Abstract: Each of a plurality of disparate facility components can be provided with a communications interface. That interface, in turn, can serve to facilitate communicating operational data between individual ones of such facility components and, for example, a central self-storage facility controller. This interface can comprise a wireless or a non-wireless interface as desired. These teachings will also accommodate the use of one or more wireless repeaters to support such an approach.

Abstract: An entry monitoring system to monitor an object entering a room includes a door control apparatus configured to control opening of a door, and a monitoring apparatus configured to monitor the object entering the room by an image capturing apparatus. The door control apparatus controls the door to open when the image capturing apparatus completes preparation for capturing images of the object entering the room.

Abstract: A personal authentication method and device capable of creating iris information enabling personal authentication even if the iris image shows light reflection.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a convenience store security system 1 having a safe 10 and an unmanned security device 20. The safe 10 is configured to store money 5 at a convenience store 2, and includes a money slot 11 used to deposit the money 5 without unlocking the safe 10, a timer 12a-equipped locking unit 12 configured to be unlocked after a predetermined time has elapsed when an unlocking operation is performed, and a remote control unit 13 configured to be capable of performing the operation of remotely unlocking the locking unit 12. The unmanned security device 20 installed by an unmanned security company 3 so as to provide an unmanned security service to the convenience store 2, and configured to perform the operation of unlocking the locking unit 12 by remotely controlling the remote control unit 13 in response to a request from the convenience store 2.

Abstract: A recording medium, method, and apparatus for reproducing text subtitle streams are disclosed. A microcomputer initially reads a set of PlayItems and a SubPlayItem included in a PlayList which is recorded on a recording medium, and it further reads synchronization information included in the SubPlayItem. Each PlayItem is configured to reproduce at least one main AV stream, and the SubPlayItem is configured to reproduce a text subtitle stream. The synchronization information indicates a presentation start time of the SubPlayItem on a global time axis of the PlayList. When the PlayList is randomly accessed at a random access time on the global time axis, the microcomputer calculates a corresponding access time on a time axis of the SubPlayItem. Then a text subtitle decoder decodes for presentation a dialog presentation segment with the closest dialog start time after the corresponding access time on the axis of the SubPlayItem.

Abstract: A telesuite is provided which includes a camera rotatable about at least one axis, the camera being rotatably mounted to a fixed structure. A plurality of predetermined viewing positions are also provide, each of which includes a predetermined coordinate upon which the camera is focused. A camera controller is configured to rotate the camera to view a designated one of the predetermined viewing positions upon receipt of a control signal corresponding to the designated one of the predetermined viewing positions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting a plurality of digital video recorders to a plurality of video transmitters via first transmission lines and for connecting the plurality of digital video recorders to a playback receiver via second transmission lines. The playback receiver incorporates an external synchronizing generator for externally synchronizing the plurality of the digital video recorders and the video transmitters. The recorders receiving the video signals generate and inject into the output signals a signal corresponding to identification codes allotted to each video signals. The playback receiver has a selection control circuit receiving selectively and synchronously any individually coded playback or monitored signal, or multiple playback or monitored signals which are displayed individually or in a split screen, respectively.

Abstract: A user enters control settings into a content receiver whereby the control settings correspond to a particular viewer or a particular time-of-day. The content receiver receives a media signal and metadata that includes censorship level information. The content receiver uses the control settings to identify an applicable censorship level and uses the metadata to de-scramble the media signal to a censorship level corresponding to the identified applicable censorship level. The content receiver provides the de-scrambled media signal to a viewer's display.

Abstract: A sensitive display system is described. The sensitive display system allows for mediation of content provided from a source to a recipient, such as from a web server to a web browser. Mediation may involve intercepting and augmenting the content so as to restrict or otherwise control information displayed on a display of the recipient device. In this way, the sensitive display system allows restricted information to be replaced with security status messages, or removed entirely. For example, when a user comes within a specified distance from the sensitive display area, a security classification level of the approaching user is used to determine whether there should be any change in the display. If so, a mediating device causes a browser push to occur, to thereby block or otherwise restrict some or all of the display.

