Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for video object monitoring with a mobile communication system, whereby a connection between a transmitter provided with a video camera and at least one receiver is established for transmitting video data over the mobile communication system. To ensure that the video data transmitted by the transmitter can only be received by authorized receivers, the invention provides that before or while the connection is set up, a device of the mobile communication system checks, if the receiver is authorized to receive video data from the transmitter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for protection of a machine-controlled handling appliance having moving parts, having a safety sensor system for detection of objects in the working area of the handling appliance, having a safety controller which interacts with the handling appliance controller and in the process controls safety-relevant handling appliance functions as a function of signals from the safety sensor system. The safety sensor system has non-contacting proximity sensors so that a safety-relevant part of the working area of the handling appliance is covered by the detection areas of the proximity sensors.

Abstract: Binarization is performed using a threshold image obtained by multiplying a variation in each pixel value of an input image with a coefficient. Although the variation is time-averaged based on an update coefficient for each pixel, the update coefficient is switched depending on whether or not a relevant pixel belongs to the object. Subsequently, from the binary image, an initial detection zone is formed and a spatial filtering process is performed thereto. The spatial filtering process includes at least one of skeleton analysis processing, object mask processing, morphology processing, and section analysis processing. For a tracking zone, the temporal positional change thereof is tracked, and the noise is reduced. Some of the tracking zones are removed, and the remaining zones are integrated into a cluster, and furthermore the cluster selection is performed based on the dimensions in real space.

Abstract: The Improved Mobile Digital Video Recorder (IMDVR) system is a ruggedized, multiple camera video and audio recording system that is installed within a public transit vehicle to record, store, and manage an integrated data stream of data captured within and exterior to the transit vehicle. The system is focused on multiple person vehicles and the capture of an integrated data stream for use in transit security, liability, and evidentiary processes.

Abstract: A safety system receives access monitoring information from sensors to detect intrusion into a mutual exclusion zone by either an operator or mechanical equipment. The border of the mutual exclusion zone is segmented into portals that allow both the operator and equipment to access a common work area such as for loading material. When intrusion into one of the portals is detected, intrusion into any other selected portals triggers a safety violation. Access to the mutual exclusion zone via the other portals is prohibited until the interior of the zone is determined to be empty again.

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

Abstract: A surveillance camera system is disclosed in which an image obtained by a surveillance camera controlled to be panned/tilted is displayed on a monitor. The system includes a tilt angle detector which detects a tilt angle of the surveillance camera, an inversion tilt angle storage which stores data of a plurality of the predetermined inversion tilt angles, an inversion tilt angle setting unit which selects and sets either or any one of the inversion tilt angles stored on the inversion tilt angle storage, a tilt angle comparing unit which compares the tilt angle detected by the tilt angle detector with the inversion tilt angle set by the inversion tilt angle setting unit, and an image inversion processing unit which carries out a process of inverting the image obtained by the surveillance camera upside down and symmetrizing the image bilaterally when the tilt angle is equal to or larger than the inversion tilt angle as a result of comparison by the tilt angle comparing unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for analyzing, managing and cataloguing video tracks generated by a video surveillance system. Systems and methods operating in accordance with the present invention receive video tracks from a video surveillance system; analyze them for particular categories of, for example, objects or events, assign unique identifying tags to the video tracks; and save them in highly-cross-referenced databases so that video tracks containing, for example, particular objects or events can be easily searched for and recalled. In addition, the present invention provides browsing facilities for viewing events that have just elapsed, events that are occurring in near real-time.

Abstract: A fully digital camera system provides high-resolution still image and streaming video signals via a network to a centralized, server supported security and surveillance system. The digital camera for collects an image from one or more image transducers, compressing the image and sending the compressed digital image signal to a receiving station over a digital network. A plurality of image transducers or sensors may be included in a single camera unit, providing array imaging such as full 360 degree panoramic imaging, universal or spherical imaging and field imaging by stacking or arranging the sensors in an array. The multiple images are then compressed and merged at the camera in the desired format to permit transmission of the least amount of data to accomplish the desired image transmission. The camera also employs, or connects to, a variety of sensors other than the traditional image sensor.

Abstract: A method of video processing may include analyzing input video information to determine if a current video frame is directed to a same view as a previous video frame; determining whether a new view is present; and indicating a need to use video processing information pertaining to the new view if a new view is determined to be present.

