Video Encoding Unit Overlaying Sensor Data for Motion Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for combining video analytics from monitoring cameras with data from external sensors, such as motion detection sensors, often result in unnecessary triggers from uninteresting objects or motions, and require separate channels or hardware/software for data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A video encoding unit that overlays sensor data from motion detection sensors onto a video stream from a camera, using graphical elements in predetermined scene regions to indicate detected motion, allowing standard video analytics algorithms to retrieve and verify sensor data without additional hardware or software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensor data is integrated into video stream processing, then object detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines sensor data (from PIR, LIDAR, ultrasonic sensors) with video stream processing by integrating the sensor data input unit and sensor data processing unit into the video encoding unit. This merging allows multi-sensor information to be fused with visual data, improving object detection accuracy while avoiding the complexity of completely separate processing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The video encoding unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it processes video streams, integrates sensor data from various types of sensors (PIR, LIDAR, ultrasonic), generates overlays, and outputs encoded video. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate specialized devices into a single universal processing unit, improving detection accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Reliability
If separate channels or hardware are used for sensor data transmission, then data transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using separate communication channels or hardware for sensor data transmission, the patent merges sensor data input directly into the video encoding unit's processing pipeline. The sensor data is integrated at the processing level rather than requiring separate transmission infrastructure, maintaining reliability through direct integration while reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If motion detection sensors are added to verify detections, then false alarms are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates motion detection sensors (PIR, LIDAR, ultrasonic) directly into the video encoding unit, merging their verification function with the main processing pipeline. This allows sensor-based motion verification to reduce false alarms from uninteresting objects while avoiding the complexity of separate verification hardware or software systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor data processing unit uses sensor information to verify detections made during video analytics. When motion is detected by sensors, this feedback is used to confirm or reject potential events, reducing false alarms. The feedback mechanism is integrated within the encoding unit, maintaining reliability improvement without requiring external verification systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach simplifies the integration of sensor data into video streams, reduces false alarms by verifying detections, and allows for cost-effective motion detection using PIR, LIDAR, ultrasonic, or other sensors, without requiring separate data channels, thereby enhancing object detection accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor unit arranged to detect motion in a plurality of predetermined scene regions... The sensor unit may include an array of PIR sensors, wherein each PIR sensor is arranged to detect motion by sensing any changes in heat radiation in a respective one of the scene regions
Implementation Method 2
the sensor unit may include a fix or rotating LIDAR sensor arranged to detect motion by sensing any changes of distance to objects in the scene regions
Implementation Method 3
the sensor unit may include an array of ultrasonic sensors arranged to detect motion by sensing any changes of distance to objects in the scene regions
Implementation Method 4
the sensor unit may include a time-of-flight, TOF, sensor arranged to detect motion by sensing any changes of distance to objects in the scene regions
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to methods and systems for including sensor data from a sensor unit (108) as an overlay (204) in a video stream from a camera (106) monitoring a scene (200). The overlay has overlay regions (206a-f) corresponding to scene regions (202a-f), and when the sensor unit detects motion in a scene region a graphical element (208) is added to the overlay in the overlay region corresponding to that scene region. Video analytics procedures, such as object feature detection or motion or change detection may then be used to determine if detection has been made in a specific scene region by both the camera and the sensor unit.