Using Plural Cameras Patents (Class 348/153)
  • Patent number: 8687065
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a virtual fence provided using a plurality of video cameras. A method for providing a virtual fence in accordance with an embodiment includes: positioning a plurality of video cameras about a perimeter to be monitored, the perimeter comprising a plurality of designated areas; for each of the designated areas: capturing video data of the designated area using at least one video camera; analyzing the captured video data to detect an event; and sending at least one of image or video data to a central facility only in response to the detection of the event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Jonathan H. Connell, II
  • Patent number: 8675068
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed relating to acquisition of images regarding large area objects or large areas. In one exemplary embodiment, there is provided a method of obtaining or capturing, via a first system that includes one or more first image capturing devices, overview images, wherein the overview images depict first areas, as well as obtaining or capturing, via a second system that includes a plurality of image capturing devices, detail images characterized as being related to each other along an image axis. Moreover, the detail images may depict second areas that are subsets of the first areas, they may be arranged in strips parallel to the image axis, and they may have a higher resolution than corresponding portions of the first images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Nearmap Australia Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Stuart Nixon
  • Patent number: 8648912
    Abstract: Bicycles present before a vehicle are identified. A picked-up image having intensity values that are in accordance with the temperatures of objects is acquired to extract image regions having intensity values representative of higher temperatures than a background. An object, which includes a pair of first object portions (legs) and a second object portion (a tire), would be identified as a bicycle if the pair of first object portions, which have greater dimensions in length in the vertical direction than in width in the horizontal direction and the distance between which is less than a predetermined value in the horizontal direction, are detected from the extracted image regions and further if the second object portion, which has a different intensity value from any one of the first object portions and also has a length greater than a predetermined value in the vertical direction, is existent between the pair of first object portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kodai Matsuda, Makoto Aimura, Izumi Takatsudo
  • Publication number: 20140036086
    Abstract: An access-monitoring device of an elevator installation includes at least one video unit, wherein the video unit is connected to a control unit via a communications network. The video unit records at least one image of a defined monitoring space of the access-monitoring device. The video unit filters out a non-changing part of the at least one image and evaluates the remaining image part as to whether there is an object in the monitoring space. In the case of there being an object in the monitoring space, the video unit communicates data to the control unit. The control unit checks, in dependence on the data communicated, the authorization of the object in the monitoring space and determines either the direction of movement or the location of the object within the monitoring space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Inventio AG
    Inventor: Philippe Wagner
  • Publication number: 20140036085
    Abstract: A surveillance system includes presence detectors in a given area and an intruder identification system. The detectors are distributed among different mobile monitoring stations. A network is formed by the monitoring stations and a management unit which is designed to communicate with each of the monitoring stations and has software designed to automatically calculate the configuration to be given to the network which is to monitor the area and thus optimise the equipment used in each sector. The network configuration is calculated according to input data which include pre-recorded characteristics in the management unit and data that are at least partly provided by the monitoring stations once they are installed in the area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: Bruno Avignon, Lionel Thomas
  • Patent number: 8625957
    Abstract: A reproduction apparatus is disclosed. A display section displays a screen. A reproduction section reproduces a video signal recorded on a record medium. A display control section selects one of three display screens. A first display screen displays a picture corresponding to an externally input video signal or a video signal that is reproduced by the reproduction section and information about the video signal in different areas. A second display screen displays setup states of a plurality of keys as a key set that are capable of selecting a plurality of functions, and a picture corresponding to an externally input video signal or corresponding to a video signal that is reproduced by the reproduction section in different areas. A third display screen displays only a picture corresponding to an externally input video signal or corresponding to a video signal that is reproduced by the reproduction section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Masaharu Toyoda
