Security camera system with multi-directional mount and method of operation

A security camera system includes a base unit and sensor modules for generating image data. The base unit includes several mounting sockets arranged at different elevational and azimuthal directions around the base unit, and the sensor modules attach, for example, magnetically, to the mounting sockets. Each mounting socket includes a socket ID, which is used to stitch together the image data from different sensor modules. The security camera system is capable of automatic detection of the location of the sensor modules, as the socket IDs for the mounting sockets to which the sensor modules are attached are identified by various means including readable indicia and reader modules including optical codes and readers, membrane switches, optical sensors, and radio-frequency identification tags and readers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Video surveillance, e.g., security, systems are often deployed in and around buildings as well as in metropolitan settings. Example buildings and metropolitan settings include schools, government buildings, commercial buildings, residential buildings, multi dwelling units, roads and highways, and town and city centers.

These video security systems typically include surveillance, e.g., security, cameras that connect via a security network to a control system. Additional components include network video recorder (NVR) systems, also known as video management systems, and monitors for displaying images such as video from the security cameras.

The security cameras typically have a lenses and imager systems that are fixed, adjustable, or motorized. A fixed security camera will have the lens and imager system permanently fixed in a set position (i.e., lens and imager system cannot change position with respect to camera body). On the other hand, an adjustable security camera's lens and imager system is movable with respect to camera body (e.g., installer can move the lens and imager system to different positions) so that it can be pointed down a hall or at a door, for example. A motorized security camera, such as a pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) security camera, utilizes motor(s) to automatically move the lens and imager system to different positions usually under operator or automatic control.

Multi-sensor security cameras, also known as multi-imager cameras, have also been deployed to capture a wide field of view. A typical multi-sensor security camera comprises two to four sensor modules. Each sensor module has a lens and imager system. The sensor modules are positioned or repositioned to cover the panoramic field of view while minimizing or eliminating blind spots. Typically, multi-sensor security cameras are designed either with sensor modules that are fixed in place or with a mechanical positioning system that can tilt the sensor modules up and down or sideways according to the specific mechanical design of the security camera system.

More recently, security cameras have been proposed that implement a single, universal design for a security camera system with a variable number of sensor modules and fields of view. An example of one such system is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/638,711 to Siu, entitled “SECURITY CAMERA SYSTEM WITH MULTI-DIRECTIONAL MOUNT AND METHOD OF OPERATION”, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The security camera system includes a base unit, including a mounting dome, the surface of which includes several mounting sockets to which a variable number of sensor modules are attached mechanically or magnetically. The sensor modules can be powered wirelessly via magnetic induction. Similarly, the sensor modules might communicate with a base unit of the security camera system via low power wireless technology such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), near-field communication (NFC), LiFi, and visible light communication (VLC), among other examples. The availability of several mounting sockets on the mounting dome provides practically unlimited arrangements of sensor modules, eliminating the blind spots imposed by previous mechanical designs. The variable number of sensor modules also allows for a single, universal design, regardless of the desired field of view of the security camera system, significantly reducing the complexity and cost of design, manufacturing and installation, as well as the development cycle time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The flexibility offered by these multi-sensor security camera systems in creating customized panoramic fields of view by attaching different combinations of sensor modules to different mounting sockets of a mounting dome presents an additional challenge of determining the location and orientation of the sensor modules and associating the location and orientation of the different sensor modules with image data captured by those sensor modules in order to perform image stitching and other image analytics functions.

The present invention concerns the automatic detection of each sensor module's location on the mounting dome.

In one embodiment, optical codes, and optical code readers are utilized. For example, each mounting socket might include an optical code such as a bar code or a matrix barcode (such as a Quick Response (QR) code), and on the bottom surface of each sensor module is an optical reader for scanning the optical codes.

In another embodiment, each mounting socket includes an associated physical button or electronic sensor. When a sensor module is positioned in that location, the physical button is depressed or the electronic sensor senses the presence of the sensor module. In either case, a signal is sent to the control electronics in the base unit indicating the position of the sensor module.

In a specific example, the electronic sensor can comprise an optical beam and receiver positioned in the location where the sensor module is positioned. When the sensor module is placed on the dome, the optical beam is interrupted and a corresponding signal is sent to the control electronics indicating where the sensor module was placed on the dome.

