Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides a means by which the privacy zone on a PTZ camera can be maintained so that an object in the camera's sight is always masked or covered. An algorithm which remembers the defined privacy zones as an area in space marked by four rays touching the four corners of the marked zone and having absolute Pan, Tilt angular coordinates is presented. The privacy zone is initially defined by a rectangle on the screen with known pixel co-ordinates which are translated into angular coordinates. Then, when the camera moves and prepares to display a new screen, the privacy zone is superimposed on the object to be masked. Locating the object and displaying its privacy zone is done by translating the absolute angular coordinates of the original privacy zone into pixel coordinates. Additionally, multiple privacy zones can be displayed on one camera screen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying image from web based camera(s) located in a residential home to be projected onto a television monitor are disclosed. For example, as part of a home security system, a web server capturing images of passageways leading to or inside a residential home can activate a frame to be projected on a television monitor when movement is detected and a new image is captured. In addition to passively alerting homeowners to potential security threats, the present invention also enables homeowners to see the image of people outside their doorways to react accordingly.

Abstract: An action recognition apparatus includes an input unit for inputting image data, a moving-object detection unit for detecting a moving object from the image data, a moving-object identification unit for identifying the detected moving object based on the image data, a state detection unit for detecting a state or an action of the moving object from the image data, and a learning unit for learning the detected state or action by associating the detected state or action with meaning information specific to the identified moving object.

Abstract: Security systems and methods are implemented using a variety of devices and methods. According to one such implementation, a security system uses a controller to communicate with security-monitoring devices and has an integrated image-capture device with a circuit board structure with an angle-setting support article, a circuit board with a nonadjustable surface, and data-communicating conductors. A camera is secured to the nonadjustable surface and is directed at a first angle relative to the nonadjustable surface. A motion detector is secured to the nonadjustable surface and is directed at a second angle relative to the nonadjustable surface of the circuit board. The support article sets the first angle relative to the second angle for capturing both images and motion in a target area. A data-communication circuit communicates data from the camera and the motion detector and wirelessly communicates the data to the controller. A solar circuit provides power to the device.

Abstract: To provide a mobile terminal device which can perform an operation reflecting the intention of a user when an event, such as the arrival of an incoming phone call or an email, occurs while a television broadcast is being displayed, and which can also improve the operability.

Abstract: A system and method for time based review of multi-polar incidents is provided. The method includes selecting at least one past alarm incident, and populating a floor plan map with representations of the past alarm incident and a set of alarms that were active during the past alarm incident.

Abstract: One embodiment pertains to a surveillance device having at least two video cameras contained within a housing of the surveillance device. The device is configured to couple to at least one side of a door. One of the two cameras is positioned on one side of the surveillance device in order to record video images on one side of the door while the another camera is positioned on an opposite side of the surveillance device to record video images on the other side of the door. As the door opens and closes, the two video cameras are able to record a wider, sweeping angle of the interior and exterior areas of the door. The surveillance device may be mounted onto the door at a height near the average height of a human in order to maximize image capture of people's faces as they enter or exit through the door.

Abstract: An approach for detecting, tracking and capturing images of an intruder in a building. The intruder's bearing and speed, and structural information about the building may provide at least a partial basis for calculating potential paths of the intruder. Cameras along the anticipated paths may be selected. These cameras may be optimized to cover nearly any area where the intruder may appear. Location, one or more images, and possibly other information may provide an intruder situation awareness for display.

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 perimeter security system includes a video camera (1), an element (7) for transmitting or retransmitting a radiation lighting a scene observed by the camera (1), and a unit (4) for image analysis and processing and for driving the camera (1). The system is essentially characterized in that it includes, in order to multiply the number of shots while using a single camera (1), at least two mirrors (6, 61) partially inserted into the field of vision of the latter, each mirror having the same vertical orientation but a different horizontal orientation so that the portion of the image seen by the camera on each of the mirrors always represents the same scene relative to the lighting element (7).

