Abstract: A video display function that enables the user to view video. When a plurality of video signals are displayed on a screen, processes are performed to set at least one pattern of information about the arrangement of video signals on the screen, display a list of arrangement information, select at least one pattern of arrangement information from the displayed arrangement information list, and reproduce video signals on the screen according to the selected arrangement information. A video distribution system distributes video signals through a network to client terminals. The video distribution system manages user accounts, holds user information of each user account, acquires the previous access time of the user account associated with the client terminal currently keeping login to the system according to user information held by the system, and transmits to the client terminal information of whether any alarm-recorded video exists after the previous access time.

Abstract: A security system is provided for a facility (10). The security system includes: a central monitoring station (20) that controls one or more security measures for the facility (10); and, a heart rate monitor (30) that detects a heart rate of an individual (50), the heart rate monitor (30) being in wireless communication with the central monitoring station (20). Suitably, the central monitoring station (20) selectively implements one or more of the security measures in response to a determination that an abnormal heart rate has been detected.

Abstract: An image capture device includes a first memory, a second memory and an icon changing unit. The first memory stores a plurality of icons. The second memory stores an icon representing the image capture device of which the second memory is a part. The icon is read by an external electronic device through an address space. The address space is accessed by the external electronic device though a serial bus. The icon changing unit changes the icon stored in the second memory to a selected icon that is selected from the plurality of icons stored in the first memory.

Abstract: Methods and systems that include providing at least one controlled region, at least one controlled region device associated with the controlled region(s), and a processor-controlled user device, the user device having an interface by which a user can select one of controlled region devices, and provide variable speed control commands over a network to the selected controlled region device. The controlled region device can be a device that can be controlled at least in part, based on pan and tilt commands, including devices mounted on a pan/tilt head. Example devices include a camera, an antenna, and a spotlight.

Abstract: A field data collection and relay station is equipped to receive sensor data from locations in a region. The station has directional antennas that are focused to transmit and receive energy in and from unique directions. The station establishes a wireless network in which the sensor data is formatted and distributed to one or more of the directional antennas. As a result, the sensor data is wirelessly transmitted in at least one unique direction.

Abstract: A combined alarm and surveillance system integrates an existing alarm system (12) with an existing surveillance system (14) such that functions unique to each system are combined in a complementary manner. The existing alarm and surveillance systems are combined via an interface (16) comprising an array of electric relays (52,54,56,58,60,62). Each relay receives a signal from either the alarm system or the surveillance system and retransmits the signal to the other system in a form that is compatible with the receiving system. The alarm system is configured to communicate alarm status information to the surveillance system, and the surveillance system is configured to communicate control signals to the alarm system, such as an alarm system reset signal.

Abstract: An image-taking control apparatus lets the operations of a plurality of drivable parts, including a first drivable part whose driving speed can be switched only in steps, finish substantially simultaneously. A speed selector selects an operation speed for each of the drivable parts, based on its current position, its target position, and a target operation time. A controller performs lets the operation of the first drivable part start when a waiting time corresponding to a difference between the anticipated operation time for the selected operation speed and the target operation time has passed after a start command time.

Abstract: A security camera and monitor system activated by motion sensor and body heat sensor for homes or offices that utilizes home VCR, or other household A/V recordation equipment, as a recording means and recordation only occurs when motion is detected, achieving great simplicity and economy in the installation and use of the security system. Present invention also provides status information allowing users to check the status of any security breach before entering the premises, greatly enhancing the safety of home residents or office personnel.

Abstract: The surveillance system is configured of multi-camera including rotating cameras controllable for panning, tilting and zooming in and out, intruding object recognizing means for processing image signals from the rotating cameras and keeping track of a position of the intruding object, camera function determining means for allocating a tracking function to a first camera whose field of view is in a predetermined direction of the object of monitoring according to a state of the object of monitoring and allocating a wide angle shooting function for shooting a monitored space in a wide angle to a second camera, and camera control means for controlling the multi-camera according to actions of the camera function determining means.

