Abstract: A controller for a video matrix switching system may include at least a first multiple purpose unit (MPU) module configured to provide video and control for a multi-camera video CCTV system, and at least a first port module connectable to the MPU module and having driver electronics for a set of interface ports. In some, but not necessarily all embodiments, the interface ports may include both a plurality of communications ports and one or more data line ports. Also, the MPU module may include a watchdog module configured to present an interface that monitors specified tasks and takes action when any of the specified tasks time out.

Abstract: A controller for a video surveillance camera enclosure including a method and apparatus for controlling a stepper motor by decoding a command for a specific camera action, setting the state of a state machine, and instructing a position control process and a speed control process based upon the state of the state machine. A drive signal is send from said position control process to a motor current process and a phase control process to generate the current and phase signals to control the stepper motor. The stepper motor drive current is preferably a non-linear current. The speed control signal includes ramp up and ramp down speed control for gradually increasing motor speed and gradually decreasing motor speed, respectively. Another aspect of the invention detects a plurality of pan and/or tilt positions to reset the pan and/or tilt motor step count to a known count associated with a known location without the need to pan and/or tilt past a preselected home position.

Abstract: An outdoor enclosure for a video surveillance system comprises: a housing having an outer wall with an opening; an observation bubble disposed over the opening, the housing being adapted for supporting a video surveillance camera; and, first and second fans mounted in the enclosure to establish an air flow pattern when the fans are operating which circulates substantially unidirectionally around the video surveillance camera when the camera is disposed in the bubble, the circulating air flow pattern being substantially free of dead zones inside the bubble and efficiently conducting thermal energy from within the enclosure to the outer wall and to the bubble for subsequent dissipation outside the enclosure. The enclosure can comprise a temperature responsive heater mounted in the circulating air flow pattern adjacent to the fans, downstream from the heater and upstream from the bubble. The fans are substantially transversely aligned within the circulating air flow pattern.

Abstract: A surveillance assembly in which a camera and lens assembly is surrounded by a shroud to form an eyeball assembly which is rotatable about first and second axes and which is enclosed within a housing. A carriage assembly for mounting the eyeball assembly to the housing is provided in the surveillance assembly and includes pivot and engagement parts which allow the carriage assembly to be pivoted into position. Additionally disclosed is a camera/lens mounting with a resilient annular member for permitting adjustment of the mounting along the lens axis and a cable support assembly for an electrical cable connected between a camera lens assembly and another part of a surveillance assembly in which the cable support assembly permits the cable to be wound about the pivot axis of the camera and lens assembly.

Abstract: A surveillance assembly wherein a support housing and a cover member when joined form a space for receiving a camera and lens assembly and wherein a forced air delivery assembly is adapted to provide forced air to the cover member from points distributed about substantially the entire circumference of the cover member.

Abstract: A surveillance assembly in which a camera and lens assembly is surrounded by a shroud to form an eyeball assembly which is rotatable about first and second axes and which is enclosed within a housing. A carriage assembly for mounting the eyeball assembly to the housing is provided in the surveillance assembly and includes pivot and engagement parts which allow the carriage assembly to be pivoted into position. Additionally disclosed is a camera/lens mounting with a resilient annular member for permitting adjustment of the mounting along the lens axis and a cable support assembly for an electrical cable connected between a camera lens assembly and another part of a surveillance assembly in which the cable support assembly permits the cable to be wound about the pivot axis of the camera and lens assembly.

Abstract: Outdoor surveillance apparatus, of the type having a camera assembly supported for movement therein, includes a heater supported with the camera assembly for movement therewith, a circulation fan supported with the camera assembly for movement therewith and for issuing output thereof onto the heater, and exhaust fans supported in the apparatus. A thermostat unit generates first (low dome temperature) and second (high dome temperature) output signals and a controller operates the circulation fan continuously during use of the apparatus, operates the heater upon occurrence of the thermostat first output signal, and operates the exhaust fans upon occurrence of the thermostat second output signal.