  • Patent number: 8625843
    Abstract: A monitoring system includes a plurality of image-capturing apparatuses each including an event detector that executes on a corresponding captured image at least one of a plurality of processing algorithms for detection of a monitor event, and a transmission controller that outputs to a network only a processing result of the executed processing algorithm when a monitor event is not detected and that outputs to the network at least the captured image when a monitor event is detected; and a management apparatus managing the plurality of image-capturing apparatuses via the network and including an event determination unit that determines occurrence of a monitor event in accordance with the received processing result and a record controller that records the received captured image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Katsumi Oosawa
  • Patent number: 8619136
    Abstract: A system and method for displaying security content from a set top box to a television. In one embodiment, the television receives media content for display. Security content from one or more wireless cameras replaces the media content in response to receiving an alert from the one or more wireless cameras.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Jamie C. Howarter, Charles M. Lesher
  • Patent number: 8610772
    Abstract: A surveillance system and method with 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 the 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 the system providing for input capture and data transmission prioritization, thereby providing a secure surveillance system having wireless communication for monitoring a target environment with prioritization capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Smartvue Corporation
    Inventor: Martin A. Renkis
  • Patent number: 8593519
    Abstract: A field watch apparatus for use in a subject vehicle acquires a road image from a roadside capture unit located around the subject vehicle on a road and, based on the acquired image, generates an overhead view of a field around the subject vehicle in an intuitively recognizable manner by including a distant surrounding vehicle in the view, thereby providing a precisely understandable view of the field around the subject vehicle for the ease of satisfactorily identifying the distant surrounding vehicle without being compromised by the position of the roadside capture unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Makiko Tauchi, Sei Iguchi, Asako Nagata
  • Patent number: 8589994
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventor: David A. Monroe
  • Patent number: 8542872
    Abstract: A method of autonomously monitoring a remote site, including the steps of locating a primary detector at a site to be monitored; creating one or more geospatial maps of the site using an overhead image of the site; calibrating the primary detector to the geospatial map using a detector-specific model; detecting an object in motion at the site; tracking the moving object on the geospatial map; and alerting a user to the presence of motion at the site. In addition thermal image data from a infrared cameras, rather than optical/visual image data, is used to create detector-specific models and geospatial maps in substantially the same way that optical cameras and optical image data would be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Pivotal Vision, LLC
    Inventors: John R. Gornick, Craig B. Moksnes
  • Patent number: 8538820
    Abstract: Techniques disclosed herein include a reviewer interface for providing random-access review of point-of-sale (POS) video, visual indicators to point to point to objects within the point-of-sale video, and/or display of interactive statistical features. The system obtains video data of point-of-sale transactions, and corresponding transaction data correlated with the video data. The system identifies and displays transaction events of interest. In one embodiment, such a display includes displaying a visual indicator positioned at a spatial location within displayed video to identify a location of an object in the displayed video that corresponds to the transaction event identified as a transaction event of interest. The system also includes functionality to display visual indicators associated with transaction data to convey magnitude or quantity of transaction events of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Stoplift, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Migdal, Matthew Farrow, Vikram Srinivasan, Malay Kundu
  • Patent number: 8537228
    Abstract: An electronic device and method for controlling a plurality of cameras includes determining a selected camera though a control system, displaying a route map of the selected camera, and calculating motion parameters of a touch motion on a touch panel of the electronic device. The motion parameters are sent to the control system to control the selected camera according to the motion parameters. The touch panel displays acquired video images from the selected camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hou-Hsien Lee, Chang-Jung Lee, Chih-Ping Lo
  • Patent number: 8493531
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Japan Display West Inc.
    Inventors: Yusuke Shimada, Yasuhiro Kanaya, Daiki Nakajima, Keiichi Yagi
  • Patent number: 8487762
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Sprint Spectrum L.P.
