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

Abstract: According to one example embodiment, an integrated security arrangement detects unwanted intruders in a facility. The arrangement includes an intrusion sensor to sense an intrusion at a target area of a facility, a second sensor to sense movement, an image-capture device, and a base unit. The image-capture device captures images in response to an intrusion indication from the intrusion sensor and in response to a movement indication from the second sensor. The base unit integrates a direction of view of the second sensor and of the image-capture device, thereby directing the second sensor to sense in the target area in which the images are captured by the image-capture device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a number of inventions directed, generally, to the application of image processing techniques to traffic data acquisition using video images. The inventions reside in a traffic monitoring system, the basic function of which is for traffic data acquisition and incident detection. More specifically, the application of image processing techniques for the detection of vehicle, from sequence of video images, as well as the acquisition of traffic data and detection of traffic incident. In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of processing images received from a video based traffic monitoring system. In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a Region Of Interest (ROI) for detection of a moving vehicle and a further aspect is directed to a method of detecting day or night status in a traffic monitoring system. It's The application of various algorithms to a video based traffic monitoring system is also considered inventive.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring, animating, and analyzing motion in real-time is provided which operates with or without markers. System variables are used with a motion model to restrict the number of possible locations of a subject. The system variables are based on known or detected relationships between the motions of the various elements of the model. Visual comparisons and quantitative comparisons provide feedback and help a subject learn or improve a motor skill.

Abstract: A video distribution method and a video distribution system connected to a transmission path such as the Internet. The system has a video signal input unit, an encoder for converting the video signal into a digitally compressed image data, an image accumulation and distribution unit for accumulating and distributing the digitally compressed image data, a notification unit for reading the accumulated images and detecting an image change, an image browsing data converter for reducing the accumulated image, and an information terminal for accessing the images of the image accumulation and distribution unit and the image browsing data converter. The notification unit, upon detection of an image change, records the image change occurrence time. The information terminal acquires the image from the image accumulation and distribution unit or the video browsing data converter based on the change occurrence time information stored in the notification unit.

Abstract: A motion detection apparatus and method for detecting motion in an apparatus being monitored, and for controlling operations of the apparatus being monitored. First logic of the apparatus processes electrical signals output from an optical detector to produce values that represent movement or an absence of movement of the apparatus being monitored. Second logic of the apparatus receives the values from the first logic and processes them to determine whether the values indicate that the apparatus being monitored has moved. When a determination is made that the apparatus being monitored has not moved, the apparatus being monitored is change from a current mode of operations to a different mode of operations.

Abstract: A surveillance system and method includes a plurality of sensors configured to monitor an environment. A plurality of analytic engines is associated with each of the plurality of sensors. The plurality of analytic engines employs different technologies and is configured to analyze input from the sensors to determine whether an event has occurred in a respective technology. A unifying data model is configured to cross correlate detected events from the different technologies to gain integrated situation awareness across the different technologies.

Abstract: Traveling photographing of a camera is controlled in accordance with a plurality of photographing parameters and priority orders of the plurality of photographing parameters, respective stored in a storage unit, a motion of an object photographed with the camera is detected on the basics of the photographing parameters, and the priority order corresponding to the photographing parameters used when the motion is detected is changed.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a system and method for monitoring a location that may include detecting motion in an area and providing an audible message in the area where motion is detected. The system may include a central processing unit (CPU), one or more video cameras coupled to the CPU, each camera monitoring an area and transmitting a video signal of the area to the CPU, and one or more audio output devices (AODs) coupled to the CPU, each AOD capable of producing an output and providing the output to at least one of the areas. A system may be provided in which the CPU is programmed to analyze the video signals from the video cameras to detect whether there is motion in one or more of the areas and transmits an audio file to the AODs producing an output to the one or more areas in which motion is detected.

Abstract: A system and method for capturing, measuring and analyzing motion in real-time is provided which operates with or without markers. A threshold image is based on a background image and is created to minimize noise during the motion capture. A captured image is compared to the threshold image to identify collections of hot pixels or globs. The globs are compared to expected characteristics of the markers or the subject and are tracked between frames. Glob information is used to determine the location of the markers or subject in each frame.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus including a loudspeaker, a photographic camera that photographs image information on a photographic subject, a proximity sensor, and a monitoring control unit is disposed at a first remote location. An autonomous operation controller including an autonomous operation control unit is disposed at a second remote location remote from the first remote location. Under remote control of this autonomous remote controller, the monitoring apparatus performs photographing of the image information on the photographic subject and acquires the image information.

