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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to perform operations for racing entertainment, including providing each of multiple racers with devices to capture images and sounds as perceived by the racer during a race, obtaining information pertaining to each of multiple users such as account information and selection of a racer whom the user wants to get connection with, managing transactions, processing the images and sounds, and transmitting the processed images and sounds from the racer to a client terminal of the user who selected the racer.

Abstract: A method for assessing events detected by a surveillance system includes assessing the likelihood that the events correspond to events being monitored from feedback in response to a condition set by a user. Classifiers are created for the events from the feedback. The classifiers are applied to allow the surveillance system improve its accuracy when processing new video data.

Abstract: A function of being controlled by a second monitor camera controller is added to a first monitor camera controller which controls a plurality of monitor cameras. The second monitor camera controller is caused to recognize the first monitor camera controller as a monitor camera. The first monitor camera controller synthesizes videos from the monitor cameras as one video, and transmits the synthetic video to the second monitor camera controller. Control of the monitor cameras or acquisition of videos is conducted by controlling the first monitor camera controller recognized as a monitor camera by use of a control function of a part or all of pan, tilt and zoom.

Abstract: A method for providing streamed video data from a plurality of sources within a known geographic area includes receiving at a server, via a communication network, first video stream data captured within the known geographic area using a first user device and second video stream data captured within the known geographic area using a second user device. The first video stream data is provided from the server to a display device associated with a user for being viewed by the user. An indication that the second video stream data is available to be viewed in addition to the first video stream data is also provided, from the server to the display device, via the communication network.

Abstract: A system and method for generating an image includes a plurality of imaging units coupled together and a system controller coupled to the plurality of imaging units for providing at least one signal to each of the plurality of imaging units. Each of the imaging units comprises: an image sensing unit for generating an in-situ image, each in-situ image being a portion of the image; an input for receiving the in-situ image; a composition unit for receiving a first composite image and producing a second composite image, the second composite image being a combination of the first composite image and the in-situ image; and an output at which the second composite image is provided.

Abstract: A vision system for a vehicle includes a plurality of cameras disposed at a vehicle equipped with the vision system. Each of the cameras has a respective field of view and is operable to capture respective image data. The vision system may include or utilize a video file format that makes available required or desired image data and other information in a synchronized way, and that enables access to the image data and information by algorithms. The video file format may create a layout that allows the system to store and access the data in a generalized manner. The system may include a video control interface software tool that defines a protocol for interfacing with external devices and subsequent processing software.

Abstract: An acoustic video camera system uses acoustic data acquisition systems to produce digital video imagery capable of interfacing with host equipment that operates using standard video formats compatible with video images obtained using optical systems. The acoustic video camera comprises an Acoustic Imager, a Digital Image Compression Component, an I/O and Processing component, and, optionally, an Image Analytics Component. System analytics may provide automated target identification and tracking. All of these components may be incorporated in a submersible acoustic imaging unit having communications capability for interfacing with a host display and control system.

Abstract: A configurable real-time environment tracking and command module (RTM) is provided to coordinate one or more than one devices or objects in a physical environment. A virtual environment is created to correlate with various objects and attributes within the physical environment. The RTM is able to receive data about attributes of physical objects and accordingly update the attributes of correlated virtual objects in the virtual environment. The RTM is also able to provide data extracted from the virtual environment to one or more than devices, such as robotic cameras, in real-time. An interface to the RTM allows multiple devices to interact with the RTM, thereby coordinating the devices.

Abstract: A system for controlling at least one camera by enabling a forward channel and a reverse channel is provided. The system includes (i) one or more cameras, (ii) a CMRS that obtains audio information, and video information from the cameras via a coaxial cable or over air. A camera control unit multiplexes PTZ information associated with the one or more cameras and generates a data packet. A modulator modulates the data packet to obtain a modulated data packet which is up converted to a desired RF frequency. A tuner receives the desired RF frequency through the coaxial cable or air, and down converts the RF frequency to obtain the modulated data packet. A demodulator demodulates the modulated data packet to obtain the data packet. A processor de-multiplexes the data packet to obtain the PTZ information that includes a command for at least one of panning, tilting, and zooming a camera.