Abstract: A system for tracking objects across an area having a network of cameras with overlapping and non-overlapping fields of view. The system may use a combination of color, shape, texture and/or multi-resolution histograms for object representation or target modeling for the tacking of an object from one camera to another. The system may include user and output interfacing.

Abstract: A method for re-identifying an image is provided. The method comprises obtaining a plurality of images and generating a correspondence map between the plurality of images. The method further comprises defining a plurality of region signatures for one or more regions comprising the plurality of images and comparing the plurality of images based on the correspondence map and the plurality of region signatures to perform image re-identification.

Abstract: A terminal device 1 including a wireless communication unit 11 is carried by a subject user who will become a subject, and a wireless communication unit 21 for performing directional data communication in an imaging direction is provided in a camera 2. When the terminal device 1 and the camera 2 become able to communicate data each other, the subject user carrying the terminal device 1 is photographed, and image data obtained in this way are transmitted to the terminal device 1. The terminal device 1 displays the image data. If necessary, the subject user issues an instruction to print the image data, and transmits information on the instruction to print to the camera 2. The camera 2 assigns the information on the instruction to print to the image data, and transmits the information on the instruction to print and the image data to an image server 4 and further to a printer 5.

Abstract: An image monitoring system uses wireless communications to transmit images for security monitoring. The system includes a central controller (105) and a plurality of digital still camera units (110) operatively connected to the central controller (105). At least one of the camera units (110) includes an image sensor (215), a motion detector (220) that causes the image sensor (215) to receive image data when motion is detected, a micro controller (205), and a first nonvolatile memory operatively connected to or included in the micro controller (205). The micro controller (205) determines whether received image data should be transmitted to the central controller (105), and the central controller (105) determines whether received image data should be transmitted to a monitoring station (115). The camera units (110) may further be used as standalone units as replacements for motion detectors in existing security systems.

Abstract: A sequence of images depicts a foreground object in motion. A base image is selected, and the other images in the sequence are co-registered with the base image in order to align the images to a common coordinate system. A background image and a binary foreground mask are generated from the sequence of aligned images. By applying the foreground mask to a chosen one of the aligned images, a representation of the moving object is extracted. After blurring the background image, the extracted representation may be superimposed onto the blurred background image to produce a new image.

Abstract: A monitor camera is provided with a control device which carries out a predetermined process in response to an input of a trigger signal. The control device has an arrangement in that continuous images are successively inputted from a camera unit thereto and in that a detection of a moving object is carried out by detecting a change in images in a moving-object detector. When no change in images is detected by the moving-object detector within a predetermined time after the input of a trigger signal from a detection sensor to a trigger signal input unit, the control device determines the trigger signal inputted to the trigger signal input unit as valid. Then, only when the valid trigger signal has been detected, an abnormality process is carried out. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the abnormality process from being performed upon erroneous detection of a normal state as an abnormal state.

Abstract: A security system for recording information outside a vehicle and delivering such information to a remote location includes a plurality of cameras mounted within a housing with radial lines of sight for providing a panoramic view of the surroundings. The present invention further includes a communication mechanism for transmitting an image to a remote location. A user interface includes one of a hand-operable video phone, personal computer and cellcorder. The present invention further includes an image stabilizing mechanism for maintaining the lines of sight along a linear path. The image stabilizing mechanism is secured to the housing and cameras. Such an image stabilizing mechanism includes a housing that has a motor, a gyro, and a helical spring member, which provide support as the vehicle is in motion.

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

Abstract: A method is disclosed for managing a parking lot. In one disclosed embodiment, the method includes receiving parking lot data. The embodiment of the disclosed method also includes transforming the parking lot data into parking lot information, the parking lot information including information about a moving parking lot object. Further, the embodiment of the disclosed method includes transmitting a map of the parking lot to a mobile interaction device, and transmitting the parking lot information to the mobile interaction device.

Abstract: A security system and method for detecting the presence of one or more persons in a location, by: directing a light source in the direction of the location; detecting reflections of the light source from the location by a light detector in order to form an image representing the one or more persons' eyes; and analyzing the image received on the light detector to identify and count the number of eyes on the image. Preferably, the analyzed information is then communicated to a remote facility for further processing. Appropriate action to take based on the analyzed information includes issuing an alert, turning on an alarm system, sending a message to one or more predetermined persons and/or machines.

