Abstract: A method of inspecting a vehicle, comprising providing at an inspection site a hand-held inspection wand that transceives audio-visual information with a command/remote site a safe distance from the inspection site and that is staffed by law enforcement personnel, stopping the vehicle at the remote site, instructing an occupant of the vehicle to exit the vehicle and grasp the wand, transmitting instructions from the command site to the occupant via the wand, that direct the occupant to capture video of the vehicle at the remote site using the wand, capturing video of the vehicle using the wand, transmitting the captured video from the wand to the command site, and displaying the transmitted captured video at the command site.

Abstract: A method including sending a device ID and financial information associated with a user of a device to a transaction device in response to receiving a transaction request from the transaction device, configuring an image capture device to capture an image of the user and send the image of the user to the transaction device, and configuring the transaction device to authenticate the financial information with the image of the user.

Abstract: A method of operating an optical indicia reader adapted for reading information bearing indicia (IBI) information comprising the steps of: capturing images of a region of interest utilizing an image sensor; decoding IBIs in captured images when operating the reader in an indicia reading mode; transmitting captured images of the region of interest to a server periodically when operating the reader in a security mode; and, archiving the transmitted images.

Abstract: A customer behavior recording device includes: an entrance camera (13) which is arranged at the entrance of a facility, such as a store, and images a person who enters the store; an in-facility (in-store) camera (14) which is arranged in the facility and images a person who moves in the facility; and an accounting area camera (15) which is arranged in an accounting area of the facility and images a person who pays money for a commodity. Moreover, the customer behavior recording device includes: an attribute estimation unit which estimates an attribute of the person in accordance with the person imaged by the entrance camera (13); and a personal information recording unit having a file which has imaged the person and a file for recording the time when the image was captured and the attribute estimated by the attribute estimation unit.

Abstract: A security system useful for monitoring an automated teller machine (ATM) includes a camera that provides images of at least selected portions of the ATM. A controller automatically determines whether a difference between a reference image of the ATM and a subsequently acquired image from the camera indicates an alteration to the ATM. One example provides the ability to detect whether a skimming reader has been placed adjacent a card receiving slot. A disclosed example includes acquiring a plurality of reference images corresponding to different lighting conditions and using an appropriate one of the reference images based upon a lighting condition or time of day associated with a subsequently acquired image.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gambling terminal comprising a mount (63) for receiving a gambling document belonging to a user and a camera able to acquire an image of the gambling document when the gambling document is placed on the mount, the terminal having a first side intended to face an operator and a second side opposite the first side and intended to face the user, in which the terminal has a first opening (14) arranged on the first side and a second opening arranged on the second side such that the gambling document can be seen simultaneously by the operator and the user while the image is being acquired.

Abstract: An information providing apparatus includes an image capturer for capturing an image of a customer which requires a certain time to be consumed at a given location, an attribute information acquirer for estimating an attribute of the customer based on the image captured by the image capturer and acquiring attribute information representative of the estimated attribute, and a customer information output unit for outputting customer information depending on the attribute information acquired by the attribute information acquirer.

Abstract: An airport security system includes a scanner scanning and time stamping an article of identification of an individual passing into a secure terminal area. The system further includes security cameras generating respective video signals of overlapping zones of coverage of the secure terminal area. The video signals are recorded and received in a controller generating a seamless video signal therefrom. Reversing of the seamless video signal allows visual tracking of a security breach in the secure terminal area from the time of breach identification scan and time stamp. Faster than real time forwarding of the seamless video signal allows tracking of the security breach from the time stamp to the breacher's present location within the secure terminal area.

Abstract: A method and a device (DET) are proposed to defend against electronic spying during the transmission of image data (Sb) or image signals (Sa) that are generated by a camera (CAM) installed at a self-service terminal (ATM), said camera recording an area (A0) that covers an operating area of the self-service terminal (ATM). As soon as events occurring at the self-service terminal (ATM) in the recording area (A0) or outside of said area, in particular actuation of a key pad (KBD) and/or insertion of a card into a card slot (SLT), are detected, the generation of the image signals (Sa) and/or the transmission of the image data (Sb) is controlled as a function thereof, for instance at least the sensitive areas or partial image data (Sb?) in the image data obtained (Sb) are blanked out or replaced by artificially generated data.