Abstract: An image recognition apparatus has an image capture section for capturing a range image, an image deformation section for deforming the range image captured by the image capture section, and a recognition section for recognizing the presence/absence of three-dimensional motion of an object by comparing the deformed image obtained by the image deformation section, and a new range image captured by the image capture section.

Abstract: The present invention provides a video surveillance system, having a video camera; a motor operable to move the video camera; and a processor monitoring a value of a signal provided to the motor, the processor terminating the signal to the motor when the monitored signal value exceeds a predetermined value for a predetermined period of time. A network may be coupled to the processor for communication of the signal termination. The processor may reinitiate a signal transmission to the motor sufficient to maintain a position of the motor after a predetermined period of time, and the processor may monitor the signal transmission and adjust at least one of a zoom setting and focus setting of the video camera based at least in part on the monitored signal.

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: A method of determining a three-dimensional velocity field in a volume having particles, the particles within the volume being excited to radiate by illuminating the volume, including two or more cameras simultaneously capturing images of the observation volume at two different instants of time, the observation volume being divided into small volume elements (voxels), each voxel being projected onto image points of the cameras, the intensity of all the voxels being reconstructed from the measured intensity of the respective associated image points, a plurality of voxels being combined to form an interrogation volume, and a displacement vector being determined by a three-dimensional cross correlation of the two interrogation volumes.

Abstract: The present invention detects a moving object by generating the distance information of the moving object, detecting the object motion, determining the object distance, detecting the object image area and the object contour from the video image that includes the object image and contour, and provides a moving object detection apparatus to carry out such detection as well as detecting a contour of the specific moving object by detecting the center of the moving object in high precision.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and computer-readable medium for detecting motion and filtering noise from images. The method includes (a) dividing an incoming image into several blocks; (b) comparing the blocks to the corresponding blocks of a referred image and saving compared results into a declared data structure; (c) marking the compared result that exceeds the first predetermined threshold; (d) grouping the compared result into an adjacent region thereof; and (e) calculating a deviation value of the region and comparing the deviation value to the second predetermined threshold, whereby the motion in images can be detected and the noise caused from moire and the interference resulted from an area brightness variation also can be filtered out. In addition, the amount of operations in comparing images can be reduced as well due to the employment of block processing instead of pixel processing.

Abstract: An exterior mirror sensor system for commercial vehicles comprising an exterior mirror, a sensor for monitoring an exterior mirror zone, and an indicator for indicating objects detected in the exterior mirror zone. The sensor may be a distance sensor, a motion sensor or a heat sensor. The system may further comprise a control unit connected to the sensor and indicator for controlling the indicator. The system may further comprise a camera for recording objects in the exterior mirror zone. The control unit may actuate the indicator upon the detection of an object by the sensor. The indicator may comprise an audible indicator. The system may further comprise a data input unit for recording data detected by the sensor wherein the data input unit is connected to the control unit and receives the data detected by the sensor from the control unit.

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: Disclosed here is an information processing system capable of recognizing actions and circumstances of a user with respect to both space and time as a “situation” to recognize the user's request using a plurality of sensing nodes that work cooperatively with each another, thereby responding autonomously to the user's request according to the recognition results. The plurality of sensing nodes and a responding device are disposed in a target space to build up a network for recognizing the situation in the target space. And, a plurality of recognition means are used to recognize the situation with respect to both space and time related to the existence of the user. And, an integral processing portion (master) is selected from among the plurality of sensing nodes, thereby dispersing the system load. If there are a plurality of users, the system can make recognition in accordance with the request of each of those users.

Abstract: A mediation device located in the user's home receives dual-tone multi-frequency (DTMF) signals via a Plane Old Telephone Service (POTS) connection and decodes the signals into signals that are used to control one or more cameras of the user's home security system. The mediation device may be a device that serves only this purpose, or it may be part of another device, such as, for example, an answering machine, a fax machine, or a cordless telephone.

