Sub Camera Angle-of-View Control in Multi-Camera Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image capturing systems with multiple cameras struggle to ensure that a sub camera captures the subject at the intended angle of view, even when coordinated with the main camera's zoom control.

Innovation Solution

An image-capturing control apparatus that automatically controls the sub camera's angle of view in coordination with the main camera, using a bird's-eye camera for subject detection and a role control apparatus to dynamically assign roles to the sub camera, allowing flexible and accurate image capturing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If the sub camera is controlled to capture the same subject as the main camera with coordinated zoom control, then automatic control and labor saving are achieved, but the sub camera may capture the subject at an unintended angle of view

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic control of image capturingVSAvoidangle of view accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system calculates the actual angle of view of the sub camera based on its installation position, imaging position, and imaging direction, then feeds back this information to the control apparatus. The control apparatus uses this feedback to adjust the sub camera's angle of view through pan/tilt control, ensuring it captures the subject at the intended angle of view while maintaining automatic operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of the sub camera with an automated control system that uses calculation and electronic control. Instead of manually positioning the sub camera to achieve the correct angle of view, the system automatically calculates the required angle and uses pan/tilt mechanisms to adjust the camera position based on calculated values

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If the sub camera angle of view is coordinated with main camera zoom control, then automation is improved, but manual operation flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoordination with zoom controlVSAvoidmanual operation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the sub camera's angle of view based on real-time conditions. The control apparatus continuously monitors the main camera's zoom state and automatically adjusts the sub camera's pan/tilt angles to maintain proper coordination, allowing the system to adapt to changing shooting requirements without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4708897A1Image-capturing control apparatus, image-capturing control method, image capturing system, computer program, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 CANON KK
  • EP4708897A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4708897A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4708897A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An image-capturing control apparatus (100) includes at least one processor and/or circuit configured to function as following units: an acquisition unit (101) configured to acquire information from a state of a main camera (500) and/or from a video captured by the main camera; and a control unit (101) configured to control an operation of a sub camera (400) among the cameras based on a role assigned to the sub camera and the information, wherein the acquisition unit acquires, as the information, information on an angle of view of the main camera, information on a distance between the main camera and a target subject of the main camera, and information on a distance between the sub camera and a tracking target of the sub camera, and wherein the control unit controls an angle of view of the sub camera based on the role assigned to the sub camera and the information.