Multi-Camera Control Apparatus Network Load Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In monitoring systems with multiple image capturing devices, the uniform transmission of images from all devices increases load on both the devices and the network, leading to delays when selecting a new device for displaying or storing captured images.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus that acquires selection information based on sensor detection results to prioritize and control the communication amount from image capturing devices, reducing data transmission from unlikely selections and optimizing network load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all image capturing devices uniformly transmit captured images to the terminal device, then the terminal device can receive images from all devices, but the transmission load on image capturing devices, terminal device, and network increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the transmission behavior of image capturing devices based on their selection probability. Selected devices (with high probability) maintain full image transmission, while unselected devices (with low probability) reduce or stop transmission. This creates localized quality differences in transmission activity across the network, reducing overall load while preserving necessary image flow from critical devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the transmission state of image capturing devices changeable based on real-time sensor detection results. Devices can transition between full transmission, partial transmission, and stopped transmission modes according to their current selection probability. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt transmission load to actual monitoring needs, resolving the contradiction between reliable image availability and system load.
2Loss of energy
If unselected image capturing devices stop transmitting captured images, then the network load is reduced, but the transmission of captured images may be delayed when a new device is selected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having unselected image capturing devices maintain a standby state with reduced transmission rather than complete shutdown. When sensor detection indicates a need for rapid switching, these devices can quickly resume full transmission because they remain partially active. This preliminary maintenance of transmission capability prevents complete cold-start delays while still achieving significant load reduction during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by having unselected devices perform intermittent transmission checks or low-rate sampling transmissions. Rather than completely stopping, these devices periodically verify their status or send occasional images, allowing them to rapidly transition to full transmission mode when selected without complete reinitialization delays. This periodic activity bridges the gap between load reduction and rapid responsiveness.
3Loss of energy
If the control apparatus reduces communication amount from unselected image capturing devices, then system load is reduced, but the selection flexibility among devices may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the control apparatus to handle multiple device states (full transmission, partial transmission, stopped transmission) through a single unified control mechanism. The same control apparatus that manages transmission reduction also manages selection probability calculations and device switching logic. This multi-functional approach ensures that despite reduced communication from unselected devices, the system maintains full selection flexibility because the control apparatus can rapidly reassign selection status and restore transmission to any device based on sensor inputs.
Data Source
AI summary
A control apparatus includes an acquisition unit that acquires selection information for selecting, based on a detection result of a sensor, an image capturing device that captures an image to be displayed and/or stored by a terminal device from among a plurality of image capturing devices, and a control unit that performs control in such a manner that a communication amount related to a captured image from an image capturing device that is unlikely to be selected from among the plurality of image capturing devices based on the acquired selection information becomes less than a communication amount related to a captured image from an image capturing device that is likely to be selected based on the acquired selection information.