Image Capture Output Control for Seamless Video Stream Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Image capture apparatuses face usability issues due to time lags when frequently switching between main and return video streams, requiring format and setting adjustments on display apparatuses, which degrade user experience.

Innovation Solution

Implementing automatic control methods in the image capture apparatus to synchronize the resolution and frame rate of the main video stream with the return video stream, allowing seamless switching without format conversions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the main video stream and return video stream are displayed on one display apparatus, then the number of display apparatuses is reduced, but a time lag occurs when switching video streams due to format conversion requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of display apparatusesVSAvoidtime lag during video stream switching

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The image capture apparatus automatically adjusts the output video stream format in advance based on the detected return video stream format. When a return video stream is detected, the apparatus pre-configures its output settings to match the return stream's resolution and frame rate, so that when switching occurs, no format conversion is needed and time lag is eliminated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes video stream parameters (resolution and frame rate) by detecting the format of the returned video stream and automatically adjusting the main video stream output to match. This parameter synchronization eliminates format conversion delays during switching operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the video stream format is switched to match different display requirements, then adaptability to different video formats is improved, but the switching speed decreases due to necessary format conversions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevideo stream format adaptabilityVSAvoidvideo stream switching speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The image capture apparatus continuously monitors the format of the returned video stream and uses this feedback information to automatically adjust its output settings. This closed-loop control ensures that the main video stream is always prepared in the correct format, enabling instant switching without conversion delays while maintaining adaptability to various video formats.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4312425B1Image capture apparatus and control method therefor

Publication Date: 2026.04.15 CANON KK

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AI summary

An image capture apparatus (100) comprises an image sensor and an output interface (110) that selectively outputs a main video stream obtained using the image sensor and a sub video stream input from outside. The image capture apparatus (100) changes a resolution of the main video stream to be equal to a resolution of the sub video stream in a case where an output of the sub video stream from the output interface (110) has been set to be enabled.