Patent Publication Number: US-10789822-B1

Title: Monitoring hand proximity and contact with select objects

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
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     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
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     INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC OR AS A TEXT FILE VIA THE OFFICE ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM (EFS-WEB) 
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     STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR 
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     BACKGROUND 
     Unless otherwise indicated herein, the materials described in this section are not prior art to the claims in this application and are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section. 
     1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a system or a method for monitoring an object. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system or a method for electronically and visually remotely monitoring a person or the intrusion of a person&#39;s hands into a specific area within the proximity of a specific area and contact with at least one select object for purposes of security or observational needs. 
     2. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART 
     A video monitoring security system may monitor physical access to certain areas in numerous situations. However, these systems are often limited to simply detecting a person when he or she enters a viewing area. Also, many of these systems lend themselves to false triggering. In addition, many of these systems lack specificity in providing images and warnings related to either the proximity or contact of a person with a single select object in a small finite area. Additionally, the activation of such monitoring systems lends themselves to collecting copious amounts of useless video data that may have no relevance for the intended purpose of monitoring a person&#39;s association with a specific object or area of interest. For example, the video may not record a person touching or accessing a specific finite area, but may just collectively monitor and record a person&#39;s mere presence while positioned near a monitored object or area. Thus, it is easy to see how erroneous triggering, notification and recording may arise from persons within a monitored area that may have no relevance to or interaction with the select monitored object or area. 
     Furthermore, pets, passersby, motions and shadows may create false positive triggering of the previously provided monitoring system causing unnecessary warnings and image captures. Therefore, these past technologies fail to adequately address the need for a means of precision in detecting, monitoring, recording and notifying when individuals are either in contact with or in the near proximity of a specific area of interest. These areas may be directly or remotely monitored. As a result, these systems generate false alarms making them limited in use and dependability for many situations. Therefore, there is a need for a system or method that has expanded uses, which are useful, effective, accurate, and inexpensive. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is a principal object to solve at least one of the disadvantages with other attempted solutions or to create other utility by providing a system or method that is useful, effective, accurate, and inexpensive. 
     Use of a motion sensing passive infrared (PIR) detector reacting to proximate bodies is a technology commonly in use. Alternately, there is currently available the electronic means of motion detection via video imaging tracking, software object recognition, and frame change. Frame change electronically detects a change of pixel count within a scene as viewed by an imaging device as referenced against a pre-established “reference image” as retained in electronic memory. The change detection sensor, or interframe comparison sensor, relies both on a threshold in terms of the active number of pixels to activate a new frame or image. These past inventions attempt to produce a single design product for all motion and presence detection causing camera activated security warnings irrespective of the size or character of the person&#39;s actions or their physical contact with monitored objects or spaces. The result is that these devices tend to provide false positive alerts when something other than the monitored object or area is disturbed by a person. 
     In particular, the existing devices are more effectively designed for detecting large changes in scenes or environments, but do not function as effectively for small changes. In effect, they lack precision to differentiate between the gross presence of an individual within a monitored area and the activity of the placement or proximity of a hand or body where it is not desired. This lack of precision in compiling relevant alerts and images results in copious amounts of information being recorded and forwarded when such data does not include any useful information regarding the activity or contact with the area of interest. For example, current PIR or frame change motion activated video monitoring systems may provide recording and forwarding of announcements and images of persons and their presence within a monitored space. Such recorded information and forwarded notifications of their presence may be of little or no benefit. This may be especially true when interactions with a specific space or an individual&#39;s interaction with a specific object (and not their mere presence) is the focus or intent of the monitoring. At least one method of monitoring, for many monitoring applications as referenced herein, should include the ability to detect not only the presence of an individual, but also the ability to detect the proximity or the touch of a said person&#39;s hand near a valuable, an important monitored object, or designated area. This may be to provide monitoring, recording of physical contact or proximity, remotely alerting, and providing of a visual image of such actions to persons that have an interest in knowing about such specific hand contact. The imaging system may be configured to ignore the presence of a person within an allowable space surrounding a monitored object until contact or proximity is detected. Electronic determination of such action may cause the generation of a “Push Message” or alternately some form of notification, either remote or local, to allow imaging of the scene or action on a remote monitoring device. In view of the foregoing, there is a need for improved systems and techniques for controlling and monitoring secure areas of interest. 
     Disclosed herein are systems and methods for monitoring and controlling a person&#39;s interaction with select monitored objects and spaces. In at least one embodiment, the security monitoring system of the present invention comprises a specialized computing device comprising a capacitance charge controller, a detection electrode, a wireless means of communications, a remote monitoring device capable of receiving a control signal directly or indirectly from the capacitance charge controller, at least one annunciator, at least one processor, and at least one non-transitory computer readable medium of which a least one of this group of components may be co-located with the other. 
     In at least one embodiment, the system includes at least one detection electrode, a computing device, a signaling device, and an optional digital camera. The computing device is configured for movement or proximity detection, so as to detect a change of electrical capacitance or charge at a detection electrode operatively associated with a monitored select object or space caused by detection of a physical contact with such object. The computing device is also configured to determine a person&#39;s hand position relative to a system associated select monitored object or monitored space based on the change in the electrical charge of a system associated electrode(s) caused by the presence of a person&#39;s hand. Further, the computing device is configured to control a signaling device so as to wirelessly communicate in response to determining the proximity or contact position of a person&#39;s hand in relation to a select monitored object or space. 
     In at least one embodiment of the present invention, synergism is provided from a combination of a charge coupled detection system and a monitoring camera system including a first camera for imaging the person whose hand is intruding into the secure monitored space or is in contact with a select monitored object. In an example, the present invention features a low power electronic device and method that monitors the intrusion of a hand into the environment adjacent to, on or within a select object, which may be used as a security monitoring system incorporating an operatively associated digital camera for forensically recording such action and providing real-time imaging at a remote location. 
     Additionally, a system associated digital camera may include an image recording device. Such recorder may be configured as to provide a forensic image recording of a person&#39;s activity by means of a continuous recording of a scene within its field of view in timed segments while subsequently erasing this recorded image segment after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. This function is continual and automatic unless there has then been a system-controlled determination of the presence of all or part of a person&#39;s near proximity or contact with a select object or space. Upon the system&#39;s detection of the presence of a person or their hand by a detection of change in charge or capacitance by a system associated detection electrode, the system associated video recorder will continue recording while ceasing the automatic deletion of the timed video segment imaging the subject scene immediately preceding detection of such change in charge at the detection electrode. In effect, this configuration will allow archival forensic viewing of the actual action of a person&#39;s activity immediately prior to and during their contact with the select monitored object, while precluding the need for viewing endless non-relevant non-event video recorded prior to the proximity or contact event. 