Abstract: A device for capturing a silhouette consisting of a transparent wall, a vision device to capture at least one image of the wall and a processing unit connected to the vision device which analyses the captured images and detects the silhouette of the individual passing between the transparent wall and the vision device. More than one pattern is positioned on the transparent wall and the patterns exhibit a contrast with the transparent wall.

Abstract: Output from a video camera is monitored. Input data is analyzed to produce a model of a background image and incoming image data is compared with said background model to identify images having a high level of activity created by the introduction of a foreground object. A period of activity, composed of a plurality of consecutive images having a high level of activity, is identified, and an exemplar image is generated.

Abstract: A security checkpoint system and apparatus that provides security officers entrusted with protecting our nations' critical infrastructure or other high risk locations, a means of isolating and tracking suspicious persons who enter large public events or public transportation systems. Via a machine, communications system and components that are positioned at entrance points such as stadium section entrances, train station platform entrances, etc., a suspicious person entering the system is processed through a series of onsite as well as off-site follow-up investigations upon first being noticed as suspicious. The machine and it's overt security checkpoint system is designed to induce a suspicious reaction in persons with a guilty mind. As the person registers upon entrance to a facility, a close up view of the persons' face, as well as his seat assignment, is captured by the machine in digital image format.

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

Abstract: A surveillance system for terminals for controlling generation of false or wrong information by displaying an inquiry message to a user. The surveillance system includes a terminal having an individual information acquirement unit acquiring private information on a user and also having an operation guide information display unit displaying an operational guide to prompt the user to enter an input; a monitor camera taking the terminal; an abnormality detection device for detecting a suspicious behavior of the user based on a video of the user; and a display control unit causing the operation guide information display unit of the terminal to display inquiry information to the user when the abnormality detection device detects a suspicious behavior of the user. The abnormality detection device selects subsequent processing operations according to input information of the user to the inquiry information.

Abstract: A passback direction for a video monitored area may be defined. Video collected from the video monitored area may be accessed. Video collected from a video monitored area may be analyzed based on a passback direction of the video monitored area to detect any passback events in the video monitored area. An action based on the detected passback events may be initiated.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a multi-view face descriptor includes a multi-view face database storing sets of training face images and sets of test face images, each set including a mosaic view of a single identity; a basis matrix generator generating a basis matrix of the training face images shown from respective viewpoints searched from the multi-view face database; a feature extractor extracting feature vectors of a test face image shown from each viewpoint using the basis matrix of the training face images searched from the multi-view face database; a to-be-registered view selector searching the test face images using the feature vectors extracted by the feature extractor and selecting a plurality of viewpoints as registered viewpoints according to the search results; and a face descriptor generator generating a multi-view face descriptor by synthesizing face descriptors having the plurality of selected viewpoints.

Abstract: A motion detecting camera system includes a portable motion detection device having an image sensor for detecting motion within a field of view of the motion detection device and automatically generating a digital image of a scene within the field of view upon detection of motion. The motion detection device includes a cellular telephone transmitter for transmitting cellular telephone communications. The camera system includes a base unit having a display screen. The motion detection device is configured to automatically transmit the digital image via the transmitter to the base unit for display on the display screen.

Abstract: A camera system includes a first camera having a low-resolution image sensor with a plurality of image sensing regions. The camera system includes a plurality of high-resolution cameras. Each of the high-resolution cameras is associated with a set of the plurality of image sensing regions. The first camera is configured to detect motion based on sensed images, identify a set of the image sensing regions based on the motion, and power on the high-resolution camera associated with the identified set of image sensing regions.

Abstract: A security camera with magnetic adjustor has a camera body and a front cap assembly. The camera body has a case, an optoelectronical module and at least one magnetic adjustor. The optoelectronical module is coaxially mounted in the case and has a camera lens. The at least one magnetic adjustor is a telescopic rod, is mounted radially on the camera lens and has a distal end and an inner magnet being mounted in the distal end. The front cap assembly has at least one adjustment guide. The at least one adjustment guide is rotatably mounted on the case and has an outer magnet corresponding to the inner magnet of a corresponding magnetic adjustor. A size of the optoelectronical module is changeable for lower production costs since the magnetic adjustors are telescopically adaptable to different camera cases.

