Server-Based Video Stream Segmentation for Multi-User Camera Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for remote camera video viewing and control are limited, as multiple users cannot simultaneously access and control a single IP Video Camera without command conflicts or network overload, leading to diminished functionality and erratic camera behavior.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that allows multiple users to remotely access and control a single camera by receiving and processing video streams through a server, with a gateway subsystem determining appropriate stream sizes and distributing streams to users, enabling each user to view and manipulate their stream independently without conflicts or network burden.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple users simultaneously access and control a single IP Video Camera, then each user can perform their monitoring task independently, but command conflicts occur and camera behavior becomes erratic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiple user access capabilityVSAvoidcamera control stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the single video stream into multiple virtual streams, allowing each user to have their own independent view and control session. This segmentation occurs at the software level, creating isolated control environments for each user while maintaining a single physical camera connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a software intermediary layer between multiple users and the single IP camera. This intermediary manages command routing, prioritizes user commands, and prevents direct conflicts by mediating access requests, thereby maintaining camera control stability while enabling multi-user access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the IP Video Camera distributes multiple video streams to allow each viewer to control their own stream, then each user can manipulate their stream independently, but network burden increases and lag time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent stream manipulationVSAvoidcommand response lag time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of creating multiple physical video streams from the camera, the system creates virtual copies of the single stream through software processing. Each user receives a virtual stream that is a copy of the same physical stream, allowing independent manipulation without duplicating the physical data transmission path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The single video stream is made universal by allowing it to serve multiple users simultaneously with different control parameters. The stream becomes multi-functional, supporting multiple viewports, zoom levels, and pan positions concurrently through software-based stream virtualization rather than requiring separate physical streams.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the IP Video Camera distributes multiple video streams, then each user can control their own stream, but the processing power requirement increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-user control capabilityVSAvoidcamera processing power

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical approach of creating multiple physical video streams with a software-based virtualization system. Instead of duplicating data at the camera level (mechanical duplication), the system uses software processing to create multiple virtual views from a single stream, significantly reducing the processing burden on the camera hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If a single mechanical lens camera views two different objects, then the camera can monitor multiple areas, but the lens cannot be moved to satisfy conflicting user desires simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-area monitoring capabilityVSAvoiduser control flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds a software dimension to the physical camera system. By creating virtual streams and viewports in the software layer, the system allows multiple users to focus on different areas of interest simultaneously without requiring multiple physical lenses or mechanical movements. This dimensional addition resolves the conflict between single-lens physical constraints and multi-user control flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS10555012B2Method and systems for providing video data streams to multiple users

Publication Date: 2020.02.04 ONCAM GLOBAL

AI summary

A method for substantially simultaneously remote monitoring including receiving, at a server, one or more video data streams, and providing, from the server, the one or more video data streams to multiple users, each one of the multiple users being able to view and manipulate the one or more video data streams. Systems that implement the method are also disclosed.