Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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VIDEO SECURITY AND CONTROL SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention pertains generally to video security and control systems. More
specifically, the invention relates to the detection and storage of video and
data
information for the purpose of examining and investigating the details
contained
within such information.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
A typical video security system for a given area generally includes at least
one
camera linked to a monitor and a tape recorder for recording the images coming
from the camera. A person, typically a security guard, monitors the screen in
order
to detect an event which would require his or her intervention. More
sophisticated
systems also include remote control means for remotely controlling a camera,
such as changing its orientation, or zooming in on a person.
If the area which needs to be monitored is large, many cameras are required,
increasing the toll on the staff monitoring the area.
Alternatively, some systems use wide-angle lenses, in combination with narrow-
angle lenses in order to better focus on some specific areas.
In order to cut down on the magnetic tape required to store the images, some
areas are also provided with sensors which will trigger the recording of the
image
when the sensor detects something, such as movement.
The main disadvantage with the prior art systems is that they are passive
systems,
and thus it is difficult to follow events in real time.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a video security system
which
obviates the above-mentioned drawbacks in the prior art. In accordance with
the
invention, this object is achieved with a video security and control system
for
recording images in an area to be monitored. The area includes at least one
entry
point and the system includes at least one camera; at least one sensor and
centrally located computer means operatively connected to each of the cameras
and the at least one sensor. The computer means include a plurality of presets
based on an expected motion of an individual so that when the sensor is
triggered
by said individual, it sends a signal to the computer means and the computer
means sends a signal to the at least one camera to execute the presets, the
computer means capturing an image taken by said camera at each of said
presets.
In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a video security and
control
system for recording images in an area to be monitored. The area includes at
least
one entry point and the system comprises at least one camera; a plurality of
sensors, at least one of the sensors being located at the entry point; control
and
capture means operatively connected to each of the at least one camera and the
sensors, the controlling capture means including a plurality of presets and
image
capture means, wherein when the sensors are triggered, the sensors send a
signal to the control and capture means which queue said signals, and said
control
and capture means send a signal to each of said at least one camera to execute
said presets in the order queued, in order to capture an image taken by said
camera at each of the presets.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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The present invention will be better understood after reading a description of
a
preferred embodiment thereof, made in reference to the following drawings in
which:
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Figure 1 is a schematic representation of the major components with an
overview
of the system topology according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a digital dome drive according to a
preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figure 3 is the alarm, power and dome drive communication interface board
according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figure 4 is a schematic representation of the various components installed at
a
given location, in particular a bank branch.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to the appended Figures, the video security system of the
present
invention concerns detection, active capture, video and data digital storage
and
transmission components for the purpose of security and control applications.
The deployment of such organized components allows long term dedicated
storage and analysis of events from remote locations with very specific
content
information.
The system includes unique detection and active capture capabilities, which
allow
it to perform ultra long-term storage of information. The system is further
preferably provided with a high-speed communication link for remote retrieval
and
manipulation of data. This permits flexible evaluation of stored events and
live
remote control and programming applications.
The present invention possesses numerous benefits and advantages over known
video systems, and more particularly, the ability to actively follow and
capture
events as they unfold in real time vs. the traditional passive capture
approach. The
flexibility of the method allows among other benefits to allocate capture
device
resources where required.
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This interactive agility resolves the common shortfall of traditional storage
devices
which typically possess very short term storage ability. Another benefit is
the
elimination of multiple redundant image storage, which burns memory and slows
the remote operation and evaluation of data.
The embedded active capture components are completely mobile with variable
optical and digital zoom ratios, which allow dynamic integration at the usage
site.
This renders images of great detail and accurate event motion duplication.
This
effectively ends the traditional compromise between wide-angle images using
too
few capture devices with little detail or telephoto images with large system
integration cost and complexity. Full-face identifiable face images are
stored,
substantially reducing the processing time, which saves on operating cost.
Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the use of a single
mobile dome engine reduces the amount of required capture devices in any given
location for a lower cost and component count.
The present invention preferably employs radio frequency detectors and/or
infrared sensors to precisely pinpoint events in a specific space, which
eliminates
the false alarms generated by video detection devices currently in use. Video
motion detection is indiscriminate in its basic operating functions as it
triggers the
storage device to record image without necessarily capturing an actual event.
In addition to the foregoing attributes, the system possesses numerous other
electrical and mechanical benefits over conventional systems. The high speed
digital communications link (for example ISDN) gives the user a great
improvement in access speed, seamless remote programming and control, fast
event location and evaluation, secure non-public shared network and cost
reductions over POTS based systems.
