Real-Time Video Annotation System Using Signal Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
In digital cinematography, there is a challenge in efficiently applying annotations to video sequences in real-time during capture, as existing methods lack a streamlined process for directors to record annotations on live video streams without interrupting the monitoring process, leading to potential information loss between the production and post-production stages.
Innovation Solution
A processor-implemented method that receives and analyzes video sequences in real-time, allowing directors to select spatial and temporal portions of interest using gestures, determining annotation semantics based on monitored signals such as camera motion and image properties, and storing these annotations as metadata for later use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If voice annotations are used during capture, then annotation speed is improved, but voice annotations have limited ability to capture or be associated with a video sequence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a touch screen interface as an intermediary between the director and the video sequence. The director can touch the screen to indicate spatial areas of interest, and the system automatically determines temporal portions based on monitored signals. This mediator enables both speed (through intuitive touching) and accuracy (through automated signal analysis) without requiring voice annotations.
2Loss of information
If annotations are added in real-time during capture, then information loss between production and post-production is reduced, but interaction time increases which may impede monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically determining temporal portions of signals for annotation based on the spatial area of interest selected by the director. The automated analysis of monitored signals (such as camera motion, audio levels, etc.) eliminates the need for the director to manually specify temporal boundaries, thus minimizing interaction time while maximizing information capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors multiple signals associated with the video sequence in advance during capture. When a director indicates a spatial area of interest, the temporal portion has already been prepared and identified through preliminary signal monitoring, allowing immediate annotation without delays for analysis or processing.
3Measurement precision
If manual annotation specification is required, then annotation precision is improved, but the complexity of the annotation process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual annotation specification with an automated electronic system. The system uses computer vision and signal processing to automatically determine temporal portions based on spatial selections. This substitution maintains precision through algorithmic accuracy while dramatically reducing process complexity by eliminating manual temporal boundary specification.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system and apparatus for applying an annotation to a portion of a video sequence. The method comprises the steps of receiving the video sequence in real-time during capture of the video sequence, monitoring in real-time a plurality of signals associated with the video sequence, and receiving an indication associated with a spatial area of interest of at least one frame during capture of the video sequence. The method further comprises selecting, from the plurality of monitored signals, a temporal portion of one of the plurality of monitored signals for annotation, said selection being based upon at least the spatial area of interest and a temporal variation measure in at least one of the plurality of monitored signals, applying an annotation to a portion of the video sequence corresponding to the selected temporal portion; and storing the annotation in an annotation record associated with the video sequence.