Surveillance Information Generation Using Fixed and Moving Cameras

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Solution Overview

Problem

Surveillance cameras fixed to buildings have difficulty accurately monitoring crowd dynamics due to the small size of individuals in the images, making it hard to determine the number of people and their distribution.

Innovation Solution

A system that combines surveillance information from both fixed and moving cameras, using the fixed camera to estimate the moving direction of objects and the moving camera to estimate its own imaging direction, allowing for the generation of accurate surveillance information by overlaying the second surveillance image on the first, correcting distribution information, and displaying it on a map or screen.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a fixed camera is used to surveillance the crowd from a distance, then the surveillance coverage area is large, but the measurement precision of crowd state is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurveillance coverage areaVSAvoidmeasurement precision of crowd state

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the surveillance images from both fixed cameras and moving cameras into a unified surveillance information representation. The generation unit combines the first surveillance image (from fixed camera) and second surveillance image (from moving camera) to create a comprehensive view that maintains both wide coverage and detailed measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that includes a generation unit and display control unit. These intermediaries process and integrate the surveillance information from multiple sources, transforming raw images into meaningful surveillance information that can be accurately represented and displayed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If a moving camera is used to get closer to the crowd, then the measurement precision of crowd state is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement precision of crowd stateVSAvoiddevice complexity of surveillance system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal surveillance information representation that serves multiple functions: it displays crowd distribution, tracks moving directions, and provides surveillance coverage from both fixed and moving camera perspectives. This multi-functional approach manages complexity by consolidating multiple functions into a single integrated system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the moving camera's surveillance image as a copy or supplement to the fixed camera's image. The generation unit creates a synthesized surveillance information representation that incorporates both sources, allowing the system to leverage the detailed view from the moving camera without requiring permanent installation of complex mobile surveillance systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If multiple cameras are combined to improve surveillance accuracy, then the measurement precision is improved, but the loss of information increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement precision of crowd stateVSAvoidloss of information in surveillance data

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the surveillance information processing into distinct functional units: a generation unit that creates surveillance information from image data, and a display control unit that presents this information. This segmentation allows for systematic processing and reduces information loss by handling data transformation in controlled stages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the generation unit processes surveillance images and the display control unit presents the results, which can then be used to adjust and refine the surveillance information generation process. This feedback loop ensures that information from multiple cameras is integrated effectively without significant loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20240362918A1Surveillance information generation apparatus, imaging direction estimation apparatus, surveillance information generation method, imaging direction estimation method, and program

Publication Date: 2024.10.31 NEC CORP

AI summary

A surveillance information generation apparatus (2000) includes a first surveillance image acquisition unit (2020), a second surveillance image acquisition unit (2040), and a generation unit (2060). The first surveillance image acquisition unit (2020) acquires a first surveillance image (12) generated by a fixed camera (10). The second surveillance image acquisition unit (2040) acquires a second surveillance image (22) generated by a moving camera (20). The generation unit (2060) generates surveillance information (30) relating to object surveillance, using the first surveillance image (12) and first surveillance information (14).