Abstract: An imaging apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a sound collecting unit configured to collect speech in a monitored environment, a shooting unit configured to shoot video in the monitored environment, a detection unit configured to detect a change in a state of the monitored environment based upon a change in data acquired by the sound collecting unit, the shooting unit and a sensor for measuring the state of the monitored environment, a recognition unit configured to recognize the change in state with regard to speech data acquired by the sound collecting unit and video data acquired by the shooting unit, and a control unit configured to start up the recognition unit and select a recognition database, which is used by the recognition unit, based upon result of detection by the detection unit.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are disclosed for monitoring and controlling using small infrared imaging modules to enhance occupant safety and energy efficiency of buildings and structures. In one example, thermal images captured by infrared imaging modules may be analyzed to detect presence of persons, identify and classify power-consuming objects, and monitor environmental conditions. Based on the processed thermal images, various power-consuming objects (e.g., an HVAC system, lighting, a water heater, and other appliances) may be controlled to increase energy efficiency. In another example, thermal images captured by infrared imaging modules may be analyzed to detect various hazardous conditions, such as a combustible gas leak, a CO gas leak, a water leak, fire, smoke, and, an electrical hotspot. If such hazardous conditions are detected, an appropriate warning may be generated and/or various objects may be controlled to remedy the conditions.

Abstract: An intrusion detection device includes: a light emitting unit which forms a plurality of light emitting marks arranged on a boundary of an intrusion monitoring area; an imaging device which images an area including the plurality of light emitting marks, and outputs the captured image; and a detection unit which detects predetermined marks which are different from the light emitting marks, from the output image, sets a masking area on the image based on the detected marks, and detects an intrusion material in the intrusion monitoring area based on the image in an area other than the masking area.

Abstract: In a monitoring apparatus for monitoring an object which intrudes into a monitoring subject area by using an image pickup device, it is demanded to adjust parameters according to conditions such as the monitoring purpose and the surrounding environment in order to execute suitable monitoring. To this end, in the monitoring apparatus, parameters corresponding to monitoring conditions are subject to grouping. Suitable values of parameters in each group obtained by the grouping are previously determined according to a degree of a monitoring condition. A monitoring condition and its degree are selected by using an ordering device having user interface components such as push buttons mounted thereon. It is made possible to instantaneously alter parameters belonging to a group corresponding to the monitoring condition all at once at this time. Parameter adjustment free from troublesomeness and skill is thus implemented.

Abstract: An imaging device includes a main photography means for photographing a photographic subject and acquires a photographic image, a preparatory image acquisition means for performing preparatory photography before or after the main photography means acquires the photographic image and acquiring preparatory images, a photographic information acquisition means for acquiring photographic information related to a circumstance of photography when the preparatory images are acquired by the preparatory image acquisition means, and a recording means for recording the photographic information and the photographic image upon a recording medium in mutual correlation.

Abstract: A data collection and distribution system for monitoring aircraft in flight, on the ground and at the gate or terminal for monitoring critical and catastrophic events, managing the emergency during such an event, and for investigating the event. The system generates, transmits and collects critical data generated by monitoring equipment onboard an aircraft or other commercial transport and selectively displays the data on a cockpit display console as well as for downloading, transmitting and displaying data at external monitoring and response stations, including fixed ground stations, roving ground stations and chase aircraft or vehicles. Digital surveillance information is collected, processed, dispatched, and log via remote control and access. The system includes a variety of system appliances such as surveillance cameras, sensors, detectors, and panic buttons and accommodates legacy equipment.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for presence detection using an image system. The image system may be a camera that is integrated into an electronic device. In some embodiments, the image system can accommodate multiple operating modes of the electronic device. For example, when the electronic device is operating in a normal power mode, control circuitry of the image system can detect when a user has left and is no longer using the electronic device. When the electronic device is operating in a power saving mode, the control circuitry can detect user presence (e.g., when a user has come back to the electronic device). In some embodiments, the control circuitry can adjust for both gradual and sudden light changes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided. The method includes the steps of detecting a plurality of events within a secured area detected by respective sensors that have been activated within a predetermined time period of one another and wherein at least one of the plurality of events is an alarm event, ordering the events based upon a reporting time of each event and displaying a map showing the activated sensors within the secured area along with the potential route of an intruder traveling among the locations of the activated sensors in accordance with the reporting time of each event.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a chain of custody management application is configured to receive electronic recordings and physical evidence data, associate them with a security event, and automatically create and embed a hash value that aids in the authentication of both the electronic recordings and the physical evidence. A case management system may create a case record for an incident, present a form to the user, and prompt the user to electronically associate an electronic recording and physical evidence to the case record. The case management system optionally issues a call to a verification system which, in this example, automatically creates a first hash value from the electronic recording data and a second hash value from the physical evidence data. The hash values may then be embedded in an electronic case record form that may be printed on demand for use by government authorities.

