Multi-Camera System Synchronization via Frame Counters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-camera systems face challenges in efficiently capturing and replaying moving images from multiple cameras, particularly in sprint training, where it is costly to have cameras move along a lane, and there is no efficient method to automatically switch between images captured by different cameras.
Innovation Solution
A multi-camera system with an information processing apparatus that includes a communication interface and processing circuitry to transmit start and end instructions to cameras, allowing them to increment counters for video recording periods, and receive frame identifiers to associate with image data, enabling efficient switching and replaying of images captured by multiple cameras.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If multiple cameras are installed along a course to capture moving images from start to goal, then the moving images can be captured continuously, but it takes time and effort to reproduce the moving images captured by the plurality of cameras
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having each camera increment its counter and store frame identifier mappings during the video recording time period before reproduction is needed. The information processing apparatus collects and stores the correspondence between each camera's frame identifiers and the common counter values in advance, so that when reproduction occurs, the pre-established mapping relationships enable immediate playback without time-consuming synchronization processes.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple cameras are used to capture moving images, then complete coverage from start to goal is achieved, but there is no automatic switching between camera views when objects pass through different camera ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the information processing apparatus receives frame identifier information from each camera, compares it with the common counter values, and automatically determines which camera's footage to display based on the object's current position. This feedback loop enables automatic switching between camera views without manual intervention, as the system continuously monitors frame identifiers and adjusts the displayed camera source accordingly.
3Ease of operation
If each camera records videos independently with their own frame identifiers, then each camera captures its footage autonomously, but the videos cannot be efficiently associated and replayed together
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary element - the common counter and its frame identifier mappings - that mediates between the independently recording cameras. Each camera continues to record autonomously with its own frame identifiers, but the information processing apparatus acts as an intermediary that collects these identifiers, establishes correspondence relationships with the common counter, and uses these mappings to synchronize and associate the independently captured videos during reproduction.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus, including circuitry configured to transmit a start instruction to a first camera apparatus and a second camera apparatus. The start instruction causes the first camera apparatus to start incrementing a first counter and the second camera apparatus to start incrementing a second counter for a video recording time period. The circuitry receives, from the first camera apparatus, a first recording-start frame identifier that indicates a value of the first counter and a second recording-end frame identifier that indicates the value of the second counter. The circuitry receives, from the second camera apparatus, a first recording-start frame identifier that identifies a value of the second counter and a second recording-end frame identifier that identifies the value of the second counter.