Abstract: An enclosure for closed-circuit television cameras comprising a box-like composite body which is closed on a working side by a wall which comprises a transparent plate supported by a frame which is fixed to the body, an opposite side being closed by a removable cover which allows insertion of a television camera; the frame forms a seat for the plate with an abutment surface which is directed outward so as to allow assembly of the plate from the outside inward.

Abstract: A television camera apparatus for surveillance applications includes a television camera having a base plate to be attached to a supporting structure, a camera holder fixed to the base plate and a camera body protruding from the camera holder. The camera body includes two antipodal segments spaced from each other and fixedly attached to the camera holder and having chord planes facing to and parallel to each other and a central segment disposed between the antipodal segments and having a shape of an arcuated drum having two sides parallel to each other and a thickness slightly smaller than the distance between the chord planes of the two antipodal segments facing each other. The central segment houses a picture pickup element, a lens and a lens pane which has a curvature surface of a diameter equal to that of the central segment so that the television camera looks like a dome-shaped television camera.

Abstract: An interactive toy utilizing a figure having an outer surface and an inner cavity. A wall portion separates the inner chamber and outer surface and includes at least a pair of orifices. The video camera is located at one of the orifices through the wall portion of the figure and possesses an image capturing lens. The video signal is generated, which may represent a moving or still image. The video monitor is also located at the exterior surface of the figure in spaced relationship with the camera monitor revealed the video image to the person in the vicinity of the doll.

Abstract: A remote controlled television monitoring system for day and night monitoring includes a camera unit in the form of a housing having first and second cameras. The first camera principally monitors during daylight conditions; while the second camera monitors during low light or night conditions. The second camera preferably has a high low light sensitivity. Both of the cameras have automatic iris over ride for manual control of the camera iris. Each of the cameras optionally has an azimuth generator to indicate angular position of the camera. An adjustable zoom lens is coupled to each of the cameras. In one aspect, a light intensifier is coupled between the lens and the second camera for intensifying light received by the second camera. The light intensifier preferably has internal automatic brightness control.

Abstract: A lighting fixture, primarily for outdoor use in providing light along a park path or the like, improved in a combination with a security camera in that the security camera has a desired covert location within the lighting fixture and the heat of the source of illumination is used to advantage to prevent a freeze-up and consequent malfunctioning of the security camera as might occur due to severe weather conditions.

Abstract: A discrete surveillance device for observing a surveillance location has a housing formed in the shape of a smoke detector and multiple miniature video surveillance cameras mounted within the housing to simultaneously observe multiple areas of the surveillance location. The surveillance cameras are concealed in the housing from an observer viewing the exterior of the housing. Further discrete surveillance devices include a face plate or housing having a clock exterior with a miniature video surveillance camera mounted on an adjustable camera gimbal attached to the back surface of the face plate or clock. The surveillance camera is concealed from an observer viewing the exterior surface of the face plate or clock.

Abstract: A method of detecting a breach of security in a first location and providing information about the breach of security to security personnel in a remote location is provided. The method includes acquiring global positioning signals at the first location upon the breach of security and transmitting the global positioning signals to the remote location. Personnel at the remote location are thus notified of the breach of security and also are provided the position of the first location for taking action appropriate to the breach.

Abstract: A video camera for recording images from a motor vehicle in which the video camera rigidly connects to a support member in a cavity of a headrest for a seat in the motor vehicle. A cover detachably closes an opening in the headrest for insertion and removal of the video camera. An opening in a surface of the headrest allows light to reach lens in the video camera.

Abstract: A video imaging apparatus for receiving, recording, and displaying images from a motor vehicle in which the video camera rigidly connects to a support member in a cavity of a headrest for a seat in the motor vehicle. A cover detachably closes an opening in the headrest for insertion and removal of the video camera. An opening in a surface of the headrest allows light to reach lens in the video camera. A seat cushion is selectively moveable from a closed position for seating to an open position for selective access to a video recorder mounted within the seat. The video recorder communicates with the video camera, as well as with a image display device mounted within the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A concealed vehicular system is provided for a motor vehicle to permit the operator to view or record events occurring inside or outside the vehicle. A miniature camera is concealed within a functional component of the vehicle, such as within a rear-view mirror or a lighting device of the vehicle. The images from the video camera are stored in a recording device, such as a video camera recorder. Alternatively, the images produced by the video camera can be transmitted to a viewing screen, such as a cathode ray tube monitor or liquid crystal diode, within the view of the driver. The concealed video camera housed within a functional component of the vehicle is imperceptible to vandals and thieves, and does not distract from the aesthetics of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle periphery monitoring system for enabling a driver of a motor vehicle to see traffic on either side of the motor vehicle without requiring the driver to look at a side view mirror includes a display monitor positioned concentrically within the vehicle, and two cameras secured to the opposite sides of the roof of the vehicle and electrically coupled to the display monitor which displays an image reflecting the left and right rear view of the vehicle.