Abstract: A security system using a laser range finder that can precisely determine an existence and a location of an intruder, and a method of detecting the intruder using the laser range finder are provided. The security system using a laser range finder, the security system includes: the laser range finder emitting laser beam, receiving the reflected laser beam, measuring a distance between the laser range finder and a target object, and detecting an existence and a location of an intruder; and at least one reflective means reflecting the emitted laser beam toward the laser beam finder, wherein at least one reflective means is spaced by a predetermined distance of the laser range finder and is installed a predetermined distance from the laser range finder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an improved Internet camera is described. The method of keeping a refreshed image from a camera on a user's system comprises sending the image to the user's system and refreshing the image periodically. The method further comprises after a period of time, degrading the image.

Abstract: A sensor node detects a plurality of information-based events. The sensor node determines whether at least one other sensor node is an information neighbor of the sensor node based on at least a portion of the plurality of information-based events. The information neighbor has an overlapping field of view with the sensor node. The sensor node sends at least one communication to the at least one other sensor node that is an information neighbor of the sensor node in response to at least one information-based event of the plurality of information-based events.

Abstract: When communications are performed by connecting a non-SIP information terminal device in which SIP is not supported to a SIP converter connected to a communication line via a line terminating device, the SIP converter performs establishment and disconnection of a SIP session, and transmission of a SIP message on behalf of the non-SIP information terminal device.

Abstract: A system and method of notifying a remote client of a sensor triggering event and providing data related to the sensor triggering event to the remote client. The method has the steps of receiving a first notification signal indicating that a sensor has been triggered; identifying a data recording device associated with the triggered sensor wherein the data recording device records video data; identifying a client device designated to receive the video data when the sensor has been triggered; transmitting to the client device a second notification signal indicating that the sensor has been triggered; receiving an acknowledgement signal from the client device; and transmitting the video data to the client device.

Abstract: Upon an operation to full-press a shutter button being detected, a CPU detects human faces included in a picture imaged by an imaging unit, counts the number of the faces, and stores the number of the counted faces in a predetermined area of a memory unit. Thereafter, the CPU again detects faces included in an imaged picture and counts the number of the faces. When the number of the counted faces is equal to or smaller than the number of the faces stored in the predetermined area of the memory unit, the CPU repeats the process of detecting faces included in an imaged picture and counting the number of the faces. Meanwhile, when the number of the counted faces has increased from the number of the faces stored, the CPU records a picture that is to be imaged after a predetermined period of time passes in a recording medium.

Abstract: A method of processing a digital image using face detection within the image achieves one or more desired image processing parameters. A group of pixels is identified that correspond to an image of a face within the digital image. Default values are determined of one or more parameters of at least some portion of the digital image. Values are adjusted of the one or more parameters within the digitally-detected image based upon an analysis of the digital image including the image of the face and the default values.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image processing apparatus detects only an object to be detected by removing a disturbance, such as the shaking of trees by using a very simple process and parameter. The image processing apparatus includes a reference image storing unit for storing a plurality of past image data photographed by a video input unit as reference image data, and an image moving object detecting unit for detecting the difference of pixels or difference in small areas between the image data photographed by the video input unit and each of the plurality of reference image data stored by the reference image storing unit and detecting a moving object in the image data based on the continuity or appearance probability of the difference.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an intellectual surveillance system and a monitoring method thereof. The intellectual surveillance system comprises a camera module and a terminal computer module, wherein the camera module is capable of monitoring and reacting various sudden situations, and then the camera module transmits images and messages of the situations to the terminal computer module through at least one BNC connector and at least one coaxial cable, further that, the terminal module is able to display the images and show a alert so as to complete a secure monitor without any RS-485 series communication port and digital IP camera. Besides, the intellectual surveillance system can control the actions of monitoring and reacting such situations automatically by using the monitoring method.

Abstract: A wireless anti-theft security communications service uses a wireless security device comprising a video camera, a force/wave sensor (e.g., accelerometer, motion detector, acoustic sensor, tilt sensor), a microphone, and a wireless communication component. Various levels of security are provided depending upon the configuration of the wireless security device. When a security breach is detected, the video camera and acoustic sensor(s) switch from stand-by mode to operating mode. A wireless session is initiated and video and audio information are sent to a designated destination via the wireless session.

