Abstract: The present invention provides a video surveillance apparatus and method of operation for a system having at least one predefined setting. A first parameter corresponding to an alignment of a video camera assembly with a visual target is stored. A second parameter corresponding to the alignment of a modified video camera assembly with the visual target is obtained. A difference between the first and second parameters is determined. The difference is applied to at least one of the predefined settings.

Abstract: A system for wireless heat detection is disclosed. The system includes one or more heat sensors that convert sensed heat energy into electrical power for transmitting an alarm signals. A remote system may trigger an alarm based on the received alarm signals. The heat sensors may be placed at discrete locations within an interior of a building to monitor a condition of the infrastructure of the building. The remote system can include a communications module for receiving the signal and transmitting an alarm signal to an associated fire panel. The fire panel may analyze the signal, as well as signals generated from adjacent sensors, to determine whether a fire condition exists within a building. Appropriate notification devices may then be activated based on the determination. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A system for determining motion of a tagged article may include a tag detection sub-system, a traffic pattern determination sub-system, and a monitoring sub-system. The tag detection sub-system is configured to output tag data regarding movement of the tagged article with respect to a tag detector proximate an exit portal of a location. The traffic pattern determination sub-system is configured to output traffic data regarding movement of an individual with respect to the exit portal of the location. The monitoring sub-system may include a correlation module configured to compare the tag data with the traffic data to accurately determine one or both of motion or path of the tagged article.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting tampering of a security system component is provided. An analytic alarm indicative of potential tampering with a security system component is received. Data from at least one sensor is received. A computing device is used to analyze the analytic alarm and the data from the at least one sensor to determine whether tampering of the security system component has occurred. A qualified alarm signal is generated when the analysis of the analytic alarm and the data from the at least one sensor is indicative of tampering.

Abstract: An analytical device is disclosed that analyzes whether a first image is similar to (or the same as) as a second image. The analytical device analyzes the first image by combining at least a part (or all) of the first image with at least a part (or all) of the second image, and by analyzing at least a part (or all) of the combined image. Part or all of the combination may be analyzed with respect to the abstraction of the first image and/or the abstraction of the second image. The abstraction may be based on a Bag of Features (BoF) description, based on a histogram of intensity values, or based on other types of abstraction methodologies. The analysis may involve comparing one or more aspects of the combination (such as the entropy or randomness of the combination) with the one or more aspects of the abstracted first image and/or abstracted second image. Based on the comparison, the analytical device may determine whether the first image is similar to or the same as the second image.

Abstract: A system providing a graphical user interface incorporating fisheye image data captured by a first camera using a fisheye lens is provided. The system includes a buffer configured to receive the fisheye image data corresponding to a monitored area. A processor is in communication with the buffer. The fisheye image data is transformed into panoramic view data corresponding to a panoramic view of the monitored area using a panoramic transformation process. The fisheye image data is transformed into virtual view data corresponding to a partial view of the panoramic view using a virtual view transformation process different from the panoramic view transformation process. The panoramic view data and the virtual view data are encoded for display in the graphical user interface.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting tampering of a security system component is provided. An analytic alarm indicative of potential tampering with a security system component is received. Data from at least one sensor is received. A computing device is used to analyze the analytic alarm and the data from the at least one sensor to determine whether tampering of the security system component has occurred. A qualified alarm signal is generated when the analysis of the analytic alarm and the data from the at least one sensor is indicative of tampering.

Abstract: A computerized method of video analysis that includes receiving several series of video frames generated by a number of image sensors. Each image sensor has its own field-of-view which can, but does not have to, overlap with another image sensor's field-of-view. The image sensors monitor a portion of a monitored environment. The computerized method also includes concurrently tracking, independent of calibration, multiple objects within the monitored environment as the objects move between fields-of-view, and multiple objects within one field-of-view. The tracking is based on the plurality of received series of video frames.

Abstract: A method and system are described for providing a wireless sensor network between a main node and a plurality of nodes, the nodes associated with sensors. The method and system define communications channels over which the main node communicates with the nodes based on a channel hopping scheme, and define at least one transfer channel that is dedicated to carrying transfer frames that are broadcast by the main node. The method and system configure non-acquired nodes that are not acquired to the network to enter a connection session by locating the at least one transfer channel to listen for a transfer message. The transfer message indicates a next communications channel that will become active. The method switches the non-acquired nodes to the next communications channel.