In another example, the electronic sensor can comprise electrical contacts placed in selected locations around the dome where sensor modules might be installed. When the sensor module is placed in one of the designated locations, the electrical contacts are shorted together. In response, a signal is sent back to the control electronics indicating which location was selected for the sensor module.

Another embodiment uses radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology. In one example, an RFID tag is located in each mounting socket. When the sensor module is attached, an RFID reader on the sensor module reads the RFID tag on the socket and reports its position to the control electronics or control software. Alternatively, the RFID tag could be located on the sensor module, and an RFID reader on the mounting socket reads it and sends a signal to the control electronics in the base unit indicating the location of the sensor module.

In general, according to one aspect, the invention features a security camera system comprising a base unit and sensor modules for generating image data. The base unit includes a plurality of mounting points, at which the sensor modules attach to the base unit. Readable indicia and readers of the readable indicia are used to determine a relationship between the mounting points and the sensor modules.

In embodiments, the readable indicia are barcodes and/or matrix barcodes, and the readers are optical code readers, or the readable indicia are radio-frequency identification tags, and the readers are radio-frequency identification readers. The readers can be components of the sensor modules, in which case the readable indicia are associated with the mounting points and provide identification information for the mounting points, which is sent by the sensor modules to the base unit. On the other hand, the readers can be associated with the mounting points, in which case the readable indicia are associated with the sensor modules.

In general, according to another aspect, the invention features a security camera system comprising a base unit and sensor modules for generating image data. The base unit includes a plurality of mounting points, at which the sensor modules attach to the base unit. The mounting points include sensors for detecting the presence of an attached sensor module.

In embodiments, the sensors include membrane switches, which are activated by attached sensor modules compressing the membrane switches, or optical sensors that detect attachment of the sensor modules by detecting interruption of transmission of light between optical transmitters and receivers of the optical sensors.

In general, according to another aspect, the invention features a method for configuring a multi-sensor security camera system including a base unit with a plurality of mounting points and sensor modules for attaching to the base unit at the mounting points and generating image data. Readers are used to read readable indicia for the mounting points and the sensor modules, and a relationship between the mounting points and the sensor modules is determined based on the reading of the readable indicia.

In general, according to another aspect, the invention features a method for configuring a multi-sensor security camera system including a base unit with a plurality of mounting points and sensor modules for attaching to the base unit at the mounting points and generating image data. The sensor modules are attached to the mounting points, and sensors of the mounting points detect the presence of the attached sensor modules.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1is a perspective view of a security camera system100to which the present invention is applicable.

The security camera system100includes a base unit102, sensor modules104and a transparent bubble106. The transparent bubble106is shown exploded off the security camera system100.

The base unit102includes a camera base201and a mounting dome203. The camera base201is a cylindrical assembly, a top circular surface of which faces and attaches to a surface of a building or other structure on which the security camera system100is mounted, typically a ceiling or wall or mounting bracket. The mounting dome203is a dome, such as a hemispherical dome, protruding from a bottom circular surface of the camera base201to which the sensor modules104attach.

The mounting dome203includes several mounting points, which are particular locations on the surface of the mounting dome at which sensor modules104are attached to the mounting dome203of the base unit102. In the illustrated example, the mounting points are mounting sockets204, which are identically-sized regions of the surface of the mounting dome203defined by raised ridges along the perimeters of the sockets and/or depressed regions within the interior of the sockets. The mounting sockets204are arrayed across the entire round surface of the mounting dome203such that the mounting sockets204face radially outward from a center of the hemispherical mounting dome203at regularly spaced intervals. Other examples of mounting points can include mesas and/or raised regions of the surface of the mounting dome203, or even undifferentiated points on the surface of the mounting dome203, among other examples.

In the illustrated example, the mounting sockets204are hexagonal depressions. The front portion of the mounting dome203(visible in the illustration) includes about thirty mounting sockets204, and the mounting dome203in its entirety (including portions of the mounting dome203not visible in the illustration) would have about sixty mounting sockets204in total, as the mounting sockets204extend to cover the entire outer surface of the mounting dome203.

