PTZ Camera Dynamic FOV Control for Multi-Zone Event Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing PTZ camera systems struggle to capture relevant events in multiple areas simultaneously due to limitations in adjusting their field of view, leading to potential missed events when the camera is focused on a different area.

Innovation Solution

The system automatically controls PTZ cameras by adjusting their pan, tilt, and zoom settings based on detection events from multiple motion detectors, prioritizing areas with detected motion and ensuring that the camera captures events in high-priority areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single PTZ camera is used to cover multiple areas, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of capturing events in all areas decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of camerasVSAvoidevent capture reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic field of view adjustment by controlling the PTZ camera to automatically pan, tilt, and zoom based on motion detection events. The camera transitions between different viewing areas and adjusts its focal length dynamically to track and capture events in multiple zones, resolving the contradiction between using a single camera and maintaining reliable event capture across all areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the PTZ camera adjusts its field of view frequently to cover multiple areas, then the event capture reliability improves, but the loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveevent capture reliabilityVSAvoidcamera response time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses motion detection sensors to provide real-time feedback about events in monitored areas. When motion is detected, the system immediately triggers PTZ camera adjustments to redirect the field of view toward the event location. This feedback mechanism enables rapid, event-driven camera responses that minimize time loss while maintaining high event capture reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If the PTZ camera focuses on one area, then the measurement precision of events in that area improves, but the area of coverage in other areas decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveevent detection precisionVSAvoidmonitored area coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic zoom and pan/tilt adjustments to enable the camera to focus precisely on events when they occur while maintaining an overview capability. The camera can rapidly switch between wide-area monitoring mode and focused event tracking mode, achieving both high measurement precision for specific events and comprehensive area coverage across multiple zones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4254975B1Method and system for using a plurality of motion sensors to control a pan-tilt-zoom camera
Publication Date: 2025.03.05 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC
  • EP4254975B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4254975B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4254975B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for controlling a PTZ camera having a controllable FOV includes detecting a first detection event by a first detector located at a first location that is along a first path in a monitored region. In response to the first detection event, the PTZ camera is automatically controlled such that the FOV of the PTZ camera includes at least part of the first detection region along the first path in the monitored region. A second detection event is detected by a second detector located at a second location that is along the first path in the monitored region, wherein the second location is spaced from the first location. In response to the second detection event, the PTZ camera is automatically controlled such that the FOV of the PTZ camera includes at least part of the second detection region along the first path in the monitored region.