Other advantages of the combination of technologies of the present invention
are
as follows: eliminating tape and mechanical contact recording; removing
operator
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processing of tapes, labelling, shipping, scheduling, recording and viewing;
providing high resolution digital images with no anthropy; reducing required
hardware and software resources compared to multiple camera set-ups; providing
a digital system free of upward and downward conversions, thereby assuring the
5 quality of images; removing multiplexing of images; actively recording
events using
intelligent scene analysis to detect, locate and process X, Y, Z co-ordinates
for
pinpoint precision and accurate event motion duplication; direct interfacing
to
digital integrated dome engines device for the active targeting of suspects
(Super
Dynamics II high speed mobile domes with direct drives); capability of
acquiring
full face shots and pan/scan information of perpetrators; providing for very
long
term storage of events, upwards of eight months; providing an instant
retrieval
system using high-speed communications links; ensuring that every piece of
recorded information is relevant, with no wasted frame recording , i.e. on
demand
recording; providing automated processing central with an IVR (interactive
voice
retrieval system); providing real time failure detection system with full
remote
diagnostics and dial up capability; providing a system with the capacity to
continuously adapt to scene variations and to different site configurations.
The invention pertains to multiple hardware and software components integrated
in a very specific fashion to perform complex motion sequences and storing
functions, which precisely mimic an event for security and control
applications.
Four main components make up a system according to the present invention: at
least one sensor, at least one mobile or fixed capture devices (i.e. control
and
image capture means, a storage PC with a frame capture card and a high-speed
communication link).
Hardware sensors, software sensors (or a combination of both) are
strategically
placed within the location to be monitored. The hardware sensors, which are
based on the Doppler shift principle (microwave or infrared multi-lens beam
sensors), are preferably located at different transaction-based areas such as
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service counters, reception desks, waiting areas, retail locations and
secondary
entryways.
Main entrance points are monitored using either the aforementioned Doppler
sensor, N/O or N/C door contacts, infrared sensors or common REQ (request to
exit) IR and microwave curtain mapping devices. The position and sensitivity
of the
Doppler devices are adjusted to reflect the monitored environment such as
depth
of detection and material density penetration, as when beaming through
obstacle
or non-metallic barriers. The IR sensors are adjusted to reflect the monitored
environment by controlling the beam's surface coverage area.
Sensitivity adjustment is important for the present invention in that it must
detect
small or large objects moving at different speeds entering the field at
various
positions and ignore motion outside its detection parameters. This set-up is
very
important as it will signal the start of motion sequences from the digital
dome drive
and storing of data to the frame capture card. Understanding the shapes of the
projected waves and the variance in coverage area with sensitivity adjustments
promotes proper sensor use. Fringe area detection and associated reduction in
performance are eliminated with hysteresis control and by the temperature
stabilized components used in the Doppler detector.
The Doppler sensors employed are characterized by an open collector output,
which is pulled up via a 1 K resistor by the 5 Volt DC supply at the alarm
input
board. The microwave sensor is 12 Volts DC powered and features a RJ-11
leaded connector for interface to the RJ-11 jack. The RJ-11 jack is wired to
the
alarm input board via a cable. The IR sensors employed are characterized by a
large multi-beam lens design which is pulled up via a 1 K resistor by the 5
Volt DC
powered and features a hard-wired screw-type terminal connection which is in
turn
wired to the alarm input board via a cable.
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For every alarm input received a corresponding command string is initiated.
This
string is under firmware and software control, which is currently commonly
available on the market. The string is sent via a RS-485 communication line to
a
digital dome drive. The dome drive utilized is the unitized type with PS data
link,
featuring 360 degree continuous pan rotation and 180 degree tilt capacity, 64
internal pre-sets each with definable location co-ordinates including
zoom/focus
and digital lighting management, minimum of 300 degree motion speed, colour
1/4" image capture device with the capacity for digital output and
upload/download
of parameters for service or dome drive replacements. The string is single or
multiple pre-set number with an associated variable time duration; the start
of the
command string is the information regarding the dome unit address. The
communications protocols and language are commonly available by the dome
drive manufacturer. The actual X, Y, 2 co-ordinates to which the pre-set refer
to,
are storage in EEPROM at the dome drive. The purpose of using the dome drive
is
to allow it, by using multiple pre-sets, to react continuously to triggered
events.
Should one look at motion imaging as many individual points on a continuum
(either 30 frames/sec or 60 fields/sec) the effect of pre-sets at each defined
point
on that trajectory, is to duplicate the motion unfolding in front of the
capture device.
The execution of each assigned pre-set as required for every alarm input
mimics
the event with enough speed and agility to render a "concentrated" video
capture.
The programming of the dome drives is preferably executed via software
designed
to simplify the process using a WindowsT"" virtual basic environment. This
software
is advantageously loaded on a laptop to permit service personnel access to the
dome drive control via an RS-232 to RS-485 converter card.
