Method and apparatus for configuring parameter values for cameras

• US 8,184,168 B2
• Filed: 06/29/2007
• Issued: 05/22/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 07/03/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Axis AB (Canon Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Axis AB (Canon Inc.)
• Inventors: Kindborg, Mattias, Olsen, Hans, Reichenauer, Michael
• Primary Examiner(s): KHAN, USMAN A
• Application Number:
  US11/771,687
• Publication Number:
  US 20080122949A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,789 Days
• Field of Search: 348/231.99, 348/211.11
• US Class Current: 348/211.11
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19636 pertaining to the camera
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19667 Details realated to data compression, encryption or encoding, e.g. resolution modes for reducing data volume to lower transmission bandwidth or memory requirements
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19671 Addition of non-video data, i.e. metadata, to video stream
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19676 Temporary storage, e.g. cyclic memory, buffer storage on pre-alarm
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19693 using multiple video sources viewed on a single or compound screen
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/62 Control of parameters via user interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/632 for displaying or modifying preview images prior to image capturing, e.g. variety of image resolutions or capturing parameters
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/661 Transmitting camera control signals through networks, e.g. control via the Internet
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/90 Arrangement of cameras or camera modules, e.g. multiple cameras in TV studios or sports stadiums
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/181 for receiving images from a plurality of remote sources

Abstract

A method for configuring parameter values for a plurality of cameras (100a-100f) is disclosed. In the first step of the method, image data from the plurality of cameras (100a-100f) is acquired. Secondly, the image data from the plurality of cameras (100a-100f) is buffered. Thirdly, the buffered image data from the plurality of cameras (100a-100f) is displayed. Fourthly, at least one parameter value for a first subset of said plurality of cameras is changed. Fifthly, the at least one parameter value is transmitted to said first subset of cameras. Sixthly, the changed image data from a second subset of said plurality of cameras is acquired. Seventhly, the buffered image data for said second subset of cameras is replaced with said changed image data for said second subset of cameras. Finally, the stored image data for said plurality of cameras (100a-100f) is displayed.

Claims

1. A method for configuring parameter values for a plurality of cameras, comprising:

acquiring image data from said plurality of cameras, said cameras storing parameter values which control the appearance of image data captured by said cameras, wherein at least one of said parameter values is selected from a group consisting of;

a white balance value, a contrast value, a compression value, a sharpness value, and a color balance value,

buffering said image data from said plurality of cameras,

displaying said buffered image data from said plurality of cameras simultaneously as separate images from at least two of the plurality of cameras,

comparing the appearance of the displayed separate images to each other in order to identify a first subset of said plurality of cameras, wherein the image data corresponding to the cameras of said first subset are determined to have a dissimilar appearance in respect of said parameter values compared to the image data of the remaining cameras,

changing at least one parameter value for said first subset of said plurality of cameras, wherein the changing is made by choosing a template, wherein the template comprises a set of predetermined parameter values for a certain environment,

transmitting said set of predetermined parameter values to said first subset of cameras to allow update of each camera in accordance with said set of predetermined parameter values,

acquiring image data from a second subset of said plurality of cameras comprising at least the cameras of the first subset, where the second subset consists of cameras with updated images,

replacing said buffered image data for said second subset of cameras with said acquired image data for said second subset of cameras, and

displaying feedback of the updated images on the display including said acquired image data for said second subset of cameras simultaneously as separate images from at least two of the plurality of cameras.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein said first subset is a subset of said second subset.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein said first subset is equal to said second subset.

4. A method according to claim 2, wherein said second subset is equal to said plurality of cameras.

5. A method according to claim 1, wherein said changing involves

receiving a user input from a user, and

changing said at least one parameter value in accordance with said user input.

6. A method according to claim 1, wherein said changing involves

determining reference image data,

calculating a correction value based on said reference image data, and

changing said at least one parameter value in accordance with said correction value.

7. A method according to claim 1, wherein said acquiring of image data involves transmitting an image data request to said plurality of cameras.

8. A method according to claim 1, wherein said step of changing involves receiving a user input from a user, and wherein the step of choosing a template is performed based on said user input.