Abstract: A video surveillance terminal avoids network congestion. The camera lowers exposure to unauthorized operation. Each apparatus discards unviewed higher resolution streams unless expressly desired by a host user. The client of the service determines an event of interest, selects an extent of data to represent the event, and derives a compact representation by video encoding and compression.

Abstract: A virtual guard gate for a gated community has at least one camera positioned proximate an entrance gate of the gated community. A monitoring station monitor is provided for displaying images captured by the at least one camera located in an off site monitoring station. Receivers are located in a plurality of homes of the gated community for receiving the images captured by the at least one camera. An access device is located in the monitoring station and in each house within the gated community. The access device is used for opening the entrance gate when the images have been verified by one of an individual in the monitoring station or in one of the homes.

Abstract: A system and a method for detecting multi-level intrusion events are provided. The system includes an area recognition module and an area classification module. The area recognition module performs a geometric topology operation to recognize a plurality of areas in a ground plane that has a plurality of boundaries and a plurality of gates, and each of the areas is constituted of at least one of the boundaries and at least one of the gates. The area classification module defines a plurality of security levels and classifies each of the areas recognized by the area recognition module as one of the security levels. Accordingly, the system is able to automatically recognize the areas in the ground plane, set the security levels of the areas, and generate the corresponding detection areas and tripwires according to the security levels of the areas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for specifying regions of interest within a two-dimensional view of visual information that comprises a series of frames. Visual changes that occur in the view are stored. A user enters search criteria that specify at least one first region of interest within the view and a visual change. A visual change may include a change in pixel values or a detection of motion of one or more objects within the view. The first search criteria are compared against the stored visual changes to identify a sequence of frames in which the specified visual change occurred within the first region of interest. The search criteria may specify multiple regions of interest, each with one or more types of visual changes. If a motion is specified, then a direction, speed, and behavior of a moving object may also be specified.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus includes an imaging unit that takes an image of a monitoring area, an intrusion detection sensor that detects intrusion into the monitoring area, and a display unit that displays a range that can be detected by the intrusion detection sensor overlaid on an image of the monitoring area taken by the imaging unit. The range that can be detected by the intrusion detection sensor in the monitoring area is less than or equal to an imaging range of the monitoring area that can be imaged by the imaging unit.

Abstract: A method and system for providing security services. The method includes the steps of establishing a plurality of security applications for an individual person, each embodied as a set of program steps saved in a non-transitory computer readable medium accessible by a security system of the person and each incorporating a respective set of sensors at least some of which provide intrusion detection for a secure geographical area of the person, incorporating the plurality of security applications into a control interface of the person, the control interface receiving one or more control instructions from the person, the received control instructions associated with at least one of the plurality of security applications and the at least one security application providing the security feature to the person based upon the input of the respective set of sensors in accordance with the set of control instructions.

Abstract: A computerized method of video analysis that includes receiving several series of video frames generated by a number of image sensors. Each image sensor has its own field-of-view which can, but does not have to, overlap with another image sensor's field-of-view. The image sensors monitor a portion of a monitored environment. The computerized method also includes concurrently tracking, independent of calibration, multiple objects within the monitored environment as the objects move between fields-of-view, and multiple objects within one field-of-view. The tracking is based on the plurality of received series of video frames.

Abstract: An imaging pest detection device, adaptable to mounting on known pest traps, utilizing a camera module and LED light providing daily gathering of images of the catch-can interior, thereby providing a remote real-time awareness of trap contents with reduced labor and increased accuracy and immediacy of trap condition.