     The system or method of the present invention is accomplished via a capacitive charge coupling through the process of sensing a change of electrical charge at a monitoring detection of at least one electrode caused by the intrusion of a person&#39;s hand in, on, near, or within close proximity to or in contact with a monitored area or select object operatively associated with such a detection electrode. That is, the transfer or change of an electrical charge at a detection electrode caused by the presence of a person&#39;s hand in contact with or near proximity to a monitoring electrode operatively associated with the area or object of interest. Detection of change of electrical charge of such electrode is accomplished via a capacitance charge controller capable of determining the change in an electrode&#39;s electrical properties when altered by a person&#39;s hand in the vicinity, which may be by actual physical contact or near physical proximity such as less than about 25 cm, to the monitoring electrode or the select monitored object, when the object is configured to act as a monitoring electrode. The induced electrical changes in charge to the at least one monitoring electrode operatively associated with a monitoring contact or proximity to a select object by the presence of a hand will cause a capacitive charge controller computing device to generate a control signal indicating proximity or contact of a such a person&#39;s hand with the select object. Reception of this control signal causes an associated video imaging device to record an event. The recording may be forensic in nature. A digitally visual recording of events preceding the actual detected contact may be combined with the digital visual recording of the specific contact event itself. Additionally, such detection may cause a warning message to appear on a user&#39;s remote monitoring device, which may include a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), phone, iPad, or tablet. The remote monitoring device may include imaging visually reflecting such contact. Concurrently, such a control signal by the charge coupled controller may cause one or more additional controllers to generate a video image to appear on a remote device. This video image may reflect a person&#39;s identity through software routines, which may include facial recognition or the like. This video image may also provide graphic representation and recording of the proximity of a person&#39;s hand or contact with a select monitored object. This imaging may be wirelessly recorded and forwarded to a remote location for forensic analysis. More specifically, for a system or method of electronically and remotely monitoring and controlling via wireless means, a security monitoring system may include video imaging. This video imaging may be capable of detecting a person&#39;s hand in physical contact or in near proximity to a specific system associated monitored object or area. This video imaging may also be capable of wirelessly providing a message, warning, image, or a combination of these to a remotely monitoring device, while providing a means for allowing a visual identification of that person&#39;s identity. 
     Monitoring and controlling the operation and function of a security system for monitoring physical access to select objects may be needed in numerous situations. There is a long felt, but unsolved, need to determine, not only merely the physical presence of a person in totality in proximity to a select object or area, but also a need to determine more specifically, what that person is doing with their hands in relation to that select object or space. 
     It may be necessary that a person be given or denied access to a variety of objects or locations based not just on their presence or near total body proximity to a select monitored object, but more specifically to what has been determined to be the relative position of their hand, their hand&#39;s proximity, or their hand&#39;s activity and contact with that particular object. Upon detection of the proximity of at least one of the person&#39;s hands in these circumstances, the system or method may involve the actuation of a remote notification. The remote notification may involve a form of push messaging. The remote notification may also involve either the recording of an image or the activation of an annunciator or actuator based on detecting and monitoring the presence of a person&#39;s near proximity to, or contact with, the monitored object. 
     One embodiment of the capacitive charge security monitoring system may incorporate a camera system. The camera system may comprise (1) a digital camera, (2) an image capturing unit, (3) a communication unit configured to transmit image information captured by the camera system to an external device, and (4) a display terminal configured to display image information captured by the camera system. The display terminal may be configured to display image information captured by the camera system according to the prescribed conditions and image information captured according to the user&#39;s instructions. 
     One example of the type of behavior that may need to be monitored may involve monitoring a person&#39;s contact with restricted access items such as a cash register, art, or retail consumer products which may include such items as cameras and phones on public display. Alternately, monitoring an unauthorized person accessing, proximity, or contact with a more specifically personal item such as a weapon or valuable jewelry can be highly regarded in many circumstances. Another example of required monitoring with remote messaging may include the monitoring of a person accessing prescription drugs, alcohol or chemicals located in a domestic or commercial setting thereby indicating compliance or non-compliance with a required protocol. These examples of contact may be augmented with the need for actuation of an annunciator. The annunciator may be either remote or local. The annunciator may also electronically display video images showing the person&#39;s presence or the activity of the person. Specifically, the annunciator may display images reflecting the activity of a person&#39;s hands. This may be at a location where access by the authorized or non-authorized person should normally be determined for security or monitoring purposes or both. Interference with such monitored and restricted locations within the environment by such person may cause the generation of a remote notification to a remote user. Such notifications may include actuating some form of deterrence to include possible notification from a remote phone or PDA like device, a light, a sound annunciator, or activation of a video recording device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects described below. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a low power security system showing a charge coupled sensor assembly consisting of a charge coupled controller, a detection electrode, and a wireless digital camera in which at least one of the embodiments of the present invention is shown. 
         FIG. 2  is perspective view of a security system showing a charge coupled sensor assembly associated with a person&#39;s contact with a cash drawer in a business consisting of a wireless charge coupled controller, detection electrode, and a wireless digital camera in which at least one of the embodiments of the present invention is shown. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view showing another example utilizing a charge coupled security system for remotely detecting and monitoring the hand of a person in contact or near proximity with a select monitored object in a public or retail environment in which contact is to be monitored or avoided demonstrating in which at least one of the embodiments of the present invention is shown. 
         FIG. 4  is a detail illustration of a side view of  FIG. 3  demonstrating a wireless charge coupled proximity sensor assembly associated with a detection electrode in near contact with a select monitored object, such as a picture or painting, for the express purpose of detection of proximity or contact of a person&#39;s hand with the select object in which at least one of the embodiments of the present invention is shown. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view showing another example of a system including a charge coupled computing device and security imaging system comprising the electronic components of monitoring system and a storage container holding prescription drugs or restricted items for the purpose of remotely monitoring contact or proximity of a person&#39;s hands to at least one select object in which at least one of the embodiments of the present invention is shown. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view showing another application of a security monitoring system, illustrating electronic components comprising a monitored storage container holding valuable items for the purpose of remotely monitoring contact or proximity of a person&#39;s hands to at least one select object within such monitored container in which at least one of the embodiments of the present invention is shown. 
         FIG. 7  is a diagrammatic illustration showing a monitoring system comprising a charge wireless charge coupled sensor assembly operatively associated with a wireless video imaging security system incorporating a Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) mechanism utilizing a wireless communication process including a charge coupled electrode and controller, a digital imaging camera, a router and a cloud based service as an Internet Of Things (IOT) communicating interface between a charge coupled transfer controller and an end user&#39;s PDA or similar monitoring device in which at least one of the embodiments of the present invention is shown. 
         FIG. 8  is a block diagram representing the logic associating electrical changes detected by the capacitive charge detection electrode caused by the detection of the presence of a person&#39;s hand with a select monitored object and ultimately messaging an end user&#39;s remote access point or PDA, while additionally illustrating the PTZ mechanism for automatically and remotely controlling the field of view of the associated imaging camera in which at least one of the embodiments of the present invention is shown. 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic diagram showing an example of an embodiment of a self-capacitance sensed detection electrode detecting the presence of a person&#39;s hand and reflecting a change of capacitance charge induced to that detection electrode in which at least one of the embodiments of the present invention is shown. 
         FIG. 10  is a block diagram showing an example of the technical components of a charge transfer controller comprised in the computing device for detecting the change of capacitance or charge in a detection electrode indicating the presence of a person&#39;s hand in proximity or contact with an electrode associated with a select object in which at least one of the embodiments of the present invention is shown. 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic diagram illustrating the charge transfer effects of a person&#39;s hand in proximity to a detection electrode associated with a self-charge coupled sensor electrode in which at least one of the embodiments of the present invention is shown. 
         FIG. 12  is an illustration showing an example of the electrical changes induced to mutual or projected detecting capacitive charge detection electrode monitoring the position of an intruding hand. The detection electrode and controller usable with a select object monitoring system caused by the presence of a person&#39;s hand in which at least one of the embodiments of the present invention is shown. 
         FIG. 13  is a block diagram showing an example of the logic associated with a security system, including optional imaging, for remotely monitoring a select object or select area via the change in capacitance charge detected at a sense electrodes associated with a select monitored area or object in which at least one of the embodiments of the present invention is shown. 