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 security system and a method of determining whether there is an intrusion are provided. A correlation between sound signals obtained from a sound source generating device and a sound-field variation measuring device is used to measure a acoustic field in a certain space. A difference between an initially set acoustic field and a changed acoustic field is used to determine whether there is an intruding object in a certain space. The security system includes a sound source generating device for generating a sound source; and a sound-field variation measuring device for measuring a acoustic field formed by the sound source, wherein an initially set acoustic field is compared with the measured acoustic field to determine whether there is an intrusion.

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 for detecting events in a security system. The method includes the steps of providing a secured area having a plurality of physical sensors that detect events associated with the secured area and a plurality of video devices that each collect video images of the secured area and detect motion within the collected images, a database storing events associated with activated sensors and video sequences associated with detected motion and an event processor associating activation of a predetermined sensor of the plurality of sensors with detected motion from a predetermined video device of the plurality of video devices and storing the associated video sequence and identifier of the activated sensor in a log file.

Abstract: Viewing a three dimensional area from numerous camera angles at different exposures using intensity and chromaticity data at the different exposures to create a pixel model for each pixel. A current image is compared with the background model to find pixels that have changed from their pixel model. These novel pixels are processed using contiguous region detection and grouped into foreground figures. For each camera, software extracts features from each foreground figure. A central processor maintains an object model for each foreground figure. A graphical user interface displays the relative locations of foreground figures in a world model. The location and identification of the foreground figures is checked against a table of permissions so as to selectively generate an alert. If a figure leaves or is about to leave a cell, the invention accounts for its approximate position and notifies adjacent cells of the expected arrival of the foreground figure.

Abstract: A networked digital security system is disclosed that preferably includes a centralized administrator web server coupled via a communication network such as the Internet to a plurality of customer servers and-a plurality of customer work stations. The centralized web server advantageously provides a point of control and management of the networked digital security system. The customer servers and customer work stations are preferably located at the customer's monitored sites. The customer servers are coupled to one or more intelligent camera units, which are preferably fully integrated intelligent units that gather, analyze, and transmit video, audio, and associated detected alarm event information to their associated customer server and the administrator web server. The camera units also include an intelligent automatic gain controller, an encoder buffer controller, and a network bandwidth priority controller. The system supports several compression algorithm standards.

Abstract: A storage element stores identification information identifying to-be-monitored objects (TBMO) and prohibited behavior conditions indicating behaviors respectively prohibited to the TBMO in an area. Entry monitoring elements monitor as specific TBMO, TBMO which enter the area, and judge whether or not specific identification information identifying the specific to TBMO exists in the identification information stored in the storage element. When identification information coincident with the specific identification information exists in the identification information, behavior monitoring element monitor based on the specific identification information, the specific TBMO which behave in the area, and generate behavior information indicating behaviors of the specific TBMO.

Abstract: A system that annotates video with geospatially referenced data on a display is provided. A video client is connected to a source of video data, the video client being capable of overlaying a video feed from the source of video data with graphics or text data not inherent in the video feed. An annotation provider receives a request for annotation from the video client and returns geographically relevant annotations for display to the video client. A coordinate transformation service device determines a geographic area in view in the video feed and provides accurate position information for security data contained in the video feed into display coordinates. The system may apply geo-spatial information to create a map of a structure in the video feed and to display annotations of locations in the area of field of view that are obstructed by the structure.

Abstract: An intruding object detection system including a first drive unit for moving an image pickup unit in a pan direction, a second drive unit for moving the pickup unit in a tilt direction, a third drive unit for moving the pickup unit to zoom in and out, and a control unit for detecting an image of a target object in a video signal supplied from the pickup unit, and controlling the first and second drive units to move the pickup unit in the pan and tilt directions to place the image of the target object to a center of a video screen in accordance with movement and change of the target object, and cause the third drive unit to zoom in or out so that the image of the target object is permitted to be maintained at a predetermined size.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus comprises a detection unit that detects an area having a predetermined feature from image data, a selection unit that selects, based on information of the detected area, a transfer method in which a total transfer amount of data is smallest from a plurality of transfer methods whereby the data of the detected area is divided and transferred, and a transfer unit that divides the data of the detected area and transfers from a first storage device in which the image data has been stored to a second storage device by the selected transferring method. The image processing apparatus can minimize a transfer overhead which is caused when image data is divided and transferred.

