Panoramic Video Object Tracking via RF Tag Augmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Panoramic video cameras with 360° horizontal fields of view often create 'blind spots' and are limited to single-operator control, making it difficult to track objects of interest and provide simultaneous views to multiple operators.
Innovation Solution
A system combining panoramic video cameras with radio frequency tags and computing devices that generate and stream augmented video streams, allowing multiple users to view tracked objects and metadata from any device, enabling real-time object tracking and adjustable camera views.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a panoramic camera with 360° horizontal field of view is used, then the coverage area is improved, but objects of interest are easily lost and blind spots are created
Solution Approach 1:
The panoramic view is segmented into multiple zones or sectors, with the ability to highlight or focus on specific regions containing objects of interest. This allows the system to maintain comprehensive coverage while drawing attention to specific areas, preventing objects from being lost in the vast 360° view.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary layer (software processing and display interface) that processes the panoramic feed to automatically detect, track, and highlight objects of interest. This intermediary layer bridges the gap between comprehensive coverage and focused object tracking, eliminating blind spots through automated analysis.
2Device complexity
If a single operator controls the camera view, then the system complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide simultaneous views to multiple operators is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple operators simultaneously through different access channels (e.g., web browsers, mobile devices, desktop applications). Each operator can have customized views and controls, allowing the same system to adapt to various user needs without increasing physical hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies of the panoramic feed and distributes them to multiple operators through network connections. Instead of requiring multiple physical camera systems, the video signal is copied and delivered to multiple endpoints, enabling simultaneous viewing and control for multiple operators with minimal additional complexity.
3Loss of information
If panoramic video data is streamed to multiple remote systems, then the situational awareness is improved, but the data transmission requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of transmitting identical full-resolution panoramic data to all remote systems, the system applies local quality adjustments based on each user's specific needs. Different users receive customized feeds with varying resolution, field-of-view restrictions, or focused regions, reducing overall data transmission volume while maintaining situational awareness for each individual user.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for real-time object tracking and data aggregation in panoramic video are disclosed. An example system provides a panoramic video camera that produces panoramic video data of an area; a plurality of radio frequency tags producing tracking data; and at least one of the radio frequency tags being co-located with the panoramic video camera, producing tracking data for the panoramic video camera; at least another of the radio frequency tags being co-located with at least one object within the area, producing tracking data for the at least one object; a computing device, wherein the computing device receives the panoramic video data and further receives the tracking data from the plurality of radio frequency tags; the computing device generating a video stream by augmenting the panoramic video data with the tracking data; the computing device sending the video stream to at least one remote system. Other methods and systems are disclosed.