9. A method according to claim 8, wherein said set of predetermined parameter values is selected from a group consisting of:

a set of predetermined parameter values adapted for outdoor conditions, a set of predetermined parameter values adapted for indoor conditions, a set of predetermined parameter values adapted for fluorescent lighting conditions, a set of predetermined parameter values adapted for incandescent light conditions and a set of predetermined parameter values adapted for infrared light conditions.

10. A method according to claim 1, wherein said parameter values are acquired together with said image data from said plurality of cameras in said acquiring of image data and are displayed in said displaying of image data together with said image data.

11. A method according to claim 1, wherein said acquiring of said image data, buffering of said image data, displaying of said image data, changing of at least one parameter value for said first subset, transmitting of said at least one parameter value, acquiring of changed image data from said second subset, replacing of said buffered image data for said second subset, and displaying of said buffered image data, are repeated iteratively until a user acceptance signal is received from a user.

12. A non-transitory computer readable medium having a stored computer program code that when executed, performs the steps of the method according to claim 1.

13. An apparatus comprising:

a processing device, an input device,

a memory adapted for holding a number of parameter values and for buffering image data,

a data communication interface adapted for communication through a data communications network with a plurality of cameras, and

a display adapted for showing image data from the plurality of cameras simultaneously as separate images from at least two of the plurality of cameras, said parameter values relating to the appearance of said image data and at least one of said parameter values being selected from a group consisting of;

a white balance value, a contrast value, a compression value, a sharpness value, and a color balance value,

wherein the processing device is adapted to;

acquire image data from said plurality of cameras,

buffer said image data from said plurality of cameras in said memory,

display said buffered image data from said plurality of cameras on said display,

compare the appearance of the displayed separate images to each other in order to identify a first subset of said plurality of cameras, wherein the image data corresponding to the cameras of said first subset are determined to have a dissimilar appearance in respect of said parameter values compared to the image data of the remaining cameras,

change at least one parameter value for said first subset of said plurality of cameras based upon an actuation of said input device, wherein said actuation comprises a template, wherein the template comprises a set of predetermined parameter values for a certain environment,

transmit said set of predetermined parameter values to said first subset of cameras through said data communications network, to allow update of each camera in said first subset in accordance with said set of predetermined parameter values,

acquire image data from a second subset of said plurality of cameras through said data communications network, where the second subset consists of cameras with updated images,

replace said buffered image data for said second subset of cameras with said acquired image data for said second subset of cameras in said memory, and

display said feedback of the updated images on the display including acquired image data for said second subset of cameras simultaneously on said display as separate images from at least two of the plurality of cameras.

14. An apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said apparatus comprises a personal computer (PC).

15. An apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said apparatus comprises a mobile terminal.

16. A system for configuration of at least one parameter value in a plurality of cameras, comprising:

a data communications network,

a plurality of cameras,

an apparatus connected to said data communications network, said apparatus comprising;

a processing device,

an input device,

a memory adapted for holding a number of parameter values and for buffering image data,

a data communication interface adapted for communication through a data communications network with the plurality of cameras, and

a display adapted for showing image data from the plurality of cameras simultaneously as separate images from at least two of the plurality of cameras, said parameter values relating to the appearance of said image data and at least one of said parameter values being selected from a group consisting of;

a white balance value, a contrast value, a compression value, a sharpness value, and a color balance value,

wherein the processing device is adapted to

acquire image data from said plurality of cameras,

buffer said image data from said plurality of cameras in said memory,

display said buffered image data from said plurality of cameras on said display simultaneously as separate images from at least two of the plurality of cameras,

compare the appearance of the displayed separate images to each other in order to identify a first subset of said plurality of cameras, wherein the image data corresponding to the cameras of said first subset are determined to have a dissimilar appearance in respect of said parameter values compared to the image data of the remaining cameras,

change at least one parameter value for said first subset of said plurality of cameras based upon an actuation of said input device, wherein said actuation of said input device comprises choosing a template, wherein the template comprises a set of predetermined parameter values for a certain environment,

transmit said set of predetermined parameter values to said first subset of cameras through said data communications network, to allow update of each camera in accordance with said set of predetermined parameter values,

acquire image data from a second subset of said plurality of cameras through said data communications network, where the second subset consists of cameras with updated images,

replace said buffered image data for said second subset of cameras with said acquired image data for said second subset of cameras in said memory, and

display feedback of the updated images on the display including said acquired image data for said second subset of cameras simultaneously on said display as separate images from at least two of the plurality of cameras, and

wherein said plurality of cameras is configured for communication with said apparatus through said data communications network.

