Virtual Pan Tilt Zoom Camera Using Single Wide-Angle Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods require multiple cameras to create videos or image sequences with different focal points, limiting the ability to capture and process images with varying focal points efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a single camera to capture a master image sequence, which is then processed to generate an infinite number of individual image sequences, each with a different focal point, by mapping the area and tracking assets within the camera's field of view using a coordinate system and asset tracking technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras are used to create image sequences with different focal points, then the ability to capture different focal points is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of the camera system through computational methods. By capturing a single wide-angle image sequence and processing it to generate multiple individual image sequences with different focal points, the system effectively creates virtual copies of what would otherwise require multiple physical cameras. This is achieved through mapping the captured area and tracking asset positions to synthesize focused views from the wide-angle data.
Solution Approach 2:
The single wide-angle camera performs multiple functions that would traditionally require multiple specialized cameras. By capturing panoramic views and enabling post-processing to generate multiple focal points, the single camera system achieves the versatility of multiple cameras while reducing device complexity and cost.
2Area of stationary object
If wide-angle cameras are used to capture panoramic views, then the field of view is improved, but the focal point control is limited to the middle of the viewing angle
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary capture of the entire area using a wide-angle camera, recording all potential focal points within the panoramic field of view. The actual focal point selection and refinement occur in post-processing, where the captured image sequence is mapped and processed to generate individual sequences with any desired focal point within the captured area, not just the center.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from the traditional single focal point dimension to a multi-dimensional solution by capturing spatial information across the entire panoramic field of view. Through coordinate mapping and asset tracking, the system enables selection of any point within the captured area as a focal point, effectively adding the dimension of flexible focal point selection beyond the camera's optical center.
3Device complexity
If a single camera is used to capture all assets, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to generate individualized video sequences for each asset is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates virtual copies of the captured scene from a single master image sequence. By mapping the captured area and tracking each asset's position, the system generates individualized image sequences for each asset through computational processing, effectively creating multiple output sequences from one physical camera capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of using multiple physical cameras with a computational approach. Instead of physically positioning multiple cameras to capture different focal points, the system uses image processing, coordinate mapping, and asset tracking algorithms to synthesize multiple individualized sequences from a single wide-angle capture.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for generating an infinite number of isolated image sequences using a single camera, wherein an X-, Y-coordinate system is generated for the area and an image sequence within the field of view of a camera within the area is captured. By tracking the movements and positions of at least two assets in the field of view of the camera relative to the X-, Y-grid, at least one individual image sequence for each of the at least two assets using the image sequence captured by the camera, wherein each individual image sequence has one asset from the at least two assets as a focal point of the individual image sequence.