Abstract: A system and method for providing a surveillance camera platform, and house supporting devices in a streetlight housing is disclosed. The device and method uses a cobra head, clamshell style streetlight housings with a lens between the housing sections to increase the volume of the housing. The system uses a lens for capturing image with the camera systems. The camera systems include data transmittal and receiving devices that allow the receipt of data to control the camera systems and the transmission of any necessary image and other data collected with systems contained within the housing. The lens is camouflaged by using a color that matches the rest of the housing. LEDs and reflector are used to provide the lighting function of the streetlight and to further provide space wile reducing heat within the housing. An internal fan is contemplated to further cool the system.

Abstract: A photographic device includes an upper cover component, a lens module, a signal line set, a circuit board, and a lower cover. The upper cover component comprises an upper casing having a through hole and a transparent mask. The transparent mask is fastened under the through hole and exposed by it and does not protrude from an outer surface of the upper casing. The lens module has a photographic lens facing the mask. The signal line set has a fixing end fastened to one end of the upper casing. The circuit board is electrically connected to the lens module and the signal line set. The lower cover and the upper casing are joined and enclose the lens module and the circuit board. As the transparent mask does not protrude from the outer surface of the upper casing, cracks of the transparent mask caused by a foreign object can be prevented.

Abstract: A support device for camera modules is disclosed. The support device is capable of panning or spinning a camera module without separating an outer casing that surrounds the camera module. The support device includes a body, a second middle support unit, a rear cover, and a rotary support unit. The body includes a camera module therein. The second middle support unit is rotatably fitted to a side surface of the body, and has on an outer surface of the second middle support unit two opposing wheels to be fitted into coupling bosses of the rotary support unit. The rear cover is coupled to the second middle support unit, and has on an inner surface thereof a seating step so that the body is rotatably seated thereon. The rotary support unit has the two coupling bosses to support the two wheels of the second middle support unit.

Abstract: A lightweight camera mounting assembly allowing for retraction and extension through a pair of doors in a bottom wall of a housing. The doors are parallel to the bottom wall and are configured to rotate in a plane substantially parallel to the bottom wall. The assembly includes an extension position and a retraction position, and the assembly extends and retracts with respect to rotation of the doors.

Abstract: A surveillance system includes an event module that receives an event detection signal that indicates an event external to the surveillance system. The system also includes a power control module that selectively operates a data recording device at least partially concurrent with the event based on the event detection signal. The system also includes a selection module that selects a portion of data recorded by the data recording device based on content of the data. A data transmission module transmits the portion over a remote communication link.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dome security camera. The camera includes a housing having a circuit part. A hemispherical cover is coupled to the housing. A camera module includes a casing which has a lens mounted on a central portion thereof and coupled to a barrel, a plurality of LEDs, and a sensor. A bracket is provided in the housing and coupled to the casing in such a way that it is rotated and open or closed. The casing has a hemispherical shape, and an annular coupling step is provided on a lower end of the casing. The bracket is a cylindrical member having an opening on an upper end thereof, and includes an enlarged part provided on the upper end of the opening and coupled to the casing, and a cut groove formed by cutting a side surface of the bracket, with a knob inserted into the cut groove.

Abstract: A system for an ice merchandiser having a compressor in a compressor enclosure to cool the ice merchandiser includes a sensor disposed within the ice merchandiser, and a communications component disposed within the compressor enclosure and coupled to the sensor to receive signals from the sensor representative of the amount of ice in the ice merchandiser, wherein the communications component is configured to convert the received signals to a digital format and publish the signals via a network connection.

Abstract: A sting trailer has a camera scaffold concealing hidden cameras in a cargo compartment of the trailer. The camera scaffold conceals cameras and wiring so that the cameras are not visible from the interior of the trailer.

Abstract: An assembly for supporting a photographing apparatus includes a first supporting member on which a photographing apparatus and a rotation shaft are installed, a second supporting member that supports the first supporting member such that the first supporting member is able to rotate around the rotation shaft, a driving unit that rotates the rotation shaft, a pinion installed on the rotation shaft, a rack gear engaging with the pinion, and at least one elastic member that applies elastic force to the rack gear.

