Abstract: A surveillance camera system capable of accepting any appropriate surveillance camera and video transmission option and is programmed to operate with a multitude of competitive communication protocols with minimal servicing required. The system can quickly convert and/or update the camera system to be able to transmit video data over coaxial cable, unshielded twisted-pair (UTP), fiber optics or IP. A conversion from UTP to IP can convert the camera assembly into a network server for TCP/IP communication enabling the camera to be controlled locally or from any location over the internet using any installed network video protocol. The camera assembly with the ability to quickly configure the communication video interface via switch selectable on-board communication protocols.

Abstract: A closed circuit television surveillance system of the type used with a dome housing includes a camera which can be scanned with respect to pan and tilt axes. The camera is capable of scanning almost 180° about the tilt axis. As the camera passes the vertical position, the image scan of the camera is flipped electronically so that the image on the monitor appears right-side up even though the camera position has changed to up-side down after it passes the vertical position.

Abstract: A system for encoding selected signal position information from a plurality of video signal sources onto the video signals and for selecting a predetermined one of the signals for display by decoding the encoded information. The encoding portion encodes input signal position information in serial pulse form on the back porch of the respective video signal. An alphanumeric character may also be mixed into the encoded signal. A single output line provides, in sequence, the encoded video signal of each input position. The encoding portion also changes each input video signal to a zero blanking level. The encoded output signal may either be supplied directly to the decoding portion or may be recorded and played back into the decoder. The decoding portion selects a particular signal for display by decoding the encoded information and comparing it to a preset number.

Abstract: Apparatus for encoding identification information onto video signals provided by a plurality of video signal sources (cameras) comprises a switching arrangement for supplying, in sequence, a plurality of independent video signals, each from one of the video sources. An A/D converter converts signal components associated with single field intervals to digital representations and the digital representations are stored in digital memory banks. The memory banks can be divided into two separate halves, each capable of storing a single field of video signals. The memory banks are enabled by a head switching (frame rate) signal from an associated VCR so as to alternately store a single field of video in one half while reading out twice in succession from the other half video signals stored during a preceding frame interval. An encoder adds identification information to the video signals which are read out so as to distinguish those signals from the signals provided from other video sources.

Abstract: A system for distributing a master synchronization signal to several cameras in a CCTV system. The master synchronization signal is distributed on the same coaxial cable over which the video from the cameras is transmitted. The video sync from one camera, designated the master camera is distributed to the remaining cameras, designated the slave cameras. The level of the master sync signal is altered from normal sync level so that it may be detected and reconstructed at the camera by a video sync detector.

Abstract: A bi-directional amplifier for use in closed circuit television systems. The bi-directional amplifier permits the amplification of video signals received from a remote camera and camera control signals received from a control panel. The control signals and video signals are placed on opposite ends of a single link conductor such as a coaxial cable or twisted pair connecting the console and camera. The control signals are transmitted during the vertical back porch period of the video signal. The bi-directional amplifier can be placed in the middle of long runs of the single link to permit balanced or unbalanced transmissions of closed circuit television signals and accompanying control signals over lengths of cable which ordinarily require amplification of the signals to compensate for signal attenuation.

Abstract: A modular video switching system for switching a video signal from one of many video cameras to a video monitor. The system includes one or more individual modules each containing a limited set of input channels. The modules can be cascaded with each other to permit scanning of the video signals from all modules on to a single video monitor. Also provision is made for modular camera controls, requiring only a single control for all cameras, using modular circuitry to rout the control signals to the appropriate camera.

Abstract: An autofocus system and method for automatically adjusting the focus of a lens system. The autofocus system selects video signals, having a frequency in a preselected range and drives the lens system until the voltage of the frequencies in the preselected range is maximized. The preselected frequency range has been found to be to 0.8 Mhz to 1 Mhz.