In alternative embodiments, the mounting sockets204can be other shapes such as circles, octagons, pentagons, or triangles, among other examples. The size and number of the mounting sockets204could also vary, based on the different embodiments. In general, there are at least 4 mounting sockets, but 10, 15, or 20 or more is preferred. Regions between the mounting sockets204can separate the different mounting sockets204, or the mounting sockets204can tile across the surface of the mounting dome203without any regions between the mounting sockets204.

In general, the mounting sockets204represent regions of the mounting dome203to which the sensor modules104can be attached.

Each sensor module104includes a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end engages the exterior surface of the mounting dome203at a particular mounting point. At the distal end of the sensor module is a mounting plug306. The mounting plug306is prismatic shaped in the illustrated embodiment, with a distal exterior surface sharing the same shape and approximate size as each of the mounting sockets204and engaging with the exterior surface of the mounting dome203within the perimeter of one of the mounting sockets204.

In the illustrated example, the mounting plug306is a hexagonal prism, matching the hexagonal shape of the mounting sockets204depicted in the same illustration. However, in other embodiments in which the mounting sockets204take different shapes, the distal surface of the module mounting plug306would correspond to the shape of the mounting sockets204.

At the proximal end of the sensor module104is a lens system302, which is encased in a cylindrical assembly. In general, the sensor module104generates image data from light captured via the lens system302, with the lens system forming an image of that light onto an image sensor, inside the module.

The sensor modules104are attached to the mounting dome203such that their optical axes extend radially from the center of the mounting dome203in different elevational and azimuthal directions, corresponding to the positions of the different mounting sockets204along the surface of the dome. In general, the number of sensor modules104and the selection of mounting sockets204to which the modules attach determines a field of view of the security camera system100.

The transparent bubble106is a hollow, rigid, hemisphere of transparent material. A circular rim207(forming the perimeter of a circular, flat face of the transparent bubble106) inserts into an attachment ridge205along the perimeter of the bottom face of the camera base201and is secured via an attachment mechanism such as a snap fit.

The transparent bubble106is secured to the camera base201such that it encases the mounting dome203and attached sensor modules104.

FIG. 2is a perspective view of the base unit102of the security camera system100without any sensor modules104attached to it, depicting the camera base201, mounting dome203, mounting sockets204and attachment ridge205. Here more of the mounting sockets have been labeled, specifically204-1to204-35, to illustrate the number of potential locations at which the modular sensor modules104can be installed. A similar number of mounting sockets are available on the backside of the unit, but not shown in this view.

FIG. 3is a perspective view of the sensor module104, depicting the lens system302and module mounting plug306.

Also shown is a bubble contact ring304, which is a ring of elastic material that compresses around the proximal end of the assembly containing the lens system302defining the module's entrance aperture. An interior surface of the transparent bubble106presses against the bubble contact ring304preventing movement and/or vibration of the sensor modules104and urging the sensor modules into their respective sockets.

FIG. 4is a schematic diagram of the base unit102and the sensor module104according to one embodiment of the current invention.

The base unit102includes a power source440, a base inductive power supply402, a base controller400, a wireless transceiver404, a network interface445, and several mounting sockets204. In the figure, only 3 mounting sockets are shown, but in the typical embodiment, the number of mounting sockets204would be at least 4, but typically 10 or more are provided. Each mounting socket includes a socket magnetic mount460, an inductive power transmitter406, a wireless antenna408, and a socket identification (ID) module420.

The sensor module104includes a module controller410, a power conditioner412, a module wireless transceiver414, a lens system302and imager450, and a module mounting plug306, which includes a module magnetic mount462, an inductive power receiver416, a wireless antenna418and an ID reader module422.

In general, the sensor module104generates image data. Incoming light is collected and focused by the lens system302on an imager450, such as a CCD or CMOS imager. The image data is sent the base unit102. The base unit102receives image data from one or more sensor modules104and associates the image data from each sensor module104with elevation and azimuth information associated with the mounting socket204to which the sensor module104is attached.

The power source440provides power to the components of the base unit102including the base controller400and the base inductive power supply402. In different examples, the power source can be a battery, an AC 24V power supply, a DC 12V power supply, or a power supply utilizing Power over Ethernet (PoE) or PoE+ technologies.

The base controller400executes firmware instructions and, in general, sends instructions to and receives data from the base inductive power supply402, sensor modules104via the wireless transceiver404and wireless antenna(s)408, and the network interface445. More specifically, the base controller400receives image data from the sensor modules104and sends it to a network video distribution system701via the network interface445.