Abstract: A drive mechanism (1) of a camera apparatus includes a worm gear (4) to which a rotational driving force of a drive motor (2) is transmitted, a worm wheel (6) around which a helical gear (5) is formed to engage with the worm gear (4), and a support frame (7) which supports the worm wheel (6) rotatably and movably along a rotation axis. A rotational driving force of the worm gear (4) is transmitted to the worm wheel (6) with reduced gear ratio. An externally threaded portion (10) of a shaft portion (8) of the worm wheel (6) is engaged with an internally threaded portion in a supporting hole (14) of the support frame (7), so that the shaft portion (8) moves along the rotation axis when the worm wheel (6) rotates. Consequently, the rotational driving force transmitted to the worm wheel (6) is converted into a linear thrust force along the rotation axis. This makes it possible to provide a camera apparatus which can develop a larger thrust force and adjust an amount of travel more finely.

Abstract: A camera mounting apparatus for supporting a camera, having a base member with a front plane and a back plane and a base attached to the front plane of the base member. A pivoting member is connected to the top of the base member about the intersection of a base and a rear member of the pivoting member with a hinge apparatus. An attachment apparatus mounted to the back plane of the base member comprises two rectangular gripping elements for gripping a stanchion-like object.

Abstract: A surveillance camera arrangement includes a substantially spherical enclosure having a substantially round optical region. The optical region has better optical qualities than a remainder of the enclosure. A camera is disposed within the enclosure. The camera has a lens with an optical axis extending approximately through a midpoint of the optical region. An actuatable mechanism is coupled to the enclosure and to the camera. The mechanism pivots both the enclosure and the camera in both pan and tilt directions such that the optical axis of the camera remains substantially aligned with the midpoint of the optical region.

Abstract: There is provided a domed monitoring camera apparatus allowing reduction of a shift in focus dependent on a variation in optical path length caused by a dome cover. The domed monitoring camera apparatus (1) includes a monitoring camera (3), a dome cover (5) which covers the monitoring camera (3), and a camera controller (25). The camera controller (25) functions as an adjustment unit which, when the dome cover (5) is attached, adjusts the focus of the monitoring camera (3) with the cover attached to correct a variation in optical path length caused by the dome cover (5). The camera controller (25) adjusts the focus of the monitoring camera (3) with the cover attached according to an optical path length affecting cover parameter which represents a dome cover character relative to increase or decrease of the optical path length of the monitoring camera (3).

Abstract: A method of placing a surveillance camera in a known reference orientation as a result of panning and tilting movements includes coupling the camera to a fixed structure such that the camera may perform the panning movements about a first axis and may perform the tilting movements about a plurality of second axes. Each of the second axes is substantially perpendicular to the first axis. An optical emitter is fixedly attached either to the fixed structure or to the camera. An optical receiver is fixedly attached to the other one of the fixed structure and the camera. The tilting and panning movements are performed with the camera until the emitter and receiver are in a predetermined position relative to each other as determined from a signal that is output by the receiver in response to receiving optical energy from the emitter.

Abstract: A dome window for a surveillance camera device includes a first section and a second section. The first section is joined to the second section along a joint in which a joint end of the first section is attached to a joint end of the second section. A light absorber is arranged in or on the joint.

Abstract: A surveillance camera comprising an image capturing portion having a rotational drive portion for rotatingly driving an image capturing lens about a pan axis and an initial position sensor providing a reference to the pan angle of the image capturing lens, a base for the image capturing portion to be attached thereto with the pan axis positioned toward a changeable direction, a controller electrically connected to the drive portion and the initial position sensor, and restrictive portion for mechanically restricting the permissible pan angle of the image capturing lens to different angles in accordance with the direction of the image capturing portion as attached to the base. The controller detects the direction of the image capturing portion as attached to the base based on the angle of rotation of the drive portion and the position of the initial position sensor.

