Plural Cameras Patents (Class 348/159)
  • Patent number: 8750509
    Abstract: A wireless surveillance system and methods of operating same, providing at least one data input capture device (ICDs), including cameras which have the ability to capture video, audio, and/or data from sensors such as temperature and humidity data, while being newly or retrofittably releasably mountable to a track lighting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Smartvue Corporation
    Inventor: Martin Renkis
  • Publication number: 20140152836
    Abstract: Tracking a target across a region is disclosed. A graphical user interface is provided that displays, in a first region, video from a field of view of a main video device, and, in a plurality of second regions, video from a field of view of each of a plurality of perimeter video devices (PVDs). The field of view of each PVD is proximate to the main video device's field of view. A selection of one of the plurality of PVDs is received. In response, video from a field of view of the selected PVD is displayed in the first region, and a plurality of candidate PVDs is identified. Each candidate PVD has a field of view proximate to the field of view of the selected PVD. The plurality of second regions is then repopulated with video from a field of view of each of the plurality of identified candidate PVDs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: Stephen Jeffrey Morris, Richard Casey Clarkson, Louis M. Colon, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140152837
    Abstract: A video monitoring device 7 has a function that receives a VLAN-ID-attached Ethernet frame transferred from an Ethernet switch 3, and that identifies a port 4 to which a video cable 2 of a monitoring camera 1 which is a distribution source of the Ethernet frame is connected by referring to the VLAN-ID attached to the Ethernet frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Takahiro Hiramatsu, Hideo Kawamura
  • Patent number: 8743205
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention may include generating a description of a monitored scene and creating a plurality of rules related to the monitored scene by using common language. The description of the monitored scene and the plurality of rules may be converted into system parameters and an analysis of the video data may be performed based on the system parameters. The results of the analysis may be converted into one or more output terms from the plurality of predefined terms and may be displayed to a user in a common language.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Nice Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Raanan Yonatan Yehezkel, Guy Blumstein-Koren, Yaniv Gurwicz
  • Publication number: 20140146178
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus using a smart glass is provided, the image processing apparatus including an extractor to extract a first target to be observed by a user from a first image received from the smart glass and generate a second image using the extracted first target, an information collector to collect information related to the first target, and an image generator to reconstruct a third image using at least one of the second image and the information related to the first target, based on user settings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Kwi Hoon KIM, Woong Shik YOU, Jae Hwui BAE, Sang Woo AHN, O Hyung KWON
  • Patent number: 8736665
    Abstract: The video processing apparatus includes: a pattern information storing unit that stores use part information and location information; a plurality of video inputting units that input each of a plurality of video data; a video data generating unit that generates a plurality of types of generated video data; a generated video pattern selecting unit that selects a pattern of generated video data to be generated; a process unit that stores the use part of each video data in a storing unit; and a video outputting unit that coordinate-converts the generated combined video data with coordinate conversion data, generates the generated video data, and outputs the generated video data to the display unit. The use part information indicates a use part of each video data used for the generated video data, and the location information includes reduction ratio information of the use part of the each video data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Jun Kawai, Katsutoshi Yano, Toshiaki Gomi, Hiroshi Yamada
  • Patent number: 8736678
    Abstract: A set of cameras can operate in coordination for surveillance purposes to provide situation awareness at a system level. Any infrastructure of cameras, public or private, can incidentally view and record an individual's mobile property when in view of any of these cameras. A locating unit can determine the approximate location of a mobile property. A monitoring device that correlates to the mobile property's location can be selected. The transmission of surveillance information from the selected monitoring device can be provided to a user, such as via a transmission to the user's mobile device. Thus, the individual can have access to the monitoring device's viewing or recorded data to increase surveillance of mobile property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Robert R Miller, II
  • Publication number: 20140139680
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention includes a master camera that may record master metadata regarding an object of interest and communicate the master metadata to a slave camera. The slave camera may zoom, pan, or tilt to isolate and record more detailed image data regarding the object of interest based on the master metadata. In addition, the slave camera may record slave metadata regarding the object of interest. The master and slave metadata may be stored associated with the recorded image data enabling a later search for the object of interest to be expedited. The recorded image data including the object of interest may be identified with greater ease as it may be guided by the master or slave metadata, or a combination thereof. According to embodiments presented herein, processing time for searching and identifying an object of interest may be reduced by enabling a search on the metadata associated with image data, rather than by searching the image data itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Pelco, Inc.
