Imaging Control Apparatus Independent Stream Parameter Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing imaging apparatus systems fail to independently control image quality parameters for multiple streams based on the same captured image without influencing other images, leading to unintended changes in image quality when adjustments are made to one stream.

Innovation Solution

The system includes a surveillance camera with a system control unit that analyzes commands and determines whether image processing for one stream affects others, allowing it to control the imaging apparatus to generate images that satisfy only specific conditions, thereby minimizing interference between streams.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If image quality parameters are changed for one stream based on the same captured image, then the image quality for that stream is improved, but other streams based on the same captured image are also influenced and changed unintentionally

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage quality parameter control precisionVSAvoidimage quality stability across streams
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single captured image into multiple independent stream outputs, where each stream can have its own image quality parameters controlled independently. The determination unit segments the parameter control by analyzing whether changing parameters for one stream would affect other streams, and the control unit applies parameter changes only to streams that can independently tolerate such changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different image quality parameters to different streams based on their specific requirements. Each stream receives customized parameter settings (such as resolution, compression ratio, or image quality level) according to its intended use, while the determination unit ensures that local parameter changes do not negatively impact other streams.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple streams are generated from the same captured image, then the versatility of the imaging system is improved, but the complexity of controlling image quality parameters independently for each stream increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-stream capabilityVSAvoidparameter control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The determination unit acts as a feedback mechanism that monitors the relationships between streams and their parameter dependencies. Before applying parameter changes, the system analyzes whether such changes would affect other streams, and only permits changes that maintain stream independence, thereby managing complexity through intelligent decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary analysis through the determination unit to identify which streams can independently accept parameter changes before actually applying the changes. This pre-assessment prevents unintended side effects and simplifies the control process by identifying safe parameter modification opportunities in advance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3396645B1Control apparatus, control method, and program
Publication Date: 2022.04.13 CANON KK
  • EP3396645B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3396645B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3396645B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In a case where a definition condition defining a plurality of conditions including an image quality condition for defining image quality of a captured image captured by an imaging apparatus is specified, a determination means determines whether predetermined processing according to a different image is being performed, the different image being different from an image corresponding to the definition condition and being generated by the imaging apparatus. In a case where the definition condition is specified, a control unit controls the imaging apparatus to generate an image not satisfying at least part of the conditions defined by the definition condition and satisfying the other condition(s) according to a result of determination by the determination means.