Abstract: An articulatable mount for temporarily affixing a camera and illumination system to a vehicle is disclosed. The articulating drive mechanism is lightweight, vertically compact, and ruggedized for severe service such as withstanding shocks from off-road travel and abrupt maneuvering. Articulation and illumination may be controlled remotely over Wi-Fi from inside or nearby the vehicle, and encrypted video feeds may be received by authorized users of an ad-hoc network of available smart-phone users and in-vehicle computer systems authorized and authenticated to participate in the network.

Abstract: A tethered imaging camera encapsulated in a shell lens element of such camera enables viewing from inside and imaging of a biological organ in/from a variety of directions. A portion of camera's optical system together with light source(s) and optical detector mutually cooperated by housing structure inside the shell are moveable/re-orientable within the shell to vary a desired view of the object space without interruption of imaging process. A tether carries electrical but not optical signals to and from the camera and controllable traction cords to move the camera, and a hand-control unit and/or electronic circuitry configured to operate the camera and power its movements. Method(s) of using optical, optoelectronic, and optoelectromechanical sub-systems of the camera.

Abstract: Apparatus for optical sensing includes an illumination assembly, which directs first optical radiation toward a target scene over a first range of angles and second optical radiation over at least one second range of angles, which is smaller than and contained within the first range, while modulating the optical radiation with a carrier wave having at least one predetermined carrier frequency. A detection assembly includes an array of sensing elements, which output respective signals in response to the first and the second optical radiation. Processing circuitry drives the illumination assembly to direct the first and the second optical radiation toward the target scene in alternation, and processes the signals output by the sensing elements in response to the first optical radiation in order to compute depth coordinates of points in the target scene, while correcting the computed depth coordinates in response to the second optical radiation.

Abstract: A tethered imaging camera encapsulated in a shell lens element of such camera enables viewing from inside and imaging of a biological organ in/from a variety of directions. A portion of camera's optical system together with light source(s) and optical detector mutually cooperated by housing structure inside the shell are moveable/re-orientable within the shell to vary a desired view of the object space without interruption of imaging process. A tether carries electrical but not optical signals to and from the camera and controllable traction cords to move the camera, and a hand-control unit and/or electronic circuitry configured to operate the camera and power its movements. Method(s) of using optical, optoelectronic, and optoelectromechanical sub-systems of the camera.

Abstract: A vehicular camera system includes an attaching structure configured to attach at an in-cabin side of a vehicle windshield. A camera module accommodates a circuit board and an imager and the camera module includes a lens aligned with the imager. The attaching structure includes a camera module receiving portion having an opening at a lower portion of the camera module receiving portion. With the attaching structure attached at the in-cabin side of the vehicle windshield, the camera module is inserted upward through the opening and is at least partially received in the camera module receiving portion to attach the camera module at the camera module receiving portion. With the attaching structure attached at the in-cabin side of the vehicle windshield and with the camera module at least partially received in the camera module receiving portion, the imager views through the vehicle windshield and forward of the vehicle.

Abstract: A tethered imaging camera encapsulated in a shell lens element of such camera enables viewing from inside and imaging of a biological organ in/from a variety of directions. A portion of camera's optical system together with light source(s) and optical detector mutually cooperated by housing structure inside the shell are moveable/re-orientable within the shell to vary a desired view of the object space without interruption of imaging process. A tether carries electrical but not optical signals to and from the camera and controllable traction cords to move the camera, and a hand-control unit and/or electronic circuitry configured to operate the camera and power its movements. Method(s) of using optical, optoelectronic, and optoelectromechanical sub-systems of the camera.

Abstract: Systems involving distributed control functions are described herein. Each member or device within the system has responsibility for controlling part of the system's behavior, and includes logic to determine what action, if any, will follow as a response to determining information or receiving information from other members or devices within the system. A change of status of one member of a system may provide a basis for action by another member of the system. Status may be the result of sensing a condition of the environment, sensing the condition of a component, receiving the output of a conventional sensor, and/or sensing the condition of a link between components. In some embodiments, action taken by a member of the system may include collecting data during law enforcement activities.