         FIG. 14  is a block diagram showing an example of the logic associated with the forensic video recording of a security or protocol violation as determined by activation of a capacitive charge controller comprised in the computing device for detecting hand proximity or contact with a select monitored object or area in which at least one of the embodiments of the present invention is shown. 
         FIG. 15  is a screen shot of a Security Alert Contact Register dashboard in which a user determines who is to be contacted upon determination of select object hand contact or proximity in which at least one of the embodiments of the present invention is shown. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to any particular-embodiment described, which may vary. Also, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of this invention will be limited only by the appended claims. 
     In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to explain and provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it is apparent that the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details. Thus, all illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing versions of the present invention are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
     In the following section, the present invention is described fully by referencing the details in the enclosed drawings, which illustrate certain embodiments of the invention. The numbers shown in this specification refer to the corresponding numbers in the enclosed drawings. The terminology used is to describe the particular embodiment shown and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The invention may also be embodied in many other forms in addition to the embodiments shown. Thus, the embodiments shown should not be construed as limiting, but rather, to allow a thorough and complete description of the disclosure that conveys the scope of the invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art in the field of this invention. Therefore, for the terms used herein, the singular forms “the,” “a,” and “an” are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “and” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the terms “comprising” and “comprises” when used in this specification, identify specific steps, integers, operations, features, components, and elements, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other steps, operations, features, components, and elements. In addition, the features, components, and elements referenced may be exaggerated for clarity. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all scientific terms, technical terms, or other terms used herein have the same meaning as the term that is understood by one having ordinary skill in the art in the field of this invention. It is also understood that these terms, including their dictionary meaning, should be understood as having the meaning, which is consistent with their definitions in the related relevant art. In addition, the present disclosure is not to be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly stated so herein. Constructions or functions that are well known in the art may not be fully described in detail for brevity. 
     In describing the invention, it is understood that a number of steps and methods may be disclosed. Each of these may have individual benefit. Also, each may be used in conjunction with at least one or more of the disclosed steps and methods. Therefore, this description will refrain from stating each and every possible combination of the individual steps and methods for the sake of brevity. Regardless, the specification and related claims should be understood with the combinations that are entirely within the scope of the claims and inventions. 
     The disclosure in this invention are examples of how it may be implemented and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings or the description provided herein. The present invention will now be described by example in the following paragraphs by referencing the accompanying drawings, which represent embodiments and alternative embodiments. 
     The detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as the basis for the claims and as a basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to make and use the invention. 
     The method comprises receiving data from a specialized communication device, over a cellular, wireless, satellite, or other network to a special purpose computer with a non-transitory computer readable medium. In one or more of the embodiments, the functions described herein may be implemented in any combination of hardware, software, firmware, etc. The functions may be stored or transmitted as one or more software instructions, computer-executable instructions, or processor-executable instructions, or code on a tangible non-transitory computer readable medium or on a non-transitory processor-readable storage medium, if implemented in software. 
     The steps of an algorithm, process, or method disclosed herein may be embodied in a processor-executable software module that may reside on a non-transitory computer readable medium. Non-transitory computer readable media comprises computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A non-transitory storage media may be any available media that may be accessed by the special purpose host computer system. 
     Computer-readable media include both computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A storage media may be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Also, any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. 
     Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media. It should be understood in this disclosure that Bluetooth is the same as Bluetooth. The term memory may include volatile or non-volatile (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, CD-ROMs, flash memory, ROM, and RAM.) 
     Also, combinations of the above should be included within the scope of non-transitory computer readable medium. In addition, the operations of an algorithm, process, or method may reside as one or any combination or codes, set of codes, instructions, or sets of instructions on a non-transitory machine readable medium or a non-transitory computer readable medium, which may be incorporated into a computer program product. All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. 
     The reference to PDA devices within the contents of this text may be considered to include any monitoring device, both portable and fixed, which may include iPads, laptops, monitors and the like. 
     The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of various embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustration, there is shown in the drawings exemplary embodiments. However, the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited to the specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed. 
     The presently disclosed subject matter is described with specificity to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent application. Rather, the inventor has contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different steps or elements similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. Moreover, although the term “step” may be used herein to connote different aspects of methods employed, the term should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly described. 
     As referred to herein, the term “computing device” should be broadly construed. It can include any type of device including hardware, software, firmware, the like, and combinations thereof. A computing device may include one or more processors and memory or other suitable non-transitory, computer readable storage medium having computer readable program code for implementing methods in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. A computing device may be, for example, a processing circuit for the detection of a change in voltage level or change in measured capacitance across a circuit. In another example, a computing device may be a server or other computer located within a commercial, residential or outdoor environment and communicatively connected to other computing devices (e.g., annunciators, transducers, or computers) for controlling security monitoring. In another example, a computing device may be a mobile computing device such as, for example, but not limited to, a smart phone, a cell phone, a pager, a PDA, a mobile computer with a smart phone client, or the like. In another example, a computing device may be any type of wearable computer, such as a computer with a head-mounted display (HMD). A computing device can also include any type of conventional computer, for example, a laptop computer or a tablet computer. A typical mobile computing device is a wireless data access-enabled device (e.g., an iPhone® smart phone, a BLACKBERRY® smart phone, a NEXUS ONE™ smart phone, an iPad® device, or the like) that is capable of sending and receiving data in a wireless manner using protocols like the Internet Protocol (IP) and the Wireless Application Protocol (WAP). This allows users to access information via wireless devices, such as smart phones, mobile phones, pagers, two-way radios, communicators, and the like. Wireless data access is supported by many wireless networks, including, but not limited to, CDPD, CDMA, GSM, 4G, 5G, PDC, PHS, TDMA, FLEX, Reflex, ident, TETRA, DECT, DataTAC, Mobitex, EDGE and other 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G and LTE technologies. The wireless data access also operates with the operating system of many handheld devices, including, but not limited to PalmOS, EPOC, FLEXOS, OS/9, JavaOS, iOS, Android, Windows 7, 8, 10, and CE. Typically, these devices use graphical displays and can access the Internet and other communication networks on so-called mini or micro-browsers, which are web browsers with small file sizes that can accommodate the reduced memory constraints of wireless networks. In a representative embodiment, the mobile device may be a cellular telephone or smart phone that operates over 4G/5G, General Packet Radio Services (GPRS), which is a data technology for GSM networks. In addition to a conventional voice communication, a given mobile device can communicate with another such device via many different types of message transfer techniques, including Short Message Service (SMS), Enhanced SMS (EMS), Multi-Media Message (MMS), email WAP, paging, or other known or later-developed wireless data formats. Although many of the examples provided herein are implemented on smart phone, the examples may similarly be implemented on any suitable computing device, such as a computer. 
