Abstract: An APL field switch includes a number of ports that transmit power to APL field devices connected to spurs extending from the ports. The APL Power Class of each port can be dynamically set by a user to enable more efficient allocation of power to the ports to meet the needs of the connected field devices.

Abstract: Protocol detection circuits for detecting the field device protocol of a field device attached to a channel having a data line are sequentially connected to the data line by a controller that communicates to the field device through the protocol detection circuits. The protocol detection circuits are disconnected from the field device after protocol detection is completed. The channel may be one of a number of channels; the controller may also connect and disconnect the protocol detection circuits from the one channel whereby the protocol detection circuits can be used with any channel. After the protocol of the field device is identified a protocol adapter can be inserted into the channel to enable data conversion between the field device protocol and an another protocol used by the channel for data transmission.

Abstract: A camera system includes a camera assembly and a base. A mounting assembly rotatably mounts the camera assembly on the base. The camera assembly is rotatable through a range of 360 degrees relative to the base about an axis of rotation. The mounting assembly provides electrical communication between the camera assembly and the base. A first emitter and a first detector wirelessly communicate signals therebetween. One of the first emitter and the first detector is mounted on the camera assembly and the other of the first emitter and the first detector is mounted on the base. A second emitter and a second detector wirelessly communicate signals therebetween. One of the second emitter and the second detector is mounted on the camera assembly and the other of the second emitter and the second detector is mounted on the base.

Abstract: A method of placing a surveillance camera in a known reference orientation as a result of panning and tilting movements includes coupling the camera to a fixed structure such that the camera may perform the panning movements about a first axis and may perform the tilting movements about a plurality of second axes. Each of the second axes is substantially perpendicular to the first axis. An optical emitter is fixedly attached either to the fixed structure or to the camera. An optical receiver is fixedly attached to the other one of the fixed structure and the camera. The tilting and panning movements are performed with the camera until the emitter and receiver are in a predetermined position relative to each other as determined from a signal that is output by the receiver in response to receiving optical energy from the emitter.

Abstract: A method of placing a surveillance camera in a known reference orientation as a result of panning and tilting movements includes coupling the camera to a fixed structure such that the camera may perform the panning movements about a first axis and may perform the tilting movements about a plurality of second axes. Each of the second axes is substantially perpendicular to the first axis. An optical emitter is fixedly attached either to the fixed structure or to the camera. An optical receiver is fixedly attached to the other one of the fixed structure and the camera. The tilting and panning movements are performed with the camera until the emitter and receiver are in a predetermined position relative to each other as determined from a signal that is output by the receiver in response to receiving optical energy from the emitter.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a dome camera assembly that is able to ensure repeatability. The dome camera assembly includes a nonvolatile storage mechanism including a stored video image and a corresponding stored camera position. The assembly may further include an image capturing device for capturing a current video image after the camera moves to the stored camera position. An image processing component compares the current video image with the stored video image and determines an offset amount between the current video image and the stored video image. An adjustment mechanism adjusts a current camera position in accordance with the determined offset amount to facilitate repeatability.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a dome camera assembly that is able to ensure repeatability. The dome camera assembly includes a nonvolatile storage mechanism including a stored video image and a corresponding stored camera position. The assembly may further include an image capturing device for capturing a current video image after the camera moves to the stored camera position. An image processing component compares the current video image with the stored video image and determines an offset amount between the current video image and the stored video image. An adjustment mechanism adjusts a current camera position in accordance with the determined offset amount to facilitate repeatability.