Abstract: An intelligent video/audio observation and identification database system may define a security zone or group of zones. The system may identify vehicles and individuals entering or exiting the zone through image recognition of the vehicle or individual as compared to prerecorded information stored in a database. The system may alert security personnel as to warrants or other information discovered pertaining to the recognized vehicle or individual resulting from a database search. The system may compare images of a suspect vehicle, such as an undercarriage image, to standard vehicle images stored in the database and alert security personnel as to potential vehicle overloading or foreign objects detected, such as potential bombs. The system may track individuals or vehicles within a zone or between zones. The system may further learn the standard times and locations of vehicles or individuals tracked by the system and alert security personnel upon deviation from standard activity.

Abstract: Failover system for video surveillance. A video coverage area for each camera in the system is calculated by combining sensory information and optical specifications of each corresponding camera. The video coverage area information is embedded in a corresponding file of each camera and is used to autonomously re-orient operating cameras to cover a failed coverage area due to a non-operating camera.

Abstract: A remote observation or surveillance device for simultaneous 360 degree imaging comprising a housing defining an internal chamber wherein each side wall includes a viewing window, a means for mounting having a slot, configuration of slots, track or combination thereof, a plurality of camera mounting brackets slidably and/or adjustably affixed to the mounting means through the slot or track, each bracket being adjustably affixed to a camera, wherein the cameras are configured to provide simultaneous 360 degree live or recorded imaging. The cameras can be configured to provide any combination of viewing angles and degrees of magnification or zoom. The device may also comprise a processor or server in operable communication with the cameras, which is configured to control the cameras and/or store and archive video, imaging, and/or audio data.

Abstract: A transmit-side transmission control device for sending data generated by a data generator device to a data utilization point receives and retains notification of the allowable data transmission quantity from a receive-side transmission control device, and adjusts the data quantity sent from the data generator device so as to fit within that allowable data transmission quantity range, and/or when a request is issued to change that data transmission quantity, the receive-side transmission control device is notified of that allowable data transmission quantity change request.

Abstract: An optical fluid monitoring system for imaging debris and other particles in a flowing fluid. The system can have multiple sensors (camera and viewing port) connected to a single, remotely located, laser and computer. The system can also include multiple lasers, viewing ports and cameras to be located at different locations in a flow, with each sensor being configured to image a different particle size range. The system can simultaneously image fluid flows on different pieces of equipment. Optical sensors can be arranged on parallel flow conduits, with each sensor configured to image a different particle size range.

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.

Abstract: An alpha matte is generated from image forming elements of an image. For each of one or more of the image forming elements: a respective representative foreground value is determined from one or more of the image forming element values; the respective representative foreground value and the value of the image forming element are normalized with respect to a threshold level; and a respective value of the alpha matte is generated from an evaluation of the normalized image forming element value in relation to the normalized representative foreground value.

Abstract: A vehicle-borne camera-based observation system for monitoring areas adjacent a vehicle or passenger vehicle, such as a bus or school bus, is disclosed, to provide safer operation for passersby, including for children, and driver convenience. The system includes several cameras, and several monitors in a driver's area displaying all of the fields of view from the cameras, such that each monitor may be controllable to show either the field of view of a first camera or a the field of view of a second camera, according to a driver selection or according to an automatic selection. Night vision, automatic tracking, and illumination systems are also provided.

Abstract: A packet-based data network including: an audio/video network comprising: a packet-switched network over which data including audio and/or video data packets can be carried; at least one data source connected to the network and operable to assemble packetised data comprising audio/video data at a first resolution and at a second resolution greater than the first resolution, and to transmit data packets carrying multiple audio/video streams at the first resolution by multicast network transmission; at least one client connected to the network, being a data handling device for handling packetised audio/video data and being arranged to join the multicast group to receive the multiple audio/video streams at the first resolution, wherein the client is associated with a graphical user interface configured in conjunction with a processor to select an audio/video stream, and the processor is arranged to issue a unicast command to cause transmission of a selected audio/video stream at the second resolution from the

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.

