Incident Scene Object Annotation via Video Stream Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for documenting objects of interest at incident scenes are inefficient, lacking the ability to select, recognize, and annotate objects based on user input, which hinders investigations that may be stopped and restarted multiple times by different personnel.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a portable electronic device with an image capture device, display, and electronic processor to detect and annotate objects of interest by receiving a video stream, determining object class and metadata, and associating user inputs with object identifiers, allowing for efficient documentation and later retrieval of incident scene data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual documentation methods are used to record incident scenes, then personnel can document objects of interest, but the process is inefficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical documentation processes with an automated electronic system that uses image capture devices, processors, and software to automatically detect, identify, and annotate objects of interest. The system substitutes human manual recording with electronic image processing and automated object recognition algorithms, dramatically improving documentation efficiency and reducing time requirements.
2Ease of operation
If current documentation systems are used, then incident scenes can be recorded, but the ability to select and annotate objects based on user input is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where user inputs (such as selections or annotations) are processed and reflected back in real-time on the displayed images. The processor receives user input, identifies objects based on that input, and displays annotations or highlights on the image, allowing users to verify and refine object identification iteratively. This feedback loop improves both ease of operation and identification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer between the captured images and the final documentation output. This intermediary system includes software that processes user inputs, cross-references object databases, and generates annotated images or reports. The intermediary layer translates simple user interactions into accurate object identifications and structured documentation.
3Reliability
If investigations are stopped and restarted multiple times by different personnel, then thorough investigation can occur, but efficiency is hindered due to lack of data accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates digital copies of the incident scene documentation that can be stored, retrieved, and accessed by multiple personnel across different investigation sessions. Instead of requiring physical re-documentation, the electronic system preserves accurate digital replicas of the scene and objects, allowing seamless transfer of investigation data between different investigators and sessions, maintaining both thoroughness and efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for displaying an image of an object of interest located at an incident scene. The method includes receiving, from the image capture device, a first video stream of the incident scene, and displaying the video stream. The method includes receiving an input indicating a pixel location in the video stream, and detecting the object of interest in the video stream based on the pixel location. The method includes determining an object class, an object identifier, and metadata for the object of interest. The metadata includes the object class, an object location, an incident identifier corresponding to the incident scene, and a time stamp. The method includes receiving an annotation input for the object of interest, and associating the annotation input and the metadata with the object identifier. The method includes storing, in a memory, the object of interest, the annotation input, and the metadata.