers with known unique indicia at predetermined locations within each camera's field of view before the mapping process begins. This preparation enables the system to quickly identify camera positions through straightforward marker recognition rather than complex analysis, achieving high precision while minimizing processing time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual characteristics of fiducial markers (indicia patterns, colors, or geometric features) that are easily distinguishable by image processing algorithms. The markers' distinct visual properties enable rapid and accurate identification through simple image recognition techniques, balancing precision requirements with processing efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for mapping camera location and selecting a desired view in a video management system make use of images showing fiducial markers to identify camera location and desired camera views. In one implementation, a central computer receives an image obtained by a camera showing a fiducial marker with indicia. The image is processed to determine the identity of the fiducial marker. Location information associated with the identity is retrieved from a database and used to identify the location of the camera. In another implementation, images of fiducial markers obtained by a plurality of cameras are used to select a subset of fiducial markers identified as being present at a desired location. Based on that subset of fiducial markers, each of the cameras being present at that desired location are then identified.