Abstract: The present invention provides an entry control device, system and method which can recognize a vehicle by its undercarriage image only. The present invention compares a new vehicle undercarriage image with those stored in a reference database to facilitate the automatic search of a vehicle's undercarriage. The present invention can compare the new undercarriage image to the same or similar undercarriage image previously entered in the reference database, highlighting any anomalies such as, for example, foreign objects, explosives, drugs, paraphernalia and other illegal and/or harmful substances and devices.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a gate access system that 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: An electronic camera including an electronic imaging sensor providing an output representing an imaged field, a first imaging functionality employing the electronic imaging sensor for taking a picture of a scene in the imaged field, a second imaging functionality employing the electronic imaging sensor for data entry responsive to user hand activity and a user-operated imaging functionality selection switch operative to enable a user to select operation in one of the first and second imaging functionalities.

Abstract: A system which, in at least one embodiment, obtains a photographic image of an individual attempting to disengage an ignition interlock device or the like to assist in determining whether the individual is the same as one for whom the device is intended.

Abstract: A workstation for a surveillance system comprising a display, a user input device and a control unit in communication with the display and the user input device. The user input device has a plurality of keys and a light source to light the keys with a plurality of different colors. The control unit generates an image on the display that has a plurality of differently colored icons with each of the icons symbolizing a function to be performed by the control unit. The control unit generates a control signal to the user input device causing the light source to light the plurality of keys in the user input device in colors to correspond to the colors of the icons in the image on the display. The control unit performs the control function corresponding to a particular icon from the plurality of differently colored icons when a user activates a key from the plurality keys having the color that corresponds to the color of the particular icon.

Abstract: An image determination apparatus is provided which obtains a first image which is picked up by illuminating the subject of image pickup from a first position and a second image which is picked up by illuminating the subject of image pickup from a second position. The image determination apparatus determines whether or not the subject of image pickup is a living body from a change in shading on the first picked up image and the second picked up image. Further, an individual authentication apparatus that includes an image pickup unit and a control unit determines whether a subject is a living body from a change in shading on a first picked up image and a second picked up image. If the subject is a living body, an authentication function is initiated using a third picked up image, the authentication function determining whether or not to authorize the subject.

Abstract: At least one of an area to protect and an area to ignore are marked using a visual indicator. The area to protect and the area to ignore are in proximity to a moveable barrier operator system. Visual inputs from a camera representative of the visual indicator are received and evaluated to automatically distinguish between the area to protect and the area to ignore. An evaluation area of the camera is limited so as to coincide with substantially only with the area to protect. Thereafter, it is determined whether an obstruction exists in the evaluation area of the camera. The evaluation area may be recorded and used for future determinations as to whether obstructions exist in the pathway of the barrier.

Abstract: An information terminal driven by a battery disclosed herein comprises: a voltage detector configured to detect a battery voltage which is a voltage of the battery; a drive unit configured to be driven upon receiving a supply of a power source from the battery; a load calculator configured to calculate a load on the battery of the drive unit; and a battery remaining capacity calculator configured to calculate a battery remaining capacity based on the battery voltage, the battery remaining capacity calculator calculating the battery remaining capacity corrected based on the load calculated by the load calculator.

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: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method of controlling access to an entrance. In a particular embodiment, the method includes receiving a first signal, first data, or any combination thereof, at an audio video transport system indicating that a request to access an entrance has been received via a security system. The method also includes determining a set-top box device associated with the request. Further, the method includes sending a second signal, second data, or any combination thereof, to a network terminal indicating that the request has been received, wherein the network terminal communicates video content of an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) system to the set-top box device. The network terminal communicates an alert to the set-top box device indicating that the request has been received, the alert overlaying the video content at a display device coupled to the set-top box device.

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: An electronic camera including an electronic imaging sensor providing an output representing an imaged field, a first imaging functionality employing the electronic imaging sensor for taking a picture of a scene in the imaged field, a second imaging functionality employing the electronic imaging sensor for data entry responsive to user hand activity and a user-operated imaging functionality selection switch operative to enable a user to select operation in one of the first and second imaging functionalities.

Abstract: A system for increasing component longevity in a display device includes: a display device; a sensor for detecting an audience associated with the display device; and a control subsystem connected to the sensor. The control subsystem is configured to deactivate at least one component of the display device when no audience is detected by the sensor. A method of increasing component longevity includes determining the presence or absence of an audience with respect to a display device; and deactivating at least one component of the display device when the audience associated with the display device is not present.