In the illustrated embodiment, the base unit102wirelessly provides power to the sensor modules104via the base inductive power supply402, inductive power transmitters406, inductive power receivers416, and the power conditioner412. When the sensor module104is attached to the mounting socket204-2, the inductive power transmitter406-2at or near the surface of the mounting dome203in the region containing the mounting socket204-2come into proximity with the inductive power receiver416of the sensor module104. The base inductive power supply402supplies an alternating current to the inductive power transmitter406, which is, for example, a coil. An oscillating magnetic field is formed, which induces an alternating current in the inductive power receiver416, as illustrated as a wireless power link482. This alternating current is then conditioned by the power conditioner412, for example, by converting it to direct current to power the sensor module104.

The module controller410receives power from the power conditioner412and image data from the imager450(based on light captured by the lens system302). The module controller410also sends instructions to and receives ID information (for the mounting socket204to which the sensor module104is attached) to and from the ID reader module422. The module controller410sends the image data and the ID information to the base unit102via the wireless transceiver414.

The base wireless transceiver404and the module wireless transceiver414wirelessly (e.g. via near-field communication, visible light communication or LiFi technologies) send and receive information to each other via a wireless communications link480between the base wireless antenna408and the module wireless antenna418, respectively.

In general, the socket ID module420is a physical representation of a socket ID, which, in turn, is a unique identifier associated with each mounting socket204. The socket ID is detected by the ID reader module422interacting with the socket ID module420.

A configuration file405of the base unit102(for example, stored in nonvolatile memory of the base controller400) includes information about the elevation and azimuth associated with the different fields of view from the mounting sockets204. In the illustrated embodiment, in which each mounting socket204includes a socket ID module420, the configuration file405directly associates the elevation and azimuth information for the different mounting sockets204with the socket IDs of the mounting sockets204(for example, in a table). In other examples, however, the configuration file405includes other identification information in addition to or instead of the socket IDs, including identification and/or address information for reader modules or sensors of the base unit102that are used to identify the mounting socket204to which the sensor module104is attached. Typically, this mapping of elevation and azimuth information to mounting sockets204, using socket IDs and/or other identification information, was provided during an initial configuration of the base unit102during manufacturing.

The sensor modules104attach to the mounting sockets204via the socket magnetic mount460and the module magnetic mount462. In one example, the magnetic mounts460,462are formed of ferromagnetic material and/or magnets that are attracted to each other.

In the illustrated example, three mounting sockets204-1,204-2,204-nare depicted, and the sensor module104is attached to mounting socket204-2. The sensor module104would be attached to the mounting socket204-2in such a way to allow the inductive transmitter406-2, wireless transceiver408-2and socket ID module420-2of the mounting socket204-2to interface with the inductive power receiver416, wireless transceiver418and ID reader module422of the sensor module106. In different examples, this may involve the components of the mounting socket204to come in direct contact with their counterparts on the sensor module104, or to simply come in close proximity.

FIG. 5Ais a plan view of a portion of the surface of the mounting dome203(unwrapped from the mounting dome and flattened) showing a few of the mounting sockets204. Each of the mounting sockets204includes a socket ID module420. The socket ID modules420are optically readable indicia, which are graphical representations of identification information (for example, for the mounting sockets204) such as the socket IDs. More specifically, the socket ID modules420in the illustrated example are barcodes420-2representing the socket ID for each mounting socket204. Other examples of optically readable indicia include matrix barcodes. In general, the optically readable indicia can be painted, engraved, or attached to the mounting sockets204with an adhesive, among other examples.

In the illustrated example, mounting socket204-1has barcode420-2-1, which represents a socket ID of “21.” Mounting socket204-2has barcode420-2-2, which represents a socket ID of “5.” Mounting socket204-3has barcode420-2-3, which represents a socket ID of “47.” Finally, mounting socket204-4has barcode420-2-4, which represents a socket ID of “22.” The socket ID module420-1of each mounting socket204is positioned along the bottom edge of each mounting socket204.

FIG. 5Bis a plan view of a portion of the surface of the mounting dome203(unwrapped from the mounting dome and flattened) showing a few of the mounting sockets204. Here, the socket ID modules420are matrix barcodes420-3(for example, QR codes).