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

Abstract: Sports fans enjoy sporting activities more when they can feel connected to the participants. Through a method of increasing communications between athletes, their fans and commentators, sports fans can feel a greater connection to the athletes whom they are watching and thereby obtain a greater degree of enjoyment from watching the event. Further, by watching the athletes being instructed on how to improve their games, the fans can also learn how to improve their own skill sets.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for facilitating the usage of an online workforce to remotely monitor security-sensitive sites and report potential security breaches. In some embodiments, cameras are configured to monitor critical civilian infrastructure, such as water supplies and nuclear reactors. The cameras are operatively connected to a central computer or series of computers, and images captured by the cameras are transmitted to the central computer. After initially registering with the central computer, Guardians “log on” to a central website hosted by the central computer and monitor the images, thereby earning compensation. In one embodiment, images of“no-man” zones—areas where no humans or vehicles should be present or monitored—are sent to Guardians for a simple determination of whether or not a human exists in the picture.

Abstract: There is the possibility that the operator misunderstands as if an abnormality has occurred in an apparatus, depending on the state of reception of an image changing in accordance with situation. This problem is solved by providing a reception unit for receiving images generated from a plurality of communication terminals, an output unit for outputting the images received by the reception unit in order to dipslay the images on a display unit as multiple images, and a notification unit for grasping and notifying a state of reception of the images by the reception unit.

Abstract: Just after starting, right and left images, each of which includes a fixed object and does not include an intruding object, are read as background images. Background parallaxes are obtained from the background images. Subsequently, when an intruding object exists in the background images, motion pictures of the intruding object which is moving are read. The brightness of an arbitrary pixel in the right image is compared to the brightness of a pixel, deviated from the pixel by the background parallax, in the left image. As the result of the comparison, the image corresponding to the intruding object is cut from the right image. Consequently, the influences of a three-dimensional object existing in the background and an environmental condition are eliminated. The intruding object can be detected with high accuracy and high reliability.

Abstract: A wireless remote multi-data information and intelligence gathering machine and system designed to be used tactically by the military as well as law enforcement personnel to assist them in intelligence an information gathering in a multitude of scenarios from S.W.A.T. (Special Weapons And Tactics) emergencies, covert surveillance, nighttime intrusion detection, to rescue operations of trapped victims. The information gathering unit and system (IGS) housed in an, all-climate and conditions housing, that's unique combination of components, gather data ranging from gamma detection, zone intrusion detection, audio surveillance, video surveillance, video documentation of identification of personnel and visitors to high risk locations to use in nighttime rescue operations.

Abstract: A system is described that enables the user to deal with an intrusion into their home without having to personally confront the intruder. Given the night-time nature of many intruder events, a display and control unit is disclosed that is suitable for residing on a bedside table, typically in the Master Bedroom, performing a remote viewing and control function. Various locations within the particular home are represented by buttons such that the user can easily choose the location(s) to be viewed and can verify, among other things, the presence of an intruder. Motion detection is various rooms may be included and viewing can be enhanced by lights controlled from this unit. User interface features are included that are simple to operate when the user is half-awake. Surveillance and control features may be combined with common bedside appliance functions including a clock-radio, a television, or a telephone.

Abstract: A system is provided for collecting surveillance data from one or more sensor units and incorporating the surveillance data into a surveillance database. The system is configured to retrieve surveillance data from the surveillance database and perform predetermined analytical functions on the data. The system is also configured to present surveillance data and the results of data analysis in one or more predetermined formats.

Abstract: A synchronization signal generating apparatus and method in which an input circuit is inductively coupled to an alternating current signal line. The input circuit generates a rectified signal. A switch has a switch input and a switch output in which the switch input is electrically connected to the input circuit and is enabled when the voltage of the rectified signal is greater than a predetermined voltage and is disabled when the rectified signal voltage is less than the predetermined voltage. A pulse generating circuit has a pulse generating circuit input and a pulse generating circuit output. The pulse generating circuit input is electrically connected to the switch output. The pulse generating circuit generates a pulse each time the switch is enabled. The synchronization signal generating apparatus is used in a synchronized television display system to signal a video switch to switch the video signal generated by a camera to a monitor based on the occurrence of the synchronization signal.

Abstract: An intrusion detection system comprises a pair of optical lenses arranged a predetermined distance apart and having overlapping fields of view within an area to be monitored to form a common field of view; at least one light-sensitive device responsive to light from each of the optical lenses; a range detector responsive to signals from the light-sensitive device and operable to determine a range to an object within the common field of view; and a range discriminator for setting at least one range gate to sense objects within the common field of view at predetermined ranges and for ignoring objects outside of the predetermined ranges.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing fluid real-time camera control of at least one camera to at least one network user via a network including the internet. A control pad or area can be provided to camera users via an application or applet that can be calibrated to provide fluid camera control. Compressed or uncompressed analog, digital, or streaming video and audio data can also be provided to the users to allow real-time low latency continuous audio/visual feedback. Multiple camera users can obtain control of a camera using a dynamic queuing technique that can allow single user camera control for certain time intervals. An administrator can establish user camera control parameters including camera control intervals for subscriber users versus non-subscriber users, camera usurping by an administrator, elimination of camera control privileges for a user, and denial of camera control requests by a user.