Abstract: A discrete surveillance device for observing a surveillance location has a housing formed in the shape of a smoke detector and multiple miniature video surveillance cameras mounted within the housing to simultaneously observe multiple areas of the surveillance location. The surveillance cameras are concealed in the housing from an observer viewing the exterior of the housing. Further discrete surveillance devices include a face plate or housing having a clock exterior with a miniature video surveillance camera mounted on an adjustable camera gimbal attached to the back surface of the face plate or clock. The surveillance camera is concealed from an observer viewing the exterior surface of the face plate or clock.

Abstract: An outdoor enclosure for a video surveillance system comprises: a housing having an outer wall with an opening; an observation bubble disposed over the opening, the housing being adapted for supporting a video surveillance camera; and, first and second fans mounted in the enclosure to establish an air flow pattern when the fans are operating which circulates substantially unidirectionally around the video surveillance camera when the camera is disposed in the bubble, the circulating air flow pattern being substantially free of dead zones inside the bubble and efficiently conducting thermal energy from within the enclosure to the outer wall and to the bubble for subsequent dissipation outside the enclosure. The enclosure can comprise a temperature responsive heater mounted in the circulating air flow pattern adjacent to the fans, downstream from the heater and upstream from the bubble. The fans are substantially transversely aligned within the circulating air flow pattern.

Abstract: A surveillance information recording system comprises a recording device loaded with a recording medium for recording video information concerning the object or place to be monitored, and a dummy device which can eject a recording medium in a manner similar to that in which a recording medium is ejected from an ordinary recording device. The recording device is located in an inconspicuous place, or concealed. The dummy device is located in a relatively conspicuous place. An intruder will mistakenly believe that if he carries out an ejecting operation on the dummy device and takes away the ejected recording medium, no evidence against him will be left behind. As an alternative, two loading sections may be provided in a single recording device, the recording of information being carried out in one of the loading sections, and the recording medium in the other loading section being ejected responsive to an ejecting operation.

Abstract: A video recording system for vehicles including a video recorder having an electronic record control input port and a video signal input port; a four-to-one video multiplexer having four multiplexer video signal input ports and one multiplexer video signal output port, the multiplexer video signal output port being in transmitting connection with the video signal input port of the video recorder; an activation switch in electrical connection with the electronic record control input port of the video recorder; and a rear view mirror/camera assembly having four video cameras each with a wide angle fish-eye lens and a camera video signal output port in transmitting connection with one of the four multiplexer video signal input ports, one fish-eye lens being aimed toward the front of the vehicle, one fish-eye lens being aimed at the rear of the vehicle, one fish-eye lens being aimed at the driver seat portion of the passenger compartment, and one fish-eye lens being aimed at the front passenger seat portion of th

Abstract: An audio/video surveillance recording system comprising both units having a video camera and units having a dummy lens is disclosed. The use of a dummy lens rather than tinted or mirrored glass on the camera housing provides a greater amount of light to the camera. A unique mounting assembly which lets the dummy units be substituted for the live units without removing the mounting brackets is also disclosed. Both the dummy and live units have illuminated indicators. The system uses weatherproof microphones manufactured using a novel plastic dipping and coating method.

Abstract: A housing assembly for housing a surveillance television camera comprises a housing member to house the surveillance television camera therein, having a front wall provided with a window paned with a glass filter through which the surveillance television camera receives light rays representing the scene of a surveillance zone, and a flange to be fastened to a fixed structure; and covering member to cover the housing member, having a front wall provided with an opening which is positioned opposite to the window of the housing member when the covering member is put on the housing member, and capable of covering the housing member so that the surveillance television camera housed in the housing member will not be perceptible. Since the housing assembly is simple in shape and appearance and can be colored in a color harmonizing with the ambient color, the housing assembly is scarcely noticeable and does not make people aware of being under surveillance.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a security system for monitoring a mobile, ground-based platform via image acquisition in the form of electrical pixel signals. In one embodiment, the system includes a plurality of cameras attached to the platform and arranged to capture images of zones associated with the interior of the platform or with its exterior and current ambient environmental surroundings. Storage media is located on the platform for storing images captured in the form of electrical signals by the cameras. The system is configured for transferring images to the storage media and to at least one remote location wherein the images are viewable at the remote location. The system may advantageously employ wireless transmission to transfer images to a remote location. The images may be captured responsive to an input such as from a panic button. The system may also employ removable storage media for storing images on the platform.