Abstract: An object tracking method for a non-overlapping-sensor network works in a sensor network. The method may comprise a training phase and a detection phase. In the training phase, a plurality of sensor information measured by the sensors in the sensor network is used as training samples. At least an entrance/exit is marked out within the measurement range of each sensor. At least three characteristic functions including sensor spatial relation among the sensors in the sensor network, difference of movement time and similarity in appearance, are estimated by an automatically learning method. The at least three characteristic functions are used as the principles for object tracking and relationship linking in the detection phase.

Abstract: An alarming method includes: capturing images around a door; determining whether a user has passed through the door by analyzing the captured images; detecting whether the door is closed after determining that the user has passed through the door; and executing an alarm operation to alarm the user to close the door after determining that the user has passed through the door and the door is opened. A door alarm system is also described.

Abstract: A subject can be tracking using a plurality of physical video monitoring or image acquisition devices deployed in a delimited area. A map represents the delimited area. Icons representing the physical monitoring devices can be placed and configured on the map representing the delimited area. Some or all of the placed and configured video monitoring devices can be logically linked together to form scenes. The video feed from the physical video monitoring devices may be recorded in stable storage. A layout for display of the video feeds may be selected. Upon playing the video feed, whether live or recorded, a subject can be tracked through the delimited area by selecting one of the video monitoring devices in one of the available scenes.

Abstract: Video monitoring and alarm verification technology, in which a first connection is established between a first device and a camera located in a monitored property associated with a user of the first device and image data captured by the camera is received over the first connection and at the first device. A determination is made to establish a second connection with a second device that enables sharing of the received image data with the second device and, in response to the determination, the second connection is established between the first device and the second device. The received image data is shared with the second device over the second connection and the second device is restricted from directly accessing image data captured by the camera located in the monitored property.

Abstract: A device to detect occupancy of an environment includes a sensor to capture video frames from a location in the environment. The device may compare rules with data using a rules engine. The microcontroller may include a processor and memory to produce results indicative of a condition of the environment. The device may also include an interface through which the data is accessible. The device may generate results respective to the location in the environment. The microcontroller may be in communication with a network. The video frames may be concatenated to create an overview to display the video frames substantially seamlessly respective to the location in which the sensor is positioned. The overview may be viewable using the interface and the results of the analysis performed by the rules engine may be accessible using the interface.

Abstract: A display device is provided which includes a base body having a pixel area in which pixels are disposed in a matrix, an organic planarizing film composed of an organic film and provided on the base body, a dry-etched film provided on the organic planarizing film and formed by dry etching, a conductive film provided on the dry-etched film, and an organic film-removed area in which the organic planarizing film is removed outside the periphery of the pixel area. In the above display device, the dry-etched film or a film provided before the dry-etched film is formed is terminated in the organic film-removed area.

Abstract: A server may detect a threshold number of mobile stations (e.g., total mobile stations or mobile stations belonging to a predefined group) currently located at an area, such as by determining that a number of mobile stations currently located at an area is greater than a desired maximum number of mobile stations or less than a desired minimum number of mobile stations. The threshold number may be determined based on a typical number of mobile stations located at the area. In response to detecting the threshold number of mobile stations, the server may obtain data recorded by surveillance equipment located at the area (including data recorded by mobile stations temporarily acting as surveillance equipment,) which data represents activity at the area. To obtain the data, the server may instruct the surveillance equipment to begin recording data. The server may then output the received data for receipt by a user.

Abstract: A method for verification of a video signal employs measurements of luminosity of video display monitors. A current consumption of the video display monitors is measured at a sampling rate. The measured current display consumption is used as a measure of the total luminosity of the display screen at the time of measurement. A special software module within a digital recording unit is used to calculate an aggregate luminosity of every recorded video frame. A central verification system generates subtle yet measurable changes in illumination of the surveyed scenes. The central verification system detects and analyses the correlated changes in display monitor's current consumption to verify that the assigned monitor is actually displaying its assigned scene. The software module produces an event notification along with a timestamp of the event whenever the frame luminosity changes between adjacent frames.