Abstract: To compensate for changes in weight distribution of transportable, hand-held camera supports when one or both camera translate or pivot in a two-camera stereographic imaging system, the bottom of the elongated camera support attaches to a compensation mechanism. The mechanism has a balance plate movable laterally on a bottom housing. Ballast mounts below the bottom housing. A motor in the bottom housing moves the balance plate and the pole laterally in response to camera pivoting or lateral movement to maintain the center of gravity of the system centered along the longitudinal axis of the elongated support.

Abstract: A motion detector camera includes a camera mechanism mounted inside a housing, a motion detector exposed on a surface of the housing, and a controller for controlling the camera mechanism in response to signals received from the motion detector. The camera can include an activity counter mounted to the housing. The controller activates the camera mechanism when the controller receives a triggering signal from the motion detector, or the controller activates the activity counter and does not activate the camera mechanism when a triggering activity occurs. The camera can include digital camera electronics. A camera support can be used to removably mount the camera to an object such as a tree.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus allows an interior structure including a camera unit to make a retreating movement in response to a shock applied to a cover from various directions. The imaging apparatus includes a camera unit including a lens and an image sensor, a dome cover covering the camera unit, a tilt support stand tilt-rotatably supporting the camera unit, a pan rotary support member pan-rotating together with the tilt support stand, and an elastic member arranged on the pan rotary support member and imparting an urging force to the tilt support stand. When a force is applied from the dome cover, the camera unit can make a retreating movement in a vertical direction and a slanting direction.

Abstract: A housing assembly and a surveillance camera apparatus including the housing assembly are provided. The housing assembly includes a dome cover which receives a photographing component therein; an air blower which provides air to the dome cover; and a duct through which the air provided from the air blower is discharged to the dome cover.

Abstract: A camera mounting system with a ball swivel mechanism that joins a camera mounting plate to a bracket arm. The bracket arm is joined to a grip plate that can be secured to an object, such as a tree. The bracket arm is optionally joined to a monopod that can be secured to the ground. The camera mounting plates are configured to secure to multiple types of game-security cameras.

Abstract: The wiring fixture has a base unit, which is to be mounted on a predetermined position, and a functional unit that is formed as a removable structure and is to be electrically connected to the base unit. The base unit has a connecting body having a connecting section for connecting a first line from a control section of an electric device. The connecting body is rotatably disposed to the base unit so that the connecting section not only faces in a mounting direction of the base unit but also faces in a direction different from the mounting direction of the base unit. The structure copes with a layout change and offers easy wiring between the base unit and lines led through the ceiling or a wall.

Abstract: A mobile robot guest for interacting with a human resident performs a room-traversing search procedure prior to interacting with the resident, and may verbally query whether the resident being sought is present. Upon finding the resident, the mobile robot may facilitate a teleconferencing session with a remote third party, or interact with the resident in a number of ways. For example, the robot may carry on a dialogue with the resident, reinforce compliance with medication or other schedules, etc. In addition, the robot incorporates safety features for preventing collisions with the resident; and the robot may audibly announce and/or visibly indicate its presence in order to avoid becoming a dangerous obstacle. Furthermore, the mobile robot behaves in accordance with an integral privacy policy, such that any sensor recording or transmission must be approved by the resident.

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.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an imaging device including: a lens block on which a lens is installed and which is turnable in a pan direction parallel to a horizontal direction; a support member supporting the lens block; and a plate spring secured to the support member and pressing the lens block toward the support member side by elastic force.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device providing the control and movement of a camera. The device includes a housing configured to form a protective chamber around the camera, the housing being mounted mobile in rotation along a first axis with respect to an arm. The device further includes a first slip ring between the housing and the arm, and a second slip ring. Power for the camera is transmitted in the first and second slip ring.