Abstract: A real-time Event Processing System (EPS) for processing a sequence of events generated by one or more pieces of hardware. The Event Processor collects data generated by the several transducers or appliances as they communicate with the server platform to indicate user activity of the attached hardware. As a packet data is received from one of the appliances, the data is date and time stamped and stored in anticipation of the next data event to which it can be paired or compared with. Stored event data is compared to a template of normalized data results to see if the event data was normal or abnormal. If the event data as compared was normal, no action is taken beyond storing said data.

Abstract: A camera terminal where tables where camera operations are described are not required, and that continues thoroughly imaging a monitoring subject region as a complete system even when a portion of cameras shuts down due to a failure is provided.

Abstract: A video of a negotiable instrument may be provided from a user to a financial institution so that an image of the negotiable instrument may be obtained from the video and deposited in a user's bank account. In an implementation, a user may use a device such as a video camera, a web camera, or a video-enabled phone to convert an endorsed check into a video data file by making a video of the check and storing the video in a video data file. The user may send the video data file to the financial institution, where it may be processed and deposited in an account associated with the user. Any technique for sending a video data file to the financial institution may be used.

Abstract: A method for detecting whether perforations are present on the edge of an image of a form, such as a check, includes obtaining a bitmap of the image, identifying a selected portion of the bitmap that corresponds to at least the edge and that includes a matrix of a plurality of rows and columns of brightness values, and selecting a particular one of the rows of brightness values. The method further includes performing a Fourier transform of the brightness values included in the particular selected row to generate a Fourier transform output, and determining whether a series of perforations is present based on the Fourier transform output. The method may also include steps wherein the brightness values are low pass filtered and wherein the values in the selected row are high pass filtered prior to the step of performing a Fourier transform.

Abstract: A system and method for simulating a user's participation at an event. The system and method including providing a virtual queue or line for meeting and obtaining an autograph of a celebrity, attending a live event and/or for purchasing an item. The system and method include providing video and audio content to a remote user device, such as a television or a computer, for display on the monitor. A plurality of video cameras positioned in and around a line for obtaining an autograph provide a respective plurality of video and audio feeds that are broadcast to users of the system. An interface selectively changes the feed shown on the user's device to simulate movement in the line toward the celebrity until the user is able to view the celebrity autograph an item specifically designated for the user. The item can be merchandise, such as a CD, DVD, photograph or poster, selected by the user. The system mails the autographed item to the viewer and can also provide a recording of the autograph session.

Abstract: A method that determines whether a detected event is a significant event requiring action in a video surveillance system. Determined event attributes and object attributes are analyzed to determine if the potential event should trigger an action by the surveillance system. If the potential event should trigger an action, at least one action is triggered. Actions may include relevant event attribute and object attribute information. Potential event may include events detected by a sensor, or external events communicated by an external system to the surveillance system. Event attributes may include location and type of the potential event. Object attributes may include an identification of an object, and attributes associated with the identified object. If an object cannot be positively identified, object attributes may include potential object identifications or determined group associations of the object.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to electronic commerce (e-commerce) systems and media platforms, for use with both mobile and non-mobile systems, to deploy virtual advertising and promotion via the use of electronic coupons, and more particularly a method and system for creating, deploying, transferring, clearing, managing, redeeming and reporting on the use of electronic coupons or virtual electronic rebates (VeeBates) and permitting individuals and groups within one or more social communications networks to participate in and transmit information to others about their activities related to the virtual advertising, incentives, redemption and promotion.