Abstract: The subject disclosure relates to ways to authenticate a rider/user of an autonomous vehicle (AV) using biometric data, such as facial recognition. A process of the disclosed technology can facilitate the automatic unlocking of an AV by performing steps that include: receiving a dispatch request associated with a user identifier (ID), receiving a recognition model that corresponds with the user ID, and receiving an image stream including images of pedestrian faces. In some aspects, the process can further include steps for: providing the images to the recognition model, and determining if a user represented in the images corresponds with the user ID. Systems and machine-readable media are also provided.

Abstract: An imaging device capable of a rotation in a predetermined direction includes a first lens unit having a first optical axis and a first focal length, a first imaging unit to image light passing through the first lens unit; a second lens unit having a second optical axis and a second focal length shorter than the first focal length, a second imaging unit to image light passing through the second lens unit, a dome shaped protection cover disposed on a subject side of the first and the second lens unit and protect the first and the second lens unit, and a support unit for supporting the first and the second lens unit so that an angle at which the first optical axis intersects an inner surface of the protection cover is closer to a vertical angle than an angle at which the second optical axis intersects the inner surface of the protection cover.

Abstract: An actuator is introduced that utilizes the forces that result from placing a current carrying coil in a magnetic field to rotate a connected object about at least one axis. In some embodiments, the introduced coil actuator includes a coil of conductor coupled to an arm or other type of structural element that extends radially from an axis of rotation. The introduced coil actuator can be utilized to provide motion control in a variety of different applications such as gimbal mechanisms. In some embodiments, the introduced coil actuator can be implemented in a gimbal mechanism for adjusting an orientation of a device such as a camera relative to a connected platform such as the body of an aerial vehicle.

Abstract: An ice machine includes: an ice maker including: an ultrasonic bin sensor mounted to a body; and a controller in electrical communication with the ultrasonic bin sensor and configured to control the ultrasonic bin sensor; and a storage bin coupled to the ice maker and sized to receive a mound of ice, a lens of the ultrasonic bin sensor facing a bottom of an interior cavity of the storage bin, the controller configured to process a return signal of the ultrasonic bin sensor to control a level of ice stored inside the storage bin, the controller further configured to apply a predetermined time delay to filter out a portion of the return signal that exceeds a threshold voltage but does not exceed the time delay.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus comprises a change unit configured to, such that it is possible to visually recognize that a direction of an optical axis for imaging has been changed, change the direction of the optical axis for imaging; an instruction unit configured to give an instruction to shift to a non-imaging state; and a control unit configured to, in a case where the instruction unit instructs to shift to the non-imaging state, control the change unit so as to change the direction of the optical axis for imaging to a direction that visually indicates the non-imaging state.

Abstract: A camera module for both normal photography and infrared photography comprises: an optical filter unit for selectively transmitting either infrared rays or visible light; an angle-of-view changing unit for narrowing the angle of view by refracting the infrared rays when the infrared rays pass through the optical filter unit, and transmitting the visible light without changing the angle of view when the visible light passes through the optical filter unit; and an image sensor for generating a normal image when the visible light is incident thereto and generating an infrared image when the infrared rays are incident thereto.

