Estimation criterion and method for optimizing the redundancy of video images in surveillance systems

Volkhonskiy V.V., Kaliberda I.V. Estimation criterion and method for optimizing the redundancy of video images in surveillance systems. Scientific and Technical Journal of Information Technologies, Mechanics and Optics, 2026, vol. 26, no. 2, pp. 402–409 (in Russian). doi: 10.17586/2226-1494-2026-26-2-402-409

The problem of optimizing the distribution of pixel density over the viewing area is considered, which ensures a minimum of redundancy of video images with a limited space for camera installations. A solution is presented to eliminate the redundancy of the informativeness of video signals, which leads to excessive resource costs for transmitting, storing, processing and displaying video signals. The proposed approach is based on an integral assessment of the continuous distribution of pixel density over the viewing area in comparison with the required value for solving a given observation task. The surveillance task is formalized — the definition of surveillance spaces and possible camera installation locations. A method for calculating the pixel density distribution over the viewing area is shown followed by optimizing the installation parameters according to the criteria of the minimum value of the redundancy coefficient when the required pixel density is reached or the maximum minimum pixel density with a given limitation on the redundancy coefficient. An integral coefficient and redundancy optimization criteria are proposed, taking into account the nature of the pixel density distribution and an optimization method that allows maximizing the minimum pixel density or minimizing the redundancy value of the video image. It is shown that the use of normalization in terms of both the minimum required pixel density and the length of the viewing area makes it possible to use the proposed criteria for most practical detection and identification tasks with different camera installation parameters. A practical example of using the method is given. The proposed criteria and method make it possible to increase the efficiency of the video surveillance system by reducing resource redundancy while maintaining the required information content. The results of the work are applicable to the tasks of video monitoring of a zone with one or more cameras as well as for solving various surveillance tasks in one zone. They can be used in the development of surveillance systems and computer-aided design programs for such systems.

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