Abstract: A video tracking system and method which includes a video camera having a selectively adjustable panning orientation, tilting orientation and focal length. A processor receives video images acquired by the camera. The processor is programmed to detect target objects in the images and selectively adjust the camera to track the target object. The camera is adjusted at variable rates which are selected as a function of a property, such as the velocity, of the target object. The focal length of the camera is selectively adjusted as a function of the distance of the target object from the camera. The images acquired by the camera are geometrically transformed to align images having different fields of view to facilitate the analysis of the images and thereby allowing the camera to be continuously adjustable for the production of video images having relatively smooth transitional movements.

Abstract: A method for generating a recommendation for a video content not yet broadcast. The method including: remotely accessing a user profile of a viewer; and comparing characteristics of the video content to the user profile to generate a recommendation for the video content. Preferably, the accessing and comparing are repeated for a plurality of viewers, wherein for each of the plurality of viewers a corresponding recommendation is generated for the video content resulting in a plurality of recommendations. More preferably, a statistical analysis is performed on the plurality of recommendations to predict a rating for the video content.

Abstract: A tailgating safety system for a vehicle includes a distance determiner for determining a distance of the vehicle from objects which are leading or following the vehicle. The system also includes a speedometer for determining a speed of the vehicle and an alarm. If the speed of the vehicle is greater than a predetermined speed, and the distance of the vehicle from another object is less than a predetermined distance, then the alarm is activated to advise the driver that at the speed the vehicle is traveling, the distance between the vehicle and the object is not a safe traveling distance.

Abstract: A system and method that detects and identifies an event from a sequence of images received. The system comprises a control unit that receives and processes the sequence of images from the camera. The control unit identifies at least one stationary image prior to the event and one stationary image subsequent to the event. The control unit compares one or more representations corresponding to one or more edges in the first stationary image with one or more representations corresponding to one or more edges in the second stationary image to determine whether an object has been deposited or removed during the event.

Abstract: A system and method for alerting a driver of an automobile to a traffic condition. The system comprises at least one camera having a field of view and facing in the forward direction of the automobile. The camera captures images of the field of view in front of the automobile. A control unit receives images of the field of view from the camera and identifies objects therein of a predetermined type. The control unit analyzes the object images of at least one predetermined type to determine whether one or more of the identified objects present a condition that requires the driver's response. A display receives control signals from the control unit regarding the one or more of the objects that present a condition that requires the driver's response. The display displays an image of the object to the driver that is positioned and scaled so that it overlays the actual object as seen by the driver, the displayed image of the object enhancing a feature of the actual object to alert the driver.

Abstract: A lighting controller is disclosed that automatically adjusts a lighting device based on user activity. The disclosed lighting controller processes at least one of audio and video information to identify predefined user events that suggest that a lighting device should be activated or adjusted. In one implementation, a number of behavior rules define various user activities or events that suggest that the user would like to activate or adjust a lighting device. Each rule contains one or more conditions, and, optionally, a corresponding action-item that should be performed when the rule is satisfied to activate or adjust the lighting device. Upon detection of a predefined event, the corresponding action, if any, is performed by the lighting controller.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for monitoring a location using vision-based technologies and to automatically trigger the activation of a child safety feature or an alarm when a child is detected. One or more image capture devices are focused on a given location. The captured images are processed to identify the presence of a child and to initiate an appropriate response, such as sending assistance, activating a child safety feature or triggering an alarm. A number of rules can be utilized to define various child safety events. Each rule contains one or more conditions that must be satisfied in order for the rule to be triggered, and, optionally, a corresponding action-item that should be performed when the rule is satisfied, such as sending assistance, activating a child safety feature or triggering an alarm.

Abstract: A device for identifying vehicles traveling in excess of a predetermined speed. The device including: speed measurement detector for measuring the speed of a target vehicle and outputting a signal indicative of the measured speed; a camera operatively connected to the speed measurement detector for capturing image data of a license plate affixed to the target vehicle when the target vehicle exceeds the predetermined speed; and a device for tagging the captured image data with the signal indicative of the measured speed of the target vehicle. The device can further have a recognition system for recognizing the license plate of the target vehicle which controls the camera to provide an enhanced view of the license plate. The device can also have classification and color identification systems for identifying a type and color of the target vehicle. The type and color information can also be tagged to the image data.

Abstract: A computer-based assisted parking system and method for parking a vehicle into a parking space includes at least one sensor arranged to sense a position of the vehicle to be parked in a predetermined area adjacent the vehicle; a sensing system for at least two-dimensional reconstruction of feedback received from the one sensor; a path planning system for determining whether positions of other vehicles adjacent the parking space provide sufficient clearance for the vehicle to be parked and providing a planned path indicating how the vehicle to be parked will be maneuvered; a control system for controlling maneuvering of the vehicle to be parked based on the planned path determined by the path planning system, and the control system controls vehicle steering, direction, speed, and application of brakes, so that the vehicle to be parked is maneuvered into the parking space. Alternatively, directions may be given as the vehicle is parked under the control of the driver.

