Bidirectional Remote Filming Control via Closed-Loop Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for remote location filming do not allow real-time control by the viewer, resulting in a one-way information flow from the filmer to the viewer, limiting the viewer's ability to experience the location as desired.

Innovation Solution

A bi-directional communication system that enables a client to send real-time control instructions to an operator, allowing the viewer to control the filming parameters such as pan-tilt-zoom and the operator's behavior, using a communication channel like the Internet, creating a closed-loop feedback system for dynamic control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If pre-recorded films are used to view a remote location, then the viewer can see the place without traveling, but the viewer cannot control the filming parameters or experience the location as desired

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewer control capabilityVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the viewer's control inputs (pan, tilt, zoom commands) are transmitted to the remote operator, who adjusts the camera accordingly. The viewer receives real-time video feedback showing the result of their control actions, creating a closed-loop control system that enables precise control of filming parameters from a remote location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a communication system as an intermediary between the viewer and the remote camera operator. This intermediary transmits control commands from the viewer's device to the operator's device and relays video footage back to the viewer, enabling remote control without requiring the viewer to be physically present at the location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If a remote operator films a location, then the viewer can see the place, but information flows only one way from the shooter to the viewer without viewer control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation flow directionalityVSAvoidcontrol capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system establishes bidirectional information flow through feedback mechanisms. Control commands sent by the viewer are transmitted to the remote operator, and the operator's video responses are fed back to the viewer in real-time. This creates a two-way communication channel that eliminates the one-way information flow limitation of traditional remote filming.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the viewer wants to experience a location as desired, then physical travel is required, but this is not possible due to age, physical impairments, or other objective reasons

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility to remote locationsVSAvoidcontrol capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service remote exploration where the viewer independently controls the camera parameters (pan, tilt, zoom) to capture and view locations of their own choosing. The viewer serves themselves by making all control decisions without requiring a guide or predetermined filming plan, adapting the system to their specific viewing preferences and needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3403410B1A method and program product for controlling a real time filming of a remote location
Publication Date: 2024.05.22 SERBAN GHEORGHE ALEXANDRU
  • EP3403410B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3403410B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3403410B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method and program product includes establishing a bi-directional communication channel with an operator's filming system. At least one command is communicated to the operator's filming system. The command at least includes instructions for conducting a filming, wherein the instructions are displayable on the operator's filming system. At least a real time stream of the filming is received. At least additional commands are communicated to the operator's filming system during the receiving, wherein the communicating, the receiving and the communicating during the receiving comprise a negative feedback loop during the filming.