Surveillance Type Patents (Class 396/427)
  • Patent number: 9838653
    Abstract: An imager module for a vehicle includes a support having a first side and a second side. A shroud is operably coupled with the first side. The support and the shroud define a cavity. A viewing aperture is disposed in one of the support and the shroud. An imager system is disposed in the cavity. An electrical connector is configured to provide communication with the imager system. The electrical connector is disposed outside the cavity in abutting contact with the second side of the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard T. Fish, Jr., Peter N. Rizk, Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Mark R. Roth, Frederick T. Bauer, Christian M. Kemperman, Danny L. Suman, Andrew J. LeVesque, David J. Cammenga, Michael F. Lisowski, Sandra Lynn Suman
  • Patent number: 9672706
    Abstract: A method and a system for false alarm reduction in motion detection by scanning cameras. A method for reducing false alarms in scanning camera facilitated motion detection of an object, includes: setting a camera to observe a predefined area; continuously or non-continuously scanning by the camera of the said area for any motion; pausing the camera's scanning if a new motion is detected; analyzing the motion if it has not disappeared, while keeping the object within the camera's field of view; providing an alarm and possibly showing the motion if a motion that should be reported is obtained; and tracking the motion for a period of time at the discretion of the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: PRO TRACK LTD.
    Inventor: Yoav Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 9663245
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided relating to improved mounting platforms for supporting a payload on a movable object. In one aspect, an apparatus for supporting a payload comprises: a first support member coupled to the payload and configured to rotate the payload; a second support member coupled to the first support member and configured to rotate the first support member relative to the second support member; and a flexible member electrically coupling the first and second support members, wherein a length of the flexible member winds around a portion of the first support member or second support member, such that the length winds up around the portion when the first support member is rotated in a first direction and unwinds from the portion when the first support member is rotated in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tao Zhao, Xi Feng Zhao, Yong Wang, Li Zhou, Tao Wang
  • Patent number: 9599787
    Abstract: An image capturing device is provided. The image capturing device includes a lens device including a first housing; and a sapphire lens directly connected to the first housing for protecting the lens device, wherein the sapphire lens includes a crystal structure and has a crystal axis, the crystal structure is a single-crystal structure, and the crystal axis includes one selected from a group consisting of c-axis (0001), a-axis (1210), a-axis (1120), a-axis (2110), a-axis (1120), a-axis (2110), a-axis (1210), m-axis (1010), m-axis (1100), m-axis (0110), m-axis (1010), m-axis (1100), m-axis (0110), r-axis (1011), r-axis (1011), r-axis (0111), r-axis (0111), r-axis (1101) and r-axis (1101).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: TERA XTAL TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wei-Hsiang Wang, Chen-Hui Wu
  • Patent number: 9538053
    Abstract: A protective camera enclosure (3) for a monitoring camera (1) comprises a cover portion (5) which is selectively moveable, in response to a detected tampering threat, from a retracted configuration exposing the camera (1) to an extended configuration covering and physically protecting the camera (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: AXIS AB
    Inventors: Niklas Lindman, Jonas Hjelmstrom
  • Patent number: 9525805
    Abstract: A surveillance assembly provides notification and real time monitoring of activity sensed proximate to one or more positionable cameras. The assembly includes a housing and at least one camera coupled to the housing. A dome is coupled to the housing and extends around each camera. The dome is translucent such that each camera is positionable to monitor an area proximate the housing through the dome. At least one sensor is provided with each sensor being coupled to the housing and directed to the position monitored by an associated camera. A processor is operationally coupled to each sensor and each camera wherein the processor actuates each camera when the associated sensor detects activity in the position monitored by the camera. A transmitter is operationally coupled to the processor and transmits a notification to an extrinsic remote device upon actuation of any camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Inventor: Erick Payan
  • Patent number: 9509895
    Abstract: A pan-tilt-zoom device identification method, a pan-tilt-zoom device, a camera, and a pan-tilt-zoom device control system are provided. The corresponding method includes, when a pan-tilt-zoom device finds that a device connects to a predetermined interface, sending a keep-alive command to the connecting device, where the keep-alive command includes pan-tilt-zoom device capability information carrying a control function of the pan-tilt-zoom device; and determining, by the connecting device, the control function of the pan-tilt-zoom device according to the keep-alive command, and reporting control capability information of the pan-tilt-zoom device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhiquan Yang, Yongjin Cai
  • Patent number: 9497362
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an imaging device including: a lens case on which a lens is installed; a columnar member having a central axis coincidental with a rotational axis of the lens case and formed on a lateral surface of the lens case, the rotational axis extending in a tilt direction being an in-plane direction perpendicular to a horizontal direction; a base supporting the lens case so as to be turnable in the tilt direction; and a plate spring secured to the base and pressing a circumferential surface of the columnar member toward the base by elastic force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takanori Mukai
  • Patent number: 9429821
    Abstract: A retractable camera platform system allows a mounted camera to be hidden while not in use. The system retracts a camera platform into a recess in the ceiling, wall and the like of a room, building, hallway or other structure. The system includes the camera platform that opens a door assembly or a cover so that the camera may operate when needed. The door assembly or cover hides the camera and the associated frame structure when not in use. An actuator and linear slide track raise and lower the camera as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: EARTHCAM, INC.