    Inventors: Michael P. McMullen, Rodney D. Nelson, John R. Schuler
  • Patent number: 8488000
    Abstract: A camera receives an identifier that represents an event held at a predetermined location during a predetermined period of time, and assigns the identifier to a captured image. The camera requests another device to process an image corresponding to the identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Nagai
  • Patent number: 8487999
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for measurement of the surface profile detecting 2D-image of the surface of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Pemtron Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young-Woong Yoo, Young-Jin Choi, Cheol-Hoon Cho
  • Patent number: 8462036
    Abstract: A circuit includes a digital-to-analog converter with non-uniform resolution for converting a digital signal into an analog signal. The digital-to-analog converter includes high-resolution circuitry, reduced-resolution circuitry coupled to the high-resolution circuitry and a switch coupled to the high-resolution circuitry and to the reduced-resolution circuitry. The switch couples one of the high-resolution circuitry and the reduced-resolution circuitry to an output node. The circuit also includes a decoder coupled to the switch. The decoder receives the digital signal to control the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: QUALCOMM, Incorporated
    Inventors: Chiewcharn Narathong, Jong Min Park, Tsai-Pi Hung
  • Patent number: 8432456
    Abstract: A digital camera capable of sharing digital images using a plurality of host computers, comprising: memory for storing captured digital images and for storing installation software that can be used to install digital image sharing software on the plurality of host computers; a user interface for designating captured digital images to be shared; and a communication interface for communicating with a host computer. The communication interface can be configured to use a first logical protocol where the digital camera appears to the host computer as a data storage device in order to install the digital image sharing software on the host computer. A second logical protocol, where the digital camera appears to the host computer as an image capture device, is used when the digital image sharing software is running on the host computer that enables the digital image sharing software to automatically share designated digital images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Frank W. Armstrong
  • Patent number: 8432448
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Chris Hassapis, H. Keith Nishihara
  • Patent number: 8427539
    Abstract: A camera control system having a terminal device connected to a plurality of cameras via a network is provided. In response to an operation that exceeds a maximum control value (maximum control angle) of the PTZ of a camera that is the target of control, the terminal device displays peripheral camera information, which corresponds to a shooting direction in which the operation has been requested, together with video shot by the camera being controlled. The peripheral camera information includes installation camera position information, viewable angle information, control status information and peripheral map information as well as at least one item of captured video from a camera other than the camera being controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masato Uchihara
  • Patent number: 8416300
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Giuseppe Longobardi
  • Patent number: 8417022
    Abstract: A stereo-image processing apparatus includes a stereo-image taking means configured to take a plurality of images from different viewpoints, a parallax detecting means configured to detect a parallax of a subject on the basis of the images taken by the stereo-image taking means, an object detecting means configured to detect objects on the basis of the parallax detected by the parallax detecting means and a parallax offset value, and a parallax-offset-value correcting means configured to correct the parallax offset value on the basis of a change in a parallax corresponding to an object whose size in real space does not change with time, of the objects detected by the object detecting means, and a change in an apparent size of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Noboru Morimitsu
  • Patent number: 8416295
    Abstract: A surveillance data recording device includes a display, a digital tuner, and a control mechanism. The display displays a received surveillance data signal over a first bandwidth. The control mechanism allows a user to select a frequency band of interest. The digital tuner truncates the received signal to produce a narrowband signal comprised only of portions of the received signal that are within the frequency band of interest. A digital storage unit, such as a fixed or removable hard drive or solid state storage device, stores the narrowband signal over a period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Triasys Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: S. Bert Jones, Gary R. Kenworthy
  • Patent number: 8400502
    Abstract: Detecting video phenomena, such as fire in an aircraft cargo bay, includes receiving a plurality of video images from a plurality of sources, compensating the images to provide enhanced images, extracting features from the enhanced images, and combining the features from the plurality of sources to detect the video phenomena. Extracting features may include determining an energy indicator for each of a subset of the plurality of frames. Detecting video phenomena may also include comparing energy indicators for each of the subset of the plurality of frames to a reference frame. The reference frame corresponds to a video frame taken when no fire is present, video frame immediately preceding each of the subset of the plurality of frames, or a video frame immediately preceding a frame that is immediately preceding each of the subset of the plurality of frames. Image-based and non-image based techniques are described herein in connection with fire detection and/or verification and other applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Radoslaw Romuald Zakrzewski, Mokhtar Sadok, Jeffrey James Shirer, Robert Lowell Zeliff
  • Patent number: 8395659
    Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying moving objects from received images are disclosed. Images are received from a stereo image capture device and from a moving image capture device. Distances from the stereo image capture device to points in a captured image are stored in a stereo distance map and distances from the moving image capture device are determined from pairs of images captured by the moving image capture device and stored in a moving distance map. Stereo disparities are determined from distances in the stereo distance map and motion disparities are determined from distances in the moving distance map. A scale is generated from the stereo disparities and the motion disparities. The scale is applied to the motion disparities and the scaled motion disparities and the stereo disparities are used to identify pixels in an image associated with a moving object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Morimichi Nishigaki
  • Patent number: 8390743
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the synchronization and display of video input signals. The input signals, associated with input channels, are received by a controller. On a frame-by-frame basis, the controller controls the writing of the input signals to, and the reading of the input signals from, a memory. A frame rate control module controls frame-level synchronization between the writing operations and reading operations of the controller so that when a frame is written to the memory is not simultaneously read from the memory. The controller writes video frames for each input channel to, and reads video frames for each input channel from, the memory on a channel-by-channel basis such that the video frames corresponding to each input channel are read and written independently of one another. This allows the input signals to be unsynchronized with one another without harming the writing operations, reading operations, and display of the input signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Intersil Americas Inc.