The software emulates in part the manufacturer's communication protocols and
adds many useful features, such as full duplex communication, which allows a
debug window to be opened for reading the return string sent by the dome
drive.
The software also performs specific upload and download archiving cycles for
dome drive data retrieval. Among other features, it has the capacity to do
complete
camera control, access the internal dome drive set-up menu, offer a virtual
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keyboard, variable pan/tilt speed, pre-set call list, pre-set set menu,
pan/tilt control,
zoom/focus control, auto pre-set control for speedier pre-set storage, unit
number
dome drive selection, data sent and receive screen and variable programmable
communication parameters.
By properly setting the pre-set position speed and aspect ratio in conjunction
with
sensors, it becomes possible to blanket a large area with a single dome drive.
The
programming of pre-sets and their respective allocation will reflect the
success
attained in capturing all events. In a preferred embodiment of the invention,
after
receiving a main entrance alarm, the dome will execute multiple pre-sets in
concurrence with the expected motion of individuals within the projected path.
Once the motion is tracked and captured, the individual will be again targeted
as
soon as he enters a new sensor zone and a new sequence of pre-sets will take
over to reflect the new position programming allocation.
At other locations, such as an ATM (automated teller machines) or night
deposits,
fixed DSP cameras are embedded into the fascia of the units with proprietary
lexan kits. These kits integrate the camera either in the night deposit box or
within
any current ATM. This kit comprises a lexan fascia colour matched to the ATM
or
night deposit, the lexan thickness being '/4" with a surrounding '/4" bevelled
edge.
For anti-vandal protection, four 10/32" by 1 and '/Z" long studs are heat
forced '/4"
from each corner with no visible head. A flexible DSP board camera mounting
assembly allows camera positioning for proper image capture. The four studs
protruding from the rear of the apparatus support this assembly.
The Doppler sensor and/or IR sensors replaces traditional video motion
detection
at such locations to capture an actual transaction and ignore non-specific
event
activity.
In such applications DSP colour digital board programmable board cameras are
used. Programming takes place through an interface module and a parallel port
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connection. It thus becomes possible to adjust individual cameras via a
specific
data cable to control variant scene conditions as to maintain uniform picture
quality
throughout the board DSP cameras and the digital dome drives. The extended
power, video and data cable allows programming by technical service personnel
outside of the ATM unit, as it does not require access to the internals of the
ATM,
which would put the unit offline.
The storage and capture device is PC based with hard drive storage through
commonly available frame capture cards. The PC's serial port connects to an
ISDN modem programmed for 128 Kb in bonding mode. This modem allows
remote viewing, control and programming from any location. This high speed
link
permits seamless operator interface while in the remote live viewing mode, and
also allows for complete remote diagnostics and programming to be performed
with great speed in large deployment projects with multiple sites. This speed
is
required as with the advent of audio and remote control features where speed
will
ultimately be the limiting factor.
An alarm and distribution interface board shown in Fig. 3 allows up to 16
alarms
and any number of sensors and fixed DSP cameras to be wired prior to
connection
with the main alarm input board. This board includes among other circuitry a
buffer
for interfacing with the digital dome drives, multiple jumper selection
sections to
isolate individual dome drives for troubleshooting work and multiple
supervisory
power supply circuits. This configuration, as will be apparent to a person
skilled in
the art, is not limitative and other configurations are well within the scope
of the
present invention.
An exemplary sequence of events will now be described.
The sequence of events starts when an individual enters through the main
entrance doors or the secondary entry doors. The main door is wired with a
pair of
recessed door contacts either in NO or NC configuration (input type selectable
in
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software). As the person opens the door, the signal from the contact points is
sent
to the alarm interface. Through software and firmware (where the actual dome
engine communication protocols reside) the alarm activates multiple X, Y, Z
coordinates or presets which were preprogrammed in the dome engine during the
5 initial installation and setup phase, including the duration of the
execution of each
preset. The dome engine presets are set to replicate the position of the alarm
and
client with the distinct advantage of possessing the ability to set additional
presets
to match the person's projected path (through the doorway, down a set of
stairs
etc..).
The first preset executed could for example be a telephoto frame of the person
as
he or she walks through the doorway, then one or more wide angle frames to
capture the logical path. This guarantees identifiable frames of every
suspect.
Every preset for the actual x, y and z coordinates is concurrently programmed
for
anticipated scene conditions such as zoom/focus ratios, iris or shutter
control,
character generation and so forth. This allows for high quality images to be
captured, which are uniform and consistent in both the resolution and
repeatability
aspects.