    Inventor: Brian Cury
  • Patent number: 9369616
    Abstract: Surveillance cameras are for example used in surveillance networks for observing areas of public places, schools, universities, private households, prisons etc. Usually such a surveillance networks comprises a plurality of cameras and a surveillance control center, whereby the cameras are connected by public or private network with the surveillance control center, so that images, captured y the cameras can be transferred to the surveillance control center. A camera (1) comprising a motorized object lens adjusting module (3) for adjusting the object lens or parts thereof, an image processing module (4) for processing the images captured by the camera (1), an interface module (5) for providing Signal interfaces and an external housing enclosing the modules (3, 4, 5), is disclosed, with an internal assembly frame (8) for holding the said modules (3,4,5) as a unit (8) independently from the external housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ralph Wierikx, Bastiaan Rothengatter
  • Patent number: 9360651
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting electronic equipment on the exterior of an outdoor structure includes a base member configured to be coupled to the exterior of the outdoor structure, a first housing coupled to the base member, and at least one shelf disposed within the first housing. Each shelf includes a support surface, a plurality of support orifices disposed therethrough, and at least one first communication orifice disposed therethrough. A plurality of support members is configured to be inserted through the support orifices. A floor member is coupled to the first housing and has at least one second communication orifice disposed therethrough. The plurality of support members is configured to couple the at least one shelf to the floor member. A substantially transparent second housing is mounted on the floor member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Inventor: Scott Davis
  • Patent number: 9341924
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a first unit, a second unit held by the first unit, and a third unit held by the first unit via the second unit. The first unit has a first rotation regulating portion that regulates the rotation of the second unit in a first direction, a second rotation regulating portion that regulates the rotation of the third unit in the first direction, and a third rotation regulating portion that regulates the rotation of the second unit and the third unit in a second direction opposite to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroki Asano
  • Patent number: 9332163
    Abstract: A bubble adapter for installed security cameras, such as Pan/Tilt/Zoom (“PTZ”) security cameras fits over the head of the PTZ camera, and attaches to a mounting region of a base of the security camera via a field-deployable attachment mechanism. The bubble of the bubble adapter protects and conceals the head of the PTZ camera and its components. Using the bubble adapter, service personnel add bubbles to existing PTZ camera installations that are lacking bubbles in the field. This avoids the expense and downtime associated with the current method for adding bubbles to PTZ camera installations lacking bubbles. The current method requires removing the installed PTZ cameras, and replacing them with PTZ cameras having factory-installed bubbles. In addition, the bubble adapter provides an integrated airflow system that allows the security camera to maintain thermal control when the bubble adapter is attached to the security cameras.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Sensormatic Electronics, LLC
    Inventors: Carlos E. DeJesus, Frederick Michael McBride
  • Patent number: 9332234
    Abstract: A multipurpose trail camera having expandable and replaceable hardware modules automatically detects and captures one or more images of wildlife in outdoor or other natural environments. The multipurpose trail camera is compatible with various hardware modules that may be attached to its imaging device to provide various functionality. Each hardware module may include various hardware features including image storage, power supply, communication, and image processing capabilities. This allows a user to select one or more hardware modules he or she desires to suit particular needs, a particular environment of use, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Duco Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Howard Unger
  • Patent number: 9285657