Abstract: A fire detection system for an enclosed area comprises: at least one infrared (IR) imager for generating infrared images of at least a portion of the enclosed area, for determining from the images that a fire is perceived present in the enclosed area, and for generating a first signal indicative of the perceived presence of fire; at least one fire detector for monitoring at least a portion of the enclosed area, the fire detector comprising at least one fire byproduct chemical sensor for generating at least one second signal representative of the presence of at least one fire byproduct chemical in the enclosed area; and a controller governed by the first and second signals to confirm that a fire is present in the enclosed area. In one embodiment, the enclosed area is divided into a plurality of detection zones with at least one fire detector disposed at each detection zone.

Abstract: A device for utilizing camera motion detection for a camera input interface includes a feature extractor, a feature tracker and a capture module. The feature extractor is configured to determine at least one obvious feature in an image frame. The feature tracker is in communication with the feature extractor. The feature tracker is configured to determine an amount of movement of the at least one obvious feature in a subsequent image frame and compare the amount of movement to a threshold. The capture module is in communication with the feature tracker. The capture module is configured to capture an image in response to the comparison of the amount of movement to the threshold.

Abstract: There are provided a plurality of units for detecting a moving object in an image from changes of an image structure in a monitor area defined in a linear strip on a single straight line consisting of a base line and its partitions, and a height of a moving object is detected and measured easily and accurately from a code obtained from detection results obtained when the image structure is at its maximum variation.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an image compression device which performs a discrete wavelet transform of pixel values for each rectangular portion to produce wavelet coefficients, and performs a hierarchical compression coding of the wavelet coefficients for each rectangular portion so that a codestream is produced. A codestream transform device is provided to reduce an amount of code data in the codestream. The codestream transform device comprises a syntax analysis unit which analyzes header information of each rectangular portion in the codestream. A comparison unit determines a similarity of pixel values between a current frame and a preceding frame in the codestream based on a result of the analysis. A codestream generating unit deletes code data of a corresponding rectangular portion of the current frame when the similarity is larger than a given threshold value.

Abstract: A method for controlling a camera using an image compression algorithm. A motion region and a motionless region are determined with respect to an input image based on a motion vector of a macro block which is for the generation of compressed data from the input image. A center value and a size of a moving object is estimated from the motion region. According to the center value and the size of the moving object, the camera is controlled to track and photograph the moving object. Accordingly, a central processing unit of the moving object tracking system is relieved of substantial processing load, and the processing speed of the system is improved.

Abstract: Detecting fire and non-fire conditions includes receiving a plurality of frames of video information, determining an energy indicator for each of a subset of the plurality of frames, detecting a fire condition in response to the energy indicator for each of the subset of the plurality of frames forming a pattern as a function of time corresponding to a fire condition, and detecting a non-fire condition in response to the energy indicator for each of the subset of the plurality of frames forming a pattern as a function of time corresponding to a non-fire condition. Detecting fire and non-fire conditions may also include comparing energy indicators for each of the subset of the plurality of frames to a reference frame. The reference frame may correspond to a video frame taken when no fire is present, a 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.

Abstract: An optical monitoring system is capable of automatically identifying whether a moving body is a monitored subject based upon information in an optical (i.e., video) image. A moving body detection sub-system images a monitored region and detects a moving body from changes over time in the image of the monitored region. A speed detection sub-system detects the speed of a moving body in the image plane (i.e., speed of the moving body image in the image plane). A scale detection sub-system detects the size of a moving body in the image plane (i.e., size of the moving body in the image plane). A moving body estimation sub-system decides whether a moving body is the monitored subject (e.g., a human being) based on the image plane speed detected by the speed detection sub-system and the image plane size detected by the scale detection sub-system.

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: 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: A signal processor 12 acquires a second signal obtained by detecting a first signal, as a signal of the real world, having a first dimension. The second signal is of a second dimension lower than the first dimension and has distortion relative to the first signal. The signal processor 12 performs signal processing which is based on the second signal to generate a third signal alleviated in distortion as compared to the second signal.

Abstract: A method in image processing for detection of a change in the scene in an area. The method comprises the steps of recording a digital image of the area using a sensor and transforming the recorded image by an operator. The operator is based on a previous modeling of changes in the lighting in the area and on a modeling of how the sensor depicts the area in grayscale values in the recorded image. The method further comprises the step of comparing the transformed image with a reference image of the area in order to detect a difference that indicates a change in the scene.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an improved Internet camera is described. The method of keeping a periodically refreshed image on a user's system comprises receiving a plurality of images, and identifying a most interesting image. The method further comprises selecting the most interesting image as a current image, and sending the current image to the user.