Abstract: The invention is a system supporting a payment and inspection service used to securely purchase merchandise on an online sale website. A buyer or seller can select using the payment and inspection service. The buyer pays the payment and inspection service, which holds the payment in an escrow account. The seller ships the item to a store where the payment and inspection service is located. The buyer goes to the store and, while being monitored by an agent or employee of the service, the buyer inspects the merchandise. If the buyer accepts the item, he leaves the store with the item and the service releases the payment from the escrow account to the seller. If the buyer does not want to accept the item (he rejects the item), the item is then repacked and returned to the seller, and the service returns the payment, less cost of shipping the item back to the seller, to the buyer.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing inventory and/or marketing services using distributed devices and a network or communications medium such as via the Internet. In specific embodiments, a thin client logic system is installed at multiple item dispensers and communicates inventory and/or marketing data to a server system. The server system provides a central data location from which a supplier can provide inventory and/or marketing data services potentially to many different customers.

Abstract: A transaction recording system for use in recording a transaction occurring at a point-of-sale. The system includes a video capture device having a field of vision. The video capture device captures, produces and transmits video data signals representative of the field of vision of the device, and the video capture device is positioned within an enclosure at a desired position at the point-of-sale. The system includes a point-of-sale processing system located at or near the point-of-sale for receiving, processing, storing and/or transmitting video data signals. The field of vision of the video capture device views at least a portion of the point-of-sale during at least a portion of the transaction.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting tampering at an automatic teller machine includes detecting start and end indicators of a transaction. A representation of a scene at the teller machine, prior to the start of the transaction can be compared to a representation of the scene after the end of the transaction. Variations therebetween can indicate tampering at the machine.

Abstract: A device control apparatus has a state processing task section 101 for determining an operation state of a device among a plurality of operation states of the device; a sequence processing task section 107 for running a processing program among a plurality of processing programs, and a task connecting section 111 for selecting the sequence processing program corresponding to the operation state of the device determined by the state processing task section to activate the sequence processing task section 107. In this arrangement, the sequence processing program can be easily written without considering an internal state transition processing, and the internal state transition processing and the sequence processing program can be freely designed without the need of modifying the sequence processing program due to change of the internal state transition processing.

Abstract: A method of reverse logistics using an auction to sell products directly to consumers from a store instead of using a third party reclamation company. One or more methods of auctioning one or more typically unsalable items directly to purchasers from a retail store including the steps of providing a communications multi-network having at least one logic engine, at least one star communication network through which non-location data is transferred to said logic engine, and at least one mesh communication network through which location data is transferred to said logic engine.

Abstract: A method of managing video data storage in a video surveillance system is disclosed. The disclosed methods extend the amount of calendar time for which video and image data can be stored on a storage device. The disclosed methods apply decision criteria, such as rules, configuration data and preferences, to support intelligent automatic reduction of stored surveillance data such that images and video data of most interest are maintained while less important data is deleted, compressed or archived.

Abstract: An multimedia product display (MPD) for advertising goods includes a display screen and a programmable display controller for providing an image to the display screen. The screen may be formed of known technologies such as LCD, TFT LCD, NST LCD, and OLED. The screen is integrated into a case that imitates the form factor of the product advertised, for example, a display that looks like a box of WHEATIES® cereal may be used to advertise WHEATIES® cereal. In other embodiments, the display screen and programmable computer may be integrated into actual product packaging, for example, a COCA-COLA FRIDGE PACK o package may include animated instructions for opening and using the pack.

Abstract: Techniques for detecting one or more events are provided. The techniques include using one or more regions of interest on a video sequence to cover a location for one or more events, wherein each event is associated with at least one of the one or more regions of interest, applying multiple-instance learning to the video sequence to construct one or more location-aware event models, and applying the models to the video sequence to determine the one or more regions of interest that are associated with the one or more events.

Abstract: Techniques for detecting one or more events are provided. The techniques include identifying one or more segments in a video sequence as one or more candidates for one or more events by a temporal ordering of the one or more candidates, and analyzing one or more motion patterns of the one or more candidates to detect the one or more events.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the performance of at least one task associated with operation of a retail store. The system includes at least one monitoring device positioned and adapted to provide images of at least one location within the retail store, with each image showing at least one factor related to performance of the at least one task. A controller is adapted to obtain and store images from the at least one monitoring device. An interface is adapted to enable a user to selectively view stored images and to manually analyze the at least one factor shown in the viewed images to evaluate the performance of the at least one task.

