Sensor placement tool for rapid development of video sensor layouts

The arrangement of video sensors in closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems, for instance can have drastic effects on the efficiency and cost of the final system. In the present work, I describe a tool designed for rapid construction of simulated video sensor layouts that allows quantification of sensor coverage and cost estimation to be determined prior to installation; thus, avoiding costly changes during or after the installation. Most previous work in this area either considers sensor coverage only in a 2D space or requires significant preparation to achieve accurate results in 3D. In the present work, I describe an implementation of a novel coverage-analysis algorithm that uses the geometry of image formation to cast rays from simulated video sensors through the monitored area to estimate sensor coverage at every 3D location. Visualization techniques of the acquired sensor coverage data are additionally presented. Simulation for Archietecture and Urban Design This work may not be copied or reproduced in whole or in part for any commercial purpose. Permission to copy in whole or in part without payment of fee is granted for nonprofit educational and research purposes provided that all such whole or partial copies include the following: a notice that such copying is by permission of Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc.; an acknowledgment of the authors and individual contributions to the work; and all applicable portions of the copyright notice. Copying, reproduction, or republishing for any other purpose shall require a license with payment of fee to Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved. Copyright c ©Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc., 2011 201 Broadway, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139