In the illustrated example, mounting socket204-1has matrix barcode420-3-1, which represents a socket ID of “21.” Mounting socket204-2has matrix barcode420-3-2, which represents a socket ID of “5.” Mounting socket204-3has matrix barcode420-3-3, which represents a socket ID of “47.” Finally, mounting socket204-4has matrix barcode420-3-4, which represents a socket ID of “22.”

FIG. 6is a bottom plan view of a sensor module104, showing an ID reader module422, specifically an optical code reader422-2, for reading the optical codes420-2,420-3of the mounting sockets204. The optical code reader422-2reads the socket IDs by scanning the barcodes420-2and/or matrix barcodes420-3.

In the illustrated example, the optical code reader422-2is located on the bottom surface306of the sensor module104such that the optical code reader422-2comes into visual contact with the optical codes420-2,420-3of the mounting socket204, to which the sensor module104is attached.

FIG. 7is a sequence diagram illustrating the process by which the sensor module104reads the optical codes420-2,420-3and sends the socket ID to the base unit102, which then reports to a network video distribution system701.

In step702, the base unit102provides power to the sensor module104. This can be done inductively as previously described or via a wired connection.

In step704, the sensor module104initializes itself in response to receiving power from the sensor module104. In one example, the sensor module104runs self-tests/diagnostic procedures and establishes wireless communications with the base unit102as well as sends unique identification information for the sensor module104, such as a sensor module ID, to the base unit102.

In step706, the base unit102requests the socket ID420of the mounting socket204to which the sensor module104is attached. In step1000, the sensor module104activates the optical code reader422-2, which reads the socket ID for the mounting socket204to which the sensor module104is attached by scanning the optical code420-2,420-3of the mounting socket204.

In step710, the sensor module104sends the socket ID to the base unit102.

In step712, the base unit102translates the socket ID received from the sensor module104into elevation/azimuth information for the sensor module's104field of view by, for example, retrieving the elevation/azimuth information associated with the socket ID from the configuration file405.

In step714, the sensor module104captures image data, which is then encoded and transmitted to the base unit102in step716.

In step718, the base unit102aggregates the image data from all of the sensor modules104or, alternately, stitches together the image data from each of the sensor modules104based on the elevation/azimuth information. In step720, depending on the step718, either the aggregated image data comprising the separate streams for each sensor module104, along with the corresponding elevation/azimuth information, or the stitched image data, are sent to the network video distribution system701. In one example, the elevation/azimuth information is included as meta-data of the image data.

Finally, in step722, the network video distribution system701uses the elevation/azimuth information pertaining to each of the sensor modules104to stitch together the image data if it was not previously stitched together by the base unit102.

FIG. 8Ais a plan view of a portion of the surface of the mounting dome203(unwrapped from the mounting dome and flattened) showing a few of the mounting sockets204, each of the mounting sockets204having a sensor1102for detecting the presence of a sensor module attached to the mounting socket204.

In general, the sensors1102interact with sensor modules104that are attached to the mounting sockets204in order to detect the presence of the sensor modules104. Upon activation and/or detection of an attached sensor module104, a signal is sent from the sensor1102to the base controller400. The signal from the sensor1102to the base controller400can include ID information for the mounting sockets204such as the socket ID.

In the illustrated example, specifically, the sensors1102are membrane switches1102-1, which are activated by attached sensor modules104compressing the membrane switches1102-1.

FIG. 8Bis a schematic side view showing a few of the mounting sockets204on the mounting dome203, in which each of the mounting sockets204includes a membrane switch1102-1.

Each membrane switch1102-1includes switch contacts1104, a membrane1106, and socket contacts1108. The switch contacts1104and the socket contacts1108are electrical contacts of electrically conductive material, and the membrane1106is a flexible material to which the switch contacts1104are attached or integral. The socket contacts1108are on the surface of the mounting dome203. The switch contacts1104and socket contacts1108are normally open, as, by default, the switch contacts1104are held in a position by the membrane1106such that the switch contacts1104and the socket contacts are separated1108unless downward pressure is applied to the membrane switch1102-1. The membrane switches1102-1communicate with the base controller400via electrical connections between the base controller400and the membrane switches1102-1.