Abstract: An energy conserving remote viewing system comprising an instantaneous analog video transmission camera, an analog video receiver that receives and transmits a video image to a video monitor and a remote transmitter that activates the analog video transmission camera. The remote camera device is normally in a low power, sleep mode that has a minimal power drain. The system includes a battery powered camera requiring a first voltage to operate and an RF transmitter to send an activation signal to the camera. The activation signal has a duration. A camera power circuit includes a normally sleeping signal receiving circuit and a first timer. The first timer periodically activates the signal receiving circuit to check for the presence of the activation signal and turns off the signal receiving circuit if the activation signal is not present and turns on the camera if the activation signal is present, and wherein the time the signal receiving circuit sleeps is less than the activation signal duration.

Abstract: A security storage container for securely retaining an item of merchandise therein. The storage container is in the form of a box having a base and a lid, with the item of merchandise being received in the base. The lid is locked to the base by a locking mechanism. The storage container also includes an internally disposed alarm system which is activated when the lid is locked to the base and is deactivated when the lid is unlocked from the base. The lid can only be unlocked with a specially designed key. The alarm system includes a flashing LED which indicates to the consumer that the storage container has an activated alarm therein. The alarm system further includes an EAS tag for activating a security gate at an exit to the protected environment; and further includes a sound-emitting device that will emit a loud sound if an attempt is made to pry the lid from the base when the lid is in a locked position.

Abstract: A method for autonomous monitoring includes the following steps. A plurality of video signals of a region to be monitored is collected by a video signal collecting module. A current image and a previous image of the region to be monitored are analyzed by an image processing module. A number of points of difference between the current image and the previous image is calculated by an image comparison module. The image comparison module stores a predetermined threshold value of different points and is capable of outputting an alarm signal when the number of different points exceeds the predetermined threshold value. An alarm condition is indicated by an alarm module when the alarm signal is received.

Abstract: A border or perimeter is protected from intruders, such as illegal immigrants, terrorists with WMD or smugglers of drugs. The method comprises a detection and communication processing system capable of a high probability of detection and low probability of false positives. The system includes land-based sensor particles and sensitive airborne or land-based camera processing units. The sensors are sown over key border or perimeter landscape areas and are activated by specific pressure levels characteristic of the weight of transiting intruders whereby the sensors emit characteristic optical signals. Specific emitted indicators detect people, vehicles, or particular animals.

Abstract: A stealth mode technique records information onto the sound track of a camcorder without the knowledge of the user. Infrasound is continuously generated by an array of audio sources placed in a geographical position that potentially encompasses the location of the recording device. A database stores the known characteristics of all audio sources. Once the recorded media is released to the public, a post analysis using a processing unit can decompose the recording back into a set of reconstructed audio sounds. An analysis can be performed to determine which audio sounds match the reconstructed audio sounds so that an estimate of the set of parameters associated with the sound track can be obtained. The set of parameters includes the geographical location and local time of the recording. The geographic location provides the opportunity to capture the terrorists and free the hostages.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for monitoring, alerting, and acting, including the following steps. Input data is received from one or more sensory devices. One or more data weights are determined for the input data based on a weight corresponding to a source of the input data, a weight corresponding to a time the input data was received, and a weight corresponding to a frequency that the input data was received. A set of rules is evaluated based on the input data and the data weights. One or more actions, including a heirarchy of one or more alerts, are activated based on the results of the evaluation of the rules.

Abstract: A method for detecting and tracking a deformable object having a sequentially changing behavior, comprising: developing a temporal statistical shape model of the oscillatory behavior of the embedding function representing the object from prior motion; and then applying the model against future, sequential motion of the object in the presence of unwanted phenomena by maximizing the probability that the developed statistical shape model matches the sequential motion of the object in the presence of unwanted phenomena.

Abstract: A system for visually capturing and monitoring the contents and events surrounding a cargo container is provided. The system includes an image capture device, a control device, and an image processing device. This system may be used for both visible and infrared images. The image capture device may be situated on the container door, and record images at a more frequent rate if it is determined that an event has occurred based on comparison of successive images. Image compression techniques may also be used to transmit captured and computed images back to a central monitoring station where they can be viewed and further analyzed.

