Zoom Camera Control for Designated-Area Imaging After Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-lens camera systems, such as those with fixed and zoom cameras, face issues in displaying designated areas accurately after rotational adjustments due to functional differences between camera types, leading to incomplete or skewed imaging.

Innovation Solution

A control apparatus and method that adjusts the zoom camera's position and view to compensate for rotational shifts in fixed cameras by using coordinate information and angle conversion to ensure accurate display of designated areas, employing a first imaging unit with multiple cameras and a second imaging unit with adjustable zoom and direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the fixed camera provides rotation driving to expand imaging range, then the imaging coverage is improved, but the same angle of view cannot be imaged by the zoom camera due to functional differences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging coverageVSAvoidangle of view accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit acts as an intermediary that receives rotation angle information from the rotation mechanism and uses it to calculate corrected positioning instructions for the zoom camera. This mediator transforms the rotation data into compensatory positioning commands that account for the rotational displacement, enabling the zoom camera to accurately image the designated area despite the fixed camera's rotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the positioning parameters of the zoom camera based on the rotation angle of the fixed camera. By dynamically adjusting the zoom camera's position and orientation parameters in response to rotation angle changes, the system compensates for the functional differences between camera types and maintains accurate angle of view imaging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If the zoom camera designates position for each area in the image, then high-resolution imaging is achieved, but areas outside the designated position or multiple areas cannot be displayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging resolutionVSAvoiddisplayable area
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The zoom camera is configured to perform multiple functions: it not only images the specifically designated area with high resolution but also captures surrounding areas simultaneously. The control unit coordinates the zoom camera to expand its imaging scope beyond the single designated point, enabling it to cover multiple areas or regions outside the original designation while maintaining high-resolution capability.

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

3Area of stationary object

If the fixed camera pans and tilts to cover imaging range, then the coverage area is improved, but the zoom camera cannot compensate for rotated angle differences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidangle compensation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the pan and tilt angles of the fixed camera and using this information to adjust the zoom camera's positioning. The control unit receives real-time angle information from the fixed camera's panning and tilting mechanisms and dynamically compensates by adjusting the zoom camera's position, enabling accurate imaging despite the functional differences between camera types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3930305B1Control apparatus, control method, and program
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 CANON KK
  • EP3930305B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3930305B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3930305B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A control apparatus (220) includes an acquisition unit (224) configured to acquire information on a rotation of a first imaging unit (101) in the rotation direction and position information of a designated range (403) designated on a first image (401) imaged by the first imaging unit, a setting unit (226) configured to set the second imaging range so as to include the designated range based on the information on the rotation and the position information, and a control unit (221) configured to control a second imaging unit (102) to instruct the second imaging unit to image the second imaging range and to acquire a second image (402) by changing at least one of the imaging direction and the angle of view of the second imaging unit.