17. An apparatus comprising:

a processing device,

an input device,

a graphical user interface,

a memory adapted for holding a number of parameter values and for buffering image data,

a data communication interface adapted for communication through a data communications network with a plurality of cameras, and

a display adapted for showing image data from the plurality of cameras simultaneously as separate images from at least two of the plurality of cameras, said parameter values relating to the appearance of said image data and at least one of said parameter values being selected from a group consisting of;

a white balance value, a contrast value, a compression value, a sharpness value, and a color balance value, wherein the processing device is adapted to

acquire image data from said plurality of cameras,

buffer said image data from said plurality of cameras in said memory,

display said buffered image data from said plurality of cameras on said display,

receive user input via said graphical user interface, the input is defining a first subset of said plurality of cameras wherein the appearance on the display of the displayed separate images relating to said defined first subset of said plurality of cameras differs from the appearance on the display of the displayed separate images relating to cameras not included in said first subset in respect of said parameter values, wherein the user input comprises a template comprising a set of predetermined parameter values for a certain environment,

change at least one parameter value for the first subset of said plurality of cameras based upon the received user input from said input device in relation to said graphical user interface,

transmit said at least one parameter value to said first subset of camera through said data communications network, to allow update of said at least one parameter value in each camera in said first subset,

acquire changed image data from a second subset of said plurality of cameras through said data communications network, where the second subset consists of cameras with updated images

replace said buffered image data for said second subset of cameras with said changed image data for said second subset of cameras in said memory, and

display feedback of the updated images on the display including said acquired image data for said second subset of cameras simultaneously on said display as separate images from at least two of the plurality of cameras.

18. A system for configuration of at least one parameter value in a plurality of cameras, comprising:

a data communications network,

a plurality of cameras,

an apparatus connected to said data communications network, said apparatus comprising;

a processing device,

an input device, a graphical user interface,

a memory adapted for holding a number of parameter values and for buffering image data,

a data communication interface adapted for communication through a data communications network with a plurality of cameras, and

a display adapted for showing image data from the plurality of cameras simultaneously as separate images from at least two of the plurality of cameras, said parameter values relating to the appearance of said image data and at least one of said parameter values being selected from a group consisting of;

a white balance value, a contrast value, a compression value, a sharpness value, and a color balance value, wherein the processing device is adapted to

acquire image data from said plurality of cameras,

buffer said image data from said plurality of cameras in said memory,

display said buffered image data from said plurality of cameras on said display,

receive user input via said graphical user interface, the input is defining a first subset of said plurality of cameras wherein the appearance on the display of the displayed separate images relating to said defined first subset of said plurality of cameras differs from the appearance on the display of the displayed separate images relating to cameras not included in said first subset in respect of said parameter values,

wherein the user input comprises a template comprising a set of predetermined parameter values for a certain environment,

change at least one parameter value for the first subset of said plurality of cameras based upon the received user input from said input device in relation to said graphical user interface,

transmit said at least one parameter value to said first subset of cameras through said data communications network, to allow update of said at least one parameter value in each camera in said first subset,

acquire changed image data from a second subset of said plurality of cameras through said data communications network, where the second subset consists of cameras with updated images,

replace said buffered image data for said second subset of cameras with said changed image data for said second subset of cameras in said memory, and

display feedback of the updated images on the display including said acquired image data for said second subset of cameras simultaneously on said display as separate images from at least two of the plurality of cameras, and

wherein said a plurality of cameras is configured for communication with said apparatus through said data communications network.