Abstract: A method and system for processing digital image data taken from a three-dimensional topographic area including terrain and a right of way including a first and a second object to establish a clearance surface to define clearance violations within a boundary area. Waypoints are located to define a centerline and the boundary area to be analyzed. Vegetation coordinate points in the scene are determined from the digital image data. Ground coordinate points are determined from the digital image data. A clearance surface segment is constructed within the boundary area between the first and second object. The clearance surface is determined from the location of the first and second object and clearance criteria. The clearance surface is used to define a violation region.

Abstract: A stand-alone, portable video alarm system for monitoring a protected area selected by a user is described that includes a video detection sensor for issuing alarm system signals, including an intrusion alarm signal when the video detection sensor detects motion indicative of an intruder within the protected area, a secondary detection sensor to detect the intruder within said protected area, a modem for communicating command signals to and alarm system signals from the video alarm system, a user-controlled mobile display for transmitting said command signals to the video alarm system through said modem and for receiving said alarm status signals from the video alarm system through said modem, wherein the intrusion alarm signal is communicated from the video alarm system through the modem and onto the user-controlled mobile display only when the intruder is detected by both the video detection sensor and the secondary detection sensor.

Abstract: The video input unit inputs video data. The reference data input unit inputs a plurality of reference data relating to the video data. The extraction condition determining unit determines, from the identification information of the plurality of reference data, an item of identification information in correspondence with a period of time elapsed after receipt of an output request. The reference data extracting unit extracts the reference data having the determined identification information. The analyzing unit calculates the level of similarity between the frames in the input video data and the reference data, and extracts frames whose level of similarity is greater than a first threshold value. The video generating unit generates output video data that includes the extracted frames. The output unit outputs the generated output video data.

Abstract: A motor vehicle monitoring system comprises controller 100, processor 110, memory 120, wireless transceiver 200, audio recording device 300, video recording device 400, information storage device 500, vehicle tracking device 600, video display device 700, and stimulus sensing device 800.

Abstract: A system and method for PTZ presets control analytic configuration in one aspect provides a camera that includes PTZ preset information and analytics configuration information to allow local, that is, within the camera, processing at each preset position. In one embodiment, the information is set-up or configured using, for example, a PC, PDA (personal digital assistant), or the like, etc., which may be remotely or locally connected to a camera. In one aspect, if a PTZ camera is being operated manually and is moved to a particular position, the PTZ automatically moves to the nearest preset position and operates under the conditions of the associated analytics configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for operation of a display device to provide a home security alarm. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a user alarm activation command by the display device; initiating a detection mode, by the display device, based on the user command; and detecting, by a sensor of the display device, at least one of a presence and motion within a target area of the display device. The process may also include outputting an alarm signal, by the display device, based on detecting the at least one of a presence and motion in the target area.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for tamper detection of electronic devices (110) in closed units which is robust and low cost. The object is achieved by a method in an electronic device (110) for detecting if a cover (100) enclosing the electronic device (110) has been opened. The cover (100) comprises an enclosing assembly (250) which is adapted to fasten the cover (100) into a closed position. The electronic (device 110) comprises a non volatile memory (120). The non volatile memory (120) comprises a stored reference signature associated to the enclosing assembly (250) when the cover (100) was fastened into a closed position. The method comprises the following steps: (Creating 1003) a signature associated to the enclosing assembly (250). Comparing (1004) the created signature with the reference signature. Detecting (1007) that the cover 100 has been opened when the comparing (1004) results in a difference.

Abstract: An electronic article surveillance system (1) comprises a read/write station (2; 217, 218, 220-224) that is designed to communicate an electronic article surveillance status test-request command comprising zone information that indicates an electronic article surveillance zone for which an electronic article surveillance status that is assigned to said zone is to be tested, and further comprises a data carrier (3; 31-35) having a circuit (11) that is designed to store status data (SD) for indicating whether an electronic article surveillance status is active and to store zone data (ZD) for specifying at least one electronic article surveillance zone to which the electronic article status is assigned, the data carrier (3; 31-35) being further designed to test whether said stored status is active for the electronic article surveillance zone to which it is assigned in the case that this zone is indicated by the zone information provided by the read/write station (2; 217, 218, 220-224).