Abstract: A method of placing a surveillance camera in a known reference orientation as a result of panning and tilting movements includes coupling the camera to a fixed structure such that the camera may perform the panning movements about a first axis and may perform the tilting movements about a plurality of second axes. Each of the second axes is substantially perpendicular to the first axis. An optical emitter is fixedly attached either to the fixed structure or to the camera. An optical receiver is fixedly attached to the other one of the fixed structure and the camera. The tilting and panning movements are performed with the camera until the emitter and receiver are in a predetermined position relative to each other as determined from a signal that is output by the receiver in response to receiving optical energy from the emitter.

Abstract: A fixed-position buoy for observing and monitoring the surface of a predetermined area of water, including a flotation device; an imaging device operable for obtaining images of the surface of the predetermined area of water; memory for storing the images of the surface of the predetermined area of water; one or more communications devices operable for transmitting a signal representing the images of the surface of the predetermined area of water to a remote location; and a tether and a mooring attached to the flotation device, the tether and the mooring operable for securing the flotation device.

Abstract: A dome cover (6) is manufactured by injection molding by steps of: forming a cavity (14) having the shape of the dome cover (6) between an upper mold (12) and a lower mold (13) for an injection molding die (11), providing a gate port (16) for injecting melt resin at a position (of the upper mold (12)) corresponding to the zenithal portion (15) of the dome cover (6), and injecting the melt resin into the cavity (14) through the gate port (16). The resin injected from the center portion (the portion corresponding to the zenithal portion (15) of the dome cover (6)) of the cavity (14) flows uniformly toward the circumference of the cavity (14). Therefore, variations in pressure and temperature of the resin in the cavity (14) are restrained and, consequently, molding irregularity of the manufactured dome cover (6) is restrained. According to the method of manufacturing the dome cover as described above, generation of the partial molding irregularity on the manufactured dome cover is restrained.

Abstract: A remote-controlled, roof-mounted, digital camera mount for a motor vehicle is herein disclosed. The apparatus comprises a mount system with a remote control. The mount system provides for remote control of pan and tilt functions on the mount. The remote control is provided by two (2) or more electric motors in wireless communication with said remote control located by an operator's position enabling the operator to control the positioning of the camera while operating the camera.

Abstract: A lightweight camera mounting assembly allowing for tilt and pan of a camera through a significant portion of a spherical range of views with minimal parts, minimal weight, and a full 360 degree freedom of rotation. A combined retraction and extension assembly for the camera is provided with minimal weight and complexity. The assembly includes doors which open to allow the camera to extend beyond the surface of a vehicle and to close to protect the camera and allow for landing of the vehicle without external skids.

Abstract: A privacy ensuring camera enclosure with a camera enclosing configuration and a surveillance configuration wherein the camera enclosing configuration entirely surrounds a surveillance camera such that it is visibly removed from a privacy sensitive area, thereby preserving the expected level of privacy in the privacy sensitive area; the enclosure is configured to dynamically change from the camera enclosing configuration to the surveillance configuration in response to a heightened threat level.

Abstract: The present invention is a lightweight, cordless security camera comprising a lightweight stand or tripod, a video camera with pan, tilt, and zoom articulation and an audio microphone, a wireless networking interface enabling wireless access to the camera controls, video, and audio data streams, an antenna enabling transmission and reception of the aforementioned data via the aforementioned wireless networking interface, and a lightweight, battery power supply providing power to the video camera and wireless networking system. The lightweight, battery power supply includes one or more quickly coupled and uncoupled lightweight batteries which can be easily and quickly interchanged to provide continuous power to the security camera. This enables security forces such as police and military forces to safely and continuously monitor and surveil areas including crime scenes and combat theaters.

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.

Abstract: A surveillance camera arrangement includes a substantially spherical enclosure having a substantially round optical region. The optical region has better optical qualities than a remainder of the enclosure. A camera is disposed within the enclosure. The camera has a lens with an optical axis extending approximately through a midpoint of the optical region. An actuatable mechanism is coupled to the enclosure and to the camera. The mechanism pivots both the enclosure and the camera in both pan and tilt directions such that the optical axis of the camera remains substantially aligned with the midpoint of the optical region.