    Inventors: Chien-Min Huang, Farzin Aghdasi, Hongwei Zhu, Lei Wang, Zhan Jiang Ma
  • Publication number: 20140139681
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to providing a method and system that enables a first responder security officer to take command and control of a building having a security incident. Using the method and system herein, the security officer is able to clearly distinguish the positions of his building entry teams in the building relative to the position of a suspect through a graphic display of friend and foe designation whereupon he can precisely direct a maneuver to close with the suspect. A group of motion sensors are mounted throughout the building to monitor various hallways for movement and collocated RFID readers are interrogated by the security alarm panel software to provide the intelligence for the security alarm control panel to distinguish a police building entry team (Friend) from the suspect (Foe).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: NETTALON SECURITY SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Donald R. Jones, JR., Hussein Mohammed Nosair, Ronald Dubois
  • Patent number: 8732273
    Abstract: This invention discloses a data inquiry system for three-dimensional location-based image, video, and information, which comprises a client device and a remote server. The client device provides space parameters and lens parameters to the remote server through a transmission module. The remote server determines a space inquiry range by the space parameter and lens parameter, inquires an object data of an object space position parameter at the space inquiry range, shows the object data in an image data displayed by the client device to facilitate users to identify the desired viewing object, and further inquires the object data and related image and/or video data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: National Chiao Tung University
    Inventors: Shiao-Li Tsao, Cheng-Lung Lin, Kaun-Ju Lin, Hsin-Chung Chen
  • Publication number: 20140132741
    Abstract: A multiple camera video system and methods for operating such a system. The system may include a plurality of cameras located around a stadium, athletic playing field or other location. The cameras are remotely controlled in a master-slave configuration. A camera operator at a master pan head selects one of the plurality of cameras as the current master camera and utilizes the master pan head to adjust the telemetry and zoom of the master camera to follow the target object. The telemetry and zoom parameters of the master camera are then used to calculate corresponding telemetry, zoom and/or other parameters for each of the plurality of slave cameras. Video captured by each of the cameras is stored for the production of replay video feeds or for archiving. The replays may be capable of “spinning” through the video feeds of adjacent cameras in order for the viewer to get the sensation of revolving around the target object. The multiple camera video system also includes methods for calibrating the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventors: Kenneth Joseph Aagaard, Larry Barbatsoulis, Frank Trizano, Craig Matthew Farrell
  • Publication number: 20140132767
    Abstract: An integrated parking information system is disclosed. The system includes a collection system and a means for collection of parking data, and an information provision system and a method for the provision of parking information, for instance, enabling a driver to know exactly which city parking rules and fines apply for any given street parking space, as well as other associated information. The system can notify members about available parking spots through a GPS application that is integrated with phones & in dash Navigation Systems. The system can provide alerts to protect members against parking violations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventors: Eric Sonnabend, Marc Landman, Rimon Elias, Steven Hansen
  • Publication number: 20140132772
    Abstract: Real-time access by a requestor to surveillance video is conditionally pre-authorized dependent on the existence of at least one pre-specified automatically detectable condition, and recorded in a data processing system. A requestor subsequently requests real-time access to the surveillance video (e.g., as a result of an alarm), and if the pre-specified automatically detectable condition is met, access is automatically granted, i.e., without the need for manual intervention. An automatically detectable condition could, e.g., be an alarm condition detected by a sensor at the site of the video surveillance. Alternatively, it could be a locational proximity of the requestor to the site of the video surveillance. Alternatively, it could be a previously defined time interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ronald L. Billau, Vincenzo V. Di Luoffo, Dan P. Dumarot, Matthew J. Paschal, Brandon W. Schulz, James E. Woodbury
  • Patent number: 8723950
    Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating the fit of a modular window assembly into a simulated vehicle body opening includes a base member, a vehicle body opening/sheet metal simulator mounted to the base member, one or more light sources disposed in the vehicle body opening/sheet metal simulator and one or more devices for securing the vehicle window to the vehicle body opening/sheet metal simulator. A method of utilizing the apparatus is also a part of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Pilkington Group Limited
