Mobile Device Image Capture for Event Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for collecting and analyzing information after events, such as crimes or natural disasters, often rely on eyewitness accounts which can be inaccurate, and lack efficient automated systems for capturing and identifying relevant content like vehicles or individuals.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for automatically capturing and analyzing video, still images, and audio using mobile and fixed communication devices, employing image and audio pattern recognition to identify specific objects or entities based on search criteria, with devices capable of continuous or scheduled content capture and local analysis, and sharing results with authorized entities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If eyewitness accounts are used to gather information about events, then information can be obtained without specialized equipment, but the accuracy and reliability of the information deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces human eyewitness accounts with automated electronic devices (mobile phones, cameras, sensors) that mechanically capture and transmit data about events. This substitution eliminates human memory limitations and subjectivity, providing more reliable and objective information about crimes, disasters, and other events.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables devices to automatically detect, capture, and report events without requiring human intervention or manual eyewitness testimony. The automated detection and reporting mechanisms allow the system to self-serve information gathering, improving reliability while maintaining operational simplicity through algorithmic processing.
2Productivity
If manual information gathering methods are used, then the system remains simple to operate, but the productivity and speed of information collection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring devices with detection algorithms, search criteria, and automated reporting mechanisms before events occur. Devices are prepared in advance to automatically detect and report relevant events, eliminating the need for manual information gathering and significantly improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback loops where detected events trigger automated responses, including real-time reporting to authorities, automatic sharing with relevant parties, and continuous refinement of detection algorithms based on event data. This feedback mechanism accelerates information collection and improves system responsiveness.
3Loss of information
If comprehensive image and video capture is performed continuously, then complete event documentation is achieved, but energy consumption and storage requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing event-triggered capture that activates only when specific conditions are met (detected events, motion detection, audio triggers). Instead of continuous capture, the system performs partial monitoring with full documentation activated only when necessary, reducing energy consumption while maintaining complete event information through targeted capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments continuous monitoring into discrete event-based capture intervals. Detection algorithms divide the monitoring process into active capture phases and standby phases, capturing detailed information only during relevant events. This segmentation reduces overall energy consumption and storage requirements while preserving complete event documentation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a processor that can detect an event, access location information for a group of mobile communication devices that are each automatically capturing images, and identify a subset of the group of mobile communication devices that are in proximity to the event based on the location information. The processor can provide first image analysis criteria to the subset of the group of mobile communication devices without providing the first image analysis criteria to remaining devices of the group of mobile communication devices where the first image analysis criteria includes first characteristics associated with an object. The processor can receive a first target image that includes the object from a first mobile communication device of the subset of the group of mobile communication devices. Other embodiments are disclosed.