Abstract: A camera assembly includes a housing having a central axis and a camera cassette slidably receivable in a front end thereof. The slide-in cassette includes a sled having a pair of legs slidably receivable in respective ones of a pair of complementary longitudinal slide guide recesses located in the housing and aligned substantially parallel to the central axis thereof, an electrical connector located at a rear end of the sled, a camera electrically coupled to the electrical connector, and an apparatus disposed at a front end of the sled for coupling the camera to the front ends of the sled and the housing such that the optical axis of the camera is located generally concentric with the central axis of the housing and disposed at a selectably adjustable angle relative thereto.

Abstract: A device with a camera unit, and an operational procedure for the device, where the device has a lens for taking pictures of the area outside of a motor vehicle and a cover unit that can change by means of a drive from a closed position to an open position and vice versa, where the cover unit covers the lens of the camera unit in the closed position and uncovers the lens in the open position making it possible to take a picture, and where the cover unit has a lens cover that is movable on one side by means of a bearing shaft on the device.

Abstract: A simulated eye is capable of being rotatable in a first direction and a second direction. The simulated eye includes an eyeball, a housing for receiving the eyeball, and a holding member. The eyeball is rotatably connected to the holding member, and the eyeball is rotatable relative to the holding member in a first direction. The holding member is pivotally connected to the housing, and the holding member holding the eyeball is rotatable relative to the housing in a second direction.

Abstract: A camera housing incorporates a glass window, as an optical port, to improve image quality. The window can be curved or flat. The housing can be dome shaped and can also include metal or plastic along with the glass window. A camera installed in the housing has a field of view that intersects the window. The clear glass window enhances image quality when tilting or zooming the camera.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus with a rotatable lens barrel includes the following elements. An optical block includes a lens. An imaging block includes an imaging device. The lens barrel receives the respective blocks and includes a rotating truncated ball larger than a hemisphere of a virtual sphere formed by extending the curved surface of the truncated ball. A mount rotatably holds the lens barrel. The mount includes a support and a retainer. The support has a circular hole with a diameter smaller than that of the truncated ball and holds the ball such that the ball is fitted in the hole. The retainer has a circular opening with a diameter smaller than that of the truncated ball and holds the ball in the opening so as to prevent the lens barrel from coming out. At least part of the optical block is located within the virtual sphere.

Abstract: A method and a module for identifying possible tampering of a camera view. The method comprising receiving an image for analysis from an image sequence, converting the received image into an edge image, generating a similarity value indicating a level of similarity between said edge image and a reference edge image, indicating possible tampering of the camera view if the similarity value is within a specified tampering range, and updating the reference edge image by combining a recently analyzed edge image with the reference edge image in case of each one of a predetermined number of consecutively analyzed images does not result in an indication of possible tampering.

Abstract: A camera apparatus includes an adjusting member configured to adjust a pan of an optical member included therein; a cover member configured to cover the optical member; and a fixing member fixed to an installation surface and configured to include a first engaging mechanism and a second engaging mechanism for respectively engaging the adjusting member and the cover member thereto. The pan of the optical member is adjusted by respectively engaging a groove or a protrusion of the first engaging mechanism and protrusion or a groove of the adjusting member, and rotating the adjusting member along the groove. The cover member is locked to the fixing member by respectively engaging a groove or a protrusion of the second engaging mechanism and a protrusion or groove of the cover member, and rotating the cover member a given angle along the groove.

Abstract: A camera assembly includes a housing having a central axis and a camera cassette slidably receivable in a front end thereof. The slide-in cassette includes a sled having a pair of legs slidably receivable in respective ones of a pair of complementary longitudinal slide guide recesses located in the housing and aligned substantially parallel to the central axis thereof, an electrical connector located at a rear end of the sled, a camera electrically coupled to the electrical connector, and an apparatus disposed at a front end of the sled for coupling the camera to the front ends of the sled and the housing such that the optical axis of the camera is located generally concentric with the central axis of the housing and disposed at a selectably adjustable angle relative thereto.