    Abstract: Disclosed is an articulating arm camera mount for mounting an imaging device. The disclosed camera mount comprises a base, one or more arms, and a head that are movably secured to one another and are generally interchangeable with different components and pieces. The disclosed camera mount allows for greater flexibility and creativity in the placement and positioning of an imaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Evoke Innovative Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Reno Makani Maltese, Kenneth Craig Warren
  • Patent number: 9250500
    Abstract: An articulating camera arm permits a camera to be positioned includes multiple sections connected together in series at joints. At least one of the joints is movable, and each of the joints connects one of the sections to an immediately preceding one of the sections. The articulating arm may also be connected to one or both of a camera and a mounting plate via movable joints such as swivel joints. The arm's interior includes a wiring conduit that allows wiring for the camera to pass through it while being protected by the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Avigilon Corporation
    Inventor: Piotr Zbigniew Celler
  • Patent number: 9253381
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a camera module configured to prevent de-focusing during correction of hand-shake, and to prevent damages to devices during correction of hand-shake, the module including: a module part including a lens assembly formed with at least one or more lenses, an image sensor having an image pickup device for converting light concentrated through the lens to an electrical signal, and a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) mounted with the image sensor; a case supporting the module part by accommodating the module part; a driving part tilting the module part; and a rotation preventing part preventing the module part from rotating on a vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Duhee Kim
  • Patent number: 9232157
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for electronic motion detection are disclosed. Passive infrared sensor clusters are mounted in spaced, forward facing positions within a housing and include a left binocular plurality of passive infrared sensors and a right binocular plurality of passive infrared sensors. These passive infrared sensor clusters define respective left and right overlapping fields of view having the same horizontal elevation with a horizontal spacing being adjustable therebetween. Detection circuitry processes respective detection signals relative to an intruder received from the left and right binocular plurality of passive infrared sensors to eliminate false positive signals and classify the intruder as one of moving left to right, right to left, and stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Inventors: Clayton D. Willis, Jeremy D. Willis, Darrel G. Walker
  • Patent number: 9229298
    Abstract: A device for monitoring a privacy sensitive area, includes an image receiving device, such as a camera, disposed inside a housing chassis. The image receiving device includes a camera lens. Additionally, a movable obstruction member configured to selectively obstruct a camera lens is disposed on the device and is configured to change a position to selectively obstruct or expose the camera lens. The position of the movable obstruction member is dependent upon a threat level received by the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Inventor: Seth Cirker
  • Patent number: 9195118
    Abstract: A camera apparatus includes a camera unit that is provided with a camera lens, a camera body that rotatably holds the camera unit, and a rotating mechanism that rotates the camera unit in response to an emergency signal so as to be switched from a first state where the camera lens is stored inside the camera body to a second state where the camera lens is exposed to an outside of the camera body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shinichiro Okamura, Hiroki Yamanaka, Tamotsu Uchida, Masami Asanuma
  • Patent number: 9122049
    Abstract: Techniques are discussed for correcting optical aberrations that exist in surveillance domes that have spherical and non-spherical parts. For example, the image quality of a surveillance camera is reduced when it focuses on an object through a non-spherical base of a surveillance dome. This image quality reduction could potentially compromise the security of the area monitored by the surveillance camera by failing to provide enough detail to identify individuals or other objects of interest. Utilizing a corrective optical element to provide curvature to a wavefront that travels through the non-spherical base, however, helps preserve the image quality of the camera and thereby helps maintain the integrity of the surveillance system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Pelco, Inc.