Abstract: A method and system for providing integrated remote monitoring services includes receiving and storing radio frequency identification (RFID) data from an RFID system at a remote facility of a subscriber. Video data is received from a video system at the facility and also stored. The subscriber is provided with access to the stored RFID and video data. The subscriber is also provided with access to and control of a video camera in the video system at the facility.

Abstract: An image-taking apparatus and an image-taking system are disclosed which can protect the privacy of a person whose image is taken, and which can avoid the distribution of images of unnecessarily large data volumes. The image-taking apparatus includes an image-taking optical system, an image-pickup device, a controller which performs, by using the image-pickup device, image-taking in a first mode and in a second mode in which image-taking is carried out with more pixels or at a lower frame rate than in the first mode. The controller determines whether a condition relating to image-taking matches a predetermined restriction condition, and restricts image-taking in the second mode or distribution of an image taken in the second mode when that restriction condition is met.

Abstract: A stand-off security checkpoint system and apparatus that enables security officers entrusted with protecting our nations' critical infrastructure or other high risk locations, a means of verifying in real-time, the identity of entrants to a facility. Via a communications system and apparatus that is positioned a safe, stand-off distance away from the entrance to a facility, a person entering a facility exits his vehicle or walks up to a machine housing which is equipped with cameras and sensor equipment. A close up view of the persons' identification as well a picture of the person himself is captured and readied for real-time transmission to security personnel well away from the entrants location at the machine. Via wireless transmitter and receiver equipment, and computer hardware and software arrangements incorporated into the system, the entrant and his identification card can be viewed and verified, from a safe standoff distance by on-site, as well as off-site security screening personnel.

Abstract: Information identifying an operator remotely controlling a camera can be obtained. By using voice as means for reporting the information, it is possible to achieve reporting that is ideal for a user interface. Specifically, a client (116) is connected to a camera server (101) via a network and is receiving a video service obtained from a camera unit (102). When an individual on the side of the camera server (101) issues a request for the purpose of identifying the client, e.g., an inquiry as to who is controlling the camera, by voice, the voice is recognized. In response, information (the user name) identifying a connected client or the client controlling the camera is obtained by voice from a speaker (112).

Abstract: A remote monitoring system which enables the owner and the custodian of a facility to recognize an intrusion from the outside and the owner himself to confirm the details of the intrusion, and which comprises a monitor device (11) for detecting abnormalities of facility and photographing them, and a control server (24) for receiving information from the monitor device (11) to transmit it to mobile terminals (28). The control server 24 (24) comprises an image DB (48) for storing received images in conjunction with the monitor device, a customer/facility specifying unit (44) in the monitor device for specifying mobile terminals carried by customers, and a message preparing unit for preparing messages to be notified to mobile terminals, thereby transmitting messages and contents to mobile terminal (28).

Abstract: A visual object detection system to provide access and/or presence monitoring of an area of interest. In steady state operation, that is when no object is entering or within the area of interest, only those portions of the incoming images that correspond to the border of the area of interest are analyzed. Once the border is breached by an object, the present invention may begin analyzing the entire area or selected regions inside the border of the area of interest. This may provide some level of presence monitoring of the area of interest. It is contemplated that both modes of analysis can take place simultaneously or sequentially, depending on the application. Once the object leaves the area of interest, the present invention preferably returns to the original steady state, and monitors only the border regions of the incoming images.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image comparison apparatus and method in which images are acquired using a photograph unit and comparing them with a registration of memorized images. The photograph unit acquires a plurality of images of the photograph object during a period from detection of the photograph object by the object detection sensor until a press of a button. After which, the acquired image is compared with previously memorized registration images and a comparison result indicating whether or not a match exists is outputted.

Abstract: The video airship is a lighter-than-air airship, preferably spherical, including a video display disposed with substantially all of the craft's outer surface, a nearly invisible computerized electric propulsion-control system, speakers, microphones, video cameras, communications systems, and extendible landing gear. A power generation system contained within the airship's interior supplies the energy for it's display, propulsion, flight control and other onboard devices.