    Inventor: Brian Hertel
  • Patent number: 8723972
    Abstract: A surveillance system with cameras, monitors and a connection medium. Provided in this connection are a response code memory for the storage of response codes by which image data can be retrieved by cameras and response code generation media which are allocated to the monitors and generate response codes which indicate which cameras should retrieve image data, whereby the connection medium is designed for the purpose of through-connecting image data to the monitors in response to the response codes generated by the response code generation media allocated to the monitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Mobotix AG
    Inventors: Ralf Hinkel, Klaus Borchers
  • Publication number: 20140125808
    Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for presenting DVM system information. In overview, a hierarchical tree structure is used to display DVM system elements (such as cameras). The tree structure is defined by a plurality of nodes arranged in hierarchical levels. Each level in the tree structure corresponds to an element characteristic. The nodes for each level correspond to element characteristic values. For example, one level might correspond to “camera status”, and the nodes at that level each define camera status values (e.g. operational or non-operational). A tree customization module allows a user to customize the tree structure by designating element characteristics for levels in the tree structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Flannery
  • Patent number: 8711218
    Abstract: A surveillance system and methods are disclosed. The system of the invention includes computing means connected to memory means, input means and a plurality of sensors, such as video camera and plurality of display screens. The system is adapted to compute for the sensors a 3D coverage space which considers terrain data and man-made objects and specific features of the sensors such as the 3D location and the pan, tilt and zoom (PTZ) of the camera and to establish a data base indicative of the coverage area. The system and method of the invention are also adapted to support tracking of an object within the coverage space of the sensors, either in automatic or manual mode and to provide a user of the system with data indicative of sensors into the coverage space of which a tracked object is about to enter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Verint Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Ron Zehavi
  • Publication number: 20140111649
    Abstract: A multi-image capture device capturing images by means of circular motion controls the shift movement, along a semi-circular measuring rod, of a moving mechanism by a location control device. Furthermore, a rotary control device is used to control the positioning and image-capturing angle of a second image capture device fixed on the rotary mechanism. Thereby, a first image capture device and the second image capture device are of a co-circle configuration where the optical axis of the first image capture device and the second image capture device overlap to form a center of the co-circle. Such a configuration can broaden the visual range of the image capture device, and allows quick calibration of the image capture device according to positioning of shift movement and image-capturing angles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: NATIONAL APPLIED RESEARCH LABORATORIES
    Inventors: CHI-HUNG HUANG, YUNG-HSIANG CHEN, WEI-CHUNG WANG, TAI-SHAN LIAO, HSIAO-YU CHOU
  • Publication number: 20140111650
    Abstract: Described herein are methods and devices that employ a plurality of image sensors to capture a target image of a scene. As described, positioning at least one reflective or refractive surface near the plurality of image sensors enables the sensors to capture together an image of wider field of view and longer focal length than any sensor could capture individually by using the reflective or refractive surface to guide a portion of the image scene to each sensor. The different portions of the scene captured by the sensors may overlap, and may be aligned and cropped to generate the target image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: QUALCOMM INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Todor G. Georgiev, Thomas Wesley Osborne, Sergiu Radu Goma
  • Patent number: 8704893
    Abstract: A system and method for presentation of surveillance data includes a first environment including one or more sensors configured to monitor the first environment wherein data is collected by the one or more sensors. A second environment includes one or more information presentation devices configured to convey an event or state occurring in the first environment by altering an ambient sensory condition in the second environment, such that the ambient sensory condition is modified in accordance with a type and/or level of the event or state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Andrew William Senior
  • Patent number: 8704903
    Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for synchronization of vision system inspection results produced by each of a plurality of processors that includes a first bank (that can be a “master” bank) containing a master vision system processor and at least one slave vision system processor. At least a second bank (that can be one of a plurality of “slave” banks) contains a master vision system processor and at least one slave vision system processor. Each vision system processor in each bank generates results from an image acquired and processed in a given inspection cycle. The inspection cycle can be based on an external trigger or other trigger signal, and it can enable some or all of the processors/banks to acquire and process images at a given time/cycle. In a given cycle. each of the multiple banks can be positioned to acquire an image of a respective region of a plurality of succeeding regions on a moving line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Cognex Corporation
    Inventor: James R. McClellan
  • Patent number: 8705799
    Abstract: The path and/or position of an object is tracked using two or more cameras which run asynchronously so there is need to provide a common timing signal to each camera. Captured images are analyzed to detect a position of the object in the image. Equations of motion for the object are then solved based on the detected positions and a transformation which relates the detected positions to a desired coordinate system in which the path is to be described. The position of an object can also be determined from a position which meets a distance metric relative to lines of position from three or more images. The images can be enhanced to depict the path and/or position of the object as a graphical element. Further, statistics such as maximum object speed and distance traveled can be obtained. Applications include tracking the position of a game object at a sports event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Sportvision, Inc.
    Inventors: Marvin S White, Alina Alt
  • Publication number: 20140104376
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a linking-up photographing system and a control method of linked-up cameras thereof including the following steps. A first image is acquired via a first camera. A second image is acquired via a second camera and presents a field of view (FOV) which partially overlaps a FOV of the first image at least. A control look-up table is established according to the first image and the second image. A designating command specifying a region of interest (ROI) in the first image is received. A FOV of the second camera is adjusted according to the ROI and the control look-up table, and then the second camera photographs a view specified by the ROI, so as to obtain a third image. In this way, the second camera can link up and cooperate with the first camera easily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: VIVOTEK INC.
    Inventor: Chih-Chiang CHEN
  • Publication number: 20140104433
    Abstract: The present invention is intended to manage a plurality of network cameras simply. The network camera management system comprises: a server for managing a plurality of cameras and controlling recording and/or displaying of an image captured by a camera; and a controller for instructing a management state of a camera on the server. By the operation of the controller, an image to be displayed is dynamically selected from images captured by the plurality of cameras according to the mode instructed by the controller. Thus, even if there are a large number of cameras, it is possible to display in such a form that it is intuitively easy to understand which camera's image is being displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Hideo Miyamaki
  • Publication number: 20140104431
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving, by a processor, a first annotation corresponding to one or more markings made by a first user within a first collaboration region of a first surface. The first surface is remote from a second surface. The method also includes identifying, by the processor, a second collaboration region on the second surface. The second surface is proximate a camera. The method also includes displaying, by the processor, the first annotation in the second collaboration region. The method also includes creating, by the processor, a second annotation corresponding to one or more markings made by a second user within the second collaboration region on the second surface. The method also includes transmitting, by the processor, the second annotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: Anders Eikenes, Eamonn Shaw, Eivind Danielsen, Eva Min Viktoria Edlund, Einar Andreas Hustadnes Hagen, Kistian Magnus Østensen
  • Publication number: 20140104432
    Abstract: A method of controlling a surveillance system having a visible imaging camera for obtaining a visible image of an object and a display apparatus, includes providing a color visible image, from the visible imaging camera, to the display apparatus and generating a color background image by extracting a background area from the color visible image when a current ambient illuminance belongs to a daytime illuminance range, and replacing a background area of a black and white visible image, from the visible imaging camera, with the color background image and providing a mixed image as a result of the replacement to the display apparatus when the current illuminance belongs to the nighttime illuminance range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Samsung Techwin Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Joon-sung LEE, Ji-man KIM, Dong-hak SHIN
