Optimum multi-camera arrangement using a bee colony algorithm

This paper presents a new method for designing multi-camera arrangements with aim to maximize coverage with the minimum number of cameras. More specifically, the presented problem has three different components, namely (a) to maximize the coverage subject to a given number of cameras (b) to optimize the camera topology given fixed locations and (c) to minimize the cost of the arrangement, while the least required percentage of coverage is provided. In order to solve these problems, a bee colony algorithm is utilized as an optimization technique that is able to determine the minimum number of cameras needed to cover the given space completely while taking into consideration the minimum possible cost for the proposed arrangement as well. The algorithm employs several camera placement constraints referring to geometrical, optical as well as reconstructive limitations and delivers promising preliminary results.