Abstract: Various aspects of the subject technology relate to an automotive camera unit. The automotive camera unit comprises a housing comprising an aperture, a lens positioned to receive an optical image through the aperture of the housing, and an image sensor board mounted within the housing, the image sensor board comprising an image sensor configured to convert the optical image into sensor data. The automotive camera unit further includes an image signal processor (ISP) board mounted within the housing and above the image sensor board, the image signal processor board comprising an image signal processor configured to covert the sensor data into image data for use by an automotive system.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a gangway having a proximal end and a distal end. A cage assembly is connected to the distal end of the gangway. The apparatus further comprises a container spotting system including a camera mounted such that its field of view will show a hatch cover of a container when the hatch cover is in a predetermined location. Video electronics are in electrical communication with the camera. The container spotting system further includes a display device in electrical communication with the video electronics, the display device being operative to show at least a selected portion of the field of view of the camera. The camera may comprise an outdoor dome camera mounted to an underside of the gangway.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tower comprising multifunction smart node and interactive kiosk for use with a modular, multipurpose tower, to be used in smart city applications, citywide Wi-Fi deployments, video surveillance applications, environmental sensors and other communication venues (wired or wireless) involving wireless network deployments of various wireless technologies. The tower includes modular compartments that can be configured for multiple applications and a central support pole.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes a movable unit that includes an image pickup unit having a lens and an image sensor, and a driver configured to drive the movable unit so as to change a direction of the movable unit. The driver is a vibrator whose vibration is excited by a piezoelectric element. At least part of an outer surface of the movable unit is a spherical surface, and the spherical surface includes a contact surface which the vibrator contacts. The contact surface is continuously provided in at least one section passing through a spherical center of the spherical surface in an area of a central angle of 180° or wider around the spherical center on the spherical surface.

Abstract: A shelving system has at least one shelf, a camera fixed at a distance from the at least one shelf such that a field of view of the camera faces the at least one shelf and closely encompasses the at least one shelf, and a controller in communication with the camera. The controller has a processor adapted to receive images captured by the camera within the camera's field of view and to determine from the images whether a particular object has been placed on, moved, or removed from the at least one shelf.

Abstract: An angularly adjustable mounting device is disclosed for use with a small electronic device such as a wireless camera. Also disclosed is a method of using the mounting device. The mounting device has an attachment device extending from a rotatable bearing. The bearing is angularly rotatable with a socket formed by an expandable bearing holder that may include spaced apart arms extending outwardly from a mounting plate. Rotation of an outer housing around the arms engages an inclined ramp thereby deflecting the arms inwardly and into frictional contact bearing to inhibit movement of the camera relative to a base. The outer housing is configured to rotate in an opposing direction to allow the electronic device to be repositioned.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a movable body and a fixed body. In movable body, an imaging device capable of changing an imaging direction is provided. In the fixed body, a circular rail member is provided. The fixed body supports the rail member to be rotatable along the rail member.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a payload includes a payload mount configured to be coupled to the payload to secure the payload, a first support member coupled to one side of the payload mount in a single arm configuration and including a first actuation unit configured to rotate the payload mount around a first rotational axis relative to the first support member, and a single flexible member including a branched configuration. The branched configuration includes at least a first end that is electrically coupled to the payload mount and a second end that is electrically coupled to the first actuation unit.

Abstract: A directionally adjustable magnetic mounting system is disclosed for use with a small electronic device such as a wireless camera. The mounting system includes a camera mount having a mounting surface configured to selectively and alternatively magnetically engage any one of a plurality of mount engaging locations on the electronic device in an angular orientation that is variable relative to a longitudinal centerline of the camera mount. Also disclosed is a method of using the mounting system.

Abstract: A luminaire is provided that includes a head, a movement system, and a control system. The movement system rotates the luminaire head around an axis of rotation. The movement system includes a motor and a braking system. The motor rotates the head about the axis of rotation and the braking system can prevent rotation of the motor. The control system receives an Engage Brake command via a data link. The control system engages the braking system in response to the Engage Brake command by determining whether the motor is rotating, causing rotation of the motor to stop electrically when the motor is rotating, determining whether the motor has stopped rotating, engaging the braking system when the motor has stopped rotating, and removing power from the motor. When the motor is stopped, the control system may store in non-volatile memory a current absolute position of the luminaire head.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing defining a chamber and including a panel including an aperture, a sensor fixed inside the chamber and having a field of view through a lens and the aperture, and an annular disc attached to the sensor concentrically around the lens and including a radially outer edge contactlessly exposed to the chamber. An annular slot is defined by the disc. The slot extends at least 180° around the lens.