  • Publication number: 20140104434
    Abstract: A monitoring system includes a plurality of image-capturing apparatuses each including an event detector that executes on a corresponding captured image at least one of a plurality of processing algorithms for detection of a monitor event, and a transmission controller that outputs to a network only a processing result of the executed processing algorithm when a monitor event is not detected and that outputs to the network at least the captured image when a monitor event is detected; and a management apparatus managing the plurality of image-capturing apparatuses via the network and including an event determination unit that determines occurrence of a monitor event in accordance with the received processing result and a record controller that records the received captured image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Katsumi OOSAWA
  • Patent number: 8698898
    Abstract: Among other disclosed subject matter, a system includes a first camera generating a live image of a scene, the first camera configured for being placed in a plurality of locations by robotic motion. The system includes a handheld device that includes a display device for continuously presenting the live image, wherein movement of the handheld device causes the handheld device to generate an output that controls the robotic motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Lucasfilm Entertainment Company Ltd.
    Inventor: Domenico Porcino
  • Patent number: 8692666
    Abstract: A camera system includes a plurality of first cameras and a second camera. Each of the plurality of first cameras has a first receiving section that receives a control signal, a first image pickup section that photographs a first image based on the control signal, and a first transmitting section that transmits the first image and terminal information based on the control signal. The second camera has a second image pickup section that photographs a second image, a second transmitting section that transmits the control signal, a second receiving section that receives the first image and the terminal information, a camera selecting section that selects the first camera that satisfies a predetermined condition as control target camera based on the terminal information, and a storing section that stores the second image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Imaging Corp.
    Inventors: Hirofumi Ishii, Masamitsu Fujimaru
  • Patent number: 8687074
    Abstract: The present invention relates to camera arrangements with backlighting detection. The camera arrangements are capable of simultaneously capturing real scene data from various viewpoints. This data may include illumination data impinging the scene. The illumination data may then be utilized to alter the apparent illumination of a second image, either real or virtual, which is to be superimposed over the real scene so that the illumination across the entire superimposed scene is consistent. The camera arrangements may utilize combinations of umbilical cables and light tubes to expand or contract the field of capture. The camera arrangements may also include in-line signal processing of the data output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Worldscape, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter R. Rogina
  • Patent number: 8687047
    Abstract: A stereoscopic image with a predetermined parallax can be automatically taken, and a stereoscopic image with an arbitrary parallax can also be taken based on selection made by a photographer. An imaging apparatus includes two or more imaging systems. First, a guidance indicating that a first imaging system is used to take a first image and that a second imaging system is used to take a second image, is displayed on a monitor of the imaging apparatus. After the first image is shot by the first imaging system, a live view image shot by the second imaging system is displayed in a semi-transparent manner with the shot first image on the monitor, and a guidance is also displayed on the monitor. When the release switch is depressed, the second image is shot by the right imaging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Yuji Hasegawa
  • Publication number: 20140085479
    Abstract: A system and computer program product for tracking and monitoring assets along a transport route. The system includes at least one receiver for receiving asset identifications transmitted from the assets, where each asset transmits its own asset identification. The receiver also receives physical location coordinates of each of the assets. A plurality of cameras is dispersed along the transport route for transmitting camera images of the assets. The system further includes a server coupled to the receiver and cameras. The server is configured to recognize the assets in the camera images, to correlate the asset identification from the receiver with recognized assets in the camera images, and to correlate the physical location coordinates of each of the assets with physical location coordinates of the cameras. The system monitors the visual appearance of the assets, and keeps track of whether or not they have sustained physical damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: Norman Haas, Arun Hampapur, Ying Li, Sharathchandra Pankanti
  • Publication number: 20140085480