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 scalable architecture for providing real-time multi-camera distributed video processing and visualization. An exemplary system comprises at least one video capture and storage system for capturing and storing a plurality of input videos, at least one vision based alarm system for detecting and reporting alarm situations or events, and at least one video rendering system (e.g., a video flashlight system) for displaying an alarm situation in a context that speeds up comprehension and response. One advantage of the present architecture is that these systems are all scalable, such that additional sensors (e.g., cameras, motion sensors, infrared sensors, chemical sensors, biological sensors, temperature sensors and like) can be added in large numbers without overwhelming the ability of security forces to comprehend the alarm situation.

Abstract: This invention provides a security system that includes: a surveillance camera unit including a video camera and a paint bullet firing apparatus for firing a paint bullet from a firing port arranged along the direction of the axis of the line of sight of the video camera; a user interface for displaying an image from the video camera and accepting a predetermined input from an operator; and a controller for remote-controlling the surveillance camera unit. The controller extracts a predetermined photographic subject from an image sent from the video camera; sets the predetermined photographic subject as a target according to an instruction from the user interface; and controls the direction of the surveillance camera unit to position the predetermined photographic subject in the vicinity of the center of the image. The controller then issues a command to fire the paint bullet according to a second input from the user interface.

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: A remote-control door viewer surveillance system includes a door viewer holding a lens assembly in the door panel of a house, an image sensor for picking up image signals through the lens assembly, an image processing circuit for processing image signals received from the image sensor into digital image signals, a monitor for displaying images of digital image signals outputted by the image processing circuit, a communication module for transmitting digital image signals outputted by the image processing circuit to the user's mobile phone, a memory for storing digital image signals outputted by the image processing circuit for further review, and a TCP/IP equipment for transmitting the digital image signal outputted by the image processing circuit to a computer at a predetermined IP address for monitoring and storage.

Abstract: A patient fall prediction system receives video image frames from a surveillance camera positioned in a patient's room and analyses the video image frames for movement that may be a precursor to a patient fall. In set up phase, the viewpoint of the camera is directed at a risk area associated with patient falls, beds, chairs, wheelchairs, etc. A risk area is defined graphically in the viewport. The patient fall prediction system generates a plurality of concurrent motion detection zones that are situated proximate to the graphic markings of the risk areas. These motion detection zones are monitored for changes between video image frames that indicate a movement. The pattern of detections is recorded and compared to a fall movement detection signature. One fall movement detection signature is a sequential detection order from the motion detection zone closest to the risk area in the frames associated with patient falls, to the motion detection zone farthest away from the risk area.

Abstract: In the invention, a particular-region such as red-eye region of a photographed image is detected, the image including a person as an object. At first a particular region candidate satisfying detection conditions for the particular region candidate is detected from the image. Then, a face region of the person satisfying detection conditions for the face region of the person is detected and the particular region candidate is specified as a particular region to be detected, in a condition that the particular region candidate is included in the detected face region. On the other hand, the image is divided into first and second regions at least before the detecting of the face region of the person. The detection conditions used for the detection for the particular region candidate or the detection for the face region of the person are changed between the first region and the second region of the image.

Abstract: An energy conserving remote power efficient 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 off, 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 is off is less than the activation signal duration.

Abstract: An image processing method is provided for detecting the position of a specific subject from a moving image and combining a display of detection result indicating the detected position with the moving image. The image processing method includes a step of determining, depending on a display time of the detection result, whether the detection result should be continuously displayed, when the subject cannot be detected during the display of the detection result combined with the moving image.

Abstract: In a camera 12, a sound input unit inputs a monitoring sound obtained from a monitoring place, and an image generation unit generates a monitoring image obtained from the monitoring place. A sound anomaly detection unit then detects a sound anomaly in the monitoring place based on the monitoring sound, and an image anomaly detection unit detects an image anomaly in the monitoring place based on the monitoring image. A comprehensive anomaly judgment unit comprehensively judges whether or not there is an anomaly based on detection results of the sound anomaly detection unit and the image anomaly detection unit. When the comprehensive anomaly judgment unit judges that there is an anomaly, an anomaly notification unit notifies a controller 14 of the anomaly. An anomaly can be reliably detected by the comprehensive anomaly judgment.