Abstract: A system and method is provided for an intrusion detection system. The intrusion detection system comprises a first camera configured to acquire first visual images of a monitored area and a second camera configured to acquire second visual images of the monitored area. The intrusion detection system also comprises a detection device configured to compare the first images with a background image of the monitored area. The detection device can mark differences between the first images and the background image as a potential intruder. The intrusion detection system further comprises a tracking device configured to evaluate each of the first images relative to each of the second images to determine three-dimensional characteristics associated with the potential intruder.

Abstract: A video distribution system which is enhanced in flexibility in distribution mode switching. In a camera server connected to a viewer via a network, a video capture board captures a video image. A CPU processes the captured video image according to an electronic PTZ mode for cutting out a part of the captured video image and a mechanical PTZ emulation mode for cutting out parts of the captured video image and interpolating the cut-out images. The CPU distributes the processed video image to the viewer via the network. The CPU performs mode switching between the electronic PTZ mode and the mechanical PTZ emulation mode based on control information transmitted from the viewer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of storing and searching for an image are provided. The apparatus includes: a first signal processor which receives location information about an object detected by a sensor, generates and transmits a camera control signal to a camera based on the location information so that the camera performs a surveillance in a direction according to the camera control signal, and receives from the sensor an alarm signal notifying an intrusion of the object into a preset area; a second signal processor which receives a surveillance image of the intruding object received from the surveillance of the camera; and a control unit which stores the surveillance image in a storage unit.

Abstract: A programmable interface module includes a linear power regulator to control and provide power to interfaced components on an as needed basis. The interface module is implemented in, for example, a sensor pack and multiplexed to a plurality of sensor modules. In a first mode, the linear voltage regulator provides a relatively small amount of power which allows a sensor module to output a signal responsive to detecting an environmental condition (e.g., gamma or x-ray radiation, extreme temperatures, etc.). The interface module can switch the linear voltage regulator to a second mode in which the linear voltage regulator ramps up the amount of power provided to a detecting sensor module. The sensor module can then provide a level indicative of a concentration or intensity of the environmental condition. If the level surpasses a predetermined threshold, the sensor pack can output an alert signal to security server.

Abstract: A motion detector consisting of multiple motion detector elements each having a preset field of view. An alarm signal generated by a motion detector element when movement is detected is sent to a detector controller which converts the alarm signal to a control signal for an associated camera to direct the field of view of the camera to match the preset field of view of the motion detector element that generated the alarm.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein comprise a system and method for improving visibility of a roadway using an improved visibility system. The method comprising receiving data from a plurality of fog detectors located proximate a roadway and determining, based on the data from the plurality of fog detectors, that fog is present about the roadway. The method further comprising obtaining, after the determining that fog is present about the roadway, a plurality of images of the roadway by activating a plurality of cameras located proximate the roadway. The method further comprising creating a composite image by combining two or more of the plurality of images, wherein the composite image depicts the roadway unobstructed by fog and transmitting the composite image to a display device located in a vehicle traveling along the roadway.

Abstract: An optimal listening position for the multi-channel audio sound system is determined. A listening area and other audio playback controls may also be defined or modified by a listener. During subsequent audio playback, an imager captures images of at least a portion of the listener. When the listener has moved to a position that is different from a previous position, one or more audio parameters are adjusted for at least one channel in the multi-channel audio system in order to reposition the initial or previous optimal listening position to the current position of the listener. When the listener moves outside the listening area, an out of bounds response is initiated to disable or control the audio playback until the listener moves to a position within the listening area.

Abstract: Disclosed is a face recognition apparatus for previously registering a face image of a person, receiving a moving image in which face identification is intended to be performed, and performing face recognition in the received moving image. The apparatus includes the following elements. A face registration unit registers the face of a person as an image. A face detection unit detects a face in a frame of an input moving image. A face tracking unit tracks the detected face in frames of the input moving image. A face identification unit compares the detected face, which is being tracked by the face tracking unit, with the registered face registered in the face registration unit to identify the face. A stabilization unit stabilizes the result of face identification by the face identification unit.

Abstract: An intruder identification system for capturing a digital image in a field of view generally comprising an image capturing device and one or a plurality of sound emitters for attracting a gaze of an intruder and a turning of their face to an image capturing position in the field of view. A preferred image capturing position being when both eyes of the intruder are viewable in the field of view of the image capturing device, detectable by the employment of facial recognition software adapted at the task and thereafter digitally storing the image. The identity of the intruder may be determined using software adapted to identify individuals from the captured facial image. The system may also employ means for electronic communication for transmitting the digital image to a video display operatively connected with a users receiving device, such as a smart phone.

