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.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter is directed to solid state cameras and sensor systems that include a pickup surface thereof with both a distance detecting area for measuring a distance from a moving object and a movement detecting area for detecting the object's movement. The device can also include an optical communication area for communicating with an outside communication device. Therefore, the device enables a single pickup surface to include at least the following three functions: distance measurement; movement detection; and optical communication. The above-described sensor systems can output a control signal for collision avoidance with stationary or moving obstacle(s) by using the solid state camera. Because the sensor system can be integrated as a single chip IC with a small size, the system is useful as a sensor device in a vehicle, a robot, and the like.

Abstract: An automated theater warning technique makes use of a digital cinema projection system to provide a display of a visual message indicative of an emergency condition. Upon receipt of a trigger generated in response to an emergency condition, the digital cinema projection system automatically switches from displaying the feature presentation to displaying the visual message. The digital cinema projection system can advantageously display different messages responsive to different conditions.

Abstract: A surveillance system and method having at least one wireless input capture device ICD(s) and a corresponding digital input recorder (DIR) and/or another ICD, and a security key for ensuring or denying access, 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, permitting or prohibiting data transmission and/or access if the security key is connected to the system components, thereby providing a secure surveillance system having wireless communication for monitoring a target environment.

Abstract: A method and a system for calibrating a camera in a surveillance system. The method and system use a mathematical rotation between a first coordinate system and a second coordinate system in order to calibrate a camera with a map of an area. In some embodiments, the calibration can be used to control the camera and/or to display a view cone on the map.

Abstract: A communication system for multiple users whereby an automatic indication of away status is prompted immediately upon a user's departure from the vicinity of a computer or other medium. In a preferred embodiment, this is accomplished, in an instant messaging environment, via a video camera arrangement whereby, upon there being a detection of a user's absence from the immediate vicinity, an automatic prompt is made to indicate away status for the user.

Abstract: An access control system for a passageway having a passageway barrier including an active infrared sensor device and a locking mechanism for selectively locking and unlocking the passageway barrier. The active infrared sensor device includes an infrared emitter, an infrared receiver having one or more position-sensing photodetectors operative for receiving infrared light and generating a signal corresponding to a position and/or intensity of the reflected infrared light, and a processing unit operative for detecting a change between a first signal generated by one or more position-sensing photodetectors after receiving reflected infrared light at a first location on one or more position-sensing photodetectors and a second signal generated by one or more position-sensing photodetectors after receiving infrared light reflected in response to the object moving into the surveillance area and for controlling an operation of a locking mechanism based on the change.

Abstract: A security system includes at least first and second monitoring units, each having a motion sensor for detecting motion, a camera for obtaining visual data, a transmitter, a receiver, and a processor in data communication with the motion sensor, camera, transmitter, and receiver. The security system includes means for outputting visual data from the first unit camera when the first unit motion sensor detects motion more recently than the second unit motion sensor detects motion. The security system includes programming for outputting the visual data from the second unit camera when the second unit motion sensor detects motion more recently than the first unit motion sensor detects motion. The system includes a telephone interface for transmitting visual data captured by a respective camera. A unit's camera is only activated when its associated motion detector detects motion and is deactivated when another unit's motion detector detects motion more recently.

Abstract: The invention relates to a monitoring system equipped with low-power-consumption camera devices. A main monitor device (15) grasps whether each monitor device (12) makes a request for sending image signals. Each camera device (13) sends a polling signal to the main monitor device (15). The main monitor device (15), in response to the polling signal, sends to a camera device (13), a second relay image-sending request signal containing a piece of identification information of a monitor device (12) requesting for sending of image signals, or no-sending-request signal for relay. The camera device (13) receives the second relay image-sending request signal or the no-sending-request signal for relay so as to grasp whether sending of image signals is required or not and the monitor device (12) requesting for sending of image signals. The camera device (13) sends the image signals to the monitor device (12) requesting for sending of image signals.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the performance of at least one task associated with operation of a retail store. The system includes at least one monitoring device positioned and adapted to provide images of at least one location within the retail store, with each image showing at least one factor related to performance of the at least one task. A controller is adapted to obtain and store images from the at least one monitoring device. An interface is adapted to enable a user to selectively view stored images and to manually analyze the at least one factor shown in the viewed images to evaluate the performance of the at least one task.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a data processing device, a data processing method, and a recording medium that enable a user to have a bodily sensation of collection of a material such as image data or the like, and editing. A processing section 31 generates first object image data as image data having a wider angle than image data obtained by image pickup by an image pickup device, and a manipulating section 35 extracts image data for one frame (extraction image data) from the first object image data according to an image pickup parameter set according to an operation of a user. Further, the manipulating section 35 superimposes the image data of a telop as second object image data on the extraction image data according to an editing parameter set according to an operation of the user. The present invention is applicable to television receivers receiving programs, for example.