Abstract: A mount for a device includes a housing defining an interior space and including a distal exterior surface having an aperture connected to the interior space, a fastener configured to fasten to the device and disposed about a fastener axis, the fastener including a proximal portion positioned within the interior space of the housing and a distal portion extending through the aperture, the fastener being configured to move relative to the housing along the fastener axis in a distal-proximal direction and being prevented from substantially rotating about the fastener axis, and a biasing element attached to the proximal portion of the fastener, the biasing element configured to apply a force on the fastener in a proximal direction as the fastener moves in a distal direction relative to the housing.

Abstract: A dome camera device is provided, including: a housing part which accommodates a camera for photographing a subject; a connection cover part which covers at least part of a circumference of the housing part; a first rotation restricting part which limits a rotation range of the housing part in a first rotation direction; and a second rotation restricting part which limits the rotation range of the housing part in a second rotation direction.

Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a housing, a blower fixed relative to the housing, an air tunnel, a filter, a first drain, and a second drain. The air tunnel includes an inlet, a first turn, a second turn, a first portion extending upward from the inlet to the first turn, a second portion extending downward from the first turn to the second turn, and a third portion extending from the second turn to the blower. The filter is positioned between the first portion and the first turn. The first drain extends through the first portion. The second drain extends through the third portion.

Abstract: A vehicle camera includes a camera and a housing. The camera has a lens unit. The housing has an accommodation space. The housing has at least one air vent at the opening. A flexible case is in front of the at least one air vent, and the flexible case includes a connection face and two covering edges. The connection face is connected with the at least one air vent, and the two covering edges are formed on two sides of the flexible case respectively. A respective one covering edge has a vertical cut line formed thereon, two vertical cut lines of the two covering edges are connected with two ends of an axial cut line respectively so as to form a linear valve, and a lowest point of the vertical cut line is spaced a spacing apart from the connection face.

Abstract: A camera light assembly includes a camera assembly and a marker light assembly. The camera assembly includes a body and a lens positioned at a forward portion of the body. The marker light assembly includes a light housing having an aperture extending therethrough. The body of the camera assembly is elongated and is received within the aperture of the light housing of the marker light assembly. Camera lock rings are utilized to releasably secure the camera assembly to the marker light assembly.

Abstract: A method, a non-transitory computer readable medium, and a system are disclosed for observing one or more subjects. The method includes monitoring a space with at least one master sensor, wherein a plurality of secondary sensors are installed in the space, and wherein a number of the at least one master sensor is less than a number of the plurality of secondary sensors; detecting regions of interest based on input from the at least one master sensor; identifying one or more secondary sensors from the plurality of secondary sensors in the detected regions of interest; and recognizing activities in the detected regions of interest from the one or more secondary sensors.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus comprising a sphere portion for performing image capturing and a support unit that supports the sphere portion, wherein the sphere portion comprises: an image capturing unit; and a power reception unit configured to wirelessly receive a supply of power, and the support unit comprises: support portions that support the sphere portion, each support portion having a driving motor, a power transmission unit configured to wirelessly supply power to the power reception unit, and a detection unit configured to detect a power supply efficiency; and a control unit configured to, based on power supply efficiencies, select the power transmission unit arranged in one support portion, and, based on a position of the selected power transmission unit, control the driving motor so that the sphere portion aligns to a predetermined reference position.

