Image Capture Metadata Matching Through Embedded IP Identifiers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image capturing systems struggle to correctly synchronize video and metadata in real-time synthesis, especially when multiple apparatuses are connected to computers, leading to potential misidentification and incorrect recognition of metadata connections.

Innovation Solution

The image capturing apparatus includes a configuration that superimposes an IP address or a unique serial number onto the video signal, allowing real-time synthesis computers to match and verify the metadata with the correct video signal by comparing these identifiers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If video and metadata are output through different transmission paths, then real-time synthesis capability is improved, but connection recognition and matching between video and metadata deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereal-time synthesis capabilityVSAvoidconnection recognition accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an IP address as an intermediary identifier that is superimposed on the video signal and transmitted through the video transmission path, while the same IP address is included in the metadata transmitted through the separate metadata path. This intermediary enables the receiving device to correctly match metadata with the corresponding video signal despite the different transmission paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple image capturing apparatuses are connected to computers, then system versatility is improved, but identification and matching accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem connectivityVSAvoidapparatus identification accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by embedding unique identification information (IP address) into each individual video signal from different image capturing apparatuses. This allows each apparatus to be uniquely identified and matched with its corresponding metadata, even when multiple apparatuses are connected to the same computer system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If only video output terminal is connected, then device complexity is reduced, but user awareness of connection status deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection configurationVSAvoidconnection status recognition
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by including the IP address in both the video signal and metadata transmission, enabling the receiving device to automatically verify whether metadata is correctly connected to the corresponding video signal. This provides implicit feedback about connection status without requiring additional physical connections or complex user configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4598039A1Image capturing apparatus, control method thereof, program and storage medium
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 CANON KK
  • EP4598039A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1D
  • EP4598039A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4598039A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An image capturing apparatus includes an imaging means configured to capture an image of a subject, a video output means configured to output a video signal output from the imaging means, and a metadata output means configured to output metadata including information related to the video signal, the metadata output means being different from the video output means. The video output means adds information that can identify an individual of the image capturing apparatus to the video signal and outputs the video signal.