    Inventors: Prateek Jain, David Campbell
  • Patent number: 9124788
    Abstract: Provided is a spherical camera, including a first shell, a second shell, and a first waterproof ring installed at the joint of the first shell and the second shell; the first shell comprises a first rotating shaft; the second shell comprises a second rotating shaft; the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft fit with an support bracket for installing the spherical camera, to allow the spherical camera to rotate to different areas to acquire images; the first waterproof ring is a planar closed-loop waterproof ring; the combination surface between the first shell and the second shell is a plane, and the combination plane passes through the sphere center of the spherical camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: ZheJiang Uniview Technologies CO., Ltd
    Inventors: Kaiyan Jin, Shouliang Yang
  • Patent number: 9116418
    Abstract: A ceiling mount for a security camera includes a back end located in a ceiling space when the ceiling mount is mounted, a front end located below the ceiling when the ceiling mount is mounted, and a spring-loaded clamp to clamp the ceiling mount to the ceiling. The spring-loaded clamp includes a spring connected to a force application member. The clamp can be locked in a loaded state before the mounting process begins. When in the loaded state the spring in the clamp is sufficiently deflected to allow the ceiling to pass between the front end and the force application member. During mounting, once the back end has been pushed into the ceiling space the clamp can be released from the loaded state, which allows the spring to push the force application member against the ceiling and secure the ceiling mount to the ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Avigilon Corporation
    Inventors: Sudeep Mohan, Yat Shun Yu, Michael Neufeld
  • Patent number: 9097958
    Abstract: There is provided a camera module including: a housing including a lens barrel disposed therein; a first shield can coupled to the housing so that a lower end portion of an outer surface of the housing is exposed; a circuit board mounted at the lower end portion of the housing; and a second shield can covering the first shield can and the lower end portion of the housing, wherein the second shield can is provided with protrusion parts pressing an outer surface of the first shield can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jang Hun Kim, Hwan Jun Kang, Sang Jin Lee
  • Patent number: 9083864
    Abstract: A camera system includes a lens that directs light onto an image sensor, an actuator that vibrates the lens, and a charge generator that charges a surface of the lens. The camera system further includes a controller that can determine a change in transparency of the lens and selectively activate the actuator based at least in part on the change in transparency. A method includes electrically charging a surface of a camera lens, determining a change in transparency of the camera lens, comparing the change in transparency to a predetermined threshold, and selectively activating an actuator to vibrate the camera lens if the change in transparency is above a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Glenn Richard Reed
  • Patent number: 9057934
    Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a bracket for a camera device. The camera device comprises a wall mount, an arm extending from the wall mount, an adjustable camera mount supported by the arm, and a locking element for locking of the camera mount in an adjusted position. The camera mount is being adjustable by tilting and panning by means of a pivot arrangement comprising a socket provided in the arm, a first member seated in the socket, a second member enclosed by the first member, wherein the second member is formed integral with said camera mount, wherein the socket and first member form a pan joint rotatable about a pan axis, and wherein the first member and the second member form a tilt joint rotatable about a tilt axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: AXIS AB
    Inventors: Jonas Lellky, Samir Helaoui
  • Publication number: 20150139635
    Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a bracket for a camera device. The camera device comprises a wall mount, an arm extending from the wall mount, an adjustable camera mount supported by the arm, and a locking element for locking of the camera mount in an adjusted position. The camera mount is being adjustable by tilting and panning by means of a pivot arrangement comprising a socket provided in the arm, a first member seated in the socket, a second member enclosed by the first member, wherein the second member is formed integral with said camera mount, wherein the socket and first member form a pan joint rotatable about a pan axis, and wherein the first member and the second member form a tilt joint rotatable about a tilt axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: Axis AB
    Inventors: Jonas Lellky, Samir Helaoui
  • Patent number: 9033597
    Abstract: A camera lens front cover and the monitoring camera having the same are disclosed. The monitoring camera may comprise a main body, a lens module and a camera lens front cover. The lens module may be disposed on the main body and comprise a lens holder and a camera lens, wherein the camera lens may protrude from the lens holder. The camera lens front cover may comprise a cylindrical casing and a glass cap, wherein the cylindrical casing may be hollow, and there are two openings at both sides of the cylindrical casing, and the lens module may be disposed inside the cylindrical casing. The glass cap may be disposed on one of the openings of the cylindrical casing and one side of the glass cap may be disposed with a protrusion part for accommodating the camera lens protruding from the lens holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: DYNACOLOR INC.