Abstract: A method of processing a digital image using face detection within the image achieves one or more desired image processing parameters. A group of pixels is identified that correspond to an image of a face within the digital image. Default values are determined of one or more parameters of at least some portion of the digital image. Values are adjusted of the one or more parameters within the digitally-detected image based upon an analysis of the digital image including the image of the face and the default values.

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: A technique for processing a digital image uses face detection to achieve one or more desired image processing parameters. A group of pixels is identified that corresponds to a face image within the digital image. A skin tone is detected for the face image by determining one or more default color or tonal values, or combinations thereof, for the group of pixels. Values of one or more parameters are adjusted for the group of pixels that correspond to the face image based on the detected skin tone.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus is provided. The image processing apparatus converts moving image data including plural first image data of a first resolution into moving image data including plural second image data of a second resolution. The apparatus generates position alignment data between the target first image data and another first image data other than the target first image data; aligns candidate image data having the second resolution corresponding to the target first image data with the other first image data according to the position alignment data generated; updates the candidate image data to minimize a first difference between the other first image data and the candidate image data position-aligned; and executes the aligning and the updating at least one time, and using the candidate image data having the difference equal to or smaller than a reference value, as the second image data corresponding to the target first image data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for operating a security system. The method includes the steps of providing a network video camera coupled to the security system through a network, detecting a predetermined activity and increasing a video quality parameter of video transmitted between the network camera and the security system in response to the detected activity for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying a plurality of images. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) an event detector configured to detect at least one true target in the plurality of images using a threshold based on average and peak pixel values, (2) an image processor configured to define at least one corresponding region-of-interest for the at least one true target, (3) at least one display configured to display the plurality of images on at least one display and (4) a region-of-interest display separate from the at least one display and configured to display the at least one region-of-interest.

Abstract: A video monitoring system is proposed, which is used to mask objects in a monitored scene that involve the privacy of an individual. Such objects include vehicle license plates or the person himself. An unmasking occurs when proof of legitimacy is entered. In a modification, a combination of a stationary camera and a moving camera also permits the masking of individual objects in the monitored scene.

Abstract: To provide an interface apparatus capable of achieving noncontact and unrestricted arm pointing actions of multiple users in an indoor space, and facilitating the recognition of all typical arm pointing actions in standing, sitting, and lying postures and the operation of indoor units in the indoor space by the arm pointing actions. The interface apparatus includes: image processing means for picking up images of the interior of an indoor space 5 with a plurality of stereo cameras 1-1 to 1-n, and producing a distance image based on the picked-up images within the visual field on a camera-by-camera basis and the coordinate system of the indoor space 5; means for extracting the posture and arm pointing of a user 4 from the distance information from the stereo cameras 1-1 to 1-n; and means for determining, when the arm pointing has been identified, whether the arm pointing is an intended signal, from the direction pointed by the arm and the motion of the arm.

Abstract: A method for locking communication between at least one wireless input capture device ICD(s) and a corresponding digital input recorder (DIR) and/or another ICD, including the steps of providing base system; at least one user accessing the DIR via user interface either directly or remotely; the DIR and/or ICD searching for signal from the ICD(s) and establishing communication with them; and locking the ICDs to send wireless data exclusively to that DIR and/or ICD; and/or the DIR and/or ICD locking itself for exclusive communication with the locked ICDs, thereby providing a secure surveillance system for a target environment.

Abstract: A method of processing a digital image using face detection within the image achieves one or more desired image processing parameters. A group of pixels is identified that correspond to an image of a face within the digital image. Default values are determined of one or more parameters of at least some portion of the digital image. Values are adjusted of the one or more parameters within the digitally-detected image based upon an analysis of the digital image including the image of the face and the default values.

Abstract: A detection system includes a plurality of sensors including an entry sensor having a field of view oriented to detect object entry with respect to an entry portion of an occupancy volume, and an exit sensor having a field of view oriented to detect object exit with respect to an exit portion of the occupancy volume, the exit portion different than the entry portion. The detection system further includes at least one approach sensor having a field of view oriented to detect object approach relative to the entry portion of the occupancy volume, and at least one retreat sensor having a field of view oriented to detect object retreat relative to the exit portion of the occupancy volume.

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.