Abstract: Provided are a camera assembly and a method of installing the camera assembly. The camera assembly includes: a base portion; a guide rail mounted on a surface of the base portion; a magnet arranged to face the guide rail; a camera lens units arranged to be moveable on or along the guide rail; and a cover configured to fix positions of the camera lens units to the guide rail by pushing at least one of the plurality of camera lens units.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a payload includes a first support member coupled to the payload and a flexible member configured to be electrically coupled to the first support member and the payload. The payload is configured to rotate around a first rotational axis relative to the first support member. The flexible member is configured to (i) wind around a portion of the first support member or the payload when the payload is rotated in a first direction around the first rotational axis, and (ii) unwind from around the portion when the first support member is rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction around the first rotational axis. The flexible member is configured to transmit sensor data indicating a spatial disposition of the payload or the first support member.

Abstract: A gimbal includes a support, a carrying member carrying an electrical component, a carrying member driver coupled to the support and the carrying member, and a transmission member in the support. The carrying member driver is configured to drive the carrying member to rotate relative to the support. The carrying member driver includes a stator coupled to the support, and a rotor sleeving outside the stator and being coupled to the carrying member. The transmission member extends from within the support, winds around a circumference of the rotor, and extends to the carrying member to be electrically connected with the electrical component.

Abstract: Infrared cameras can include an infrared sensor and an infrared lens assembly defining an optical axis. A camera can include an inner gear engaging the infrared lens assembly and a focus ring that engages the inner gear. The inner gear can engage the focus ring and the infrared lens assembly such that rotation of the focus ring about its central axis can cause the rotation of the infrared lens assembly about its optical axis, which may be offset from the central axis of the focus ring. The camera can include a sensor can threadably engaging the infrared lens assembly and fixed relative to the infrared sensor such that rotation of the infrared lens assembly causes the infrared lens assembly to move relative to the infrared sensor. The sensor can support other components such as a visible light lens assembly or a laser within a perimeter of the focus ring.

Abstract: Provided is an optical system according to the present invention, comprising a protection cover made of resin and a lens portion arranged in order from an object side to an image side, in which the protection cover includes an aspherical surface whose shape changes continuously from an optical axis to a peripheral portion, and where an effective diameter of the aspherical surface is represented as 2×ha, a distance sag1 in a direction of the optical axis between the aspherical surface and a reference spherical surface of the aspherical surface at a position where the height from the optical axis is ha, and a thickness tc of the protection cover on the optical axis are appropriately set.

Abstract: According to various examples of the present invention, an electronic device having a first camera module comprises: a housing; a lens assembly arranged in the inside of the housing and including at least one wide-angle lens; an image sensor arranged at the lower part of the lens assembly and converting a semi-spherical optical image, which is transferred from the lens assembly, into an electric signal; a base arranged at the lower part of the housing and having the image sensor or a printed circuit unit mounted therein; and a combination unit arranged at one surface of the base so as to induce coupling with an external device, and including at least one magnet. According to various examples of the present invention, a user can conveniently acquire a desired image when photographing an object, by designing the electronic device having the camera of which an angle of view can be readily switched to 180° or 360°.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a gangway having a proximal end and a distal end. A cage assembly is connected to the distal end of the gangway. The apparatus further comprises a container spotting system including a camera mounted such that its field of view will show a hatch cover of a container when the hatch cover is in a predetermined location. Video electronics are in electrical communication with the camera. The container spotting system further includes a display device in electrical communication with the video electronics, the display device being operative to show at least a selected portion of the field of view of the camera. The camera may comprise an outdoor dome camera mounted to an underside of the gangway.

Abstract: A system and method for performing remote vehicle commands such as opening and closing doors and windows. The method is carried out by the system and includes the steps of: receiving a first signal at a vehicle from a remote application via a wireless communication device installed in the vehicle as a part of the vehicle electronics; in response to receiving the first signal, transmitting a camera feed from one or more vehicle cameras on the vehicle to the remote application; receiving a remote command signal at the vehicle from the remote application; in response to receiving the remote command signal, performing one or more vehicle commands at the vehicle while continuing to transmit the camera feed from the vehicle to the remote application; and ending the transmission of the camera feed from the vehicle to the remote application after completing the one or more remote vehicle commands.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet having a storage compartment with a door pivotally coupled the cabinet between open and closed positions. A mullion assembly is operably coupled to the door between retracted and deployed positions relative to the door. The mullion assembly includes at least one receiving recess disposed on an inner surface thereof. At least one camera device is mounted on an inside edge of the door and vertically aligned with the at least one receiving recess of the mullion assembly, such that the camera device faces into the storage compartment when the first door is in the closed position, and is received in the receiving recess of the mullion assembly when the mullion assembly is in the retracted position. The camera device may also be mounted to a fixed portion of a hinge assembly that interconnects the mullion assembly and the door.

