An approximation algorithm for the least overlapping p-frame problem with non-partial coverage for networked robotic cameras

We report our algorithmic development of the p-frame problem that addresses the need of coordinating a set of p networked robotic pan-tilt-zoom cameras for n, (n > p), competing polygonal requests. We assume that the p frames have almost no overlap on the coverage between frames and a request is satisfied only if it is fully covered. We then propose a Resolution Ratio with Non-Partial Coverage (RRNPC) metric to quantify the satisfaction level for a given request with respect to a set of p candidate frames. We propose a lattice-based approximation algorithm to search for the solution that maximizes the overall satisfaction. The algorithm builds on an induction-like approach that finds the relationship between the solution to the (p - 1)-frame problem and the solution to the p-frame problem. For a given approximation bound ∈, the algorithm runs in O(n/∈³+p²/∈⁶) time. We have implemented the algorithm and experimental results are consistent with our complexity analysis.