Abstract: A method and system are described for providing a wireless sensor network between a main node and a plurality of nodes, the nodes associate with sensors. The method and system define communications channels over which the main node communicates with the nodes based on a channel hopping scheme pattern, and define at least one transfer channel that is dedicated to carrying transfer frames that are broadcast by the main node. The method and system configure non-attached nodes that are not attached to the network, to enter a connection session by tuning to the transfer channel to listen for a transfer message. The transfer message indicates a next communications channel. The method tunes the non-attached nodes to the next communications channel, listens for a beacon frame, and utilizes the beacon frame as a timing reference to enable the non-attached nodes to attach to the network.

Abstract: Methods and systems for creating video from multiple sources utilize intelligence to designate the most relevant sources, facilitating their adjacent display and/or catenation of their video streams.

Abstract: An event management system, comprising a server comprising a platform component architecture (PCA) and a software engine, wherein the PCA is configured to provide runtime discovery and display of system components. The system also comprises a data source for storing user define data objects and applications; at least one system component; and at least one client for administering and monitoring user-defined events, wherein the PCA provides a common interface between the server, the data source, and the at least one client.

Abstract: In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, reader antennas are provided within storage fixtures for transporting RF signals between, for example, an RFID reader and an RFID tag. In a preferred embodiment, the RFID-enabled storage fixtures are implemented using an intelligent network, which may allow enhanced flexibility in controlling systems for interrogation of RFID antennas.

Abstract: A security device is removably affixable to an article. The security device includes a housing having a securing pad, a locking element and a strap. The locking element is disposed within the housing. The strap includes a first end having a latching region that is insertable into the housing and a second end having a securing region. The strap is slidingly movable between an open position and a locked position. The locking element engages with the latching region of the strap. An eccentrically mounted wheel may be mounted on one of the securing region of the strap and the securing pad. When in the locked position, the eccentrically mounted wheel secures the article between the securing pad and the securing region of the strap.

Abstract: An integrated data reader and electronic article surveillance (EAS) system, and methods of operation. Several configurations are also disclosed for alternate deactivation coil designs and mounting schemes.

Abstract: A security tag including independent EAS and RFID components disposed in a housing configured for geometric placement of the RFID and EAS components for optimum RFID performance. The EAS component is situated in a first compartment and the RFID component is situated in a second compartment. The RFID component includes a hybrid antenna RFID inlay and an IC chip. The tag housing includes a key structure that minimizes the de-tuning of both the EAS and RFID components by positioning the IC chip such that the IC chip is closer to a first side of the second compartment than the second side of the second compartment when the antenna inlay is inserted within the housing. The housing further includes one or more pins that raise the RFID inlay above the magnetic resonator of the EAS component to further insure optimal RFID read performance.

Abstract: A metal detection device, system and method are provided. The device includes a receiver that receives a signal pattern representing electromagnetic field disturbances over time caused by movement of metal doors in a detection region. The device further includes a memory in communication with the receiver. The memory stores a recorded signal pattern of a previously received signal pattern and at least one quality criterion. The device further includes a processor in communication with the memory. The processor determines pattern vitals indicating a quality of the received signal pattern. The processor further determines whether the at least one quality criterion is met based at least in part on the pattern vitals. The processor further updates the recorded signal pattern based at least in part on determining whether the at least one quality criterion is met.

Abstract: In accordance with preferred embodiments or the invention, a method (and corresponding apparatus) is provided for deducing the location of one or more items or objects to be monitored. In exemplary embodiments, the method (and corresponding apparatus) is implemented in RFID (radio frequency identification) applications (e.g., reading RFID tags at 13.56 MHz and approximately 900 MHz) by deducing the location of an item associated with a unique RFID tag in one or more areas of detection covered by multiple RFID reader antennae.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture consistent with certain aspects related to the present invention collect item information from RFID tags attached to items in an inventory, and uses the collected item information to perform various inventory management processes. In one aspect, the inventory management processes may include determining, reporting, and/or providing corrective actions for one or more events associated with at least one of depletions of items in the inventory, changes in the design of items in the inventory, defects with one or more items, misplaced items, the movement of an unusual umber of items within a short period of time (i.e., shrinkage), and malfunctions of one or more components included in the environment.