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for reducing video communication bandwidth requirements of a video surveillance network camera system that includes network communication paths between network video cameras producing video streams of scenes observed by the network video cameras and content-aware computer networking devices analyzing by video analytics video visual content of the video streams to provide managed video representing, at specified quality levels, samples of the scenes observed. Distribution of the managed video consumes substantially less network bandwidth than would be consumed by delivery through network communication paths a video stream at the specified quality level in the absence of analysis by the video analytics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventor: Mahesh Saptharishi
  • Patent number: 8675072
    Abstract: A multi-view video camera system (25) for filming a windsurfing sailor during sailing, comprising of two video cameras in waterproof compartments (7) with lenses (8) and screw caps (29) attached to a clamp (10) with tightening screw (9) and wing nut (23) for attachment to the mast (11) of a windsurfing sail rig (22). The compartments (7) are oriented to aim the contained video cameras (24) along each side of the windsurfing sail rig (22) at corresponding locations a windsurfing sailor would occupy while sailing the windsurfing sail rig. Video streams, resulting from the contained video cameras could then be combined into single composite video for analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: Sergey G Menshikov
  • Patent number: 8675953
    Abstract: An electronic device that determines a geometric scale of an object using two or more images of the object is described. During operation, the electronic device calculates the size of the object along a direction using multiple images of the object that were taken from different perspectives (such as different locations and/or orientations in an environment) along with associated imaging-device characteristics. For example, the size of the object may be calculated using the images, the associated focal lengths of a digital camera that acquired the images, and the law of cosines. Using the scale of the object, an image of the object may be appropriately scaled so that it can be combined with another image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Intuit Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Elwell, Alan F. Buhler, Marianne Lu
  • Patent number: 8675074
    Abstract: A video surveillance system includes a plurality of video sources, where each video source is arranged to monitor and acquire video surveillance data within a field of view (FOV), a video manager connected to each of the plurality of video sources to control the video sources and to process video surveillance data acquired therefrom and a user interface connected to the video manager that allows an end-user to observe the FOVs from each of the plurality of video sources, and identify a region of interest (ROI) within particular FOVs to dynamically render a composite FOV comprising the ROIs from the particular FOVs. Where a video source includes enhanced abilities, such as a mega-pixel camera or video source, the enhanced video source may forward, instead of video data for the entire FOV, only that video dated from the selected ROI to realize reduced network traffic for more optimal video surveillance applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Mayur Salgar, Marinc Drive, Deepakumar Subbian, Mahesh N. Jayappa
  • Patent number: 8675073
    Abstract: A multiple camera video system and methods for operating such a system. The system may include a plurality of cameras located around a stadium, athletic playing field or other location. The cameras are remotely controlled in a master-slave configuration. A camera operator at a master pan head selects one of the plurality of cameras as the current master camera and utilizes the master pan head to adjust the telemetry and zoom of the master camera to follow the target object. The telemetry and zoom parameters of the master camera are then used to calculate corresponding telemetry, zoom and/or other parameters for each of the plurality of slave cameras. Video captured by each of the cameras is stored for the production of replay video feeds or for archiving. The replays may be capable of “spinning” through the video feeds of adjacent cameras in order for the viewer to get the sensation of revolving around the target object. The multiple camera video system also includes methods for calibrating the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventors: Kenneth Joseph Aagaard, Larry Barbatsoulis, Frank Trizano, Craig Matthew Farrell
  • Publication number: 20140071291
    Abstract: A method for transmitting video data and haptic data between a mobile video acquisition device and a remote computer through a communication network, and a video acquisition device. A server capable of direct communication exists in the communication network. The video data can be presented on a screen of the remote computer for a user to view, and the haptic data can be used to control a motion state of the video acquisition device acting as an avatar of the user. In the present invention, a first channel for transmitting video data and a second channel for transmitting haptic data are established between a computer having access to the Internet and a video acquisition device having access to the Internet by using a server and through a P2P technology. The present invention enables forming of a low-cost long-distance avatar network of multiple users versus multiple avatars, thereby greatly reducing travel of people, and contributing to low carbon environmental protection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventor: Lang Yu
