Timelapse Video Encoding Segmentation Power Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video encoding technologies fail to efficiently encode and playback timelapse videos, which introduces a variety of problems that conventional photography does not have. First, power consumption is significant; keeping the camera on for the entire time lapse duration takes power—the long shooting duration and low capture rate means that timelapse photography introduces a variety of problems that conventional photography does not address. First, power consumption is significant; keeping the camera on for the entire time lapse duration takes power—the long shooting duration and low capture rate means that timelapse photography is often limited by battery life, rather than storage space. Secondly, light is captured based on exposure settings and incorrect exposure settings cannot be corrected after capture. Secondly, timelapse captures are plagued by errors—users cannot manually check an ongoing timelapse because handling the camera will impart camera movement on the resulting timelapse video. Commodity codec file handling limitations prevent touchless checking from a tethered device.
Innovation Solution
Existing video encoding technologies fail to efficiently encode and playback timelapse videos, which introduces significant power consumption and handling limitations, and the proposed solution involves capturing light information in a power-efficient manner and encoding it in bulk, allowing for file access without interfering with the capture process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the camera is kept on for the entire time lapse duration to capture images at low capture rate, then the timelapse video can be recorded, but power consumption becomes significant and is limited by battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the continuous recording process into discrete segments. Images are captured at low rate during time lapse periods, then processed in bulk segments rather than continuously. This segmentation allows the camera to be turned off between capture intervals, reducing power consumption while maintaining the ability to record long durations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic capturing where the camera operates intermittently rather than continuously. Images are captured at predetermined intervals during time lapse periods, then the camera enters a low-power state. This periodic operation enables long recording durations while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous operation.
2Ease of operation
If the camera remains on during time lapse to allow manual checking, then exposure settings can be verified, but camera handling imparts movement on the resulting timelapse video
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows preliminary verification of exposure settings and camera positioning by capturing a preview image or sequence of images before the actual time lapse recording begins. This preliminary action enables manual checking and adjustment while the camera is still stable and undisturbed during the main recording period.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts the verification function from the continuous recording process. By capturing separate preview images or using metadata from captured images, the patent allows manual checking of exposure and positioning without requiring the camera to remain stationary and accessible during the entire time lapse duration, thus preventing movement artifacts.
3Ease of manufacture
If commodity codec file handling is used, then standard video encoding is achieved, but file access during recording is prevented and touchless checking from tethered device is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary file system layer that enables file access during recording. By implementing a custom file handling mechanism that allows random access to captured image data and video segments while recording continues, the system enables touchless checking from tethered devices without compromising the encoding compatibility of standard video codecs.
4Speed
If continuous encoding is performed at capture rate, then real-time video is produced, but power consumption increases and timelapse effect is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the encoding process into bulk operations rather than continuous frame-by-frame encoding. Multiple captured images are processed together in segments, and encoding is performed at the time lapse playback rate rather than continuous capture rate. This segmentation dramatically reduces power consumption while maintaining the timelapse effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the encoding parameters to match the time lapse playback characteristics rather than continuous capture characteristics. By adjusting frame rate, resolution, and encoding intensity to correspond with the accelerated playback speed, the patent achieves low power consumption while preserving the timelapse visual effect.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatus, and methods for encoding timelapse videos. Timelapse photography involves capturing a sequence of images at set intervals over a period of time and then playing them back at a higher speed. Unfortunately, timelapse photography introduces a variety of problems that conventional photography does not have. Exemplary embodiments capture light information in a power efficient manner and encode them in bulk (a video segment at a time). In some variants, the light information may be stored as raw data; in other variants, the light information may be stored as compressed images. The segment-based encoding has the additional benefit of creating identifiable breakpoints that allow for file access without interfering with the capture; this may be used to check the status of the video mid-recording.