Abstract: A control unit of a display device controls the display device in a normal mode of operation to operate in a normal state. The control unit controls the display device to enter into an anti-crime security mode of operation, when a state representing that the external information processing device may not be currently used is determined. The control unit cancels the anti-crime security mode of operation, when the information indicative of an authorized user for confirmation has been entered through the operation buttons by a user in the anti-crime security mode of operation. The control unit controls the display device to operate in an alarm mode of operation, when information indicative of the authorized user for confirmation has not been entered by a user in the anti-crime security mode of operation. The control unit performs an alarm operation in the alarm mode of operation.

Abstract: One embodiment may take the form of a method for providing security for access to a goal including storing a first image and receiving a second image comprising polarized data. The method also includes comparing the first image with the second image to determine if the first image and the second image are substantially the same. In the event the first and second images are not substantially the same, the method includes denying access to the goal. In the event the first and second images are substantially the same, the method includes determining, utilizing the polarized information, if the second image is of a three-dimensional object. Further, in the event the second image is not of a three-dimensional object, the method includes denying access to the goal and, in the event the second image is of a three-dimensional object, permitting access to the goal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling access to a compartment of a control panel. The method includes the step of posing, with a controller, an indemnification query to a user. The controller receives a response to the indemnification query. The method further includes the step of enabling, with the controller, access to the compartment subsequent to receiving said response.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for controlling an electrical device are provided. At least one image of at least one moving entity is processed, for determining if the at least one moving entity is at least one of entering and exiting a monitored area, and for determining if the at least one moving entity comprises at least one triggering shape. If the at least one moving entity is determined to be at least one of entering and exiting the monitored area, and the at least one moving entity comprises the at least one triggering shape, then control of the electrical device is triggered and a counter for counting triggering shapes present in the monitored area is triggered.

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

Abstract: A method of detecting presence and motion for door control devices, and a door control device implementing the method. On receipt of a door opening command (24), at least a portion of at least one image captured by a digital camera of the floor area is compressed (28) and the compressed image is compared (32) with at least one active presence criterion to inhibit or not inhibit the door closure command (34).

Abstract: A system for video detection and enhancement of a sport object during a sport contest. The system includes the sport object configured to phosphoresce at a selected non-visible frequency; a video collection and separation apparatus configured to detect visible light from a scene that includes the sport object and to detect phosphorescence radiation emitted by the sport object at the selected non-visible frequency, configured to separate the detected visible light from the detected phosphorescence radiation, and configured to create a visible light signal from the detected visible light and to create a phosphorescent signal from the detected phosphorescence radiation; an enhancement module configured to receive and to enhance the phosphorescent signal, and a merge module configured to receive and to recombine a resulting enhanced-phosphorescent signal and the visible light signal into a recombined signal.

Abstract: An imaging module for biometrics authentication comprises: a light source irradiating a living body with light capable of passing through the living body; a prism having an incidence surface including an incidence area for taking in light emerging from the living body, two or more reflecting surfaces for reflecting the light taken in through the incidence area, and an outlet surface for outputting the light reflected by the reflecting surfaces; and a camera module including a lens for focusing the light emerging from the outlet surface of the prism and an image pickup device for converting the light focused thereon by the lens into an electric signal and outputting the electric signal.

Abstract: A gate access system is described where the system includes an imaging system configured to capture an image of an object disposed in a predetermined field of view in response to an image capture signal. The imaging system is also configured to associate time/date data with the image. The time/date data represents a time and a date when the image was captured. At least one gate access panel device is disposed in the field of view and coupled to the imaging system. The at least one gate access panel device is configured to transmit the image capture signal in response to being actuated. A gate transceiver is coupled to the imaging system. The transceiver is configured to transmit the image and the time/date data via a wireless communication channel.

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

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

Abstract: The different illustrative embodiments provide an apparatus, a system, and a method for managing a portal. The different illustrative embodiments provide an apparatus comprising a locking system, a detection system, and a portal access system. The locking system is for a portal having a first side and a second side. The portal is configured to swing about an axis through the first side between an opened position and a closed position. The detection system is configured to detect when a robotic vehicle is located within a selected distance of the portal. The portal access system unlocks the portal when the portal is in the closed position and the robotic vehicle is detected within a selected distance of the portal using the detection system.