     As referred to herein, the term “user interface” is generally a system by which users interact with a computing device. A user interface can include an input for allowing users to manipulate a computing device, which may include an output for allowing the computing device to present information or data that indicates the effects of the user&#39;s manipulation, etc. An example of a user interface on a computing device includes a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that allows users to interact with programs or applications in more ways than typing. A GUI typically can offer display objects, and visual indicators, as opposed to text-based interfaces, typed command labels or text navigation to represent information and actions available to a user. For example, a user interface can be a display window or display object, which is selectable by a user on a computing device for interaction. The display object may be displayed on a display screen of a computing device and may be selected by and interacted with by a user using the user interface. In at least one embodiment, the display of the computing device may be a touch screen, which may display the display icon. The user may depress the area of the display screen where the display icon is displayed for selecting the display icon. In at least one other embodiment, the user may use any other suitable user interface of a computing device, such as a keypad, to select the display icon or display object. For example, the user may use a track ball, pen pointer, or arrow keys for moving a cursor to highlight to select the display object. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a low power security system comprising a charge coupled sensor assembly consisting of a charge coupled controller, a detection electrode, a wireless digital camera and a remote monitor, which is not shown. This system is operatively associated with a select monitored object  108 , such as a weapon, for detecting and remotely monitoring a person&#39;s hand accessing the select monitored object.  FIG. 1  also shows proximity and detection components of a security monitoring system  100 . These components monitor the physical contact or the near proximity of a person&#39;s hand to a select monitored object  108  or the surrounding area. The select monitored object  108  may be a gun. A hand  120  intruding into the surrounding area  106  is also shown. The system  100  comprises a computing device  110 , which may be electrically coupled to a detection electrode  114  by an electrical interconnect interface  122 . The detection electrode  114  may detect a change in capacitance or electrical charge in response to the positioning of an intruding hand  120  in proximity or contact with a select monitored object  108 . As described above, the specialized computing device  110  may comprise hardware, software, firmware, or combinations thereof for implementing the functionality described herein. In at least one embodiment, the computing device  110  may include one or more processors and memory, which may be a non-transitory computer readable medium. The computing device  110  may also be coupled to an electrical ground plane  118  to enhance the computing device&#39;s sensitivity for detecting a change in charge of the sensor electrode  114 . The ground plane  118  may be appropriate for enhancing a return path to ground enhancing sensitivity to change in charge at the detection electrode  114 . In at least one embodiment, the computing device  110  may be configured to detect the proximity of a person&#39;s hand  120  relative to a select monitored object  108 . This detection may be based upon a change of capacitance or charge sensed at the operatively associated detection electrode  114 , which may be caused by the presence of the ground referencing intruding hand  120 . In this way, the computing device  110  may determine the position of the hand  120  in relation to the detection electrode  114  and the relationship of the hand to the associated select monitored object  108 . The computing device  110  may be further configured to generate an activation control signal  115  in response to determining a change in capacitance of an electrode  114  reflecting the position of the hand  120  either in contact with a detection electrode  114  or within a predetermined area or distance from the detection electrode  114 . The computing device  110  may also be configured to transmit a control signal to an annunciator, which is not shown in  FIG. 1 . In at least one embodiment, the resting, storage or containment area for the select item  108  may contain more than one detection electrode  114 . In at least one other embodiment, the computing device  110  may be configured to detect either proximity, contact, or both with the select item  108  itself. This embodiment may be used when the select item is configured to act as a system associated electrode that is directly electrically associated with a capacitive charge controller  110 . 
     In at least one other embodiment, in reference to  FIG. 1 , the computing device  110  and electrode  114  may be configured to sense an approximate position of the hand  120 , and whether the hand  120  is either in contact with, in close proximity to, or in the immediate area  106  of the specific monitored object  108 . The term “close proximity” immediate area and vicinity may be defined as being 25 centimeters or less from the specific object  108 , area  106 , the detection electrode  114 , or an assembly of electrodes, which is not shown in  FIG. 1 . When a conductive object, such as a person&#39;s hand  120 , comes into close proximity to, or in contact with, a detection electrode  114  associated with the computing device  110 ; the local electrostatic field surrounding the detection electrode  114  is distorted or altered. This distortion is a measurable change in the capacitance or charge at the detection electrode  114  as determined by controller  110 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 1 , the detection electrode  114  may be positioned as a pad. The pad may contain at least one electrically conductive electrode, surface, or coating in electrical communication with a computing device  110  that is placed in direct contact or close proximity to the object  108  being monitored. Monitored objects associated with a security monitoring system  100  are not ordinarily of interest from a security monitoring point of view unless actually touched or in close proximity to an intruding hand  120 . The capacitance or electrical charge of the object associated detection electrode  114 , when not being intruded upon by hand  120 , is first measured to obtain its operative capacitance or charge level and then stored in the memory of the processor. Any large variations between this measured reference capacitance or charge and the capacitance or voltage as determined thereafter by the controller are considered indicative of a hand&#39;s proximity or contact with the monitoring electrode, and therefore by direct association, the hands relation to the monitored object  108 . The predetermined distance for the proximity indication may be defined by a range of acceptable values. In at least one embodiment, the device  110  may communicate a control signal if the charge value is either above this range or below this range. In at least one other embodiment, the detection electrode  114  may be collocated in the computing device  110  and configured to be either physically or electrically associated with the controller. In yet one other embodiment, the monitoring may be accomplished by means other than contact or proximity with the monitoring electrode as described above. For example, the detection electrode  114  associated with the computing device may be placed in front, in back of above as well as below the monitored object  108 . Alternately, the electrode may be physically in contact with or may include actual incorporation into the monitored object itself by electrical interconnect interface  122 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , provisions for enhancing detection of contact and proximity by controller  110  may be provided by a ground plane reference  118 , electrically isolated from detection electrode  114 , which is in direct or indirect contact with an earth ground  410 . One embodiment of the incorporation of a monitoring camera system  200  into security monitoring system  100  is provided with a camera system serving as an image capturing unit; a communication unit configured to transmit image information captured by the camera system to an external device; and a display terminal configured to display image information captured by the camera system. The display terminal being configured to display at least either of image information captured by the camera system according to prescribed conditions or image information captured according to user instructions. Also, shown in  FIG. 1  is the associated electrically insulating layer  116 , and the detection electrode connection  112 . By coupling the electrode connection  112  to the electrode sensor  114  and coupling ground plate  118  to charge controller  110  via electrode connection  122 , a ground node may be formed with the surrounding area  410 . 
       FIG. 2  is perspective view of a security system comprising a charge coupled sensor assembly consisting of a wireless charge coupled controller, detection electrode, a wireless digital camera and a remote monitor (not shown). The system is operatively associated with a cash register and configured to initially monitor and image a person  150  or a person&#39;s hand  120  primarily when in contact with a cash drawer at a cash register.  FIG. 2  shows a security monitoring system  101  comprising a charge coupled sensor assembly consisting of a wireless charge coupled controller  110 , detection electrode  114 , a recording wireless digital camera system  200  viewing the scene that includes the cash register and the person accessing the cash register  144  or more specifically cash drawer  124  and a remote monitor (not shown). The security monitoring system  101  is operatively associated with a cash register and configured to initially monitor and image a person or a person&#39;s hand primarily when in contact with a cash drawer at a cash register. In at least one embodiment, the system  101  incorporates a video camera system  200  configured so it will image a person or their hand when that persons hand is moved into an area of interest generally surrounding an object of interest. 