    Inventors: Hown Cheng, Do Hwan Lim, Byungdae Jeong
  • Patent number: 8390684
    Abstract: A computer implemented method of performing video surveillance on a computer system, wherein the computer system comprises a video and a display with a graphical user interface, the graphical user interface including a source window to view play back of the video, the surveillance method comprising: determining an area of interest of a frame of the video based upon a selection of the area of interest within the source window, and generating a plurality of windows within the graphical user interface, each of the windows displaying the area of interest of the frame of the video at a point in time, wherein the graphical user interface includes controls to manipulate the playback of the video from a point in time relative to each displayed portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: On-Net Surveillance Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gadi Piran, Shmuel Diamant, Morten Nielsen
  • Patent number: 8390685
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a virtual fence provided using a plurality of video cameras. A method for providing a virtual fence in accordance with an embodiment includes: positioning a plurality of video cameras about a perimeter to be monitored, the perimeter comprising a plurality of designated areas; for each of the designated areas: capturing video data of the designated area using at least one video camera; analyzing the captured video data to detect an event; and sending at least one of image or video data to a central facility only in response to the detection of the event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Jonathan H. Connell, II
  • Patent number: 8384782
    Abstract: The present invention features an apparatus and method for displaying a bird's eye view image of around a vehicle in a relatively simple manner without causing a large amount of processing load, in which a driver can easily perceive a three-dimensional obstacle placed adjacent to a seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Japan R&D Center, Inc., Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Nakamura Hiroshi
  • Patent number: 8350923
    Abstract: A mobile camera system is disclosed. The camera system connects plural camera apparatuses including at least first and second camera apparatuses mounted on a mobile body to one another and combines images photographed by the first and the second camera apparatuses, wherein reference data obtained by the first camera apparatus is transferred to the second camera apparatus via a camera control unit, signal processing is performed in the second camera apparatus on the basis of the reference data transferred to generate a corrected image, and an image from the first camera apparatus and the corrected image outputted from the second camera apparatus are combined to output a combined image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Nobutaka Nakayama, Katsumi Katoh, Kazushi Hamada
  • Patent number: 8321126
    Abstract: A method can include, for a predetermined route, automatically processing a first set of machine instructions to create a visual travel guide for the predetermined route, the visual travel guide comprising a second set of machine instructions adapted to cause an information device to render: an identification of a destination of the predetermined route; a plurality of videos, each video corresponding to a road intersection located approximately on the predetermined route, each video adapted to substantially reproduce a view of a driver of an automobile approaching the road intersection; a plurality of textual descriptions associated with the plurality of videos; at least one of an identification of an origin of the predetermined route and an identification of an approach to the destination; and an advertisement associated with at least a portion of the predetermined route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Mays
  • Patent number: 8321885
    Abstract: A system, method and device for providing communications with an in-home system at a residence of a user are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventors: Angelo J. Pino, Jr., Mohammed Sattar
  • Patent number: 8310554
    Abstract: A system for tracking at least one object is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of communicatively connected visual sensing units configured to capture visual data related to the at least one object The system also includes a manager component communicatively connected to the plurality of visual sensing units. The manager component is configured to assign one visual sensing unit to act as a visual sensing unit in a master mode and at least one visual sensing unit to act as a visual sensing unit in a slave mode. The manager component is further configured to transmit at least one control signal to the plurality of visual sensing units, and receive the visual data from the plurality of visual sensing units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: SRI International
    Inventors: Manoj Aggarwal, Deepak Sethi, Supun Samarasekera, Vince Paragano
  • Patent number: 8310538
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a cut-out size with a predetermined aspect ratio common to a plurality of images acquired from each of a plurality of imaging units is determined based on a minimum size among sizes of possible areas around an initial optical axis center, and an image for output is cut out from each of the plurality of images in the common cut-out size determined by a size determination unit based on the initial optical axis center before each vibration correction of the plurality of imaging units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Satoshi Yanagita
  • Patent number: 8296801
    Abstract: A program preparation and distribution system, in which metadata indicating variable information is generated from project to project, from medium to medium, from scene to scene or from frame to frame, to realize an asset management by controlling an archive system depending on the metadata. A database is constructed in which the archive system manages metadata in a concentrated fashion along with the essence such as video and audio data. By a distributed program editing system, the metadata inputted at the planning processing and at the casting processing is registered in the database managed in a concentrated fashion by an archival manager, at the same time as a tag specifying the registered metadata is issued. This tag is co-packed with the video and audio information obtained on acquisition by an acquisition system. In a production system, the timing to flow the staff roll is specified during the off-line processing in the production system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Takagi, Noboru Yanagita, Keiko Abe
  • Patent number: 8289391
