PTZ Camera Image Processing for Stable Bitrate During Motion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Surveillance cameras with pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) functionality face challenges in maintaining image quality and bitrate when moving, leading to increased data output and reduced image quality due to compression inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus and method that estimate camera movement velocity to adjust image signal process parameters, such as edge strength and noise removal filter strengths, to maintain a constant output bitrate and prevent sharp image quality deterioration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the network camera moves to a desired location using pan, tilt, zoom functions, then the camera can view user-desired locations, but the data output amount increases significantly causing heavy load on the camera

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera movement capabilityVSAvoiddata output amount
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-processing image data before compression to reduce the data output amount. The image processing apparatus performs preprocessing operations (such as reducing resolution or applying compression algorithms) on the image data captured during camera movement, before the data is transmitted or stored. This preliminary processing reduces the burden on the camera system during PTZ operations while maintaining the ability to view desired locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Quantity of substance

If the data output amount of the network camera is fixed to avoid heavy load, then the camera load is reduced, but the image quality of image data including large amounts of movements and changes is remarkably reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata output amountVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by adaptively adjusting image processing parameters based on camera movement state. When the camera is stationary or moving slowly, higher quality processing is applied. When the camera is moving rapidly during PTZ operations, the system dynamically adjusts processing intensity to maintain acceptable image quality while controlling data output. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize the balance between image quality and data output amount according to real-time camera movement conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If compression algorithms are applied to image data during camera movement, then the data can be transmitted through network lines, but the image quality deteriorates sharply due to the large amount of movements and changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing image preprocessing operations before compression and transmission. The image processing apparatus processes the raw image data captured during camera movement, applying preliminary transformations or reductions that make the subsequent compression more efficient. This preliminary processing reduces the complexity of the image data before compression, allowing for better compression ratios while maintaining acceptable image quality during transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3429196B1Apparatus for processing image and method of processing image
Publication Date: 2024.01.03 HANWHA VISION CO LTD
  • EP3429196B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3429196B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3429196B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An apparatus for processing an image includes a camera configured to obtain a fixed image signal based on non-movement of the camera and obtain a variable image signal based on movement of the camera; a communication interface configured to receive a command; a driver configured to move the camera in response to the command; and a processor configured to process the fixed image signal based on a fixed image signal process parameter value, and process the variable image signal based on a variable image signal process parameter value, the variable image signal process parameter value having an image signal process parameter value based upon which a high frequency component of the variable image signal is reduced.