     The camera&#39;s location is configured to track the presence and proximity of a person  150  in relation to a select object  124  within the area shown in  FIG. 2 , which includes a viewed scene showing a person of interest  150 , a monitored object  144 , an area or region of interest  106 , a digital imaging camera  200  situated to effectively view the scene, an illustrative object of interest, such as a cash drawer  124 , an illustrative area of interest area around cash register, an electrode  114  functionally associated with an object of interest such as a cash drawer, a capacitive charge controller  110  reactive to a change of capacitance or a charge at electrodes  114  associated with an object and area of interest, a coupling ground plate  118 , and an illumination source (not shown) all comprising a security monitoring system  100 . A charge transfer sensor electrode  114  and a cooperating charge transfer controller in computing device  110  are integrated into the security monitoring system for detecting a subject person&#39;s hands contact or near contact with the cash drawer. Upon automatic determination of such hand contact, the controller will generate a control signal causing the camera system  200  to initiate a visual recording of such an event, while optionally providing a notification to a remote monitor. Additionally, forensic imaging may be accomplished via camera activation prior to, but directly associated with, afore mentioned hand contact with the cash register or cash drawer according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view showing another example utilizing a charge coupled security system for remotely detecting and monitoring a person&#39;s hand contact or near proximity with a select monitored object (object d′art) in a public environment utilizing the charge transfer effects of that person&#39;s hand being within close proximity to a capacitive charge detection electrode directly and capacitive charge coupled controller associated with monitoring that object. Shown is a wireless charge coupled sensor assembly operatively associated with a select object, such as a picture, and a remote monitor (not shown). This indicates hand contact or hand proximity utilizing capacitive charge transfer.  FIG. 3  also shows a perspective view showing an example charge coupled security system  100  for monitoring a person&#39;s or a patron&#39;s  400  contact or near proximity to a public display item  406  in an area of interest such as an art gallery  420 . In this way, contact or near proximity by a person&#39;s hand  120  to such art  406  is to be precluded by security protocol. The components of monitoring system  100  as illustrated in this figure serve to exemplify an art display as might be found in a museum or art gallery. The patron&#39;s  400  illustrated hand  120  is shown to be in physical contact and in violation of security protocol with artwork  406  representative of a select monitored object being publicly displayed on a gallery wall  410 . The area or region of interest  106  and a digital imaging camera  200  is also shown in  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 4  shows the illustrated artwork&#39;s associated computing device  110  in either direct or indirect association with the electrically conductive surface of monitoring electrode  114  that may be removably secured and is directly affixed to the backside of artwork  406 . Monitoring electrode  114  is configured to be in close physical proximity to the front or rear surface of artwork  406  or the picture&#39;s frame  406 . While working in conjunction with computing device  110 , changes to electrical charge of monitoring electrode  114  determined by controller  110 , caused by the grounding effect created by the near presence of a hand approximating embedded sensor electrode  114 , can thereby effectively determine by inference, the person&#39;s hand physical contact or near proximity to the aforementioned monitored artwork  406 . The determination of the degree of change in electrical charge or capacitance at monitoring electrode  114  caused by intrusion of one&#39;s hand in near proximity to electrode  114  will cause computing device  110  to generate and communicate a wired or wireless control signal, reflecting a hands contact or near proximity, to a remote annunciator, monitor or PDA, thereby providing a remote means of alerting security personnel to such intrusion while optionally activating an associated PTZ monitoring camera system  200  as previously shown forming a camera monitoring system as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 4  is a detail illustration of  FIG. 3  demonstrating a wireless charge coupled proximity sensor assembly associated with a detection electrode in near contact with a select monitored object (picture) for the express purpose of detection of proximity or contact of that person&#39;s hand with the select object.  FIG. 4  is a cut-away view indicating the mechanical and electrical configuration of monitored artwork  406 , monitoring electrode  114 , electrically conductive ground plane  118  and the associated electrically insulating layer  116  operatively isolating monitoring electrode layer  114  from ground plane  118 . It should be appreciated that the electrical ground plane (an electrically conductive layer)  118  shown may be in physical and/or electrostatic contact with the illustrated mounting surface (wall)  410  thereby enhancing the electrical grounding of controller  110  and subsequently increasing its sensitivity for detecting a change in capacitance or charge at electrode  114  caused by proximity of a patron  400  hand  120 . Alternately, the charge controller&#39;s  110  ground reference may be connected directly to an alternate electrical ground reference point if conditions permit. 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view showing another example of a system including a computing device and security imaging system comprising the electronic components of monitoring system  101  consisting of a sensor electrode, charge coupled controller and a digital recording camera in communication with a remote annunciator (not shown) and a storage container holding prescription drugs or restricted items for the purpose of remotely monitoring contact or proximity of a person&#39;s hands to such select object(s) according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 5  represents another example of the electronic components of monitoring system  101  incorporating a capacitive charge coupled computing device  110 , a detection electrode  114  and an imaging system  200  in wireless communication with PDA/Monitor  300  as shown in  FIG. 7 , for the purpose of remotely monitoring and detecting hand contact  120  or removal of pill container  520  holding prescription drugs or alternate containers to include poison  530  or alcohol  540  whose contents may require remote monitoring or restricting a person&#39;s access to as shown in  FIG. 5 . According to one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in  FIG. 5  the hand contact or proximity of a person&#39;s hands to a select container with restricted contents may be monitored through capacitive changes caused by detecting proximity of a hand  120  or a change in a container&#39;s proximity with a detection electrode  114 . Also, as shown in  FIG. 5  is communication signal  714  and ground plane  550 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the change to the capacitance of the detection electrode  114  in cooperation with ground plane  550  caused by either proximity of a person&#39;s hand or the change in capacitance at detection electrode  540  caused by the displacement of the containers electrically conductive strip, will cause capacitive charge controller  110  to generate a control signal reflecting such a change. The generation of this control signal in turn will cause activation of imaging system  200  thereby enabling imaging system to capture an image of the scene associated with such action and concurrently forward such imaging to a remote monitoring device  300 , as shown in  FIG. 7 , via communication signal  714  as shown in  FIG. 5 . Additionally, forensic imaging of any of these activities may be accomplished via retaining and combining a salient segment or interval of pre-programmed video imaging occurring prior to the charge coupled controller&#39;s activation of image recording by system associated monitoring camera while viewing the aforementioned hand contact with, or movement of, such containers according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view showing another application of the security monitoring system  101 , illustrating those electronic components comprising a monitored storage container holding valuable items or items of interest for the purpose of remotely monitoring contact or proximity of a person&#39;s hand to a select objects within such monitored container, according to one embodiment of the present invention, where the security monitoring system includes a capacitive charge controller, an electrode and an associated imaging camera assembly. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the electrode  114  may be configured for detection via self  332 , as shown in  FIG. 11 , or mutual capacitive charge detection  340 , as shown in  FIG. 12 . If mutual detection is required for an electrically insulated bottle or container, a small conductive area may be additionally incorporated into the bottom of such container. 
       FIG. 6  represents another example of the electronic components of monitoring system  100  incorporating a capacitive charge coupled computing device  110 , a detection electrode  114 , a container configured as an electrically conductive electrode, such as a jewelry box,  114 A and an imaging system  200  in wireless communication with a PDA/Monitor  300 , as shown in  FIG. 7 , for the purpose of remotely monitoring and detecting hand proximity or contact  120  with, or the removal of, either contents within such container  600  or the container itself  602  whose contents may require remote monitoring of, or restricting a person&#39;s access to such contents, and whether the hand  120  is either in contact with and/or in close proximity to, specific monitored object  600  within monitored area  106 . Also, as shown in  FIG. 6  is communication signal  714 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , according to one embodiment of the present invention, hand contact or proximity of a person&#39;s hands to a select container with restricted contents may be monitored through capacitive changes caused by hand  120  proximity with detection electrode  114  as illustrated or alternately, as a detection electrode configured as an all or part electrically conductive container  114 A. The electrode  114  may be configured for detection via self or mutual detection. The detection of change in charge or capacitance of the detection electrode  114 / 114 A caused by the hand&#39;s  120  proximity or contact with as determined by controller  110  will cause capacitive charge controller to generate a control signal indicating such change. Generation of this control signal will cause associated imaging system  200  to capture an image of the scene associated with such activity and concurrently forward such imaging to a remote monitoring device  300  via communication signal  714 . 