At this point, as long as the door remains open the series of presets will be
executed. This helps in capturing individuals that may "follow through" behind
the
first person. Generally, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the dome
engine associated with viewing the entryways are set to alarm priority. The
reasoning behind such programming is the actual event at that location will
most
likely occur within a very small time frame, (in the order of 1 to 2 seconds).
If this
alarm were to be processed as a regular alarm and read through the alarm
buffer,
the event might actually be missed.
For all other events, such as transactions at a teller or CSR's the events
usually
run anywhere from 15 seconds to over several minutes (depending on the
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dynamics of the environment), thus allowing the buffer to empty and the dome
engine to return and perform new alarm arrivals.
The entryways are also covered under priority alarms (executed prior to any
other)
as persons can always be captured at such a location for latter identification
even
though they did not eventually perform a transaction or any offence at a
designated point.
In the case of entryways which do not utilize doors but employ rolling
security
doors which may result in entrances of the order of 10 to 25 feet wide, IR
beams
or multiple microwave sensors or 1R sensors placed in the ceiling aiming
towards
the floor offer enough individual detection zones to allow presets to match
specific
entry points along the entrance.
Once the suspect passes the entry point and is captured, the system reverts to
processing the remaining alarms put in queue by the priority of the door.
The person would then usually go to a reception area or a line up to wait
being
served. Secondary areas are sometimes programmed for capture by dome
engines for specific security reasons; such decisions usually reflect the
level of
threat at that location.
Usually the next capture of the individual would occur at a transaction point
(teller,
CSR, pin machine etc..). These points are zoned or mapped by microwave
sensors or IR sensors in strategic positions to reflect the actual site
dynamics and
physical layouts.
Once a person enters a mapped area, an alarm is initially generated which is
associated with a single or multiple preset. The dome engine executes the
preprogrammed presets, which again take into consideration the area to be
covered.
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The original dome engine programming is done with software by entering all the
motion, location, viewing ratios and scene controls into the dome engine
memory.
The technical personnel follow predetermined-programming parameters to follow
such as max zoom ratio, size of secondary wide-angle shots and dome engine
preset timing. Such programming mirrors the site dynamics, the security
philosophy and the capacity of the system of the present invention.
The resultant information that was captured during the event, allows the
system of
the present invention to faithfully recreate the activity starting when the
suspect
entered though the main doors until he or she performed a transaction. It will
be
obvious that all images captured by the system of the present invention are
appropriately time-stamped.
ATM machines are covered by having a programmable fixed DSP capture device
installed into or near the fascia of the machine. One or more microwave sensor
or
IR sensors is used to locate the precise position of the suspect and when
triggered, starts the preprogrammed capture sequence.
For ATM use, a cyclical (endless loop) buffer is utilized for pre-event
recording.
The DSP fixed capture device is positioned to render the best possible face
images and is. programmed by adjusting the DSP and EPROM maps to reflect
lighting conditions and actual ATM position.
Night deposits are covered essentially in the same manner as the ATMs. The
difference is in the amount and position of microwave sensors or IR sensors
and
sometimes the addition of night deposit door contacts. The addition of door
contact
allows with fixed DSP capture devices placed inside the deposit to identify or
confirm an actual deposit was done.
When ATM's or night deposits are exterior, the microwave sensors or IR sensors
are installed in weatherized enclosures and are properly heated and ventilated
via
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thermostat controls. The fixed DSP capture devices are similarly encased and
protected from the elements.
In such a fashion using dome engines allows for the replacement of multiple
fixed
cameras. The practically infinite capability of the dome engine to view many
locations within its line of sight results in complete coverage in the
majority of
situations. Additionally no physical limits are placed on the mobile engine
such as
in combination with fixed cameras and lenses. Furthermore, the use of sensors
into pre-sets optimizes the storage of images, and provides for a very
flexible
system.
Referring now to Fig. 4, there is shown a typical location for which the
system of
the present invention is appropriate for surveillance. In this example, a bank
has
been chosen. Door contacts 10 are placed at the entrance. Fixed cameras 12 are
placed at ATM locations, and microwave sensors 14 are placed at discrete
locations, for example where tellers are located. Mobile cameras 16 or dome
cameras are also placed at specific locations to follow and capture the
movement
of a person. Infrared sensors 18 can also be placed at various locations. The
control and capture means 100 is connected to all the components and directs
the
cameras 16 based on inputs received from the various sensors.
Although the present invention has been explained hereinabove by way of a
preferred embodiment thereof, it should be pointed out that any modifications
to
this preferred embodiment within the scope of the appended claims is not
deemed
to alter or change the nature and scope of the present invention.
Specifically, the
present invention is adaptable to locations such as banks, public buildings,
etc.