    Abstract: There is provided apparatus for vehicle surroundings monitorings that assists so as to make it possible for a driver to check the periphery of the vehicle with ease. Plural images are obtained by capturing the periphery of the vehicle with mutually differing exposure. A process of image recognition is then performed for a target within the thus obtained images. The images are then compared, and images for which the accuracy of image recognition of the target is favorable are selected from among the images. The selected images are joined and composited to generate a host vehicle periphery composite image. Thus, an image with a wide dynamic range and high visibility is generated, thereby making it easier for the driver to check the periphery of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Kiyohara, Ryo Yumiba, Kota Irie, Tatsuhiko Monji
  • Publication number: 20120257061
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for recording video. The method includes the steps of a plurality of security systems within a predetermined geographical area each detecting intruders within a respective home of the predetermined geographic area, a camera associated with each of at least some respective homes of the plurality of private security systems, the camera recording video in a public area surrounding the respective home of the security system, detecting an intruder within a security system of the plurality of security systems and activating the at least one camera within each of the at least some security systems to record video in response to the detected intruder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Lewin A. Edwards, Jonathan Klinger, Mike Garavuso
  • Patent number: 8284054
    Abstract: A method and a device for integrated network intelligent security monitoring and alarming are provided. The device includes a front cover (6) and a rear cover (10). A light-emitting diode (LED) infrared lighting circuit board (3) is installed on the front cover (6). An embedded microprocessor main control module board (16) and a wired and wireless broadband network module board (19), an image sensor module board (31), a wireless remote controller/alarm sensor signal receiving module board (22), a general packet radio service (GPRS) mobile phone short message and multimedia message transceiver module board (27), a siren control circuit board (21), and a piezoelectric speaker (20) electrically connected to the embedded microprocessor main control module board (16) are installed in an installing cavity between the front cover (6) and the rear cover (10). The method is simple, and the device has advantages of high integration, a small volume, multiple functions, and convenient installation and use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Swit Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shihua Zang, Zhendong Wang, Jiangsu Yu, Weiguang Xiao
  • Patent number: 8284992
    Abstract: In order to appropriately detect abnormalities for the purpose of surveillance with it being possible to prevent an unnecessary increase in data amount of the monitoring images, a monitoring system includes an image capturing section that captures a moving image of a monitored area, a variation reduced image generating section that generates a variation reduced image by reducing a temporal variation in an image, based on a plurality of moving-image making-up images included in the moving image captured by the image capturing section, a condition storing section that stores thereon a condition which is required to be satisfied by a variation reduced image which is generated by using a plurality of moving-image making-up images included in a moving image which is judged to show an abnormality, a satisfaction judging section that judges whether the variation reduced image generated by the variation reduced image generating section satisfies the condition, an output moving image generating section that, when the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuya Takamori, Makoto Yonaha, Yukinori Noguchi, Takayuki Udagawa
  • Patent number: 8279283
    Abstract: Methods and systems for a video surveillance system include a plurality of video cameras, each including a field of view, the cameras are configured to at least one of zoom for changing the camera field of view, tilt for rotating the camera about a horizontal tilt axis, and pan for rotating the camera about a vertical pan axis. The system also includes a processor configured to receive a signal indicative of an image in the field of view of at least one video camera, recognize a target using the received signal, determine a direction to the target from the cameras that recognize the target, and transmit the determined direction to other ones of the plurality of video cameras.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: UTC Fire & Security Americas Corporation, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth McCormack
  • Patent number: 8264542
    Abstract: A system for image processing is provided. The system includes a region of interest (ROI) module receiving video from a camera and detects a ROI(s) in a first image. A lookup table generates a value responsive to block type for a first vanishing point (VP). A labeling module identifies a point “p” most close to the first VP, a point “q” most remote to the first VP and a length “h” between “p” and “q” in each ROI(s), and generates information on p, q and h. Another lookup table generates information on p?, q? and h?, wherein p? is a point most close to a second VP, q? is a point most remote to the second VP and h? is a length between p? and q? in ROI(s) in the second image. A transforming module transforms ROI(s) in the first image into an ROI in the second image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Kual-Zheng Lee, Fan-Di Jou, Hung-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 8259176
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, it is possible to visually show both of information which is originally visually recognizable and information which is originally not seen that have been provided from equipment on the same image, so that it is possible to grasp the content of information and the source of providing the information corresponding to or in association with each other. Furthermore, it is possible to view information difficult to visually recognize together with visually recognizable information, and it is possible to clearly grasp, in addition to information which can be visually obtained at the place where a user currently stays, information related to the visually obtained information, from an image visually indicating the association.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Misawa, Sumie Mikami, Masaaki Koshiba, Akihisa Yamazaki, Motoari Ota
  • Patent number: 8253796
    Abstract: A surveillance system and method for rapid set up and activating 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, thereby providing a secure surveillance system having wireless communication for monitoring a target environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Smartvue Corp.
