Abstract: A method for demultiplexing time-division multiplexed digital video data which originates from multiple sources in which the time-division multiplexed images are not indexed nor is there identification information provided to differentiate sources. The sources are generally cameras which may be stationary cameras or moving cameras that rotate as are commonly used in the surveillance industry. A first set of digital video data representative of a first image is retrieved from a memory source or from a video tape. The first set of digital video data is stored to a memory location associated with a first source. The first set of video data is also identified as representative video data of the first source. A second set of digital video data representative of a current image is then retrieved. A difference ratio is calculated using the representative digital video data and the current set of digital video data.

Abstract: A method for viewing a first object that is obstructed by a second object. In such a method, the first object has a contrasting color to the second object and the second object is constructed from a material that allows visible light to pass therethrough. The amount of visible light that passes through the second object is not enough such that the first object is visible to the human eye. The method involves taking a digital image of the first and second object using a visible light sensor, such as a CCD camera sensor. The digital image data that is received into a computer system contains both first object data and second object data. It should be understood that the fist object data and the second object data include color information. The amount of contrast between the first and the second object should be approximately 10% of the total scale such that on a 256 color scale the difference is approximately 25 levels.

Abstract: A multiplexed motion picture stream (e.g., video) is demultiplexed. The motion picture stream contains one or more images from each of a plurality of camera sources. The process of demultiplexing the stream is automated and does not require user intervention. The stream is demultiplexed by identifying images within the image stream and comparing the images to representative images from camera sources. During comparison a mismatch value is determined and is compared to a mismatch threshold. If the mismatch value is below the mismatch threshold, the image is assigned to a channel associated with the camera. In some embodiments after demultiplexing, stored motion picture images of different channels can be viewed simultaneously at the same image by advancing to a given image of only one stored channel.