Abstract: A wireless synchronous system includes plural apparatuses and plural devices. The plural apparatuses each have a radio communication unit for performing synchronous communication with the other apparatus. The plural apparatuses each generate a radio synchronizing signal having a predetermined cycle synchronized with the synchronous communication, further generate a synchronizing signal having a cycle synchronized with the radio synchronizing signal, and determine a timing of controlling the apparatus, based on the synchronizing signal. The plural sensor devices each have a radio communication unit for performing synchronous communication with at least one of the plural apparatus. The plural sensor devices each generate a radio synchronizing signal having a predetermined cycle being synchronized with the synchronous communication, obtain detection-data representing a state of the sensor device, and determine a timing of obtaining the detection-data in accordance with the radio synchronizing signal.

Abstract: In one general aspect, a particle characterization method is disclosed that includes suspending particles in a fluid, causing them to flow past a two-dimensional array detector, and illuminating them as they do so. The method also includes acquiring images of the particles as they flow past the two-dimensional array detector in the fluid, and applying a particle characterization function to the images for at least some of the suspended particles.

Abstract: A method for detecting camera degradation and faults comprises identifying a plurality of cameras comprising a camera network, collecting at least one system metric indicative of the camera's performance, analyzing the system metrics according to at least one of a plurality diagnostics layers comprising an individual diagnostic layer, a network diagnostic layer, and a pair diagnostic layer, and identifying a fault condition indicative of a faulty camera in the camera network according to the diagnostic layers.

Abstract: An automated photo capture and retrieval system for automatically capturing and indexing an image of an individual within an event, the individual being uniquely identifiable. The system includes a tracking device worn by an individual traveling along a route for automatic identification and tracking; a detector for automatically detecting the tracking device and when the tracking device is detected a capture signal is sent to a camera distributed throughout the event which automatically capture images of an individual in the field of view of the camera; a means of associating and labelling the captured image with the detected identity of the individual; a communications network for transmitting the labelled images to a computer; a means for automatically editing each image and saving the edited image in an image database; and a means of advising the individual that an image of the individual has been captured.

Abstract: An image registration system for aligning first and second images. The novel system includes a first system for extracting a region of interest (ROI) from each image and a second system for coarsely aligning the regions of interest. The first system determines the size and location of the ROI based on the number of features contained within the region. The size of the ROI is enlarged until a number of features contained in the ROI is larger than a predetermined lower bound or until the size is greater than a predetermined upper bound. The second system computes a cross-correlation on the regions of interest using a plurality of transforms to find a coarse alignment transform having a highest correlation. The image registration system may also include a third system for performing sub-pixel alignment on the regions of interest.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a presence of a designated object in digital images is provided. Images may be acquired by cameras configured to record events that take place in a region of interest. Processing means may perform pattern matching. The cameras may be controlled by the processing means to track the designated object.

Abstract: The fire hydrant monitoring system provides for the monitoring of the condition of a plurality of remotely installed hydrants, and sending a warning of any accidental or deliberate tampering or damage to the hydrant to a central station. The hydrant-installed component includes a collar divided into four equal quadrants, which are installed around the upper end of the hydrant barrel and below the head or cap of the hydrant. The collar includes a plurality of cameras and lighting for night operation, and an electrical storage battery for power. The battery may be recharged by solar cells. Each hydrant-installed unit also has a transmitter. Signals of the hydrant condition are sent to a central monitoring station. The monitoring station may monitor the condition of a plurality of remotely installed hydrants, each of the hydrants being equipped with one of the monitoring collars.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, an illumination control system includes a luminaire, plural monitoring cameras and a central control device. The central control device receives monitoring images that include one monitoring image picked up by each of the plural monitoring cameras. The central control device integrates the monitoring images and generates one integrated image. The central control device sets a monitoring part in the integrated image The central control device allocates the monitoring part that is set in the integrated image in a non-overlapping manner and sets each of the allocated monitoring parts in a respective one of the monitoring images. The central control device controls the luminaire based on a result of detection processing in the allocated monitoring parts.

Abstract: A system may include a personal electronic device having a housing and an ultra-wide band transceiver disposed within the housing. The system may also include a stereophonic system for sending audio information to a right ear and a left ear of a user, the stereophonic system having a second ultra-wideband transceiver. The ultra-wideband transceiver of the personal electronic device and the second ultra-wideband transceiver of the stereophonic system are adapted for providing audio communications therebetween. The stereophonic system may include a switch for switching between the plurality of personal electronic devices. The switch may be implemented in software or hardware.