Abstract: Techniques for using transactional and visual event information to facilitate loss prevention are provided. The techniques include obtaining video of one or more visual events at a point of sale environment and one or more transaction log entries that correspond to the video, wherein the one or more transaction log entries comprise one or more transactional events, categorizing each event as one of one or more model events, using each categorized event to create a revised transaction log, wherein the revised transaction log comprises a sequence of categorized events, wherein each categorized event is a combination of the one or more transactional events and the one or more visual events, examining the revised transaction log to correct one or more mis-categorizations, if any, and revise one or more model event categories with the one or more corrected mis-categorizations, if any, and using the revised transaction log to facilitate loss prevention.

Abstract: A pipeline architecture for analyzing multiple streams of video is embodied, in part, in a layer of application program interfaces (APIs) to each stage of processing. Buffer queuing is used between some stages, which helps moderate the load on the CPU(s). Through the layer of APIs, innumerable video analysis applications can access and analyze video data flowing through the pipeline, and can annotate portions of the video data (e.g., frames and groups of frames), based on the analyses performed, with information that describes the frame or group. These annotated frames and groups flow through the pipeline to subsequent stages of processing, at which increasingly complex analyses can be performed. At each stage, portions of the video data that are of little or no interest are removed from the video data. Ultimately, “events” are constructed and stored in a database, from which cross-event and historical analyses may be performed and associations with, and among, events may be made.

Abstract: A surveillance camera assembly for a checkout system which captures images of a checkout environment. The surveillance camera assembly includes a panoramic mirror and a camera for capturing images of a checkout environment. The camera sends the images to a security computer.

Abstract: A computer-interfaced camera system identifies and tracks groups of socially interrelated people. The system can be used, for example, to track people as they wait in a checkout line or at a service counter. In a preferred implementation, each recorded camera frame is segmented into foreground regions containing several people. The foreground regions are further segmented into individuals using temporal segmentation analysis. Once an individual person is detected, an appearance model based on color and edge density in conjunction with a mean-shift tracker is used to recover the person's trajectory. Groups of people are determined by analyzing inter-person distances over time.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides an exit security approach. Specifically, among other things, under the present invention: an item image for at least one of a set of items at a shopping checkout station is received; a receipt corresponding to the set of items is received; a first receptacle image of a shopping receptacle holding the set of items is received; a second receptacle image of the shopping receptacle is received; an integrity of the receipt is verified; the first receptacle image is compared to the second receptacle image; and it is determined whether a discrepancy exists based on at least one of the verification of the receipt and the comparison of the first receptacle image to the second receptacle image.

Abstract: The invention consists of a system and method for transferring video images from video sources to video receivers using a video server as an intermediary. The video server creates a list of all the requests from the video receivers for a video image from a video source. The video server requests the video image from the video source and then sends the video image to each video receiver on the list. The video source is only required to send one image for any number of requests from video receivers and the video sources and video receivers have no direct connection to each other. The load of handling many video sources and many video receivers can be distributed amongst multiple video servers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety apparatus for controlling operation of functional equipment having movable parts. The apparatus is configured to use a camera to view and cause detection of a safety related event in a field of view of the camera. The device is useful in a reverse vending machine (RVM) for receiving, handling, sorting and storing returnable items or objects. The RVM includes an item supporting, rotating, sorting and conveyor unit, an upwardly oriented storage chamber for such items, the safety apparatus to avoid operational hazards, a camera aided detection device for detecting at least one of a bar code on and other characteristics, e.g. contour of an item, a simplified token system, and a drive system with a releasable power coupling for operating the sorting device and a further storage device.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing a queue. The method may comprise defining a queue and evaluating a series of still images of the queue zone at periodic intervals over a predefined period of time. The method may further comprise approximating an estimated average number of people in the queue over the interval during which the still image was taken to be a number of people counted in the queue zone minus one person who is assumed to be engaged in a transaction. The method may further comprise calculating an estimated average number of the people in the queue over the predefined period by averaging estimated average number of people over intervals within the predefined period. The method may further comprise determining a measure of a queue length based on the estimated average number of people in the queue over the predefined period.

