Abstract: A modular surveillance camera kit includes a group of camera heads each having a respective set of performance characteristics, a group of system controllers each having a respective set of performance characteristics, and a group of communications modules each having a respective set of performance characteristics. Each of the communications modules is configured to be coupled to a system interface. A surveillance camera system may be assembled in a selected one of a plurality of possible combinations by selecting one of the group of camera heads, one of the group of system controllers and one of the group of communications modules such that the selected system controller electrically and mechanically interconnects the selected camera head and the selected communications module. Each system controller is configured to ascertain an identification of the selected camera head and/or the selected communications module that is assembled in a same surveillance camera system as the system controller.

Abstract: A modular surveillance camera kit includes a group of camera heads each having a respective set of performance characteristics and common electrical and mechanical connectors. A group of system controllers each has a respective set of performance characteristics and common electrical and mechanical connectors. A group of communications modules each has a respective set of performance characteristics and common electrical and mechanical connectors. Each of the communications modules is couplable to a system interface. A surveillance camera system may be assembled in a selected one of a plurality of possible combinations by selecting one of the group of camera heads, one of the group of system controllers and one of the group of communications modules such that the selected system controller electrically and mechanically interconnects the selected camera head and the selected communications module.

Abstract: A method of processing video images includes capturing a first image with a camera having a first field of view. The capturing occurs at a first point in time. Commands are transmitted to the camera to make pan, tilt and zoom movements. A second image is captured with the camera at a second point in time. The second point in time is after the movements have commenced. A second field of view of the camera is calculated at the second point in time. The calculating is based upon the commands. The second image is processed based upon the first field of view and the calculated second field of view.

Abstract: A surveillance camera system that includes a camera, a display screen and a processing device having first and second memory devices. The processing device outputs an informational display that is displayed on the screen and overlays a portion of the images captured by the camera. The processing device also outputs a privacy mask which is displayed on the screen and obscures a selected portion of the images captured by the camera. The position of the privacy mask is adjusted to account for changed in the field of view of the camera. The privacy mask output by the processing device has a first resolution and the informational display output by the processing device has a second resolution, the first resolution being greater than the second resolution.