    Inventors: Warren Chen, Han-Ting Ko, I-Mu Chou
  • Patent number: 9031398
    Abstract: A wireless camera apparatus includes a power supply track and a wireless camera device detachably installed on the power supply track. The wireless camera device has a camera module and a linking module fixed on the camera module. The linking module has a connecting unit and a conductive unit electrically connected to the camera module. When the wireless camera device is installed on the power supply track, the connecting unit is coupled to the power supply track, and the conductive unit is electrically connected to the power supply track. Thus, the instant disclosure provides the wireless camera apparatus, which is adjustable to any position of the power supply track according to the user's demand. Besides, the instant disclosure further provides a wireless camera device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Azurewave Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Yu-Ting Cheng, Chee-Onn Ching
  • Patent number: 9024996
    Abstract: A pan-tilt mechanism for a video conferencing camera may be provided. The pan-tilt mechanism may comprise a base, a bracket, a tilt motor, and a pan motor. The tilt motor may be fixed to the base and may be configured to cause the bracket to tilt along a horizontal axis. The pan motor may be fixed to the base and may be configured to cause the bracket to pan about a vertical axis without affecting the tilt of the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Håvard Hoelsæter
  • Patent number: 9016962
    Abstract: A cover surrounds an imaging apparatus of capturing an image. The cover includes a first section that forms a part of the cover and includes a first joint end, a second section that forms a part of the cover and includes a second joint end, and a joint that is provided between the first joint end of the first section and the second joint end of the second section. An incidence angle of light which is adapted to be incident to the joint from the imaging apparatus is smaller than a predetermined angle which does not cause total reflection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sei Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 9004785
    Abstract: An adjustable shroud assembly for mounting to a surveillance camera comprises a mounting bracket, a cover, and a locking mechanism. The mounting bracket has a base plate fixedly mountable to the camera and at least one pair of opposing resilient squeeze tabs extending outwardly from each side of the base plate; the squeeze tab is laterally movable relative to the base plate between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The cover is slidably mountable to the mounting bracket along a longitudinal direction. The locking mechanism has a first locking portion on the squeeze tab and a second locking portion on the cover. The first and second locking portions interlock when the pair of opposing squeeze tabs are in the engaged position thereby fixing the cover relative to the mounting bracket, and do not interlock when the squeeze tabs are in the disengaged position thereby allowing the cover to slide relative to the mounting bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Avigilon Corporation
    Inventor: Sudeep Mohan
  • Patent number: 8998512
    Abstract: An articulating camera arm permits a camera to be positioned includes multiple sections connected together in series at joints. At least one of the joints is movable, and each of the joints connects one of the sections to an immediately preceding one of the sections. The articulating arm may also be connected to one or both of a camera and a mounting plate via movable joints such as swivel joints. The arm's interior includes a wiring conduit that allows wiring for the camera to pass through it while being protected by the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Avigilon Corporation
    Inventor: Piotr Zbigniew Celler
  • Patent number: 8992103
    Abstract: A dome camera includes an inner cover covering a camera lens and a semi-spherical outer cover covering the inner cover, the camera lens being rotatable in a tilt direction and in a pan direction. The inner cover includes a partially spherical portion having an inclined support plane on which the outer cover is supported such that a radial line perpendicular to the inclined support plane is inclined at a predetermined inclination angle with respect to a line passing through a center of the partially spherical portion and extends perpendicular to the installation face. A semi-spherical portion has a window, the semi-spherical portion is covered by the outer cover supported on the inclined support plane, and the outer cover rotatable in the pan direction, so as to orient the window in accordance with the orientation of the camera lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jyouji Wada, Tamotsu Uchida, Tetsuro Kajino
  • Patent number: 8985879
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes an apparatus for stabilizing a camera, the apparatus including a first main body having at least front, top, bottom, left and right surfaces forming a wedge shape, the top and bottom surfaces including a concave back edge adapted to engage a stationary structure, the front surface including a surface texture adapted to engage the camera; and optionally a second main body of similar structure. The first body includes at least one tab on at least one of the right and left surfaces and the second body includes at least one slot on at least one of the right and left surfaces wherein the at least one tab is shaped to engage the at least one slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Extreme Hunting Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Randall Ferman
