Abstract: A method of dispensing a prescribed medication, in pill form, and verifying that the medication dispensed is the prescribed medication. A medication identified from a prescription (P) is dispensed into a container (C). An image of the dispensed pills is taken and processed to obtain a set of characteristic features of the pill. These features include the coloration, shape, size, and any surface features of the pills. These features are then automatically compared with those of all the pills which can be dispensed by a dispensing apparatus (10). If a pill can be uniquely identified as the correct pill, the container of pills is accepted. Otherwise, the container is rejected. If, as a result of the processing, a determination cannot be made, the container is provisionally rejected and is subsequently inspected by a pharmacist to determine if the prescription is correctly filled.

Abstract: A method of authenticating a video image created by a camera (V) or similar video device. The image is formed into a first 2-dimensional pixel array (A1) with each pixel (pm,n) represented by a data word of a predetermined length. Additional data words including event information are added to this 2-dimensional array (A1). The formatted array is converted into a second 2-dimensional array (A2) which may be made smaller than the first array by eliminating rows and columns from the formatted array. A first linear vector (A3) is created using the data words in the second array, and a second linear vector (A4) is created by repositioning the data words from the first linear vector in a random pattern. A checksum is created by summing the contents of all of the data words in the second linear vector beginning at a location established by a pre-established formula. A header (H) is formed using the resulting checksum, information identifying the device used to create the image, and the time the image is formed.

Abstract: A sensing and processing unit (10) installed on an elevated structure (T) adjacent a roadway (R). An enclosure (12) is mounted on the structure. Housed in the enclosure is a television camera (22, 24), the camera being mounted at an angle less than the plane of the horizontal axis of the enclosure. A processor (42) is also housed in the enclosure and is operatively connected to the camera to process video images acquired by the camera. A digital data storage device (44, 46) is also installed in the enclosure for storing information relevant to a monitoring activity. A communications device (50) installed inside said enclosure sends data to and receives instructions from a monitoring site. The single enclosure facilitates remote site monitoring using a minimum of equipment and simplifies both installation and maintenance requirements.

Abstract: A digital video recording system (10) includes a video camera (12) directed at a scene of interest to continuously view the scene and generate video images (F) of the scene at a predetermined frame rate. A frame grabber (16) converts the images to digital signal (vd). A processor (14) processes the signals, comparing the video image represented by a digital signal with a previously established reference (Fr) of the scene to determine if changes have occurred. The processor has a memory (20) in which contents of each digital signal are stored, together with the time and date information as to when the image was acquired. A video playback capability (30) allows the memory to be accessed to retrieve the contents of digital signals so video images produced by the camera can be recreated. The playback system enables the memory to be accessed at any desired date and time location so an image of interest can be reviewed without having to scan video images in a date/time sequence.

Abstract: A non-imaging traffic sensing system (10) employs three separate detectors (D1-D3) each positioned above a roadway (R) and spatially separated along the roadway. The detectors detect light reflected off the roadway surface. Each detector has its own field of view (FOV) of the roadway surface and a separate footprint (F1-F3) is defined on the surface by intersection of the respective fields of view with the surface. A disturbance passing over the roadway changes the amount of reflected light sensed by the detectors and the detectors generate respective signals indicative of the amount of reflected light they receive. A first pair of the detectors (D1, D3) measure the speed of a passing disturbance. A second pair of the detectors (D1, D2) identify shadows so to eliminate their effects. The footprints defined by the fields of view of the second detector pair generally overlap. A processor (24) processes signals from the first detector pair to determine the speed of the disturbance.

Abstract: Apparatus (30) controlling the temperature within a sealed enclosure (10) housing electronic components (E) whose operation produces heat, and whose operation should occur within a desired temperature range. A heat sink (32) extending through an enclosure endwall (14) conducts heat from within the enclosure to the atmosphere. Other heat sinks (40) mounted within the enclosure are in a thermal transfer relationship with the components for heat generated by the components to be drawn to the heat sinks away from the components. A heat pipe (50) extending between the respective heat sinks conducts the heat to the first said heat sink for heat to be expelled from inside the enclosure to the atmosphere. A heater (60, 62) within the enclosure generates heat to heat the components, and a thermostat (72, 74) senses when the temperature within the enclosure falls below a predetermined temperature to energize the heater.

