Server-Based Video Stream Segmentation for Multi-User Camera Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for remote camera video viewing and control are limited, as multiple users cannot simultaneously access and control a single IP Video Camera without command conflicts or network overload, leading to diminished functionality and erratic camera behavior.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allow multiple users to remotely access and control a single camera by receiving and processing video streams through a server, with a gateway subsystem determining the appropriate stream size and distributing it to users, enabling each user to view and manipulate their stream independently without conflicting commands or overburdening the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple users access and control a single IP Video Camera simultaneously, then multiple users can view and control the camera, but command conflicts occur and camera behavior becomes erratic
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments camera control by creating virtual cameras for each user. Each virtual camera is assigned a specific region of interest (ROI) within the full camera view, allowing multiple users to simultaneously control and view different portions of the scene without their commands conflicting. The camera controller divides the single camera feed into multiple segmented views based on ROI coordinates.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera controller acts as an intermediary between multiple users and the single IP video camera. It receives control commands from multiple users, processes them through ROI-based logic, and translates them into coordinated camera movements. This intermediary layer prevents direct command conflicts by mediating all control operations through a centralized system that understands each user's designated viewing area.
2Ease of operation
If the IP Video Camera distributes multiple video streams to allow each viewer to control their own stream, then each user can manipulate their stream independently, but network burden increases and lag time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating multiple physical video streams from the camera, the system creates virtual copies of the camera view through software processing. Each user receives a processed version of the single camera stream that is filtered and framed according to their specific ROI. This virtual copying approach allows independent stream manipulation without duplicating the actual video data transmission across the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The single IP video camera stream serves multiple functions simultaneously by being distributed to multiple users with different ROI configurations. The same video feed is universally utilized by all users, each seeing their customized view through software processing rather than requiring separate physical streams. This multi-functional use of a single stream eliminates network bandwidth multiplication.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the IP Video Camera allows each user to perform analytics on their stream, then each user can perform complex analytics such as tracking different objects, but the camera processing power is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The analytics processing function is extracted from the camera device and relocated to user endpoints. Each user's system performs object tracking and analytics on their assigned ROI portion of the video stream independently. This extraction eliminates the need for the camera to have sufficient processing power for multiple simultaneous analytics operations, as each user's analytics run locally on their customized stream portion.
Solution Approach 2:
Analytics processing is segmented by user and by region. Instead of one camera processing all analytics for all users (which would require excessive processing power), each user's system performs analytics only on their specific ROI segment. This segmentation of both spatial region and processing responsibility allows complex analytics capabilities without overburdening the camera's processing power.
4Manufacturing precision
If a mechanical camera with a single mechanical lens is used to view two different objects, then the camera can focus on specific areas, but the lens cannot be moved to contradict another user's view
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical lens movement with electronic image processing to achieve different views. Instead of physically moving the lens or camera to accommodate multiple users' viewing preferences, the system uses software to crop, pan, and zoom the single video stream to create multiple virtual views. This substitution of electronic processing for mechanical movement maintains focus precision while enabling unlimited view flexibility for multiple users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a software processing dimension to the single physical camera view. Rather than moving the camera in physical space to see different objects, the system creates additional viewing dimensions through digital image manipulation. Each user accesses the same physical view but with different software-applied transformations (cropping, scaling, panning), effectively adding virtual viewing dimensions without mechanical movement.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for substantially simultaneously remote monitoring including receiving, at a server, one or more video data streams, and providing, from the server, the one or more video data streams to multiple users, each one of the multiple users being able to view and manipulate the one or more video data streams. Systems that implement the method are also disclosed.