Network Camera Control via Virtual Image Map
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling network cameras using monitoring devices suffer from significant delay times, making real-time control inconvenient due to the lack of immediate reflection of camera operations in the monitoring device.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a virtual image map and multi-streaming technique, where the monitoring device displays and streams images at different resolutions, allowing for seamless transitions between low-resolution initial images and higher-resolution images captured during panning, tilting, and zooming operations, minimizing delay times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a monitoring device controls a network camera using related art methods, then the camera can be controlled, but a significant delay time occurs and the image is not reflected in real time
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-generates and stores a virtual image map containing images captured at various viewing angles before they are needed. When a panning/tilting operation is commanded, the monitoring device can immediately display the corresponding pre-captured image from the virtual image map, eliminating the delay that would otherwise occur while waiting for the camera to physically move and capture a new image.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual copy of the camera's field of view by capturing images at multiple predetermined angles and storing them as a virtual image map. This virtual map serves as a copy that can be instantly displayed and manipulated without requiring the physical camera to move, thereby achieving real-time control experience without actual mechanical movement delays.
2Measurement precision
If high-resolution images are streamed from the network camera, then image quality is improved, but transmission time and delay increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the image data by creating and storing a virtual image map consisting of multiple discrete images at various viewing angles. This allows the monitoring device to request and display only specific segments (individual images or small groups) from the pre-generated map rather than continuously streaming full high-resolution video, reducing transmission time while maintaining image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
High-resolution images are pre-captured and stored in the virtual image map before being requested. When the monitoring device needs a specific view, the corresponding high-resolution image is already available in the virtual map, eliminating the need to wait for real-time capture and transmission of high-resolution video frames.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method of controlling an operation of a network camera that is capable of improving a delay time occurring when a monitoring device controls the network camera, by using a virtual image map and a multi-streaming technique. The method includes displaying a first view image; and performing a panning/tilting control operation, the performing the panning/tilting control operation including: displaying a first virtual image from a virtual image map; and replacing the first virtual image with a second view image.