Abstract: A child security system activates an alarm when an unsupervised child enters a monitored area, including a security camera for receiving video images from a monitored area; a computer; a security camera being linked to send video data from the monitored area to the computer; and system software loaded in the computer enabling the computer to distinguish the image of a child entering the monitored area, distinguishing the image of a child from an image of an adult or an animal, determining whether the image of an adult is simultaneously present within the monitored area, and an alarm linked to the computer so that the computer sends an ON signal to the alarm causing the alarm to activate when the image of a child is detected and no image of an adult is simultaneously detected, indicating that an unsupervised child has entered the monitored area.

Abstract: A system for the automatic generation of a pre-cleared photo identification and limited access parameter document to a limited access facility is disclosed wherein a person seeking entry to a secure premises presents himself before a self-service computerized array which directs selected queries to the person that require the person to input data which relates to personal identification and entry purpose, which input data is automatically compared by the array to digitized data contained in one or more data storage banks and if such comparison falls within pre-established standards, generates a document, card, badge, label or the like which conspicuously photo-identifies the user and the parameters of entry to the restricted access area.

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: A television intercom system need not prepare two kinds of electric power source adaptors even when it is equipped with an expanded monitor master station, and need not either use an electric power source adaptor having a large capacity. In the television intercom system, a picture bus controller supplies electric power sources to a camera-equipped entrance substation, a monitor master station and an expanded monitor master station, and a picture picked up by the camera-equipped entrance substation is displayed on the monitor master station and the expanded monitor master station.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compact, portable system for capturing two dimensional images from printed and related media, as well as three dimensional scenic images, such as photographs, combining the optical features of scanning and photography. A compact, portable image capturing system is provided that is relatively simple and inexpensive, which is easy to operate, rugged, reliable, integrating the navigational and text-gathering functionalities seamlessly, transparently, and reliably, and not prone to optical misalignment, or cessation of scanning and loss of information, obviating much of the repetition of scanning efforts required by the conventional art. The present invention provides a compact, portable system for capturing both two dimensional images from printed and related media, and three dimensional scenic images, such as photographs, while providing constant user feedback of the image quality and effectiveness, during the imaging process.

Abstract: An on-vehicle video camera includes an imaging unit which converts image light into an electrical imaging signal to output the imaging signal as a video signal in a predetermined format, a light emitting unit for lighting an imaging area of the imaging unit, and a control unit for controlling the imaging operation of the imaging unit and the lighting operation of the light emitting unit so as to be operably synchronized with each other. The light emitting unit includes a unit for emitting infrared light in a predetermined band. The imaging unit does not filter out an infrared signal component in the predetermined band which is contained in the imaging signal. The imaging unit and the light emitting unit are housed by a housing which forms an outside mirror of a vehicle.

Abstract: An automatic door assembly for installation at a doorway formed through a wall of a building and for use in conjunction with a video device that is (a) capable of receiving a video data signal from a video imaging device monitoring a field of view and (b) processing the video data signal received from the imaging device into a form suitable for displaying images that are visually representative of the imaging device's field of view. The door assembly comprises a frame assembly that mounts to the building wall at the doorway thereof, a door panel that mounts to the frame assembly for movement between closed position and open positions, and a door controlling system. The door controlling system comprises a video imaging device mounted in a viewing position. The imaging device is provided by a digital or analog video camera. In the viewing position, the imaging device monitors a field of view that encompasses an approach area located adjacent to the doorway.

Abstract: A television door intercom apparatus improves recognition performance for a resident inside a house to recognize a visitor conducting a call operation at the entrance and security in responding to the call. A call detection circuit 31 of a residential master station 2 detects a call when a visitor pushes a call button 11 of a door intercom substation 1, activates a signal generator circuit 32 and causes a master station speaker 39 to output a call sound so that a communication can be exchanged between a substation microphone 16 and a substation speaker 17 of the door intercom substation and a master station microphone 38 and the master station speaker of the residential master station.

Abstract: In an image collection apparatus an image acquisition unit acquires an image, an event detection unit detects an event, an event data creation unit creates event data indicative of at least a generation time and contents of the event detected by the event detection unit, a macro event definition unit defines a macro event including a related event group and having a time width by using the generation time and contents of the event, a macro event data creation unit creates macro event data by structurizing a plurality of event data based on definition contents of the macro event, an image recording unit records an image of a macro event corresponding to the macro event data, a retrieval unit retrieves a desirable macro event based on the macro event data, and a display unit displays the image of the macro event.

