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 system and method is provided for processing video signals, tracking objects in view, and blanking fields of view in video surveillance systems. The system includes a camera having two rotational degrees of freedom, a display, and a combination of switches for routing the video signal. The displayed video signal is divided into an array of cells which may be individually masked, blanked, or blurred. The camera microcontroller captures and stores objects in view, and tracks such objects as the camera zooms, pans and tilts in spherical coordinates. Objects in view may be tracked and blanked by obscuring an agglomeration of the cells in response to a masking signal generated by the microcontroller.

Abstract: A pixel clock generating circuit is provided in which a digital circuit generates a first signal corresponding to the relative frequency of the pixel clock as compared with a predetermined desired pixel clock frequency. An analog circuit is electrically coupled to the digital circuit in which the analog circuit has a reverse biased variable capacitance device, an integrator and a comparator circuit. The reverse biased variable capacitance device has an anode and a cathode. The integrator has an input coupled to the digital circuit and an output coupled to the cathode of the reverse biased variable capacitor. The integrator is arranged to integrate the first signal received from the digital circuit and produce an output voltage across the reverse biased variable capacitance device such that the output voltage causes the capacitance of the reverse biased capacitor to change if the pixel clock is not operating at the predetermined desired pixel clock frequency.

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.