Wide-View Image Correction for Camera Position Shifts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems face challenges in maintaining consistent image capture positions, especially in environments where security or safety concerns prevent the secure installation of image capturing apparatuses, leading to difficulties in accurately comparing images captured from different positions.

Innovation Solution

A communication terminal and system that stores position information of an image capturing apparatus, corrects wide-view images based on position differences, and displays the corrected images, utilizing circuitry and memory to manage and process image data across networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the image capturing apparatus is installed at regular intervals for security or safety reasons, then the installation flexibility and security are improved, but the position consistency between different capturing sessions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidposition consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the image capturing apparatus in a virtual space that maintains consistent positional relationships across different capturing sessions. This virtual model allows the system to compensate for physical position changes by referencing the stored virtual position information, thereby maintaining measurement precision while allowing flexible physical installation for security reasons

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical requirement for precise physical installation with an information-based system. By using position information storage and correction algorithms, the system substitutes the need for precise mechanical positioning with computational correction, allowing the apparatus to be installed flexibly while maintaining image consistency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the image capturing apparatus is installed in different positions between capturing sessions, then the installation flexibility is improved, but the accuracy of image comparison deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidimage comparison accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual replica of the image capturing apparatus with stored position information that serves as a reference model. This virtual copy allows the system to account for and correct positional differences between capturing sessions, maintaining image comparison accuracy while permitting flexible physical installation positions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter representation from fixed physical coordinates to flexible virtual coordinates. By storing and using position information as correctable parameters rather than fixed installation requirements, the system enables both installation flexibility and accurate image comparison through parameter correction algorithms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If the image capturing apparatus is secured in a fixed position for consistent imaging, then the image consistency is improved, but the security and safety considerations deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage consistencyVSAvoidsecurity risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the image capturing apparatus that maintains consistent positional relationships in a virtual space. This virtual model compensates for physical position changes, allowing the apparatus to be installed in secure but flexible locations while maintaining image consistency through position information correction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the mechanical constraint of fixed installation with an information-based correction system. By using stored position information and correction algorithms, the system replaces the need for fixed mechanical positioning with computational methods, thereby reducing security risks while maintaining image consistency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12477075B2Communication terminal, communication system, display method, and non-transitory recording medium

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

A communication terminal includes circuitry that: stores first position information of an image capturing apparatus in a memory, the first position information indicating a position of the image capturing apparatus when installed in a first time period; receives a wide-view image captured by the image capturing apparatus in a second time period and second position information of the image capturing apparatus via a network, the second position information indicating a position of the image capturing apparatus when installed in the second time period; corrects the wide-view image captured in the second time period, based on a difference between the first position information and the second position information; and causes a display to display the corrected wide-view image.