Abstract: In a motion detection system, filters are applied to a series of digital images in order to determine whether changes in the properties of pixels between the current image and a reference model are due to motion of objects or to changes in lighting. The filter may be based on scaled differences between a current image and a reference model. The type of surface may be determined based on optical properties of the surface and then only the best filter for that type of surface is applied. Alternately, multiple filters may all be applied and the results combined. The processing may be reduced using a background model to determine which pixels are in the background and which are in the foreground and then only applying the filter to the foreground pixels.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for covertly determining the rate of motion between a pixel-based imaging device and a target being viewed by the pixel-based imaging device. The method involves using the pixel-based imaging device to acquire a first and a second digital image of the target. The second digital image is acquired a time interval after the first digital image. The time interval and pixel counts for the pixel set within the first and the second digital image representing a particular portion of the target are then used to determine a rate of relative motion between the pixel-based imaging device and the target. Advantageously, the rate of relative motion is determined covertly such that the locations of the pixel-based imaging device and the target are not disclosed or broadcast to third parties.

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: An image processing system detects a moving person or other object of interest. The system generates a thresholded difference image by processing a video signal or other type of image signal received from a camera. The difference image is then segmented into regions bounded by vertical lines passing through the image, and silhouette candidates are identified in one or more of the regions. Tensor voting is used to determine saliency values and corresponding tangents for each of the silhouette candidates, and the resulting values and tangents are used to detect the object of interest. In an embodiment in which the object of interest is a moving person, a neck position of the moving person may be detected by analyzing a sum of x-components of tangents along a corresponding silhouette. The detected neck position may then be utilized to determine a head position and a head size for the moving person.

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: 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: An image capturing device for capturing an image by an imaging device comprises first compression means for compressing and coding a captured image as a moving image, extracting means for extracting object information relating to a desired object from moving image information obtained in the process of compressing and coding the captured image, image processing means for performing desired image processing on the desired object on the basis of the object information extracted by the extracting means, second compression means for compressing and coding an image including the desired object processed by the image processing means as a still image, and recording means for recording, on a recording medium, at least one of moving image data obtained by the first compression means and still image data obtained by the second compression means.

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 method and apparatus for providing an improved Internet camera is described. The method comprises capturing an image and determining if the image has changed. If the image has changed, sending the image to a server, and if the image has not changed with a period, sending a heartbeat to indicate continued functionality of the camera.

Abstract: A system and method tracks the movements of a driver or passenger in a vehicle (ground, water, air, or other) and controls devices in accordance with position, motion, and/or body or hand gestures or movements. According to one embodiment, an operator or passenger uses the invention to control comfort or entertainment features such the heater, air conditioner, lights, mirror positions or the radio/CD player using hand gestures. An alternative embodiment facilitates the automatic adjustment of car seating restraints based on head position. Yet another embodiment is used to determine when to fire an airbag (and at what velocity or orientation) based on the position of a person in a vehicle seat. The invention may also be used to control systems outside of the vehicle.

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: Visibie artifacts in images created using image processing based on motion vector maps may be reduced by providing one or more mechanisms for correcting the vector map. In general, the set of motion vectors is changed by selecting one or more portions of the image. The vectors corresponding to the selected one or more portions are modified. Various image processing operations, such as motion compensated interpolation, may be performed using the changed set of motion vectors.

Abstract: Systems and methods to estimate head motion between two images of a face are described. In one aspect, locations of a plurality of distinct facial features in the two images are identified. The locations correspond to a number of unknowns that are determined upon estimation of head motion. The number of unknowns are determined by a number of equations. The identified locations are converted into a set of physical face parameters based on the symmetry of the distinct facial features. The set of physical face parameters reduce the number of unknowns as compared to the number of equations used to determine the unknowns. An inequality constraint is added to a particular face parameter of the physical face parameters, such that the particular face parameter is constrained within a predetermined minimum and maximum value. The inequality constraint is converted to an equality constraint using a penalty function. Head motion is estimated from identified points in the two images.

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: Point matches between images within an image sequence are identified by sparse optical flow computation and employed to compute a fundamental matrix for the epipolar geometry, which in turn is employed to derive an epipolar geometry constraint for computing dense optical flow for the image sequence. The epipolar geometry constraint may further be combined with local, heuristic constraints or robust statistical methods. Improvements in both accuracy and performance in computing optical flow are achieved utilizing the epipolar geometry constraint.

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.