  • Patent number: 8973751
    Abstract: A protective case that resists fractures, punctures, deformations, and other failures for use with a wildlife surveillance system is provided. The protective case includes a cooperating base and cover. The base and cover define a cavity therebetween, which houses the wildlife surveillance system. The base and cover interlock with each other, providing multi-dimensional stability of the entire assemblage. In addition, the protective case is made from a material that can endure manipulations, handling, or attacks from various wildlife animals, including, e.g., bears and others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Non Typical Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Cuddeback
  • Publication number: 20150063796
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus for a camera apparatus is provided to be mounted on a mounting surface of a construction to support the camera apparatus. The mounting apparatus includes a first frame, a second frame, an interconnecting member that interconnects the first frame and the second frame, a mounting member that is arranged between the first frame and the second frame, wherein the camera apparatus can be mounted on the mounting member, and a moving unit, configured to move the mounting member between the first frame and the second frame. The mounting member is fixable at an arbitrary position by the moving unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Takafumi KOBAYASHI, Jyouji WADA
  • Patent number: 8964042
    Abstract: A first heat radiation unit is formed on one surface of the imaging unit in a vertical direction. A second heat radiation unit is formed on the other surface of the imaging unit in the vertical direction. A third heat radiation unit is formed on a surface opposite to an imaging direction of the imaging unit. A first heat transfer unit transfers heat of a first heat source of the imaging unit to the first heat radiation unit and the third heat radiation unit. A second heat transfer unit transfers heat of a second heat source of the imaging unit, which has a higher maximum allowable temperature than the first heating unit, to the second heat radiation unit. A heat insulation unit suppresses heat transfer between the first and the second heat radiation units and between the third and the second heat radiation units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: JVC KENWOOD Corporation
    Inventors: Masayuki Nozawa, Munenobu Nakayama, Yoichi Nakano, Taguchi Hiromi
  • Publication number: 20150043902
    Abstract: A retractable camera platform system allows a mounted camera to be hidden while not in use. The system retracts a camera platform into a recess in the ceiling, wall and the like of a room, building, hallway or other structure. The system includes the camera platform that opens a door assembly or a cover so that the camera may operate when needed. The door assembly or cover hides the camera and the associated frame structure when not in use. An actuator and linear slide track raise and lower the camera as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Brian CURY
  • Patent number: 8953933
    Abstract: Aerial photogrammetry is provided by using two or more flying vehicles, each equipped with a GPS device and an image pickup unit. This method comprises setting up two or more photographing points and setting up a photographing point area, respectively, with each of the photographing points as the center, measuring a position of the flying vehicle by the GPS device, a step where each of the flying vehicle reaches each corresponding photographing point area and maintains the position of the photographing point area, acquiring a time when the flying vehicle finally reaches the photographing point area, setting up a shutter timing time after a predetermined time from the moment when the flying vehicle has finally reached the photographing point area, and taking aerial photographs by the two or more flying vehicles at the shutter timing time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha TOPCON
    Inventors: Fumio Ohtomo, Hitoshi Otani, Kazuki Osaragi, Tetsuji Anai
  • Publication number: 20150023655
    Abstract: The invention provides for an adjustment arrangement (10) for a camera. The adjustment arrangement (10) comprises a turn plate (20), an upper turn plate (18), a stick (12) and a gearwheel (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Berry Hoof van
  • Patent number: 8913886
    Abstract: A photographic device includes a base, a camera lens module, a circuit component and multiple light-emitting components. The base has an installation surface. The camera lens module is movably installed on the installation surface of the base. The circuit component is installed on the installation surface of the base. The light-emitting components are electronically disposed on the circuit component. At least two of the light emitting components have different optical axis directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Vivotek, Inc.