    Inventor: Martin Renkis
  • Patent number: 8248473
    Abstract: A system of remotely locatable sentries or watchtowers operate as part of a network of such sentries or towers for securing a border or perimeter over a wide area. A sensor array, including particularly an array of video cameras, provides for detection, tracking and identification of a target. The sentry or watch towers include non-lethal, sound-based instrumentalities for discouraging entry into and passage through a secured zone of the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventor: Curtis E. Graber
  • Patent number: 8249300
    Abstract: A method for dynamically tracking a specific object in a monitored area obtains an image of the monitored area by one of a plurality of image capturing devices in the monitored area, and detects the specific object in the obtained image. The method further determines adjacent image capturing devices in the monitored area according to the path table upon the condition that the specific object is detected, and adjusts a detection sensitivity of each of the adjacent image capturing devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hou-Hsien Lee, Chang-Jung Lee, Chih-Ping Lo
  • Patent number: 8233047
    Abstract: A detection system that uses a plurality of input devices with different sensitive wavelengths as image and signal acquisition devices for detecting an intruding object and which performs coordinated processing on at least two or more pieces of information to avoid issuing false alarms during an intruding object detection. Based on the position or size of an object detected by processing an input from one of the input devices, an area range in which to process an input from other input devices is defined. According to one or more of processing results, a check is made as to the presence or absence of an intruding object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi Kokusai Electric Inc.
    Inventors: Naoyuki Shimbo, Shigeru Ikewada, Miyuki Fujii
  • Patent number: 8228381
    Abstract: A video and data capturing system and method includes a mobile unit having an image sensor and motion sensing equipment connected to a microprocessor. The mobile unit is installed in an object for detecting visual images and motion data associated with the object. The mobile unit communicates with a base unit capable of analyzing the image and motion data and correcting the image data so it is level with the horizon. A foot unit may be used in conjunction with the mobile unit for detection of an athlete's foot acceleration for determining when the athlete's foot comes in contact with the ground. A field unit may be used in conjunction with the mobile unit and foot unit to determine the location of the foot unit on a playing surface to assist in determining whether an athlete is in or out of bounds, or their location on the playing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Inventor: Walter Accurso
  • Patent number: 8212669
    Abstract: A Remote Area Monitoring System (RAMS) for detecting movement in a disallowed direction through a passageway (P). The RAMS monitors two volumetric spaces that are established by the system, both of which spaces are defined with respect to depth, width, and height. Both a warning zone and an alarm zone are defined for each space. The warning zone protects against inadvertent incursion into the protected spaces; while the alarm zone protects against intentional intrusions thereinto by movement in the disallowed direction. The RAMS automatically monitors both zones and does not require human vigilance to detect and warn of an incursion or intrusion. Human traffic, in both directions through the zones, is monitored; as well as the movement of objects. Movement of humans is detected using a sensor (16) employing machine vision technology including multiple overhead modules (12) linked together so to cover the passageway through which pedestrians travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: BAS Strategic Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Sam F. Brunetti, Peter C. Davis, Katrin G. Helbing, Chethen B. Reddy, Gary D. Roberts, David M. Stinnet