Abstract: An airport security system includes a scanner scanning and time stamping an article of identification of an individual passing into a secure terminal area. The system further includes security cameras generating respective video signals of overlapping zones of coverage of the secure terminal area. The video signals are recorded and received in a controller generating a seamless video signal therefrom. Reversing of the seamless video signal allows visual tracking of a security breach in the secure terminal area from the time of breach identification scan and time stamp. Faster than real time forwarding of the seamless video signal allows tracking of the security breach from the time stamp to the breacher's present location within the secure terminal area.

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

Abstract: A security system which is nonintrusive of personal privacy of a person in a space comprises at least a first localization sensor subsystem, if any, in the possession of the person; a video surveillance subsystem arranged and configured to collect visual data related to the person in the space; and a computer subsystem coupled to the localization sensor subsystem and video surveillance subsystem to associate a predetermined privacy level with the localization sensor subsystem, and to provide an access control privilege with the localization sensor subsystem, the computer subsystem determining how to present, store and/or retrieve the visual data while meeting predetermined the privacy level associated with the person.

Abstract: An automatic door assembly is provided for determining whether an individual in a door approach area.

Abstract: A cue sheet generation system is used to compose a cue sheet for submission to PRS from an input EDL. The system parses the EDL to extract data relating to use of musical works associated with a PRS. The system employs both local and remote databases to retrieve information relating to the extracted musical work data. The information is then used to construct a cue sheet in a form appropriate for submission to a PRS.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unique and novel system for acquiring digital images of identification documents such as drivers license, passports, or medical insurance records using a digital camera so as to establish a high resolution image and extracting data automatically with machine vision tools so as to acquire accurate data. The present invention teaches also a system that acquires multi-spectral images of both sides of the identification document.

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

Abstract: Monitoring system of person coming to entrance comprises camera for capturing image of the person and recorder for the captured image, the system informing the person of the image recordation for deterring a crime in bad visit case or making polite notice in goodwill visit case. Unlock system has an intercom for visitor to request unlock and a self unlock operating portion for resident. If unlock done through intercom with acquaintance confirmed, polite notice is preferred, whereas “note record” is added to the image record in case of intercom unlock with unacquainted assumed. If unlock done by resident, the information and the image recordation are withheld. If entrance in a group detected, “note record” is added to the image record in case bad person successively follows goodwill person duly unlocking entrance. Privacy of acquaintance visitor image is protected by password. “Note record” is added to image record without voice message.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide the verification of a registered user with authorized access through a point of entry in coordination with registered user profile information obtained from a remote server after preliminary identification of the registered user based on an identification number obtained wirelessly from an RFID tag carried by the registered user when the user is located near a point of entry. Registered user profile information including at least one of a photograph, biometric template, and a user name can be obtained by a computer at a point of entry from a remote server after preliminary identification of the user based on an identification number wirelessly provided to a RFID reader from a RFID carried by a registered user when the user is located near a point of entry such as, for example, a sports venue, border crossing or access point to a secured facility.

Abstract: A method that determines whether a detected event is a significant event requiring action in a video surveillance system. Determined event attributes and object attributes are analyzed to determine if the potential event should trigger an action by the surveillance system. If the potential event should trigger an action, at least one action is triggered. Actions may include relevant event attribute and object attribute information. Potential event may include events detected by a sensor, or external events communicated by an external system to the surveillance system. Event attributes may include location and type of the potential event. Object attributes may include an identification of an object, and attributes associated with the identified object. If an object cannot be positively identified, object attributes may include potential object identifications or determined group associations of the object.

Abstract: The proposed authentication device includes: a reading unit for reading a card ID of a card inserted in the device; a photographing unit for photographing the entirety of the card from the front; an device information transmission unit for transmitting an device ID and the read card ID to an external authentication server; a retrieving unit for retrieving a region designated by endpoint coordinates corresponding to a required security level received from the authentication server from card image data obtained by the photographing unit; and an authentication range transmission unit for transmitting the device ID, the read card ID, and image data of the retrieved region to the authentication server.

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

Abstract: A system and method for displaying video in a residence. An indication of an alert is received as communicated from a security system of a residence. The indication of the alert is communicated to a cellular telephone. A selection of a television communicated from the cellular telephone is received. The television is selected from multiple televisions located within the residence. A command is communicated to display one or more images on the selected televisions.

Abstract: An integrated security system includes a video camera operable to collect real-time video information and an identification reader operable to collect real-time character-based information corresponding to the video information. The character-based information is received from an identifier unit proximate to the identification reader. The system also includes an integrator operable to integrate the video information and the character-based information.