  • Publication number: 20140071280
    Abstract: A system may include one or more data modules operable to receive, process, and transmit data associated with one or more audio and/or visual cues from surroundings of a user. The system may also include one or more cameras and one or more microphones communicatively coupled to the one or more data modules, where the one or more cameras and the one or more microphones are operable to: record, respectively, the one or more audio and/or visual cues; and transmit, respectively, the data associated with the one or more audio and/or visual cues to the one or more data modules. Also, the system may include one or more speakers driven by audio signals received from the one or more data modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Harman International Industries, Incorporated
    Inventors: Arvin Baalu, Manu Malhotra, Ravi Lakkundi
  • Publication number: 20140071290
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a processor configured to receive captured video, and perform a two-stage video content management protocol, wherein the first stage comprises classifying the video content according to one or more granular variables, and wherein the second stage comprises queuing classified video in a storage memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Futurewei Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Collen, Nalin Mistry
  • Patent number: 8670035
    Abstract: An apparatus that provides an electronic image of areas around sides and rear of a large tractor trailer rig produced on a weatherproof screen that is located on the lower portion of the driver's side mirror. One (1) camera would be located on the rear of the trailer in a center mounted position, while another camera would be located on a passenger side near the front of the vehicle so that it can see the entire side of the vehicle. The cameras would be equipped with fixed wide-angle lenses. The video signal from each camera would be routed to an automatic switcher that displays each signal for a pre-determined time or allows for the manual selection of either camera on a permanent basis. The video signal is then displayed on the weatherproof monitor portion of the side view mirror. In such a manner the truck driver can look at the mirror and the monitor in order to see all three (3) sides of the vehicle at once.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Marc Robert
  • Publication number: 20140063262
    Abstract: Techniques for checkout security using video surveillance are provided. A customer is video tracked while in a store, the pauses made in aisles and the arm movements are recorded. Expected purchased items, based on movements and pauses by the customer within the store, are then compared to actual purchased items and a determination is made whether a checkout audit is needed for the customer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas V. Edwards, Ganesh Bandaru
  • Patent number: 8665333
    Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for optimizing the observation and annotation of complex human behavior from video sources by automatically detecting predefined events based on the behavior of people in a first video stream from a first means for capturing images in a physical space, accessing a synchronized second video stream from a second means for capturing images that are positioned to observe the people more closely using the timestamps associated with the detected events from the first video stream, and enabling an annotator to annotate each of the events with more labels using a tool. The present invention captures a plurality of input images of the persons by a plurality of means for capturing images and processes the plurality of input images in order to detect the predefined events based on the behavior in an exemplary embodiment. The processes are based on a novel usage of a plurality of computer vision technologies to analyze the human behavior from the plurality of input images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: VideoMining Corporation
    Inventors: Rajeev Sharma, Satish Mummareddy, Emilio Schapira, Namsoon Jung
  • Publication number: 20140055620
    Abstract: A method for correlating views of two or more video camera systems includes obtaining a plurality of data point coordinate sets to represent relative positioning between the camera systems and data point objects in the environment. The views may be correlated through Interpolation or extrapolation using the obtained data point coordinate sets. Devices such as lasers may also be used to correlate views of two or more video camera systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: William Matthew SALIVAR, John Michael Rozmus, Robert Gerald Palmer, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140055619