Abstract: A camera module assembly includes a camera core disposed with an outer housing. The outer housing includes a front shell with a window and a rear shell. The camera core includes a lens assembly, and sensor assembly, and a sensor housing. The sensor assembly is disposed within the sensor housing, and the sensor housing is fixed to the lens assembly. The sensor housing includes a plurality of grommets disposed within an interior cavity, and the sensor assembly is pressed against the grommets to hold the sensor assembly in place within the sensor housing and relative to the lens assembly when the sensor housing is fixed to the lens assembly. The camera core is inserted into the front shell against rubber bumpers, and the rear shell is fixed to the front shell to close the outer housing.

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.

Abstract: A shelving system has at least one shelf, a camera fixed at a distance from the at least one shelf such that a field of view of the camera faces the at least one shelf and closely encompasses the at least one shelf, and a controller in communication with the camera. The controller has a processor adapted to receive images captured by the camera within the camera's field of view and to determine from the images whether a particular object has been placed on, moved, or removed from the at least one shelf.

Abstract: Devices and methods disclosed herein can include an accessory mount having a first clamp and a second clamp each configured to grip an elongate member. The first clamp and the second clamp can include an open configuration and a clamped configuration. In the open configuration, a respective first end is disengaged from a respective second end for receiving the elongate member. In the clamped configuration, the first end and the second end are moved to grip the elongate member. A first portion of the elongate bridge can be coupled to the first clamp and a second portion of the elongate bridge can be coupled to the second clamp. An accessory interface can be coupled to the elongate bridge. The accessory can be positionable along the elongate bridge for alignment along the longitudinal direction of the elongate member.

Abstract: A video surveillance camera system having an easily removable and separable video camera housing comprised of a dome base, a rotational base, gimbal, and a spherically shaped transparent dome cover is disclosed. The dome base includes a surface mounting plate and a grommet. The rotational base has an outer rim being removably attachable to the dome base and rotatable about a first axis parallel to the dome base. The rotational base further includes a gimbal bracket attached to the outer rim and tiltable about a second axis perpendicular to the dome base; the gimbal bracket further includes a gimbal mount which is constructed and arranged to receive a gimbal. The separable and removable gimbal provides an electrically connected circuit board and zoom lens, wherein the circuit board includes an outlet for a CAT5 connection cable and a BNC connection cable and a switch to allow independent operation of either connection.

Abstract: Within a particular environment, a projection that may include light or one or more patterns may be directed at one or more mirrors. The projection may be reflected by a first one of the mirrors onto the surroundings of the environment, which may include a floor, one or more walls, and/or objects in the environment having a surface. A second mirror may represent an entire view of the surroundings of the environment. As a result, by taking an image directed at the second mirror, a single image may be captured that represents a view of the entire environment without having to rotate the device that captures the image. The single image may then be utilized to generate a three-dimensional model of the environment.

Abstract: Provided is an image capture device including a lens unit that includes a lens, a supporting member that supports the lens unit and rotates in a predetermined rotating direction with the lens unit, a rotation regulating member that regulates rotation of the supporting member by coming into contact with the supporting member while the supporting member is rotating, and a move permitting part that permits the rotation regulating member being in contact with the supporting member to move a predetermined amount in the rotating direction in a manner that the supporting member is rotatable 360 degrees or more in the rotating direction.

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.

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.

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.