PTZ-Based Object Augmentation in Video Streams by Spatial Distance

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Solution Overview

Problem

The lack of standardized methods for transmitting user interaction events, such as clicks, from display interfaces to video processing clients increases complexity and cost in integrating interactive features across different platforms and devices, hindering efficient augmentation of video streams.

Innovation Solution

Repurpose Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) commands in cameras to select and augment objects based on spatial distances, using zoom, pan, and tilt parameters to enhance object selection and augmentation without additional hardware or complex software modifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If custom development is implemented for each system to support interactive features, then functionality can be tailored to specific needs, but device complexity and deployment cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteractive feature customizationVSAvoidsystem deployment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling a single standardized interaction mechanism (PTZ commands) to serve multiple functions: traditional camera control and object selection/augmentation. This eliminates the need for custom development in each system while maintaining functionality tailored to specific needs, thereby reducing device complexity and deployment cost while preserving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If additional hardware or controls are added to enable object selection and augmentation, then interaction precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject selection precisionVSAvoidhardware and software complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reuses existing PTZ commands for both traditional camera operation and object selection, eliminating the need for additional hardware or controls. This maintains object selection precision while avoiding the complexity increase that would result from adding new interaction mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the camera's own existing PTZ control mechanism to enable object selection and augmentation, rather than requiring external additional controls. This self-service approach maintains ease of operation while avoiding the complexity of integrating new hardware or software layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4661387A1Augmenting one or more objects from a set of objects in a video stream
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 AXIS
  • EP4661387A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4661387A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4661387A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method implemented in a camera that augments objects in a video stream by switching between two modes controlled by Pan-Zoom-Tilt, PTZ, commands. Initially, the camera receives (S602) a signal to activate the second mode, focused on object augmentation rather than standard PTZ configurations. It then determined (S604) the spatial distance from the camera to each object using indicating a spatial coordinate of the object. Following this, a PTZ command is received to determine (S606) a zoom parameter, which helps determine (S608) a range of spatial distances. Objects within this range are selected (S610) and subsequently augmented (S612) within the video feed, enhancing the informational value of the video stream.