In the illustrated embodiment, each membrane switch1102-1includes a range of one to six switch contacts1104and six socket contacts1108such that some of the socket contacts1108are paired with a corresponding switch contact1104, while others are not paired with a corresponding switch contact1104. Upon activation, the signal sent from the membrane switch1102-1to the base controller400is based on the different combinations of closed contact pairs. Different numbers and arrangements of the switch contacts1104represent different binary numbers, for example. In this way, each membrane switch1102-1sends unique identification information (such as the socket ID for the mounting socket204) in response to being activated.

Also in the illustrated example, a sensor module104is attached to the rightmost mounting socket204-4, compressing the membrane switch1102-1-4.

FIG. 9Ais a plan view of a portion of the surface of the mounting dome203(unwrapped from the mounting dome and flattened) showing a few of the mounting sockets204, each of the mounting sockets204having a sensor1102, specifically an optical sensor1102-2.

FIG. 9Bis a schematic side view showing a few of the mounting sockets204on the mounting dome203, in which each of the mounting sockets204includes an optical sensor1102-2.

Each optical sensor1102-2includes an optical transmitter1202and an optical receiver1204each positioned at opposing ends of the mounting socket204. The optical transmitter1202transmits light which is detected by the optical receiver1204. In response to an interruption of the transmission between the optical transmitter1202and the optical receiver1204(for example, by a sensor module104being attached to the mounting socket204and blocking the line of sight between the transmitter1202and receiver1024), the optical sensor1102-2sends a signal to the base controller400via electrical connections between the base controller400and the optical sensors1102-2. In order to identify the particular mounting socket204to which the sensor module104is attached, the signal sent from the optical sensor1102-2to the base controller400includes identification information for the mounting sockets204such as the socket ID (based on an initial configuration of the optical sensors1102-2during manufacture) and/or identification information for the optical sensors1102-2, which is associated with socket IDs and/or elevation/azimuth information for the mounting sockets204in the configuration file405, among other examples.

In the illustrated example, a sensor module104is attached to the rightmost mounting socket204-4, interrupting the transmission between the optical transmitter1202-4and the optical receiver1204-4.

FIG. 10is a sequence diagram illustrating the process by which the base unit102determines the socket ID for mounting sockets104based on signals received from the sensors1102of the mounting sockets104and then reports to the network video distribution system701.

In step1302, the sensor1102detects the presence of an attached sensor module104(for example, by activating in response to the sensor module104causing downward pressure on the membrane switch1102-1, or in response to the sensor module104interrupting the transmission of light between the optical transmitter1202and the optical receiver1204).

In step1304, the sensor1102sends a signal to the base controller400of the base unit102.

In step1306, the socket ID for the mounting socket204to which the sensor module104is attached is determined based on the signal from the sensor1102. In one example, the signal itself includes the socket ID. In another example, the signal includes identification information for the particular sensor1102that sent the signal, and the base controller400retrieves the associated socket ID from the configuration file405.

Steps702through704, and712through722, then proceed as previously described.

FIG. 11is a schematic diagram of the base unit and sensor module showing a radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader1404of the sensor module104reading an RFID tag1402-2of a mounting socket204.

In general, each mounting socket204includes a wireless transmitter such as an RFID tag1402for transmitting identification information. In one example, the identification information transmitted by the RFID tag1402is an identifier that is uniquely associated with the RFID tag1402when it is manufactured and further associated with the mounting sockets204via the configuration file405. In another example, the identification information includes the socket ID itself. Similarly, the sensor modules104include wireless receivers such as RFID readers1404for receiving the identification information. The sensor module RFID reader1404communicates with the module controller410via an electrical connection between the module controller410and the sensor module RFID reader1404.

In the illustrated example, three mounting sockets204-1,204-2and204-nof the base unit102are depicted, each one including RFID tags1402-1,1402-2and1402-3. The RFID reader1404of the sensor module104attaches to mounting socket204-2and scans the RFID tag1402-2of that mounting socket204-2and reads the identification information. The RFID reader1404sends the identification information to the module controller410, which sends it back to the base unit102.

FIG. 12is a plan view of a portion of the surface of the mounting dome203(unwrapped from the mounting dome and flattened) showing a few of the mounting sockets204, each of the mounting sockets having an RFID tag1402. The RFID tag1402is either located on the surface of the mounting dome203or positioned below the surface of the mounting dome203such that the RFID tag1402transmits wireless signals through the surface of the mounting dome203to the adjacent, attached sensor modules104.