Abstract: A traffic incident detection system (10) includes both the collection and analysis of traffic data and employs a time-indexed traffic anomaly detection algorithm which partitions time into categories of “type of day,” and “time of day”. Using this partition, a fuzzy neuromorphic, unsupervised learning algorithm calibrates fuzzy sets as “normal” and “abnormal” for a plurality of traffic descriptors. Fuzzy composition techniques are used, on a per traffic lane basis, to combine multiple traffic descriptors in order to determine membership in a “normal” or “abnormal” lane status. Each lane status is then combined to determine the overall status of a road segment. Initial training of the algorithm occurs during the first few weeks after a sensor (12) is installed. On-line background training continues thereafter to continually tune and track seasonal changes affecting system performance.

Abstract: A video surveillance system is disclosed which readily distinguishes between changes within an observed scene, caused by the presence of an intruder within the scene, and changes resulting from lighting variations. The video surveillance system implements a retinex-based algorithm for distinguishing the presence of a new object within the scene from changes in scene lighting. Areas of change between a current image (F1) of the scene and a reference image (RF) thereof are identified to produce a difference image. Response to significant differences present in the difference image, the entire current image and a subsequent image (F2) are partitioned into uniform segments (SF1.sub.1 -SF1.sub.n, SF2.sub.1 -SF2.sub.n), and ratios of changes in light intensity along the edges of the uniform segments are calculated for each partition.

Abstract: A site control unit (12) located at a premises (F) processing video images obtained from a plurality of cameras (22) located about the premises and relaying the presence of a real intrusion to a central station (CS). The site control unit has an image acquisition module (24) receiving video images from the cameras. An image processor (30) processes the images to eliminate possible causes of false alarms of an intrusion and reliably detecting actual intrusions. The processor includes video masking (32) to filter known motion present within a scene, detection (34) detecting movement in unmasked portions of the scene, and recognition (36) classifying the cause of the movement. An indication of an intrusion is given only if the cause is one of a class of predetermined causes representing an intruder on the premises, or an unknown cause. A video recorder (38) records images of the actual intrusion and supplies recorded images to a security system operator (O) who informs authorities of in intrusion.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) and a method for visually monitoring a scene and detecting motion of an intruder within the scene. A camera (C) continually views the scene and produces a representative signal. A processor (12) processes the signal and produces an image (f2) represented by the signal. This image is compared with a similar image (f1) of the scene from a previous point in time. Segments of the later image which differ from segments of the earlier image are identified. A discriminator (14) evaluates these segments to determine if the differences result simply from lighting changes, or the movement of an intruder within the scene. If caused by an intruder, an appropriate indication is provided. An algorithm is employed by which differences from one image to another caused by lighting changes, the effects of motion of objects established within the scene, noise, and aliasing effects are identified so as not to produce false alarms.

Abstract: This invention is a video security system (10) and a method for visually monitoring a scene and detecting motion of an intruder within the scene. A camera (C) continually views the scene and produces a representative signal. A processor (12) processes the signal and produces an image (f2) represented by the signal. This image is compared with a similar image (f1) of the scene from a previous point in time. Segments of the later image which differ from segments of the earlier image are identified. A discriminator (14) evaluates these segments to determine if the differences result simply from lighting changes, or the movement of an intruder within the scene as indicated by surface differences between segments of the respective differences. If caused by an intruder, an appropriate indication is provided. An algorithm is employed by which differences from one image to another caused by global or local lighting changes effects are identified so as not to produce false alarms.