       FIG. 7  is a diagrammatic illustration showing a monitoring system comprising a wireless charge coupled controller  110  associated with sensor assembly  114 , as shown in  FIG. 6 , operatively associated with a wireless PTZ video imaging camera  200 , as shown in  FIG. 7 , collectively forming security monitoring system  103 . Security system  103  utilizing a wireless communication process including a digital imaging camera  200  is primarily actuated by a charge coupled controller detecting a change in electrical charge at electrode  114 , as shown in  FIG. 6 , caused by proximity or contact by hand  120 . The controller is configured to detect a change in electrical charge at an electrode associated with a select monitored object or space. The controller will generate a control signal wirelessly activating a surveillance camera  200  upon determining near proximity or contact an intruding hand  120  with a select monitored object  108 . Notification to an end user&#39;s PDA  300  or similar monitoring device with a push message or image  320  of this change in electrical charge at the detection electrode is accomplished via charge coupled transfer controller  110  communicating through router  220  or directly communicating with an IOT cloud-based service  250 . Alternately, wireless communication between controller  110 , camera  200  and user monitor or PDA  300  may be achieved directly through IOT cloud services  250  via communication paths  220  and  726 . The association of a charge transfer controller, sensor electrode, processor and a PDA are shown according to various embodiments presented herein. The view illustrating major components of the charge coupled controller and electrode sensor assembly operatively associated with an imaging camera, and major components of a Push Messaging System  240  for remotely communicating the detection and imaging of a person&#39;s hand in contact or near proximity with a select illustrative object  108  as shown in  FIG. 1 , such as a weapon, to a user as determined by contact information provided by a user completed webpage dashboard according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
     According to embodiments of the present invention,  FIG. 7  is a perspective view showing the imaging components of an example security system  103  for communicating with a remote annunciator/controller  300 / 300 A, which may include capability of notification to a monitor or PDA/cell phone like device via a cloud service  250 . Incorporating a PTZ capability  202  into monitoring camera  200  may provide a means for automatically re-directing the field of view of the monitoring camera when the camera is not directly viewing the select monitored object or area. Additionally, it is anticipated for monitoring at least one of hand contact and proximity to a select object or area, that a computer routine actuated by a control signal initiated by controller  110  upon determining a hand  120  is in near proximity or in contact with the select monitored object or area as determined by a change in charge at electrode  114 , as shown in  FIG. 6 , associated with the select object, will cause the generation of a control signal. Receipt of this control signal by the PTZ  202  will cause an automatic actuation of the PTZ feature, thereby re-directing surveillance camera  200  field of view from its previous orientation viewing an area or location including one that may include suspect individual  400 , to a specific pre-programmed orientation so as to enhance the camera&#39;s field of view to directly observe the scene associated with monitored object  108  or monitored area. The use of a remote camera controller routine  300 A on PDA  300  or a like device for remotely controlling the movement and mechanizations of the PTZ camera aiming device  202  and thereby the field of view of camera  200  provides a means for user  101  to enhance their field of view of surrounding areas to include not only the subject&#39;s hand, but alternately, an image of the entirety of the person themselves, thereby aiding identification of the monitored individual. 
     One or more embodiments of the exemplary system and method may further include alerting the user  101  of the security monitoring system  103  of a violator&#39;s hand  120  intrusion as determined by proximity to or contact with the monitored select object  108  and subsequently providing a means of enhancing the remote viewing of the violator&#39;s collective behavior and the actions of the violator&#39;s hand proximity or contact with that select monitored object. 
     As another example of an alternate configuration of the monitoring system  103 , the sensor electrode  114  (not shown) associated with the select object  108  is in direct communication  700  with the computing device  110  and may be operatively coupled to an imaging device  200  via a control signal  712  as a means of remotely monitoring activities related to a specific object  108  and the specific object&#39;s immediate area  106  associated with the monitoring system  103 . Activation of computing device  110  as caused by determining the proximity of a hand or contact in the vicinity with a select object  108  and its associated detection electrode  114  may cause the generation of indirect control signal  714  via router  220  and signal  712  or the generation of direct control signal  722  activating imaging device  200  and associated PTZ mechanism  202 . Receipt of control signal  722  or signal  714  by camera  200  and PTZ assembly  202  may cause the forensic recording of an image within view of the camera to be recorded and stored in cloud service  250 . This imaging may be referenced, viewed and recorded directly or indirectly by a remote device  300 . In this application of the invention the term “forensic recording” is used to describe the activation of camera  200  by computing device  110  viewing that person belonging to an intrusive hand  120  upon determination of that person&#39;s hand in near proximity to the select monitored object. This configuration provides the capability of system  100  to anticipate and visually capture the actual event of physical contact of a hand  120  with the select object in its entirety to include moments that precede actual hand contact with the select monitored object. Alternately, a Passive Infrared sensor (PIR) sensor (not shown) or image processing software (not shown) may be used to non-selectively activate imaging camera  200  when that person is in near proximity with monitored object or area. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , control signal  712  generated by activation of computing device  110  causing the generation of control signal  744  and concomitant digital imaging  746  generated by activation of camera  200  viewing select object in viewing area  106  may wirelessly communicate with annunciator/PDA  300  via signal  720  directly via a cloud based (GSM/4G/5G or the like) or a cloud notification push server  240  communication arrangement working with a user webpage data access dashboard or both. Alternately, the communication channel may include an IOT router  220 . The router receives control signal  712  from controller  110  and imaging signal  714  from camera  200 . This information is forwarded through a link  716  to the cloud  250  accessed by a remote monitor either indirectly via signal  720  through push server  240  or directly from the cloud or web backbone via signal  726  or an indirect access to through signal  720  originating from cloud notification push server  240  communication arrangement working with a user webpage data access dashboard  290  via communication link  718 . Alternately, direct wired or wireless communication, to include Wi-Fi, between computing device  110 , camera  200  and annunciator  300  may be utilized and is anticipated. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 7 , provided within security monitoring system  100  is a capacitive charge coupled proximity controller  110  in wireless communication with a remote central data server  240  capable of providing remote alerts to a fixed or portable monitoring device via a wireless cloud connection. These alerts comprise audible or visual announcements indicating a subject person&#39;s contact or proximity to a select monitored areas or object&#39;s functionally associated with a sensor detection electrode. Contact may be defined as direct physical contact with, or near presence to, the sensor electrode as caused by a person being within about 2.5 cm or less of such sensor while near proximity to an electrode may be defined as a distance between the subject person&#39;s hand (or person&#39;s physical parts thereof) being about 30 cm or less. The changes in electrical charge at the electrode caused by proximity or contact of a subject&#39;s hand, as determined by the capacitive charge controller, provides a means for specifically determining when a person&#39;s hands near presence or actually contact with such electrode and by inferred association, the select object or area being monitored while visually monitoring the entirety of the actions of that subject person of interest. 