Abstract: A security monitoring and enforcement system is provided for monitoring and enforcing control in a secure environment, such as an aircraft. The system includes a security monitoring and enforcement unit (SMEU) having a visual surveillance system and an audio surveillance and communication system. The visual surveillance system is mounted to an enforcement system and housed in a ceiling of an aircraft. The SMEU is remotely operated and monitored by remote control system located on the ground. The security monitoring and enforcement system is operable continuously or when a security breach is detected. The enforcement system is activated and fired to subdue a suspect.

Abstract: A monitor for intrusion detection features a detecting arrangement for detecting an intruding object in a 3-dimensional area and outputting corresponding detection information, a setting arrangement for setting information necessary for monitoring the position or actions of the intruding object in the 3-dimensional area, a monitoring information generating arrangement for generating monitoring information concerning the position or actions of the intruding object in the 3-dimensional area, on the basis of the detection information generated by the detecting arrangement and the setting information by the setting arrangement, and an external output arrangement for outputting an control output or a display output according to the monitoring information concerning the position or actions of the intruding object generated by the monitoring information generating means.

Abstract: According to the present invention, when an image data currently being received is switched over to the data from another image information device, the best picture quality is provided without stopping the image up to the next I frame even when the switching request is given at the middle of I frame.

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

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for an image server surveillance system provide for as control and coordination of cameras that may be widely deployed, analyzing data from multiple cameras, making data available in such a way that it can be efficiently transmitted over a network and can be easily displayed to potentially a large number of users, and displaying and controlling image data by existing client software.

Abstract: An automatic control system for directional control of an aircraft moving on the ground utilizing computer vision methods and camera sensing methods (visible, infrared or microwave) to optically recognize and track taxiway navigation features thereby providing pilot television picture steering cues or force inputs to the nosewheel steering system to maintain the aircraft on the centerline.

Abstract: A system is provided for collecting surveillance data from one or more sensor units and incorporating the surveillance data into a surveillance database. The system is configured to retrieve surveillance data from the surveillance database and perform predetermined analytical functions on the data. The system is also configured to present surveillance data and the results of data analysis in one or more predetermined formats.

Abstract: A method and a system of generating an image sequence of an object within a scene. According to one embodiment, the method includes capturing an image (images I1-N) of the object with a plurality of camera systems, wherein the camera systems are positioned around the scene. Next, the method includes 2D projective transforming certain of the images (I2-N) such that a point of interest in each of the images is at a same position as a point of interest in a first image (I1) from one of the camera systems. The method further includes outputting the transformed images (I2?-N?) and the first image (I1) in a sequence corresponding to a positioning of the corresponding camera systems around the scene.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for a central server to manage remote monitoring tasks performed by users of a data network. An exemplary method comprises: receiving a request from a user of a user device to monitor a remote location; determining a remote location to be monitored; enabling communication between a sensor at the remote location and the user device; and crediting value to the user in accordance with an amount of time the user device has been in communication with the remote sensor for remote monitoring purposes. An alternate exemplary method includes measuring user attentiveness while the user device is in communication with the remote sensor. Thus, the disclosed system and method provide a way for users of a data network such as the Internet to log on at any time and perform remote monitoring tasks for value. Idle time can now be turned into value using the disclosed system and method.

Abstract: A vehicular forward-vision display system includes a night-vision camera for scanning a nighttime image ahead of a vehicle and a head-up display for displaying the scanned nighttime image as a virtual image on a front windshield. Luminance of the displayed image is decreased with decreasing vehicle speed. The luminance of the nighttime image is thereby decreased under a low speed where vision aid is not so necessary. This decreasing of the luminance results in giving a driver relief from the bother of being caught by the scanned image displayed on the front windshield.

Abstract: A security and surveillance system for aircraft on the ground incorporates a plurality of strategically spaced sensors including video imaging generators, audio sensors, motion detectors, and fire and smoke detectors for monitoring critical components and critical areas of both the interior and the exterior of the a commercial transport such as an aircraft. The captured data and images are transmitted to a ground based security station for display on a monitor and may be recorded on a “black box” recorder as well as on a ground based recording system. The multiple audio and image signals are multiplexed and sequenced utilizing split screen technology in order to minimize the recording and monitoring hardware required to process the images.

