Abstract: A software development kit prioritizes certain aspects of an acquired image and introduces the prioritized aspects to a main processor. Alternatively, a coprocessor, or the coprocessor and the development kit, manipulate(s) the acquired image and introduce(s) the manipulated image to the processor. The reprogramming of either one of the development kit and the coprocessor may be initiated by either one of them or by the processor and the programming may be provided by the main processor. A central station and a gate array may also be individually reprogrammable by the main processor which sets up, programs and controls an intelligent imaging platform in accordance with the individual reprogrammings. A reprogramming of an audio acquisition stage may also be initiated by that stage and any of the other stages and the processor and may be provided by the processor. The audio information may be related to the acquired image.

Abstract: A surveillance camera system capable of accepting any appropriate surveillance camera and video transmission option and is programmed to operate with a multitude of competitive communication protocols with minimal servicing required. The system can quickly convert and/or update the camera system to be able to transmit video data over coaxial cable, unshielded twisted-pair (UTP), fiber optics or IP. A conversion from UTP to IP can convert the camera assembly into a network server for TCP/IP communication enabling the camera to be controlled locally or from any location over the internet using any installed network video protocol. The camera assembly with the ability to quickly configure the communication video interface via switch selectable on-board communication protocols.

Abstract: This invention discloses a system for distribution of real time video signals including at least one video camera generating at least one video signal at a supply frame rate, and at least two video signal recipients receiving the at least one video signal at least two respective recipient frame rates selected by an operator, the at least two recipient frame rates differing from each other and not exceeding the supply frame rate.

Abstract: A non-contact wiper and washer assembly for surveillance camera domes having a semicircular perforated tube in close proximity to the dome surface. The tube is pivotable by a motorized mechanism so that either washer solution or compressed air may be dispensed over the entire surface of the dome thereby washing it and cleaning it from any water droplets.

Abstract: A portable support boom for supporting both a video camera and a video monitor includes a foldable boom having the video camera fixed to a remote portion of the boom and the video monitor mounted to an accessible portion of the boom. The support boom is held upright and directed by a cameraman in such a manner that the he may directly view images displayed by the monitor and recorded by the remote camera.

Abstract: To focus the video camera, the CCD image pickup device moves relative to the lens mount which is maintained fixed in relation to the camera body. The lens mount includes a cylindrical bearing surface on which symmetrically spaced carrier bearings slide when a focusing ring is turned. Cam followers connected to the carrier ride on ramps incorporated in the focusing ring. When the focusing ring rotates, the cam followers slide along the moving ramp surfaces and cause corresponding motion of the CCD pickup device.

Abstract: A system for encoding selected signal position information from a plurality of video signal sources onto the video signals and for selecting a predetermined one of the signals for display by decoding the encoded information. The encoding portion encodes input signal position information in serial pulse form on the back porch of the respective video signal. An alphanumeric character may also be mixed into the encoded signal. A single output line provides, in sequence, the encoded video signal of each input position. The encoding portion also changes each input video signal to a zero blanking level. The encoded output signal may either be supplied directly to the decoding portion or may be recorded and played back into the decoder. The decoding portion selects a particular signal for display by decoding the encoded information and comparing it to a preset number.

Abstract: A system for distributing a master synchronization signal to several cameras in a CCTV system. The master synchronization signal is distributed on the same coaxial cable over which the video from the cameras is transmitted. The video sync from one camera, designated the master camera is distributed to the remaining cameras, designated the slave cameras. The level of the master sync signal is altered from normal sync level so that it may be detected and reconstructed at the camera by a video sync detector.

Abstract: A bi-directional amplifier for use in closed circuit television systems. The bi-directional amplifier permits the amplification of video signals received from a remote camera and camera control signals received from a control panel. The control signals and video signals are placed on opposite ends of a single link conductor such as a coaxial cable or twisted pair connecting the console and camera. The control signals are transmitted during the vertical back porch period of the video signal. The bi-directional amplifier can be placed in the middle of long runs of the single link to permit balanced or unbalanced transmissions of closed circuit television signals and accompanying control signals over lengths of cable which ordinarily require amplification of the signals to compensate for signal attenuation.

Abstract: A modular video switching system for switching a video signal from one of many video cameras to a video monitor. The system includes one or more individual modules each containing a limited set of input channels. The modules can be cascaded with each other to permit scanning of the video signals from all modules on to a single video monitor. Also provision is made for modular camera controls, requiring only a single control for all cameras, using modular circuitry to rout the control signals to the appropriate camera.

Abstract: An autofocus system and method for automatically adjusting the focus of a lens system. The autofocus system selects video signals, having a frequency in a preselected range and drives the lens system until the voltage of the frequencies in the preselected range is maximized. The preselected frequency range has been found to be to 0.8 Mhz to 1 Mhz.

Abstract: A housing assembly is provided for use with a remote electronic surveillance camera or the like, having a removable housing cover which permits rapid access to the interior of the housing assembly for service and adjustments. The cover is connected to the housing with a plurality of latching mechanisms which combine both latching and hinging functions in a single unit. The latching mechanisms cooperate with each other to allow hinging of the housing cover about a number of different axes, and further permit complete removal of the cover. A specially designed locking mechanism is also disclosed which provides the above-mentioned latching and hinging features while securing the housing assembly against unauthorized intrusion.The preferred embodiment of the invention further discloses a fan assembly and heating element which are used to maintain a desired temperature range inside the housing for optimum performance of an electronic surveillance camera mounted therein.

Abstract: A housing assembly is provided for use with a television surveillance camera or the like. The housing includes an extruded stationary base with identical frame-shaped front and rear fixed members, and a removable extruded cover which latches to the front and rear members. A television camera inside the housing may receive optical images through the front frame member and transmit these images via cables leaving the housing through the rear frame member.A molded rubber end cap is adapted for detachable connection to the rear frame member, sealing out dust and contaminants when in place. The detachable end cap includes dustproof openings for the entry of cables into the rear of the housing with projections for strain relief incorporated into the openings. The openings are further connected by a slit in the rubber end cap, permitting cables to be inserted through the end cap without removing terminal connecting members.

Abstract: An attenuation spot filter adapted to extend the light intensity range of usefulness of cameras, particularly television cameras, by attenuating the input light intensity in accordance with reduced iris aperture, comprising an optical element having at its center a thin film coating the density of which decreases in a radially outward direction whereby light attenuation is a minimum at maximum iris aperture and is maximum at minimum iris aperture.The attenuation spot filter is manufactured by a thin film carbon deposit of controlled thickness and diameter onto an optical flat which is, after deposition, coated. The flat is held horizontally for vertical axial rotation about a controlled flame, with the distance between the flame and the flat being cam-controlled and with the flame jet being secured for vertical axial movement with a cam follower. The coating is float-applied for uniformity and the coating material is an alkyd resin and lacquer thinner mixture.

Abstract: An attenuation spot filter adapted to extend the light intensity range of usefulness of cameras, particularly television cameras, by attenuating the input light intensity in accordance with reduced iris aperture, comprising an optical element having at its center a thin film coating the density of which decreases in a radially outward direction whereby light attenuation is a minimum at maximum iris aperture and is maximum at minimum iris aperture.The attenuation spot filter is manufactured by a thin film carbon deposit of controlled thickness and diameter onto an optical flat which is, after deposition, coated. The flat is held horizontally for vertical axial rotation about a controlled flame, with the distance between the flame and the flat being cam-controlled and with the flame jet being secured for vertical axial movement with a cam follower. The coating is float-applied for uniformity and the coating material is an alkyd resin and lacquer thinner mixture.