Abstract: A surveillance system controller comprising a housing, a first control module and a second control module. The first control module is located in a first location in the housing, and it is rotatable around a first axis so that the first control module can be rotated to a first angular position. The second control module is located in a second location in the housing, and it is rotatable around a second axis so that the second control module can be rotated to a second angular position independent of the first angular position.

Abstract: A video surveillance camera comprising an image sensor, first housing, second housing, electronic circuit, and thermal barrier. The image sensor is located in the first housing, and the electronic circuit is located in the second housing. The thermal barrier has first and second sides with the first side located adjacent to the first housing and the second side located adjacent to the second housing. The image sensor and other electronics, such as the processor board associated with the image sensor or the camera power supply, are located in separate housings or chambers that are separated and insulated from each other by a thermal barrier, thereby minimizing the heat generated by the processor electronics or power supply from being transferred to the area of the image sensor.

Abstract: A video surveillance system is provided for recording and executing camera operation patterns. Each pattern includes a plurality of records having a camera condition field and a count field. The system reads a camera condition and writes the condition to memory in a pattern record. The system compares each new camera condition with the condition stored in memory, and records a newly read condition into a new pattern record if the new camera condition is different from the condition data stored in the most recent pattern record. Otherwise, the count field is updated in the most recent pattern record by incrementing a count data therein. Patterns are executed by sequentially moving the camera through the camera condition stored in the pattern records, and keeping the system at a particular condition for a duration equal to the count data of each pattern record multiplied by a predetermined time interval.

Abstract: A video surveillance camera comprising a lens, lens holder, image sensor, base, and ring. The base has a plurality of slots, and the image sensor is mounted on the base. The lens is positioned in the lens holder, which has a plurality of arms with a pin. Each of the arms is positioned so that its respective pin is located in one of the plurality of slots in the base. The ring has a plurality of grooves for engagement with the pins and is rotatably engaged with the base such that rotation of the ring imparts axial movement to the lens relative to the image sensor.

Abstract: This is a security and identification system designed to obtain improved images for use by real-time facial recognition and identification systems for screening individuals passing through secure entry or checkpoints such as airport passenger terminals, government offices, and other secure locations. The system detects the presence of a subject at the checkpoint, interactively instructs the subject to stop and move into position for proper identification and recognition, analyzes the facial features of the subject as (s)he passes through the checkpoint, and compares the features of the subject with those in a database. The system then generates different signals depending upon whether or not the subject is recognized. In one aspect of the invention, different methods and apparatus are provided for compensating for low ambient light so as to improve the quality of the facial image of the subject that is obtained.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of storing video data comprising receiving an MPEG video stream comprising I-frames and P-frames, separating the I-frames from the P-frames, storing the I-frames and the P-frames separately, and providing information so that the I-frames and the P-frames can be combined to produce a full-motion video.

Abstract: A synchronization signal generating apparatus and method in which an input circuit is inductively coupled to an alternating current signal line. The input circuit generates a rectified signal. A switch has a switch input and a switch output in which the switch input is electrically connected to the input circuit and is enabled when the voltage of the rectified signal is greater than a predetermined voltage and is disabled when the rectified signal voltage is less than the predetermined voltage. A pulse generating circuit has a pulse generating circuit input and a pulse generating circuit output. The pulse generating circuit input is electrically connected to the switch output. The pulse generating circuit generates a pulse each time the switch is enabled. The synchronization signal generating apparatus is used in a synchronized television display system to signal a video switch to switch the video signal generated by a camera to a monitor based on the occurrence of the synchronization signal.

Abstract: A product tag system comprises: an RFID tag adapted for attachment to a product; a data store in the tag for bar code information relating to the product; a tag detacher for removing the tag from the product at a point of sale; an RFID tag reader for retrieving the bar code information from the tag when the tag is placed in the tag detacher; and, an display for presenting the bar code information in a form which can be scanned by a conventional bar code scanner, and/or in human readable form. A method for monitoring products comprise the steps of: attaching an RFID tag to a product; writing bar code information onto the tag; retrieving the bar code information from the tag at a point of sale; displaying the bar code information in a form which can be scanned by a conventional bar code scanner, and/or in human readable form; and, detaching the tag from the product.

Abstract: A flat magnetomechanical electronic article surveillance marker is provided having a magnetostrictive resonator and a pair of bias magnets disposed on opposite sides and adjacent the resonator to bias the resonator with a magnetic field of a preselected field strength. The pair of bias magnets and the resonator are maintained substantially parallel and coplanar with each other to form a thin, flat EAS marker. During assembly of the marker, the bias magnets can be laterally adjustable to fine-tune the resonant frequency of the marker, and to compensate for material variability. Alternately, during assembly of the marker, the bias magnets can be adjustable in length to fine-tune the resonant frequency of the marker, and to compensate for material variability.

Abstract: An EAS activation/deactivation antenna in accordance with the invention comprises a core; a coil arrangement having at least two coils spirally wrapped about the core, the first coil having a first rotational direction and the second coil having a rotational direction counter to the first rotational direction; and, a current source operatively connected to the coil arrangement. In consequence of the inventive arrangement, a decaying or steady state, alternating or direct current supplied by a current source can excite the coil arrangement to produce a significant near magnetic field and a reduced far magnetic field, for activation or deactivation of EAS markers.

Abstract: An EAS tag in which the tag is held to an article by an attaching assembly a part of which is releasably prevented from being withdrawn from the body of the tag. The tag body is provided with an arcuate channel through which an arcuate detacher probe can be guided for releasing the attaching assembly part. A spring clamp provides the releasable preventing function and includes jaws specifically adapted to respond to in-plane torsional forces provided by the arcuate probe which is moved through the arcuate channel by rotation to reach the spring clamp. An abutment and spring gate mechanism is placed within the arcuate channel to prevent a relatively rigid wire formed into an arcuate shape from being used to release the attaching assembly part.

Abstract: An electronic article surveillance and identification tag and system is provided. The tag couples energy from a radiated energy source, which comprises first and second radiated signals. A mixing member in the tag mixes the first and second signals to produce a sideband of the first signal, which is re-radiated by the tag. The mixing member is activated by a controller that switches the mixing member into and out of the circuit according to a code stored within the controller that is associated with an article to be identified. As the mixing member is activated and deactivated, the sideband is radiated in a sequential manner according to the stored code. A receiver detects the sideband, and a decoder recovers the stored code according to the sequence of received sideband emissions from the tag.

Abstract: A method for operator feedback when utilizing an RFID reader to find a specific RFID tagged article located in a plurality of RFID tagged articles is provided. Specific search criteria associated with a desired article are entered into the RFID reader. To begin searching for the specific RFID tagged article, the RFID reader sends out an interrogation signal to the RFID tags. An RFID tag responds with the desired RFID tag data. A processor compares the number of RFID tags matching the search criteria to the total number of RFID tags received. A feedback signal is generated according to the ratio of RFID tags matching the search criteria to the total number of RFID tags received.