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: The present invention is directed to monitoring a predetermined area to protect against intrusion by trespassers and the like. An embodiment of the present invention is directed to a security system that provides detecting the presence of an intruder in a predetermined area or a plurality of predetermined areas; and communicating via satellite signals to a processing center the detection of the presence of the intruder in the predetermined area or in one or more of the plurality of predetermined areas; wherein the satellite signals encode data alerting the processing center to the presence of said intruder in said predetermined area or said one or more of the plurality of predetermined areas.

Abstract: An optoelectronic protective device for providing switching signals when an unauthorized object is present in a passageway or an opening through a wall. A light source illuminates the opening, and a camera forms a picture of at least one of the wall surfaces defining the opening. A camera forms a picture of at least one of the wall surfaces and directs it onto a position resolving light receiver that generates picture signals for evaluation to determine if an unauthorized project is in the opening. The light source, the light receiver, the camera, as well as a control unit, are mounted in a housing that is configured to be secured to at least one of the wall surfaces of the opening so that it extends only negligibly into the opening, and the light source illuminates a spatial angle and the camera has an angular field of view that are sufficiently large so that objects having a predetermined minimum size present in the opening are reliably detected.

Abstract: To provide a method and apparatus for a plurality of applications including position determination, there is provided a radio communication device comprising a positioning member configured to determine a position of the radio communication device, an antenna, a receiver connected to the antenna, a controller connected to the receiver and the positioning member, configured to receive a demand for the position by way of the antenna and the receiver while running an application, and configured to stop the application and to have the positioning member determine the position in a case where the demand and the application are given a first rank and a second rank respectively and the first rank precedes the second rank.

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 is to provide a method for setting an image monitoring area and an apparatus thereof, comprising setting a trigger parameter and a stop parameter in an image processing software, calculating and analyzing a series of continuous image frames taken in a predetermined space by an image fetching unit by running the image processing software, determining whether the trigger parameter is included in a target image in the image frames, responsive to the determination being affirmative, automatically calculating, analyzing, and recording a trace of the target image moving in the image frames, stopping the recording of the trace when the stop parameter is detected in the target image, and setting an area defined by the trace of the target image as an image monitoring area to be monitored.

Abstract: A system and method for assuring a high resolution image of an object, such as the face of a person, passing through a targeted space are provided. Both stationary and active or pan-tilt-zoom cameras are utilized. The at least one stationary camera acts as a trigger point such that when a person passes through a predefined targeted area of the at least one stationary camera, the system is triggered for object imaging and tracking. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event in the system, the system predicts the motion and position of the person. Based on this predicted position of the person, an active camera that is capable of obtaining an image of the predicted position is selected and may be controlled to focus its image capture area on the predicted position of the person. After the active camera control and image capture processes, the system evaluates the quality of the captured face images and reports the result to the security agents and interacts with the user.

Abstract: The invention is related to a security system of an automatic monitoring system that is used to guard the automatic monitoring system from theft. The security system uses a sensing device to detect the movement or vibration of the monitoring system and produces a sense signal that will be processed by an information processing device to produce and send out a warning signal to guard the automatic monitoring system against theft and track the position after being moved.

Abstract: A trail camera having one or more hinges to provide pivoting of the trail camera after mounting to a fixed object is disclosed. The hinges allow pivoting of a housing and/or a camera section after the trail camera is mounted to enable a user to direct the trail camera towards a target location to capture an image regardless of the particular mounting orientation of the camera. Such a configuration enables the trail camera to be mounted at a vertical elevation above the target location while still recording events in proximity to the target location.

Abstract: A monitoring system according to the present invention has a plurality of cameras respectively monitoring a monitor area and having a changeable imaging magnification, monitoring section detecting an object to be monitored in the monitor area, and control section selecting at least one camera capable of obtaining an enlarged image to contribute to identification of the object to be monitored as camera for enlargement from the plural cameras when the object to be monitored is detected and selecting at least one camera other than the camera for enlargement as camera for wide area from the plural monitoring camera. The camera for wide area is set to a first imaging magnification to obtain a wide area image of the monitor area and the camera for enlargement is set to a second imaging magnification larger than the first imaging magnification to obtain an enlarged image of the detected object to be monitored.