Abstract: A system and a method for collecting image information wherein high-quality image information representing desired scenes is obtained with certainty. A subject is shot by cameras from mutually different directions and image information thus acquired is stored on a hard disk. When the subject is shot, location information of the subject is obtained from a radio signal transmitted by a marker which has been provided at the subject in advance. On the basis of the location information, a control device controls shooting angle setting devices for changing respective shooting directions of the cameras so that each of the cameras is oriented in a direction from which the subject can be shot.

Abstract: A wire harness apparatus for remotely accessing and controlling a number of synchronized low-cost camera nodes sharing a single cable is provided. The invention converts power, control, and video signals where necessary for long distance remote access including conversion between single-ended and differential signals. Frame synchronization is provided for multiple externally synchronizable camera nodes. A method is provided to generate address data for selection of individual uniquely addressable camera nodes. And, a method to modify the video signal driven from a camera node onto the wire harness apparatus with a code that uniquely identifies that particular camera node. The invention extends the usable range of control while maintaining the cost savings associated with the camera nodes' wiring and installation.

Abstract: An image capture detection system including a short range radio transmitter (13) and a short range radio receiver and decoder (12) installed in or on an image capture device (10). The system further comprises a remote detection unit (14) also comprising a short range radio transmitter (18) and a short range radio receiver and decoder (16). In use, the remote detection unit (14) transmits intermittent query signals (22) which are received by the receiver (12) in the image capture device (10) when the remote detection unit (14) is within a predetermined distance or range thereof. In response to receipt of the query signals (22), the transmitter (13) in the image capture device (10) is arranged to transmit an indicator signal (24) which is received by the remote detection unit (14). The remote detection unit (14) is arranged to generate a warning signal in response to receipt of the indicator signal ((24).

Abstract: A security system including several camera devices and a communication device in sites at which monitoring is required by a user. The several camera devices may constantly monitor the sites. The camera devices have motion detecting functions and provide unusual status reporting signals and necessary image information to the communications device when the movements of an intruder have been detected. The communication device communicates with and is connected to a server that serves as an information center via the internet line when unusual status signals have been received. The information from the camera devices is also sent to server. The server automatically notifies the user by a predetermined user-selected method. The notified user can access the server and confirm the information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tracking an object using one or more video cameras together with a plurality of microphones and/or geophones, whereby accurate tracking of the object can be obtained even when the object changes directions as a result of an impact. A tennis ball may be tracked during a tennis match. Prior to and after an impact, the ball is tracked with the use of video cameras, illustratively in accordance with the method disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,233,007. Then, the position of the ball at racket or ground impact is accurately determined by measuring the acoustical waves generated by the ball hitting the racket and/or either the acoustic waves or the elastic (Rayleigh) waves generated by the ball hitting the ground, respectively. Tracking then advantageously continues with use of the video cameras.

Abstract: In transmitting image data from multiple cameras to an image processing section to produce a synthesized image from respective camera images, the amount of data transmitted through a transmission path can be cut down without sacrificing the quality of the synthesized image. In accordance with a correspondence between the synthesized and camera images as described on a mapping table, a resolution specifier specifies resolutions, which should be necessary for image synthesis, for respective areas of each camera image. A compressor, provided for each of the cameras, compresses the associated camera image data according to the resolutions specified. In this manner, the image data, which has been compressed in accordance with the correspondence between the synthesized and camera images, is transmitted through the transmission path.

Abstract: In conjunction with the dial-up public telephone system, voice quality lines carry videophone signals for monitoring a multitude of locations from at least one central station for use in a variety of applications, such as for security, surveillance, quality control and inspection, regulation of food and/or other standards in food-related and other facilities, market research, remote monitoring of deposit and withdrawal of funds at bank vaults, grocery chains, convenience stores, and the like. At the central station, telephonic interface apparatus is actuated by a control unit to selectively accomplish a telephonic connection with a remote location. Displays include the scene at the remote location and related graphic data. During routine operation, remote locations are displayed in sequence to at least one operator. Such operation may be interrupted either from a remote location or central station in the event of an urgency.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention can be configured to demultiplex an asynchronously multiplexed video signal, which comprises images from a number of different cameras. Image matching techniques are used to assign input images with states. After a period, the number of states will generally equal the number of input cameras. The states may be modeled through any number of techniques, such as histogram analysis, clustering, and hidden Markov model analysis. Input images are assigned to states, and the input images are output as being associated with the states. Zone surveillance may be performed on a series of images from one or more of the states. Any events that occur can be distinguished and reported.