Abstract: A camera-based system includes a number of sites, each having a camera associated therewith. A processing system processes a video signal received from a camera at a given one of the sites, and provides a controlled switching between a representative presence mode and at least one other mode for presentation, at one or more of the sites remote from the given site, of corresponding output video associated with the given site. The processing system utilizes information derived from the video signal generated by the camera to control the switching between the representative presence mode and the other mode, which may be, e.g., a live video mode. For example, the processing system may process the video to identify a user of the system, retrieve a corresponding user profile, and control the switching between the modes in accordance with information in the retrieved user profile.

Abstract: A system and method wherein the parameters used for face recognition are determined via an evolutionary algorithm, such as a genetic algorithm. Candidate sets of parameters are evaluated for face recognition performance in a given environment. The most effective sets of parameters are used to generate offspring sets of parameters, and these offspring sets are subsequently evaluated for face recognition performance. This process is repeated, with each generation of offspring sets inheriting attributes of the most successful sets, until the system converges on a set of parameters that exhibits superior performance for the given environment. In like manner, other sets of parameters are determined for other environments. When the face recognition system is deployed, the appropriate set of parameters is used, dependent upon the environment in which the target images originate. In this manner, the system exhibits superior performance in each of the environments in which it is deployed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for generating and maintaining enhanced background models for use in background-foreground segmentation. Background models are modified to contain an indication of objects that are typically stationary. Thereafter, if an object moves and has been previously identified as an object that is typically stationary, the object will not unnecessarily be identified as part of the foreground during background-foreground segmentation. In an exemplary implementation, moving objects are classified into two sets. A first set includes objects that typically move independently and a second set includes objects that are typically stationary. Generally, once an object is assigned to the second (stationary object) set, the object will remain in the background, even if the object is moved (normally, movement of the object would cause the object to become part of the foreground).

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus suitable for automatically detecting certain supervised users of a device and alerting an authorized user of information regarding that use. When a particular, supervised user and device are recognized, the supervised user's use of the device is monitored by generating a usage history accessible to the authorized user.

Abstract: A method for measuring customer satisfaction with at least one of a service, product, and content is provided. The method including: acquiring at least one of image and speech data for the customer; analyzing the acquired at least one of image and speech data for at least one of the following: (a) detection of a gaze of the customer; (b) detection of a facial expression of the customer; (c) detection of an emotion of the customer; (d) detection of a speech of the customer; and (e) detection of an interaction of the customer with at least one of the service, product, and content; and determining customer satisfaction based on at least one of (a)-(e).

Abstract: A method for automatically switching a protected window displayed on a monitor where the monitor is connected to a processor that receives external input. The method includes the steps of: detecting a time period of inactivity of the external input; and inactivating the protected window if the time period of inactivity detected is above a predetermined threshold. The inactivating of the protected window preferably includes either minimizing the protected window, closing the protected window, or changing the protected window to a default window.

Abstract: A method for automatically displaying an indication of a recommended program to a viewer. The method including: receiving program content; calculating a recommendation score for the received program content, the recommendation score indicating a likelihood that the viewer will approve of the received program content; and automatically displaying an indication of the received program content to the viewer if the recommendation score is above a predetermined threshold. Preferably, the indication is the display of the received program content, which is more preferably displayed on a picture-in-picture display and which can be switched to a main display, if desired, by the viewer.

Abstract: A system, method, and article of manufacture suitable for automatically generating recommendations of a set of entertainment options from a larger set of entertainment options based on user preferences for those options. In particular, the present invention relates to the field of automatically generating recommendations for viewing television programs based on past viewing patterns and preferences of a group of television viewers, all of whom are physically present in front of the television. The present invention creates a user group profile based on the expressed preferences of the user group or preferences implied by past viewing patterns of the user group. The recommendations may be based on the user group's preferences and viewing patterns for viewing during certain times of day or week or certain dates.

Abstract: A telephone user who is at a first telephone station and is placed on hold at a second station is prevented from listening to an objectionable audio signal while a call is in process between the user and the second telephone station. The objectionable audio signal is detected while the call is in process and the user is prevented from hearing the objectionable audio signal while the objectionable audio signal is being detected. In response to detection of the end of the objectionable audio signal, the user is coupled to the second telephone station.

Abstract: A fee-based commercial television broadcast system is provided, wherein non-theatrical data is removed from transmission signals containing theatrical data and non-theatrical data. An input video signal is received by a video processing system. The input video signal includes information relating to non-theatrical images', such as commercials, beginning and end points, as well as the total length of such non-theatrical images in a particular program. A broadcast television service provider offers this information for a fee. This information is then used by the video processing system to enable real-time recording and delayed playback such that a user may view the program in one continuous block without non-theatrical data interruption.

Abstract: Left and right half-face images are processed as independent components in a face-recognition algorithm. To provide compatibility with full-face image recognition systems, mirror-images of the half-face images are used to create full-face images corresponding to each of the left and right half-face images. Each of the created full-face images is compared to a reference full-face image, using conventional face-recognition algorithms. By comparing each of the left-based image and right-based image, the system overcomes the recognition problems that are caused by directional or non-uniform illumination. Alternatively, a composite full-face image can be created based on a blending of the characteristics of each of the left and right half-face images, thereby filtering the illumination variations.