    Abstract: A luminaire may include a wall mount, a driver circuit housing connected to the wall mount, a sensor housing connected to the driver circuit housing, a light source housing connected to the sensor housing, and a light source array carried by the light source housing. A controller may be positioned in electrical communication with an emergency alert system, a sensor carried by the sensor housing and the light source. The light source may be capable of emitting illuminating light, and the controller may be configured to receive an emergency alert from the emergency alert system. The controller may be configured to operate the light source to emit light within a wavelength range associated with a color responsive to the emergency alert and the color of the light emitted may be associated with a particular emergency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: LIGHTING SCIENCE GROUP CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eric Holland, Julia Sharon Irvin, Eric Thosteson, Benjamin Charles Burns, John Beck
  • Publication number: 20140055621
    Abstract: Technologies are generally described for automatically optimizing an efficiency of camera placement, numbers, and resolution in multi-camera monitoring and surveillance applications. In some examples, a fraction of a total area may be monitored at a higher resolution than the rest. Employing techniques such as combinatorial state Viterbi technique or combinatorial state trellis technique, a minimum number of cameras that provide the coverage at the needed resolution may be selected. Similarly, a number of points may be covered with at least a predefined number of cameras. For example, a subject of interest may be tracked in a public area, where specific camera(s) may be used to image the subject's face at a higher resolution than the background.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: McMaster University
    Inventors: Shahram Shirani, Shadrokh Samavi, Sayedmohammadreza Soroushmehr, Hamed Sadeghi
  • Patent number: 8659657
    Abstract: A system, method, and program product is provided that configures video handlers pertaining to a dependent individual. Configuring includes setting alert thresholds. Visual locations are configured. Visual images that pertain to caregivers of the dependent individual are configured. Video streams are received from video sources. Video streams are compared to configured locations to classify the dependent individual's location. Video stream is analyzed to determine whether the dependent individual is alone or with others. If with others, a list of known persons is determined by comparing the video streams with the configured visual images. The configured video handlers are initiated based on the inputs of the location and the people present with the dependent individual. Video handlers trigger alerts when thresholds are reached. Alerts include performing actions to protect the dependent individual from harm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Sara Carlstead Brumfield, Xiaoping Chen, Tara Leigh Marshburn, Sandra Lee Tipton
  • Patent number: 8659661
    Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein provide for some embodiments infrared camera systems for maritime applications. For example in one embodiment, a watercraft includes a plurality of image capture components coupled to the watercraft to capture infrared images around at least a substantial portion of a perimeter of the watercraft; a memory component adapted to store the captured infrared images; a processing component adapted to process the captured infrared images according to a man overboard mode of operation to provide processed infrared images and determine if a person falls from the watercraft; and a display component adapted to display the processed infrared images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: FLIR Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Frank, Patrick B. Richardson, James T. Woolaway, Austin A. Richards, Nicholas Högasten
  • Patent number: 8655893
    Abstract: A method for organizing images from multiple image capture devices includes allowing the determination of an offset between image capture times recorded in a first image capture device and image capture times recorded in a second image capture device, adjusting the image capture times recorded in the second image capture device by the offset to produce adjusted image capture times by a computer processor, and sequencing images taken by the first image capture device and the second image capture device in an chronological order. The sequencing is based on the image capture times for the images captured by the first image capture device and the adjusted image capture times for the images captured by the second image capture device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Shutterfly, Inc.
    Inventors: Wiley H. Wang, Eugene Chen, Preeti Nathan, Trynne Anne Miller
  • Publication number: 20140043485
    Abstract: Systems and methods for streaming video and/or audio from multiple devices are provided. A camera may include an optical sensor, a wireless communication device, and a processor configured to establish a first connection with a remote location, establish a second connection with one or more other cameras, and stream video from the cameras to the remote location. The remote location may be, for example, a remote website, a remote server, or a remote client device. The camera may be further configured to provide control signals to the other cameras, such as for controlling applications running on the other cameras.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventors: John Bateman, Oleg Ostap, Oliver Hoheisel, David Kim, Vijay Karnataki