    Inventor: Shang-Yu Huang
  • Publication number: 20140363148
    Abstract: A ceiling mount for a security camera includes a back end located in a ceiling space when the ceiling mount is mounted, a front end located below the ceiling when the ceiling mount is mounted, and a spring-loaded clamp to clamp the ceiling mount to the ceiling. The spring-loaded clamp includes a spring connected to a force application member. The clamp can be locked in a loaded state before the mounting process begins. When in the loaded state the spring in the clamp is sufficiently deflected to allow the ceiling to pass between the front end and the force application member. During mounting, once the back end has been pushed into the ceiling space the clamp can be released from the loaded state, which allows the spring to push the force application member against the ceiling and secure the ceiling mount to the ceiling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Sudeep Mohan, Yat Shun Yu, Michael Neufeld
  • Patent number: 8908032
    Abstract: Surveillance camera comprising a camera housing and a transparent view port cover, the camera housing including a top surface and a side surface, the side surface is extending along the periphery of the top surface is connected to the top surface, the transparent view port cover is asymmetrically arranged on the camera housing, is arranged to cover an opening in the camera housing, is curved, and is protruding over the top surface of the camera housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Axis AB
    Inventors: Morten Bergström, Carl-Axel Alm, Mathias Walter
  • Patent number: 8899849
    Abstract: A camera apparatus includes: a cover that has transparency; a rotatable camera unit that is provided inside the cover; a shade plate portion that includes a shade plate capable of partially shading light incident on the camera unit, wherein a position of the shade plate is rotatable; a control unit that is configured to control rotation of the camera unit and the position of the shade plate; and a memory that stores posture information including an imaging direction of the camera unit and positional information on the shade plate in association with each other. The control unit controls a direction of the camera unit based on the posture information stored in the memory and controls the position of the shade plate based on the positional information on the shade plate stored in the memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Jyouji Wada, Yoshihito Urashima, Masahito Oka, Yuuya Jikihara, Hirofumi Enomoto
  • Patent number: 8897633
    Abstract: An in-vehicle camera unit has a body to which a lens is attached and prevention members that prevent water drops from falling on the lens. Specifically the body has a top surface where the lens is arranged, a front surface of the lens being exposed to an outside of the body. The prevention member is provided in or on the top surface across the front-back direction of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Syo Okuda
  • Patent number: 8891005
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a lens unit including a lens and an image sensor, a lens unit supporting unit for supporting the lens unit, a base unit for supporting the lens unit supporting unit in a manner that can tilt, a fixing base unit for supporting the base unit, a dome cover mounted to the fixing base unit, and an elastic member for elastically supporting the lens unit so that the lens unit can perform a retreat operation in an opposite direction from an object and along an optical axis direction of the lens unit when a force is applied thereto from the dome cover and even if the lens unit supporting unit leans in a tilt direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Daisuke Sasaki
  • Patent number: 8888385
    Abstract: A device for monitoring a privacy sensitive area, includes an image receiving device, such as a camera, disposed inside a housing chassis. The image receiving device includes a camera lens. Additionally, a movable obstruction member configured to selectively obstruct a camera lens is disposed on the device and is configured to change a position to selectively obstruct or expose the camera lens. The position of the movable obstruction member is dependent upon a threat level received by the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventor: Seth Cirker
  • Publication number: 20140334810
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mount for a wired device, the mount comprising: a base (10), an attachment part (20) provided with a terminal (21), and an eccentric hinge (14) having a first pivot (15) a second pivot (16), said second pivot (16) being movable relative said first pivot (15) in a plane defined by a first direction X parallel to said mount plane (42) and by a second direction Z normal to said mount plane (42), said attachment part (20) being releasably connectable to said base (10) by means of said eccentric hinge (14), wherein said attachment part (20), when connected to said base (10), is movable between an open position, providing access to said terminal (21), and a closed position. The distance (d) between said first pivot (15) and said second pivot (16) in said closed position has a first component (dX) in said first direction X and a second component (dZ) in said second direction Z, said first component (dX) being greater than said second component (dZ).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: AXIS AB
    Inventor: Olle Linden
  • Patent number: 8882369
    Abstract: A gimbal assembly including a gimbal housing having opposed first and second yoke portions dimensioned and configured to receive a surveillance device therebetween, the yoke portions defining a gimbal axis about which the surveillance device can rotate relative to the gimbal housing, and a drive assembly disposed within the first yoke portion of the gimbal housing for driving the surveillance device about the gimbal axis, the drive assembly having a connector adapted and configured to mate with and pass electrical signals to and from a corresponding connector on the surveillance device, wherein the second yoke portion is detachable from the gimbal housing to gain access to the surveillance device and the surveillance device is removably connected to the drive assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Rosemount Aerospace Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Nelson, Alexander Stephens