     The subject person  150  may be detected by at least one of the associated imaging camera assemblies  200  when entering monitored area referred to as the scene  106 . According to requirements for effective surveillance of the select area or object, different imaging cameras may incorporate infrared or thermal capabilities as well as different fields of view and viewing ranges as deemed appropriate. The camera assembly  200  may communicate with a Wi-Fi access point  220  through signal  714  and a web backbone  250  to a server  240  through cloud service  250 , which is ultimately forwarded to an associated remote computing device  300 , thereby alerting the user with a push message or image  320 . Alternately, the camera  200  and capacitive charge controller  110  may bi-directionally communicate with the cloud services  250  via GSM, 4G-5G communication  744 ,  746  thereby bypassing potential security concerns with reliability of Wi-Fi services. Device  300  may also concurrently communicate bi-directionally with video camera  200  via communication link  726 ,  716 , and  714  so as to provide in addition to live streaming video information viewed in scene  106  a means for the user via indirect communication with remote web based server  240  via signal  720  a means of remotely controlling a PTZ function to enhance viewing by the camera system. In addition, subsequent to the person&#39;s detected entry into system detection area  106  by camera system  200  and the concomitant generation of control signal  712  by controller  110  upon proximity detection of contact or near proximity of that persons&#39; hand to sensor electrode  114 , (in this illustration shown as a gun) imaging system  200  may cause the recording of at least one image to be stored locally or remotely for future forensic reference by operating memory  140  and firmware  139  within cloud service  250 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , an alternate to a Wi-Fi communication pathway is provided by a GSM, 4G/5G link  744  and  746 . This alternate method of communication provides a more secure means of data transfer through a direct communication link between capacitive charge controller  110  and cloud notification push server via IOT cloud service  250 . Push server  240  in communication with cloud service  250  generates an audio, text, or image message, which is ultimately forwarded to an associated remote computing device  300  via data link  720  thereby alerting the user with a push message  320 . Additionally, it should be appreciated that in consideration of the specific needs for the surveillance of the select areas or objects of interest by capacitive charge sensor electrodes and a charge controller, that video cameras and video recordings may not be required for that particular intended application and may not be present and may not be incorporated into particular iteration of monitoring system  100 . 
     In at least one embodiment, the system  103  incorporates a video camera system  200  configured so it will detect a person who moves into an area of interest  106  generally surrounding the object of interest. The location of the camera is configured to visually track the presence and proximity of a person  150  in relation to a select object  108  within scene area  106  as shown in  FIG. 2 , includes a viewed scene showing a person of interest  150 , a monitored object, an area or region of interest  106 , a digital imaging camera  200  situated to effectively view the scene, an illustrative object of interest (cash drawer)  124 , an illustrative area of interest (area around cash register)  106 , an electrode  114  associated with object of interest (cash drawer), a capacitive charge controller  110  reactive to change of capacitance or charge at electrodes  114  associated with an object and area of interest, an illumination source (not shown) all comprising security monitoring system  100 . Charge transfer sensors may be integrated into the aforementioned monitoring system for detecting hand contact or hand vicinity. 
       FIG. 8  is a block diagram representing the logic associating electrical changes detected by the capacitive charge detection electrode caused by the presence of a person&#39;s hand near a select monitored object and messaging an end user of such presence at a remote access point, monitor or PDA upon detection of contact or near proximity by a person to such a select object or area. 
       FIG. 8  additionally illustrates an optional, more advanced mechanism for use of an automated PTZ mechanism associated with a provided digital imaging camera. This optional capability provides a means of automatically or remotely controlling the field of view of the provided imaging camera so as to monitor both a large general area associated with a select object and subsequently, when required, upon detection of the presence of a person near a select object, automatically or manually re-focus the field of view of such camera onto a narrower field of view encompassing more specifically the select object or area. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , the block diagram references the logic and actions associated with a security monitoring system  103 . The monitoring of a protocol or security violator begins with detection of that person&#39;s presence within a monitored area by any one of the aforementioned means for detecting a person&#39;s presence  805 . The security monitoring video imaging commences irrespective of the means of initiation and activation previously shown, such as PIR, frame change, image recognition etc., and may continue to view an area of interest different, but associated with, the scene in which the monitored object appears  810 . Subsequently, determination of physical contact, or very near proximity (for example, less than about 2 cm or less) by the imaged person  120 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , to the select object or area causes a change in electrical charge in the select object or the objects associated monitoring electrodes  815 . This change in charge  817  at the monitoring electrode  114 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , causes capacitive charge controller  110 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , to generate a control signal  819  which directly or indirectly causes the immediate image to be captured and permanently stored in memory  830  by camera system  200 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . Concurrently, this control signal may cause the activation of the camera&#39;s PTZ mechanism causing the camera to redirect its field of view from its current field of view to an alternate, pre-programmed field of view  845 ; thereby, encompassing and enhancing imaging of the select monitored object or select area. Alternately, at logic decision point  820 , if no control signal is generated by controller  110 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , reflecting contact with the select object or area after a predetermined period of time, the imaging viewed by camera  200 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , currently stored in memory is then removed from camera memory  825 , and the camera image recording ceases and the camera detection status is then returned to standby  805 . 
     However, if contact or near proximity to the select object is detected  815 , the control signal  712 , as shown in  FIG. 7 , from charge controller  110 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , indicating activation is forwarded along with the cameras captured image of the scene including the intruder and the select object  830  forwarded to a wireless means of communications  835  incorporating a remote cloud push server  840 . The Cloud push server  240 , as shown in  FIG. 7 , will forward a push message and images of the scene reflecting that person&#39;s actual contact with the select monitored object to a user access point or location  860  as determined by a previously configured user webpage  850 . Concurrently, a means for image facial recognition  855  (not shown) of that image of that person captured by imaging camera  200 , as shown in  FIG. 7 , may be provided in the information forwarded to a user&#39;s PDA or monitor  860 . If provided, the means of software facial recognition  855  may be applied to the imaging capture by camera system  200 , as shown in  FIG. 7 , by system associated software within the camera system directly. Alternately, a system associated program within a cloud-based server may provide the required image processing. 
     Additionally, the user&#39;s PDA or monitor may include a remote manual means  300 A, as shown in  FIG. 7 , or supplement an automatic means  845 , for controlling the PTZ functions  865  associated with re-directing the camera&#39;s field of view. This capability, controlling the imaging camera so as to control and optimize the cameras field of view, enhances remote viewing by the user while providing a means of more precisely recording the scene of interest in real time. 
       FIG. 9  is a schematic diagram showing an example of an embodiment of self-capacitance sensed detection electrode, while detecting the presence of a person&#39;s hand according to embodiments of the present invention, and reflecting a change of capacitance charge induced to that electrode. 
     In regards to  FIG. 9 , the proximity detection functions in such a way that there exists a capacitance between any electrical surface reference point relative to the ground, as long as electrical isolation exists between the reference point and the ground. The detection electrode sensor  114  may be the reference point in an electrically conductive area as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 9 . The sensing plate  114  may be further coupled to a charge coupled controller  110 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , via detection electrode connection  112 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , by coupling the electrode connection  112  to the electrode sensor  114 , and by coupling the ground plate  118  to charge controller  110  via electrode connection  122 , a ground node may be formed within the surrounding area  410 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , when the hand  120  is brought into close proximity of about 30 centimeters or less in this exemplary embodiment of the detection electrode sensor  114  an increased coupling between the reference point and the ground occurs. As a result, the capacitance of the electrode sensor  114  and the electrically associated surface area, relative to ground  118  can increase. This capacitance is compared by at least one processor within controller  110  with a reference capacitor whose capacitance or charge may be altered so as to allow adjustment of the systems detection sensitivity threshold. When the intruding hand  120  is physically positioned near electrode sensor  114 , the presence of the hand may increase the capacitance between the electrode sensor  114  and the ground electrode  118  as the hand approaches the object associated with the detection electrode  114 . The detection electrode may be used in a large number of applications. For example, the electrode sensor  114  may be mounted on a wall or in a mat placed under or around the monitored object as will be discussed below. 