Abstract: A remote-control door viewer surveillance system includes a door viewer holding a lens assembly in the door panel of a house, an image sensor for picking up image signals through the lens assembly, an image processing circuit for processing image signals received from the image sensor into digital image signals, a monitor for displaying images of digital image signals outputted by the image processing circuit, a communication module for transmitting digital image signals outputted by the image processing circuit to the user's mobile phone, a memory for storing digital image signals outputted by the image processing circuit for further review, and a TCP/IP equipment for transmitting the digital image signal outputted by the image processing circuit to a computer at a predetermined IP address for monitoring and storage.

Abstract: Provided is a pan-tilt apparatus for a surveillance camera, including an image capturing unit 100 including a camera 2 and a camera holder 4 for supporting the camera 2; a motion converter 150 including a driving shaft 10, a shaft 20 connected to a connector 14 inserted into the driving shaft 10, a base member 30 inserted into one side of the driving shaft 10 and of which both ends are inserted in the shaft 20 by including a bearing 24, a bearing 32 installed in a lower portion of the base member 30 to smoothen an operation of the base member 30, and first and second worms 50 and 52 inserted into the base member 30 and mutually connected with first and second worm gears 40 and 42 to rotate; and a driving unit 250 including first and second motors 80 and 82 being connected to first and second motor shafts 60 and 62 to be inserted into the first and second worm gears 40 and 42.

Abstract: A security camera assembly has a bracket, a housing, and a camera. The bracket includes a top plate having a front end and a back end, a front leg extending from the front end of the top plate in a first direction generally perpendicular to the top plate, and a back leg extending from the back end of the top plate generally in the first direction. A housing is connected to the front leg of the bracket, the housing and the front leg of the bracket defining therebetween a camera receiving space. A camera is disposed in the camera receiving space. A method for mounting the security camera assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are an actuation mechanism having two degrees of freedom of movement and a sentry robot having the actuation mechanism having two degrees of freedom of movement capable of performing wide and narrow monitoring and sentry in short and long ranges and automatically shooting at a target. The actuation mechanism having two degrees of freedom includes a pivot driving portion and a vertical driving portion. The pivot driving portion includes a platform, a vertical driving portion connection portion rotatably installed on the platform, and a pivot driving portion including a motor which rotates the vertical driving portion connection portion. The vertical driving portion includes a pivot driving portion connection portion connected to an upper side of the vertical driving portion connection portion, a column standing on the pivot driving portion connection portion, a mount rotatably arranged in an upper portion of the column, and a motor rotating the mount with respect to the column.

Abstract: A filter-moving solenoid system for use with a camera is provided. The filter-moving solenoid system includes a solenoid and an armature that has at least first and second operative positions and at least first and second contact segments. A first contact segment is held against or adjacent the solenoid when the armature is in a first operative position and a second contact segment is held against or adjacent the solenoid when the armature is in a second operative position. The filter-moving solenoid system is configured so that the armature is self-stable in each of the first and second positions, allowing the filter to selectively remain fixed in such positions without requiring the solenoid to be energized in so doing.

Abstract: A portable surveillance system for rapid deployment, comprising a hardware case containing a battery, a processor, a hard disk drive, and a means for communications; at least one surveillance camera; and a tripod. The tripod is used to support both the camera and the hardware case. The hardware case is weatherproof, having intake and exhaust fans and optional electric heating and/or cooling units. The present invention is capable of being transported and positioned quickly by a single operator in a desired location.

Abstract: The video surveillance device with infrared LEDs has a casing and utilizes a partition element within the casing to place a camera assembly behind the partition element and the infrared LEDs in indentations on a front side of the partition element. A protective lens is interfaced directly with a washer on the front side of the partition element. As such, the light interference by the lens is effectively improved, while the external impact is buffered and absorbed largely by the washer, not directly on the camera assembly. In addition, the camera assembly is mounted on a downwardly concaved platform so that the camera assembly is able to slide along the curvature of the platform to aim at a specific direction. On the other hand, the LEDs are mounted on slant aluminum bases so that they could be aimed at different directions from that of the camera assembly.