Abstract: A system and method for the capture and storage of data relating to the movements of objects, in a specified area and enables this data to be displayed in a graphically meaningful and useful manner. Video data is collected and video metadata is generated relating to objects (persons) appearing in the video data and their movements over time. The movements of the objects are then analyzed to detect the movements within a region of interest. This detection of movement allows a user, such as a manager of a store, to make informed decisions as to the infrastructure and operation of the store. One detection method relates to the number of people that are present in a region of interest for a specified time period. A second detection method relates to the number of people that remain or dwell in a particular area for a particular time period. A third detection method determines the flow of people and the direction they take within a region of interest.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided with a behavior determining apparatus including: an elemental-behavior extracting unit configured to extract, from trajectory data in which positions of a traveling body in an observation area are held at predetermined time intervals, L (L is an integer equal to or larger than 1) elemental behavior quantities among a stopping time, a stop frequency, a walking time, a running time, a direction change frequency, a sum of angle change quantities at the times when the traveling body changes a traveling direction, a sum of absolute values of angle change quantities at the times when the traveling body changes a traveling direction, a gravitational center set vector, and a pre-stop average speed; and a behavior determining unit configured to determine a behavior of the traveling body from the L elemental behavior quantities.

Abstract: A flow line creation section generates flow line data indicative of a trajectory of a customer moving in a monitored area. The generated flow line data is stored in a flow line database. A customer extraction section extracts image data including the customer's face image from a video captured by a camera. The extracted image data is stored in a customer image database. A matching section matches the flow line data stored in the flow line database individually with the image data including the customer's face image corresponding to the flow line data, out of the image data stored in the customer image database. Data indicative of a correlation between the matched flow line data and image data is stored in a matching list database.

Abstract: A system and method for generating side-by-side video surveillance feed and point-of-service device text is provided. The system includes a video surveillance device, a point-of-service device such as an ATM, slot machine and point-of-sale device, and a synchronizing unit for synchronizing the video surveillance feed with point-of-service text when a security officer identifies activities matching a predetermined criteria occurring at the point-of-service device. The video surveillance feed is generated and processed for display on a security monitor. When an activities matching the predetermined criteria is identified near a point-of-service device, point-of-service text is received from the device. Both the video surveillance feed and the point-of-service text are displayed side-by-side so that neither data obscures the other. The video surveillance feed and the point-of-service text are also synchronized to one another and stored for later use.

Abstract: A system and method for capturing image data captures images responsive to programmed sequences. The sequences are performed on a periodic basis as well as in response to inputs corresponding to alarm conditions and transactions conducted at automated banking machines or other devices. Image data may also be captured in response to image conditions including the sensing of motion or the loss of usable video from selected cameras. Image data is stored in connection with data corresponding to circumstances associated with each triggering event. Stored image data may be searched by one or more parameters. Parameters include data stored in association with each image, types of events causing image data to be stored, as well as other image conditions in stored images.

Abstract: An automated banking machine is operative to dispense cash to authorized users. The user interface of the machine includes features for detection of fraudulent activities at the machine. Sensors are provided for detecting the installation of unauthorized card reading devices adjacent the card reader. Vibration sensors are used to detect the installation of unauthorized card reading or bill trap devices. A machine controller or other processor is programmed to detect events or circumstances which may indicate that improper activity is occurring. Cameras are used to capture images of the user interface. Changes in the images are analyzed by a computer to detect the installation of unauthorized devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for integrated ATM surveillance of an area of interest, such as an automated teller machine (ATM), is presented. An embodiment includes a surveillance system for an ATM utilizing multiple cameras aimed at the user, the card slot, the cash dispenser, the surrounding areas and internally in the card reader (to link the card used to the ATM user). The cameras are constantly powered and begin to record images after a sensor is activated. A buffer of recorded imagery is maintained such that when the sensors are activated, the video processing equipment can store a pre-defined amount of time before the sensor is activated. The buffer allows for the video capture of events just prior to the activation of the sensor. A time stamp and any other relevant data from the cameras may also be included with the stored recorded video.

