Abstract: A mounting assembly comprising: a first housing portion adapted to be mounted to an object, the first housing portion having a first opening and a plurality of pins located in the opening and a first portion of a closing mechanism located on the outside of the first housing portion; and a second housing portion having a member having a plurality of slots for mating with the plurality of pins and a second portion of a closing mechanism that mates with the first portion of a closing mechanism.

Abstract: A method of controlling a video source in a video surveillance system having a video source connected by a network to a workstation having a graphical user interface for enabling a user to control the video source comprising the steps of providing a video analysis program for analyzing the video images generated by the video source before the video images are transmitted over the network, providing a file containing the user interface controls for the graphical user interface and the parameters for configuring the video analysis program; storing the file in memory, downloading the file to the workstation at run time and enabling a user to configure the video analysis program by interacting with the graphical user interface.

Abstract: A method of improving video performance in video surveillance system having a wireless encoder connected to a video surveillance network by a wireless access point device comprises the steps of allocating channel bandwidth to the wireless encoder from the wireless access point device, transmitting packets of video data from the wireless encoder to the wireless access point device, transmitting signals from the wireless access point device to the wireless encoder, monitoring the strength of the signals received by the wireless access point device, the strength of the signals received by the wireless encoder, and the number of lost packets of video data transmitted from the wireless encoder to the wireless access point device, sending a request from the wireless encoder to the wireless access point device to change the bit transmission rate of the wireless encoder if the strength of the signals received by the wireless access point device is less than a first threshold, if the strength of the signals received b

Abstract: A device for performing one of the functions from the group of functions of wireless transmission of a signal and wireless reception of a signal comprising a housing having a cavity on the outside surface of the housing and an antenna assembly comprising an antenna mounted on a member, the member having a ball at one end that mates with the cavity, the member having a plate having an aperture sized so that it can be moved along the member and attached to the housing so that the antenna can be moved in three dimensions and then fixedly secured in the cavity by the plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating video connections to surveillance devices comprising a plurality of twisted pair input connectors for receiving twisted pair wire connectors with each of the twisted pair wire connectors providing a video channel, a plurality of BNC output connectors, a ribbon cable connector and circuitry for connecting each channel to one of the plurality of BNC output connectors and the ribbon cable.

Abstract: The present invention is a camera mounting structure that is made using a minimal number of parts that are attached together without the use of hardware or fasteners. One or more motors are each mounted to a support bracket using locking tabs, boss registers, clips and/or tension members. Pins or registers on each motor correspond to openings or slots on each support bracket for precise positioning of the motor when attached to the bracket. Each motor support bracket is, in turn, attached to a rotatable ring that moves in a base without the use of hardware or fasteners. Motors and brackets are provided for the pan and tilt movements of the camera. The rotatable ring is journaled directly to the based using an annular channel in the base to further minimize the number of parts making up the mounting assembly, allowing for easy assembly, disassembly, service and repair.

Abstract: A workstation for a surveillance system comprising a display, a user input device and a control unit in communication with the display and the user input device. The user input device has a plurality of keys and a light source to light the keys with a plurality of different colors. The control unit generates an image on the display that has a plurality of differently colored icons with each of the icons symbolizing a function to be performed by the control unit. The control unit generates a control signal to the user input device causing the light source to light the plurality of keys in the user input device in colors to correspond to the colors of the icons in the image on the display. The control unit performs the control function corresponding to a particular icon from the plurality of differently colored icons when a user activates a key from the plurality keys having the color that corresponds to the color of the particular icon.

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 span wire assembly for supporting a traffic control device. The span wire assembly includes a pair of vertical members or cast arms for attachment to the traffic control device. The cast arms are integrally formed with tubular ends and a centrally positioned wiring passage. A span wire assembly utilizing the inventive cast arms has fewer parts and, consequently, is simpler for the manufacturer to produce and for the customer to use.