Abstract: Techniques for analyzing performance of solar panels and/or cells are provided. In one aspect, a method for analyzing an infrared thermal image taken using an infrared camera is provided. The method includes the following steps. The infrared thermal image is converted to temperature data. Individual elements are isolated in the infrared thermal image. The temperature data for each isolated element is tabulated. A performance status of each isolated element is determined based on the tabulated temperature data. The individual elements can include solar panels and/or solar cells. In another aspect, an infrared diagnostic system is provided. The infrared diagnostic system includes an infrared camera which can be remotely positioned relative to one or more elements to be imaged; and a computer configured to receive thermal images from the infrared camera, via a communication link, and analyze the thermal images.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes: an image creating section imaging a predetermined surveillance range and creating image data; an image processing section in which computing processing means having a predetermined processing ability performs first image processing of detecting an abnormality in the surveillance range in accordance with the image data and generating a first detection signal and second image processing of converting the image data to a predetermined data format in parallel; and a determination processing section determining whether a predetermined subject under surveillance exists in the surveillance range or not based on the first detection signal, generating and supplying a first control signal to the image processing section if it is determined that the subject under surveillance does not exist, and generating and supplying a second control signal to the image processing section if it is determined that the subject under surveillance exists.

Abstract: A Network of Traffic Behavior-monitoring Unattended Ground Sensors (NeTBUGS) is configurable to detect the passing of vehicles, determine when and where individual vehicles have stopped for a period of time that raises suspicion of illegal or dangerous activity, track the vehicles after the stop and to generate a location-tagged alert for the timely dispatch of a response asset to investigate the anomalous behavior of the vehicle. NeTBUGS sensors are small, camouflaged, easily concealed, and operate for long durations independent of the electrical grid or large, obvious power generators and thus well suited for operation in a hostile environment.

Abstract: A method for controlling an electronic apparatus, includes steps of: acquiring an image of the environment of the apparatus, detecting the presence of human faces in the image acquired, estimating a respective position of each face detected in relation to the apparatus, and sending a signal to the apparatus to enable a function of the apparatus if a condition is met relating to a number of faces detected in the image and/or the estimated position of each detected face.

Abstract: A photographing apparatus includes a photographing lens; an image acquisition device for acquiring an image of a subject; a recording device for recording the image acquired in accordance with an instruction of actual photographing in a recording medium; a visual line guiding device for guiding a visual line of the subject to the photographing lens; and an activation control device for activating the visual line guiding device according to a photographing situation which is determined based on the image acquired by the image acquisition device.

Abstract: An apparatus for taking an electronic message from a user and actively notifying a receiver is disclosed. The apparatus includes a message input device for receiving the electronic message from the user, a message storing device for storing the electronic message therein, a message playing device for playing the electronic message, a vibration detector for detecting a certain level of vibration, a controller electrically connected to the message input device, the message storing device, the message playing device and the vibration detector, and a case accommodating the message input device, the message storing device, the message playing device, the vibration detector and the controller therein. The vibration detector sends out a trigger signal in response to the vibration, and the controller allows the electronic message to be read out from the message storing device and played by the message playing device in response to the trigger signal.

Abstract: A surveillance system having at least one primary video camera for translating real images of a zone into electronic video signals at a first level of resolution. The system includes means for sampling movements of an individual or individuals located within the zone from the video signal output from at least one video camera. Video signals of sampled movements of the individual is electronically compared with known characteristics of movements which are indicative of individuals having a criminal intent. The level of criminal intent of the individual or individuals is then determined and an appropriate alarm signal is produced.

Abstract: A surveillance system having at least one primary video camera for translating real images of a zone into electronic video signals at a first level of resolution. The system includes means for sampling movements of an individual or individuals located within the zone from the video signal output from at least one video camera. Video signals of sampled movements of the individual is electronically compared with known characteristics of movements which are indicative of individuals having a criminal intent. The level of criminal intent of the individual or individuals is then determined and an appropriate alarm signal is produced.