Abstract: A surveillance system having two or more monitoring devices moving on a single track. The monitoring devices are suitably video cameras but may also include audio monitoring. Power for the monitoring devices, control signals and signals from the monitoring devices are all transmitted on the track. Power is suitably DC and other signals are suitably RF. The system incorporates collision avoidance means to prevent collision between adjacent moving cameras. The collision avoidance means includes hand-over software so that a person can seamlessly scan a region with camera control being passed to adjacent cameras to avoid collision.

Abstract: An abnormality detection device includes small motion sensors that detect small motions of a person in a house; a data collecting unit that collects and stores sensor signals from the small motion sensors as sensor patterns, and a Markov chain operating unit 33 that transforms the sensor patterns into a cluster sequence by vector-quantizing input patterns which are obtained by averaging and normalizing the sensor patterns, and calculates a transition number matrix and a duration time distribution of a Markov and so on using a Markov chain model. The abnormality detection device also includes a comparing unit that calculates a characteristic amount (Euclid distance and average log likelihood in an appearance frequency of a Markov chain and an average log likelihood to the duration time distribution of a Markov chain) of a sample activity as against a daily activity based on the obtained transition number matrix and the duration time distribution and so on.

Abstract: A surveillance system which allows an operator to determine the type of objects or events which trigger image capture and analysis. Analysis of captured images is provided by access to various type of databases thereby providing for positive identification and monitoring of objects or events, and further provided for the system to issue control commands or prompt operations if required.

Abstract: The present invention includes devices, systems, and methods for providing a vehicle compartment monitoring system. The embodiments of the invention generally include a display, a camera, and a mechanism for relaying data signals from the camera to the display.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved surveillance system, more particularly to a surveillance system having the function of driving the camera for the scanning and tracking automatically by using a control panel, a motor controller, and a driver to drive the motor. Such motor works together with a rotary disc and a camera lens as well as a sensor to compute and memorize the direction and angle of rotation of the motor by the sensing signal.

Abstract: Camera driven virtual workspace management is disclosed. A digital camera captures an input video stream comprising images of a surrounding environment limited by a field of view of the camera. The input video stream is processed by a handheld computer coupled to the camera. Parameters that define a partial view of a virtual workspace are redefined based upon motion analysis of the input video stream performed by the handheld computer during the processing.

Abstract: A camera control system is arranged to improve operability of at least a camera or each of a plurality of cameras for panning and tilting control over the camera by permitting simultaneous confirmation of the photo-taking postures of the camera in the direction of tilting as well as in the direction of panning. The operability is improved by arranging a tilt control panel to be displayed to permit control in the tilting direction of the camera when a camera icon indicative of the camera is selected on a map displayed at a monitor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of intruder's detection, comprising of using of more than 1 sensor, represented, for example, by video cameras that are arranged with fixed spatial orientation for stereo detector formation at that 2D distributions of light intensity that form stereo images registered by stereo detector are transmitting to blocks of processing, for example, blocks of digital processing at that mentioned blocks of digital processing perform processing of sequence of stereo images with different frequencies (high and low), to determine the presence of intruder, it's position and speed of transference.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a video camera system which has a 360° range for digital video recording inside and outside of an automotive vehicle.

Abstract: When a video input (image data) sequentially fetched from a monitor camera is to be stored in data storage means, frame rate calculating means calculates a frame rate for storage of the image data by using a picture recording time mode, a residual capacity of the data storage means, the presence of generation of an alarm signal and a value of a picture quality parameter for data compression. The frame rate calculating means thins a video signal which does not correspond to the frame rate so as not to be stored in the data storage means. Consequently, image data for a predetermined time are stored in the data storage means.

Abstract: A home security system which includes sensors 11 to 18 that detect an alarming situation in different locations inside a facility, cameras 21 to 26 that capture images of different locations inside a facility, and a controller 30 that memorizes the associations between sensors 11 to 18 and cameras 21 to 26, and when any of the sensors 11 to 18 detects an alarming situation, has cameras that are associated with the sensors that have detected an alarming situation capture images based on the associations, and also updates the memorized associations.