Abstract: Provided is a central access control apparatus in which a CPU board, an intermediate board and a touch panel board are integrally formed. The CPU board includes a memory chip that stores identification information, and a CPU chip that determines whether user information from a user corresponds to the identification information and controls the opening/closing of a door. The intermediate board includes a relay, a capacitor and a resistor. The touch panel board includes a touch panel that displays the user information and receives input information. Thus, the central access control apparatus prevents an unauthorized person from accessing thereto, making it possible to prevent identification information from being undesirably modified and leaked.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring an access portal through an enclosure around a hazard comprises a line-scan camera mounted above the portal so that its linear field of view extends along a generally opposite threshold of the portal and can detect electromagnetic radiation reflected from an object passing through the portal. The apparatus distinguishes signals from the camera corresponding to items that are intended to pass through the portal for example on a conveyor from signals corresponding to items, particularly intruders that are not intended to pass through the portal. The apparatus preferably comprise an elongate sodium discharge lamp mounted above the portal and provided with a reflector so that monochromatic light therefrom is concentrated in a narrow strip extending along the threshold and the camera is sensitive only to this monochromatic light.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a monitoring system is provided, which has a personal authentication unit and a camera. The personal authentication unit is provided near a security gate and authenticates a person allowed to pass through the security gate. The camera photographs an area near the security gate, in which the personal authentication unit is provided. The monitoring system further has a data generation unit configured to generate personal attribute data about the person authenticated by the personal authentication unit, a person identification unit configured to identify the person authenticated, on the basis of video data generated by the camera, and a monitoring data generation unit configured to generate monitoring data composed of video data and metadata. The video data represents an image including the person identified by the person identification unit. The metadata is associated with the video data and containing the personal attribute data.

Abstract: A multi handset telephone system with a wireless telecom/doorbell module. The telecom/doorbell module has similar electronics as a cordless handset that includes audio and RF link with a base unit. A speakerphone functionality of a wireless telecom/doorbell audio processor is used to provide an intercom audio conversation. The wireless intercom/doorbell module is battery powered that is either charged by an AC adapter or by an existing doorbell wiring. The wireless intercom/doorbell module also work in parallel with the existing bell wiring. When a page key is pressed, the module pages the telephone system and shorts the doorbell wiring to make an existing bell ring. The doorbell module is coupled with a camera.

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: The invention concerns an optical identification device comprising a digital camera (4), the camera including a member for changing focal length between at least a visual observation focal length and a print recognition focal length, and the device including an automatic print recognition system (10), which is connected to the camera to be activated when the camera is in the print recognition focal length.

Abstract: A removable video safety system for a moving vehicle comprising: a display device and a video device, both adapted to be removably mounted on the moving vehicle, and an audio device in proximity to the display device. The video device and audio device are in communication with the display device. Computer instructions and data storage in the display device instruct a processor to receive a video stream from the video device, display the video stream on the display device, prevent operation of the audio device while the display device is not displaying the video stream, and permit operation of the audio device while the display device is displaying the video stream.

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

Abstract: A capture station for creating identification documents comprises a housing including a camera and lighting device, a base, and at least one leg extending from the base. The housing is mounted to the leg to enable height adjustment of the camera. One configuration of the capture station has two substantially rigid and parallel legs with the housing mounted between the legs. Configurations of the capture station can include a processor, such a CPU or embedded controller, enabling ID document data capture functions to be executed within the capture station, and to be controlled via a remote computer via a network connection. In one embodiment, the processor is housed in the base and communicates with the camera via wiring routed through the leg. Peripherals used in capture functions, such as a fingerprint reader, signature pad, display, etc., may be mounted to the leg via clamps, or a plug in receptacle with power and communication wiring provided in the leg.

Abstract: An object detection portal wherein a video image is obtained of a volume or area being scanned, and location of a threat object is determined and displayed in real time as an indicator overlay on the video image. An individual subject being scanned may be continuously monitored by an operator during an object divesting process, and an operator may view the threat object moving from or remaining with the subject. Object location information is supplied to a video driver to superimpose the overlay on a real time image of a subject. The scanning portal may interact with an exit barrier. The exit barrier may be activated automatically in response to sensing of a threat.

Abstract: Enhanced portal security is provided through stereoscopy, including a stereo door sensor for detecting and optionally preventing access violations, such as piggybacking and tailgating. A portal security system can include a 3D imaging system that generates a target volume from plural 2D images of a field of view about a portal; and a processor that detects and tracks people candidates moving through the target volume to detect a portal access event.

Abstract: A camera module includes an image sensor, a first signal processor, a bus interface, and a security device interface. The image sensor acquires an image data input. The first signal processor is coupled to the image sensor to receive the image data input, exchange data with a security device, and exchange data with a computer system which includes a second signal processor. The bus interface is coupled to the first signal processor to exchange data between the first signal processor and the second signal processor. The security device interface is coupled to the first signal processor to exchange data between the first signal processor and the security device.