Abstract: A door mountable security system including a first fiber optic image conduit, a video camera having a lens visually coupled to one end of the fiber optic image conduit and a first video output; a miniature video recorder operable from a battery power source, the miniature video recorder having a video input in connection with the video output of the video camera and an electrically activated record control input; a battery pack in power supply connection with the miniature video recorder and having sufficient power output to power the miniature video recorder; a motion detecting device including a pendulum switch having an electrically conductive plumb-bob pendulum contact and an electrically conductive metal ring contact; and a timer output device having a timed control output in electrical connection with the electrically activated record control input of the miniature video recorder and an electrical control input in electrical connection with the pendulum switch in a manner such that electrical contact be

Abstract: A surveillance information recording system comprises a recording device loaded with a recording medium for recording video information concerning the object or place to be monitored, and a dummy device which can eject a recording medium in a manner similar to that in which a recording medium is ejected from an ordinary recording device. The recording device is located in an inconspicuous place, or concealed. The dummy device is located in a relatively conspicuous place. An intruder will mistakenly believe that if he carries out an ejecting operation on the dummy device and takes away the ejected recording medium, no evidence against him will be left behind. As an alternative, two loading sections may be provided in a single recording device, the recording of information being carried out in one of the loading sections, and the recording medium in the other loading section being ejected responsive to an ejecting operation.

Abstract: A portable video recording system allows an operator to record objects and events while at the same time keeping the person's hands free, and body relatively unencumbered for movement, while performing tasks. The video recording system has separate components that are attached at various locations on the operator to distribute weight of the video recording system over the operator. The video recording system is attached to an operator so that images within the operator's line of sight and within the operator's hearing range are automatically tracked and recorded.

Abstract: A covert surveillance system for viewing images from a remote location is provided. The surveillance system provides a mirror, lens and camera arrangement within a small enclosure which allows full 360 degree pan, tilt, zoom, focus and iris control from a remote location. The system receives control commands such as rotate left, zoom out and tilt down via a radio receiver, and controls the camera accordingly. Images viewed by the camera are transmitted to a remote receiver for display on a monitor, or for recording. Continuous camera rotation is achieved by use of a specialized conductive drum which provides continuous electrical contact between camera signals and camera control. In one embodiment, the surveillance system is mounted in place of a photo detector in a street lamp, making the camera virtually undetectable.

Abstract: A housing for a surveillance camera is generally dome shaped, the camera being movable therein, and the interior of the housing is under pressure to exclude contaminants. The housing is made up of an assembly plate having a central opening to receive a lower dome therethrough, with an upper enclosure placed on top of the assembly plate. The lower dome and upper enclosure are sealed to the assembly plate to retain gas under pressure within the interior. An accessory bracket is carried by the assembly plate within the upper enclosure, and a surveillance camera is mounted from the accessory bracket. An upper dome may be placed over the upper enclosure as a sun shield. In installing the housing, a mounting bracket is first installed, then the assembly plate is carried by the mounting bracket. The lower dome is put into place, followed by the accessory bracket, the upper enclosure, and finally the upper dome. Subsequently, the interior can be pressurized by the introducing gas through the valve.

Abstract: A surveillance camera mounting apparatus formed from a lightweight, elastically deformable material, such as foam plastic, for mounting a surveillance camera in a transparent enclosure of the type used on a building surface such as a ceiling or wall. The mounting apparatus comprises an elastically deformable body element which includes a camera-receiving opening for receiving and holding a surveillance camera therein. The resiliency of the body element enables a portion of the body element which surrounds the camera-receiving opening to elastically deform thereby permitting the camera-receiving opening to dilate to accommodate the surveillance camera. Due to its resiliency, the body element resists such deformation and the camera-receiving opening closes around the surveillance camera and conforms to the camera thereby holding the camera within the opening.

Abstract: An interphone with television includes a terminal device having a wide-angle image input camera, an image output circuit, and a master device for receiving an image signal from the image output circuit. The master device converts the image to a digital format and stores the image signal in an image memory. The image may be panned, magnified, and corrected using digital processing techniques. The contents of the image memory are converted to an analogue signal for reproduction on a monitor.

Abstract: A vehicle video system including at least three video cameras electrically connected to a video signal relay device which directs video signals generated by each of the video cameras to either a video recorder or a monitor depending upon switching signals received to the video signal relay device. A video camera is automatically triggered to commence recording upon activation of a turn signal of a vehicle on which the system is deployed. A motion detector deployed on one vehicle can trigger a video camera deployed on another vehicle to commence recording. The system draws power from a battery of the vehicle.

