Video Composition via Track-Based Camera Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

As the number of cameras in video surveillance systems increases, it becomes challenging for operators to get an overview of recorded video and manually compose a video material of a specific incident or course of actions in a monitored area.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that allow users to define a track in a monitored area using a sequence of user inputs, with each input associated with a timestamp, to automatically collect and compose video recordings from cameras with a field-of-view covering the indicated positions, thereby simplifying the process of creating a video material of a course of actions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the number of cameras in the video surveillance system increases to cover a larger area, then the coverage area is improved, but the difficulty of getting an overview and following courses of actions increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidease of following courses of actions
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary system (video management system with automated track following) that mediates between the large number of cameras and the operator. The system automatically identifies and switches between camera views based on the defined track, eliminating the need for manual oversight of hundreds of camera feeds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-defining tracks through user inputs before incident occurrence. When an incident happens along a predefined track, the system can immediately compose relevant video material without manual intervention, preparing the framework in advance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If manual composition of video material is performed to ensure accuracy of incident documentation, then the accuracy is improved, but the time required and manual effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of incident documentationVSAvoidtime required for composition
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically composing video material using the defined track and timestamp information. The automated composition retrieves and assembles relevant video segments without manual intervention, maintaining accuracy through systematic selection while eliminating manual effort and time consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual process of video composition with an automated computer-based system. The mechanical action of manually selecting and assembling video clips is substituted with automated retrieval and composition based on track definitions and timestamps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If automated video composition is implemented to reduce manual effort, then the productivity is improved, but the complexity of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproductivity of video material compositionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The video management system performs multiple functions: it stores video from numerous cameras, defines tracks through user inputs, automatically composes video material, and provides an overview interface. This multi-functionality consolidates complexity into a single universal system rather than requiring separate tools for each task.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Area of stationary object

If overview of all camera recordings is displayed to monitor the entire area, then the coverage is improved, but the usability and ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitored area coverageVSAvoidusability for following incidents
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the large set of camera recordings into meaningful groups based on predefined tracks. Instead of displaying all camera feeds simultaneously, the system organizes video material along specific tracks of interest, allowing operators to focus on relevant segments rather than overwhelming comprehensive views.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3817371B1Method and system for composing a video material
Publication Date: 2025.01.22 AXIS
  • EP3817371B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3817371B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3817371B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3d

AI summary

There is provided a method and system for composing a video material of a course of actions along a track in an area monitored by a plurality of video cameras. A first sequence of user inputs defining a track in the area monitored by the plurality of video cameras is received. Each user input in the first sequence is associated with a time stamp and is received as an indication of a position in a map of the area being monitored by the plurality of video cameras. For each user input in the first sequence, video recordings from those of the plurality of video cameras that have a field-of-view covering the position indicated by the user input are collected. The collected video recordings are being recorded in a time period starting at the time stamp associated with the user input and ending at a time stamp associated with a next user input in the first sequence or when an indication to stop the collecting is received. A video material is then composed from the video recordings collected for the user inputs in the first sequence.