Abstract: A secure financial transactions system. The system generally includes a card that can be used a credit card, ATM card or debit card having a personal identification number (PIN) that can include a panic digit or panic PIN. The panic digit or panic PIN can be used to begin an emergency notification sequence including sending emergency signals and video transmissions from the commercial transactions machine. The card can include several biometric devices as well as financial transaction records. The card can include data to interact with data gathered from biometric devices on the ATM or POP devices. The card can then be interfaced with a personal computer. The card could also be made into other formats such as a ring, key chain, or other jewelry.

Abstract: A terminal with a camera and an attention-getting or redirecting device. The attention-getting device delivers a message to attract the subject's attention, causing the subject to look toward it, while the camera obtains an image or multiple images. The camera may be hidden or, for a deterrence effect, visible to the subject. The attention-getting device may be of one or more various electronic devices, such as electronic or holographic displays, or displays employing motion and audio for capturing attention. Additional cameras may be utilized to compensate for very short or very tall people and for obtaining multiple views of the subject. The image is stored with the transaction data for quick retrieval.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and products are disclosed for controlling a Point Of Sale (‘POS’) terminal using surveillance video that include: receiving, by a surveillance module, a digital surveillance video of a region adjacent to a POS terminal, the digital surveillance video captured by a digital surveillance camera; identifying, by the surveillance module in dependence upon the digital surveillance video, operator characteristics for an operator captured on the digital surveillance video in the region adjacent to a POS terminal; and administering, by the surveillance module, the POS terminal in dependence upon the operator characteristics.

Abstract: A computer-based platform is provided for integrating data from multiple systems including (but not limited to) point of sale (POS) terminals, video systems, electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems, automatic teller machines (ATMs), gas pumps, alarm systems, radio frequency identification (RFID) detection systems, etc. The subject computer-based platform is configured to gather and correlate data (e.g., transactional data and/or video data), package such data into multiple discrete system “events”, and to provide various features for proactively identifying selected events as “exceptions”. Additional aspects of the computer-based platform may be utilized to provide signaled identification to a user of identified exceptions and other integrated system data. Still further aspects of the platform can be used to group these new events to create larger groupings of multiple transactions, events, data, exceptions, and/or research.

Abstract: A method for detecting a non-scan at a retail checkout station includes detecting the passing of an item across a scanner device of a retail checkout station, obtaining an image of the item passing across the scanner, detecting a scan of an item passing across the scanner to establish a scanned item, and establishing a register associated with the scanned item. A scan occurs if the image of the item passing across the scanner substantially matches the register associated with the scanned item. Conversely, a non-scan is triggered when the image of the item passing across the scanner does not match the register associated with the scanned item.

Abstract: Video data from sources, such as cameras, is analyzed to create metadata descriptive of the events and objects occurring in the video. This metadata, which consists of data about the video, is then analyzed on a transaction basis to determine if a suspicious activity, such as a fraudulent Point of Sale (POS) return event, has occurred in relation to a transaction.

Abstract: A camera apparatus of the present invention comprises: an optical system for projecting image light representing an image of a wide view field area toward a prescribed direction; an imaging section for obtaining, as an image, the image light projected by the optical system; and a holding member for integrally holding the optical system and the imaging section in a state where the curved mirror and the imaging section are opposed to each other.

Abstract: In a mobile communication terminal 10, a position information assigning section 24 associates images acquired by the photographing section 20 with position information concerning the positions at which these images are acquired. A video generating section 30 generates, by using the images, a video including frames associated with the position information. A video searching section 70 specifies the frame of the video associated with position information, which is close to the position information acquired by a position detecting section 22. A playback section 72 displays the specified frame.