Abstract: The invention enables and/or facilitates the display of personalized content to content observers by content providers (e.g., advertisers) who disseminate content over a network. The invention enables identification of particular content observers at a content display site using analysis of content observation behavior at a content display site, data regarding one or more physical characteristics of content observers in the vicinity of the content display device during display of particular content, and/or analysis of demographic characteristics of possible content observers at the content display site. The invention prevents unauthorized access to data produced as part of identification of the content observer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic digital door opener, comprising a digitilisation, recording and control block (2) that is connected between the street plate (1) and the interior plates (3, 3?, 3?). Said block (2) has sound recording, playback and processing means, video and data sequencing, in addition to means for controlling functions of the door opener. Each interior plate (3?, 3?) can be complemented with a remote control (4) to enable audio and data communication with the street plate (1). Audiovisual and data communication with said plate (1) can be enabled by means of a television set (60). A portable, mobile unit (4?) with television function enables audiovisual and data communication with the street plate (1) either directly or by means of a television set (60).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a gate control device which controls the passage (e.g., entry, exit, etc.) through a passageway of both authorized persons and unauthorized companions of authorized persons into a protected room. The device may be configured such that the unauthorized companions may be permitted or denied passage if the unauthorized companions are with an authorized person. For example, the device may be configured to allow an entire group of persons to enter a room if only one authorized person is present. In another example, the device may deny passage to the entire group if it contains even one unauthorized person.

Abstract: A door videophone capable of rotating a camera, comprising: a main body having a monitor for displaying an image of a caller, and being located indoors; a bell box having the camera for photographing looks of the caller and transmitting the image of the caller to the monitor, and being located outdoors; an actuating device for rotating the camera, and being disposed in the bell box; and a control device for generating an operation control signal associated with the actuating device, and being disposed at the main body.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a visitor pass system, visitor pass method and visitor pass program which can minimize and expedite visitor formalities, is provided. The visitor pass system comprises a visitor terminal, server and staff terminals. The visitor terminal, the server and the staff terminals are connected via a communication network. The visitor terminal may be placed at a reception area, for instance. The server is preferably a computer which can store a large number of visit data information.

Abstract: A surveillance system for the entryway of a residence utilizes an existing peephole in a door to install a camera and utilizes the existing telephones in a residence to communicate from within the residence with an individual standing in the entryway.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a photographing apparatus capable of verifying with ease that a transaction processing unit has been wrongfully utilized, and at the same time, reducing an amount of image data for each case of transaction processing while lowering the cost thereof, and a monitoring system using the photographing apparatus. To this end, the photographing apparatus according to the invention includes an image forming element having an image forming face, a photographing field angle dividing arrangement for dividing a photographing field angle into photographing field angles A, B so as to correspond with a plurality of sites to be photographed, and forming an image of the respective sites to be photographed on the image forming element, and an image data generation arrangement for generating image data of the respective sites to be photographed on the basis of output of the image forming element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for monitoring a location using vision-based technologies and to automatically trigger the activation of a child safety feature or an alarm when a child is detected. One or more image capture devices are focused on a given location. The captured images are processed to identify the presence of a child and to initiate an appropriate response, such as sending assistance, activating a child safety feature or triggering an alarm. A number of rules can be utilized to define various child safety events. Each rule contains one or more conditions that must be satisfied in order for the rule to be triggered, and, optionally, a corresponding action-item that should be performed when the rule is satisfied, such as sending assistance, activating a child safety feature or triggering an alarm.

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 method is disclosed for remote monitoring of a premises, comprising the steps of operatively coupling a geographically remote client to a security system server which is capable of authenticating a user of the remote client, operatively coupling the remote client to a security gateway which is capable of managing the monitoring of the premises, activating a signal at the premises for notifying an occupant at the premises that remote monitoring is occurring, and transferring information between the security gateway and the remote client. The transfer of information between the security gateway and the remote client is controlled by the user of the remote client. The security gateway may be operably coupled to at least one camera at the premises and to at least one audio station at the premises.

Abstract: A video based system and method for detecting and counting persons traversing an area being monitored is provided.