FIG. 13is a bottom plan view of a sensor module, showing the sensor module RFID reader1404. Similar to the RFID tag1402, the sensor module RFID reader1404is located on the bottom surface306of the sensor module104or positioned below the bottom surface306of the sensor module104such that the RFID reader1404receives wireless signals through the bottom surface306of the sensor module104from the RFID tag1402of the mounting socket204to which the sensor module104is attached.

FIG. 14is a sequence diagram illustrating the process by which the sensor module104reads the RFID tag1402and sends the socket ID to the base unit102, which then reports to the network video distribution system701.

Now, however, in step1502, the sensor module104activates the RFID reader1404, which scans the RFID tag1402in step1504. In response, the RFID tag1404sends the identification information for the mounting socket204on which it is located to the RFID reader1404, which returns it to the module controller410of the sensor module104in step1508.

In step1510, the identification information that was read from the RFID tag1402is sent from the sensor module104to the base unit102.

In step1512, the base unit102translates the identification information that was read from the RFID tag1402to the elevation/azimuth information for the mounting socket104by accessing the configuration file405.

Steps714through722then proceed as previously described.

FIG. 15is a schematic diagram of the base unit102and sensor module104showing an RFID reader1602of the mounting socket204reading an RFID tag1604of the sensor module104.

In general, each mounting socket204includes a wireless receiver such as an RFID reader1602for reading identification information from the sensor module RFID tag1604. Here, the identification information can include unique identification information for the RFID tag1604and/or for the sensor module104(such as a serial number), among other examples. Similarly, the sensor modules104include wireless transmitters such as RFID tags1604for transmitting the identification information. The socket RFID readers1602communicate with the base controller400via electrical connections between the module controller410and the socket RFID readers1602.

In the illustrated example, three mounting sockets204-1,204-2and204-nof the base unit102are depicted. Each mounting socket204includes an RFID reader1602. The sensor module104attaches to mounting socket204-2and transmits the sensor module device ID to the socket RFID reader1602-2for that mounting socket204-2.

FIG. 16is a plan view of a portion of the surface of the mounting dome203(unwrapped from the mounting dome and flattened) showing a few of the mounting sockets204, each of the mounting sockets204having an RFID reader1602. As before, the socket RFID reader1602is either located on the surface of the mounting dome203or positioned below the surface of the mounting dome203such that the RFID reader1602receives wireless signals through the surface of the mounting dome203from attached sensor modules104.

FIG. 17is a bottom plan view of a sensor module, showing a sensor module RFID tag1604for transmitting the socket ID to the RFID reader1602of the mounting socket204. As with the socket RFID reader1602, the sensor module RFID tag1604is positioned on the bottom surface306of the sensor module104or positioned below the bottom surface306of the sensor module104such that the RFID tag1604transmits wireless signals through the bottom surface306of the sensor module104to the socket RFID reader1602of the mounting socket204to which the sensor module104is attached.

FIG. 18is a sequence diagram illustrating the process by which the base unit102reads the RFID tag1604of the sensor module104and reports to the network video distribution system701.

Now, however, in step1702, the base unit102activates the socket RFID reader1604, which scans the RFID tag1602in step1704. In response, the sensor module RFID tag1604sends the identification information for the RFID tag1604or for the sensor module104itself, to the socket RFID reader1604, which returns it to the base controller410in step1708along with further identification information associated with the socket RFID reader1602such as a serial number for the reader or the socket ID itself. In the former example, the serial number for the RFID reader1602would be associated with the socket ID and/or the elevation/azimuth information in the configuration file405as previously described. In the latter example, the socket RFID reader1602would be initially configured with the socket ID for the mounting socket204to which it is associated during the process of manufacturing the base unit102.

In step1710, the base unit102translates the identification information received from the socket RFID reader1602to the elevation/azimuth information for the mounting socket104by accessing the configuration file405. In one example, the base unit102receives a serial number for the socket RFID reader1602along with the identification information from the sensor module RFID tag1604and retrieves the socket ID and/or elevation/azimuth information for the mounting socket104associated with that particular serial number in the configuration file405.

Steps714through722then proceed as previously described.