Abstract: Back-vision system for vehicles which comprises a microcamera (6) with its corresponding control unit (13) and power-supply source, a housing for the microcamera (6), formed by an external casing (1) and an internal box (2) joined to the external casing (1) and in communication with it, into which the microcamera (6) is introduced, the objective of which microcamera is focused towards the outside through an opening in the external casing (1), and a monitor (21) on which the images picked up by the microcamera (6) can be seen. By placing a microcamera (6) in its corresponding housing in a suitable manner on one of the sides of the vehicle and, optionally one microcamera and its housing on each side, improved back-vision is obtained.

Abstract: An elongate tubular fixture mounts a plurality of rotatable assemblies above a plurality of respective apertures in the tubular fixture. The rotatable assemblies position a number of lamps and one or more concealed miniature surveillance cameras to observe a gaming table or other surface of interest.

Abstract: A personal surveillance system having a video camera and an audio microphone in a single package sufficiently small to be worn as a badge, lapel pin, or similarly small accessory. The audio/video package is coupled to a transmitter for transmitting an audio and video signal to a remote station. The remote station comprises a video cassette recorder responsive to a signal for recording that is generated on a continuous basis by the audio/video package in a signal band that is filtered before recording.

Abstract: A passenger vehicle video recording system for recording passengers on a passenger vehicle as well as passing traffic. The preferred embodiment of the passenger vehicle video recording system includes two video cameras wherein one video camera is mounted to the rearview mirror of the passenger vehicle and the other camera is mounted to the side of the vehicle. The system additionally includes a video recorder, the video recorder located inside the passenger vehicle. A switching signal determines which of the two video cameras is in communication with the video recorder so as to view passengers on the passenger vehicle and passing traffic.

Abstract: An image transmission system and method automatically reduce the size of digital data signals transmitted from visual sensors. The system and method are completely automated and (a) use a plurality of sensors to detect targets in an area of interest, (b) direct a camera to place a target in the camera's field of view, (c) provide a digitized visual image in which the target is identified in a target box, and (d) automatically compress (or otherwise reduce the size of) a digital signal for nontarget portions of the visual image.

Abstract: A personal communicator for use in a wireless communication network includes a wireless communications LCD and a multimedia LCD with the communications, mounded on a hinged member, and superimposed on top of the multimedia LCD. The communications LCD is sufficiently transparent to permit viewing of the under multimedia LCD. Each provides visual information to the user relative to the present use of the communicator. The selected use of the communicator is primarily responsive to the open or closed position of the hinged keyboard supporting cover. When the hinged member is closed the communicator operates in a communication mode. When it is open the communicator operates primarily in a multimedia mode. The personal communicator includes a steerable video imager for controllably optimizing image field coverage and adjusting to the orientation of the user relative to the personal communicator.

Abstract: A surveillance assembly wherein a support housing and a cover member when joined form a space for receiving a camera and lens assembly and wherein a forced air delivery assembly is adapted to provide forced air to the cover member from points distributed about substantially the entire circumference of the cover member.

Abstract: A surveillance assembly in which a camera and lens assembly is surrounded by a shroud to form an eyeball assembly which is rotatable about first and second axes and which is enclosed within a housing. A carriage assembly for mounting the eyeball assembly to the housing is provided in the surveillance assembly and includes pivot and engagement parts which allow the carriage assembly to be pivoted into position. Additionally disclosed is a camera/lens mounting with a resilient annular member for permitting adjustment of the mounting along the lens axis and a cable support assembly for an electrical cable connected between a camera lens assembly and another part of a surveillance assembly in which the cable support assembly permits the cable to be wound about the pivot axis of the camera and lens assembly.

Abstract: An integrated, miniaturized, imaging assembly, comprising microscope size and arrangement, video camera lenses having the objective lens in a mount that is preferably a blackened sphere and that is pivotally mounted in a supporting structure rearwardly of but adjacent to the objective lens, so the forward end of the lens mount can be placed within a concave dome of unusually small and shallow size with the remainder of the imaging assembly outside of and behind the concavity of such viewing dome, and can be tilted and panned to sweep over a broad viewing area with minimum intrusion thereinto. The imaging assembly includes an electronic image-acquisition device, in line with the optical axis of the lenses, and electronic camera circuitry preferably remote therefrom. An easily movable, tripod type of mount for the imaging assembly is adapted to rest on ceiling or other structure in which the viewing dome is mounted.