Abstract: A method of authenticating a video image created by a camera (V) or similar video device. The image is formed into a first 2-dimensional pixel array (A1) with each pixel (p.sub.m,n) represented by a data word of a predetermined length. This formatted array is converted into a second 2-dimensional array (A2) which may be made smaller than the first array by eliminating rows and columns from the formatted array. A first linear vector (A3) is created using the data words in the second array, and a second linear vector (A4) is created by repositioning the data words from the first linear vector in a random pattern. A checksum is created by summing the contents of all of the data words in the second linear vector beginning at a location established by a pre-established formula. A header (H) is formed using the resulting checksum, information identifying the device used to create the image, and the time the image is formed.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for generating a radar waveform (W). A noise generator (20) generates a series of pulses in a pseudo-random pattern, and a frequency generator (16) generates a carrier wave having a frequency within a predetermined band of frequencies. The carrier wave is modulated with the pseudo-random pattern of pulses, and the resulting modulated carrier wave passed through both a filter (30) and an attenuator (32) to suppress any discernible feature or signal characteristics of the resulting waveform. The modulated carrier is transmitted by an antenna (42) and a received return signal is processed by a signal processor (100) to obtain pertinent information about a target. The transmitted waveform has no discernible attributes by which the waveform, if processed and analyzed by someone else's radar detector (E) would convey any intelligence as to the presence or source of the transmitted waveform.

Abstract: A low pressure actuated labeling apparatus (10) for printing, cutting, and applying labels (L) to articles (A) such as envelopes, packages and parcels. A printing unit (12) prints predetermined information on a label, the label being on a roll (13) of continuous label stock. A cutting unit (14) cuts the label from an end of the roll of stock after the label is printed. The cut label is deposited on a tamper unit (16) which transports the label from a first position (P1) adjacent the cutting unit to a second position (P2) adjacent the article and affixes the label to the article. The tamper unit includes an air supply system (50) for supplying high volume, low pressure air. The system applies a vacuum to the tamper unit during transport of the label by the tamper unit and a forced air pressure on the tamper unit at the second position for moving the tamper unit to apply the label to the article. The air supply means includes a valve means (54) and a blower means (52).

Abstract: Apparatus (10) monitors a railroad crossing (X) for the presence of an object (H, V, A) in the crossing. The apparatus determines if an object is of sufficient size to damage to a train (1) approaching the crossing, and provides an alarm (Sa) to an approaching train so it can be timely halted. This prevents injury to people or other objects in the crossing, or to the train and its occupants. A camera (14) continuously views the crossing to obtain images of the crossing. An image processor (28) processes images, establishes the presence of objects in the crossing, and determines the size of the object. If appropriate, an alarm (26) is activated and an alarm signal is sent to the train through a relay (36) transmitter (44), and on board receiver (46). An audio alarm (48) on the train is sounded in response to receipt of the signal.

Abstract: A storage and feed mechanism (10) stores ammunition (A) for a weapon (W) and facilitates feeding the ammunition to the weapon during firing. A magazine (12) comprises a storage chamber located adjacent the weapon and capable of storing a plurality of rounds of the ammunition. Individual rounds of ammunition are linked together on an ammunition belt (B) which carries the rounds to the weapon during firing. An ammunition feed (32) includes an inlet chute (33a) positioned above the magazine and allowing linked rounds of ammunition to be vertically extracted from the magazine thereby preventing tip-over and similar problems. The feed further includes a fixed fan section (32a) comprising a rigid chute through which the belt of ammunition is drawn. A sprocket drive (62) includes an appropriate gear (64) which engages the ammunition belt to draw the linked ammunition from the magazine up through the chute to the receiver.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for generating a radar waveform (W). A noise generator (20) generates a series of pulses in a pseudo-random pattern, and a frequency generator (16) generates a carrier wave having a frequency within a predetermined band of frequencies. The carrier wave is modulated with the pseudo-random pattern of pulses, and the resulting modulated carrier wave passed through both a filter (30) and an attenuator (32) to suppress any discernible feature or signal characteristics of the resulting waveform. The modulated carrier is transmitted by an antenna (42) and a received return signal is processed by a signal processor (100) to obtain pertinent information about a target. The transmitted waveform has no discernible attributes by which the waveform, if processed and analyzed by someone else's radar detector (E) would convey any intelligence as to the presence or source of the transmitted waveform.