PTZ Camera Control via Graphic UI Position Marks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user interfaces for pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera control, such as joystick-type operation units and mouse-based systems, are limited in conveying subtle operational intentions and are inconvenient for precise and instant control, especially when monitoring images without a joystick-type operation unit.
Innovation Solution
A user interface that visualizes PTZ operation signals graphically, allowing users to input signals directly while monitoring, with a UI visualization unit generating reference and current position marks, a PTZ processor calculating driving values for camera movement, and a zoom controller adjusting zoom magnification based on user input, enabling sensitive and precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a joystick-type operation unit is used for PTZ control, then the control response is instant and convenient, but the system becomes complex and requires additional hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a mouse as a pointing device to copy the functionality of a joystick interface. The mouse cursor position and movement on the display screen replicate the directional control capabilities of a joystick, allowing PTZ control without requiring actual joystick hardware. This enables joystick-like control convenience while using simpler, more common input devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical joystick system with a software-based interface that runs on standard computing devices. Instead of mechanical levers and physical movement, the system uses digital cursor positioning and coordinate calculations to achieve the same PTZ control effects, eliminating complex mechanical components.
2Device complexity
If a mouse-based pointing device is used for PTZ control, then the device complexity is reduced, but the control precision and ability to convey subtle operational intentions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances mouse control precision by utilizing the two-dimensional display screen space. Instead of limited directional buttons, the mouse cursor can be positioned anywhere on the screen, providing continuous positional information in both horizontal and vertical dimensions. This spatial dimensionality allows for precise control by calculating the vector between cursor position and target area, conveying subtle operational intentions through precise positioning rather than discrete button presses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements visual feedback by displaying the cursor position, target area, and control vector on the screen. The system shows guidance information and visual indicators that help the user understand the relationship between cursor position and camera movement direction, enabling more precise control through visual confirmation and adjustment.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional PTZ control interfaces are used, then the system is simple to implement, but the user interface response sensitivity to operational intentions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculations of the control vector and movement parameters based on cursor position before executing the PTZ command. The system pre-processes the operational intention by calculating the direction and magnitude of camera movement needed, then immediately executes this pre-calculated control signal, achieving rapid and sensitive response to user actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control where the PTZ movement parameters are continuously adjusted based on real-time cursor position. Instead of fixed control modes, the system dynamically calculates movement direction, speed, and target area based on the instantaneous relationship between cursor position and displayed image, providing responsive and adaptive control that sensitively follows user intentions.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a camera pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) control technology in which a PTZ control signal input by a user is output as a graphic UI and the user inputs the PTZ control signal while directly monitoring the graphic UI.A camera PTZ control apparatus includes a UI visualization unit configured to generate a reference mark as a reference for operating the monitored area and generate a graphic output signal which represents a current position mark associated with a current position indicated by the operation unit; a PTZ processor configured to calculate and output a PTZ driving value of a shooting camera based on relative positions of the reference mark and the current position mark; and a camera driving unit configured to output a driving signal for driving a PTZ driving unit of the shooting camera through a communication unit according to the calculated PTZ driving value.