       FIG. 10  is a block diagram showing an example of the technical components of a charge transfer controller comprised in the computing device  110  for detecting the presence of a person&#39;s hand in proximity or contact with an electrode associated with a select object according to embodiments of the present invention. 
     With regard to  FIG. 10 , a block diagram showing an example of a charge transfer controller comprised in the computing device  110  for detecting the intrusive hand  120  is provided according to at least one embodiment of the present invention. Touching or close proximity to the detection electrode  114  can increase the capacitance significantly. To measure a change in the capacitance, the charge transfer controller comprised in the computing device  110  is provided. The charge transfer controller employs a charge transfer method of capacitive sensing. A charge is initially transferred to all of the electrically contiguous parts of the detection electrode  114  via electrical interconnect interface  112 , thereby allowing it to function as a capacitor (CX) while a charge is transferred into charge collection reference capacitor (CS) until the voltage on capacitor CS reaches a tripping point. 
     As described in  FIG. 1 , a detection electrode  114  comprising an electrically conductive surface area in direct or indirect contact (near proximity) thereby operatively associated with determining contact or near proximity of a hand to the monitored object  108 . It should be understood that the monitored object itself may function as the required detection sensor electrode  114  independently when interconnection  112  is in direct electrical contact with an electrically conductive surface inherent in, or imposed upon, the monitored object itself. The electrical interconnect interface  112  and detection electrode  114  associated with the charge transfer controller may be incorporated into the computing device  110 . The method of  FIG. 10  includes determining the position of a hand based on the measured capacitance or voltage of a charge coupled detection electrode. Continuing the aforementioned example, the charge transfer controller may determine a position of the hand  120  based on the measured capacitance or voltage at electrode  114  as shown in  FIG. 1 . Further, the method includes controlling a signaling device to communicate a signal in response to determining the position of the hand and its approximation to a system associated sensor electrode  114 . The method of  FIG. 10  also includes checking for pre-set annunciator settings. 
       FIG. 11  is a schematic diagram illustrating the charge transfer effects of a person&#39;s finger  120  in proximity to a detection electrode associated with a self-charge coupled sensor electrode  114  according to one embodiment of the present invention. Associated with the controller, the assembly measures the capacitance between the sensor electrode and ground. Thus,  FIG. 11  shows an example of an embodiment of a capacitance monitored detection sensed via self-capacitance. With continued reference to  FIG. 11 , self-capacitance uses the at least one processor within charge transfer controller comprised in the computing device  110  to measure the current or electrical charge  332  on each detection electrode  114  to ground and therefore is called “self-capacitance.” As the person&#39;s finger  120  touches or is near an electrode  114 , some of the charge of the electrode  114  is coupled to the finger  120  and is drawn away as current  334  reduces the electrical charge  336  of the electrode  114  detected by the charge transfer controller comprised in computing device  110 . 
       FIG. 12  is an illustration showing an example of the electrical changes induced to mutual or projected detecting capacitive charge detection electrode monitoring the position of an intruding hand  120 . The detection electrode and controller usable with a select object monitoring system caused by the presence of a person&#39;s hand according to embodiments of the present invention measures the capacitance between the transmitter electrode and the receiver electrode. 
       FIG. 12  is a schematic diagram showing an example of an embodiment of monitoring system  100  utilizing projected capacitance of detection electrodes  114  and  114 A sensed via mutual capacitance according to embodiments of the present invention. Mutual capacitance is the intentional or unintentional capacitance between two “charge holding objects.” Mutual capacitance detection electrodes  114  and  114 A intentionally create mutual capacitance  340  between a closely approximating pair of electrodes. The mutual capacitance is in the vicinity where the electrodes intersect with the other. This allows the at least one processor within the charge transfer controller comprised in computing device  110  to measure each node (intersection) individually to detect one or more touches on the monitored surface or vicinity of the electrode during one scan of the associated electrodes. As the person&#39;s hand  120  touches or is present near an intersection of these electrodes, some of the mutual capacitance between the pair of electrodes  342  is coupled to the hand  120  which reduces the capacitance at the intersection as measured by the charge transfer controller comprised in the computing device  110 . This reduced capacitance crosses the “touch threshold” set by the associated computing device indicating a touch or near contact has occurred and causes a control signal to be generated. 
       FIG. 13  is a block diagram exemplifying the logic associated with a basic charge coupled security monitoring system provided for the purpose of monitoring hand contact or proximity to a select object or area. This monitoring detects the change in electrical charge detected at a sense electrode operatively associated with a capacitive charge controller comprised in the computing device. The computing device incorporates a logic controller for detecting the presence of a person&#39;s hand in proximity or contact with an electrode associated with a select object according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 13  additionally illustrates the logic associated with an optional, more advanced mechanism for use of an imaging camera system so as to provide video monitoring to a remote user for the purpose of observing the associated proximity and contact events when detected by the monitoring system. 
     As shown in  FIG. 13 , the block diagram references the logic and actions associated with security monitoring system  100 . The monitoring of a protocol or security violator begins with the optional detection of a person&#39;s presence  604  within a monitored area by any one of the aforementioned means for detecting a person&#39;s presence  606  or  608  or both causing activation of the camera imaging system  610 . Imagery captured by the camera system  614  is retained in either short term memory storage  618  or alternately in long term archival image storage  622  depending on the user&#39;s preference. 
     Logic controller  630  is associated with a charge coupled controller capable of through-putting imagery from camera system  614  via Wi-Fi Internet backbone  640  to user PDA  660 , while concurrently reactive to inputs from associated capacitive charge electrodes configured to detect a hand&#39;s near proximity  634  or contact  636  with select monitored objects or areas. Alert messaging consisting of specific messages directly reflecting the logic state of the logic controller, along with the provided optional video imaging is forwarded to the users PDA or monitor through a cloud associated Push Message Server  656 . The wireless server will provide an alert message  650  corresponding to the logic register within the logic controller (alternately along with imagery from image memory) to the user&#39;s PDA or monitor  660  according to a pre-established access protocol controlled by a routine within the system associated user webpage dashboard  644 . 
       FIG. 14  is a block diagram showing an example of the logic associated with the forensic video recording of a security violation as determined by activation of a capacitive charge controller comprised in the computing device for detecting hand proximity or contact with a select monitored object or area. The block diagram in  FIG. 14  exemplifies the logic associated with security monitoring system  100  incorporating a forensic video recording of a security violation as determined by activation of a capacitive charge controller comprised in the computing device used for detecting hand proximity or contact with a select monitored object or area. Camera activation  500  from a standby (non-recording) state  522  is initiated by a control signal emanating from either one, both, or all signal sources  502 ,  504 , and  506 . Upon activation of the monitoring and recording camera, those images of the monitored scene within view of the camera captured by camera system  200 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , are then stored in a temporary addressable memory  508  associated with monitoring camera system  200 . A user programmable software routine  510  concurrently associated with memory recorder  508  controls the length and duration of the video recording held in temporary memory per instructions from routine  510 . A determination of the final format and the conversion of this recording to a permanent or non-permanent state is controlled by a logic routine  512 . Logic routine  512  controls the disposition of the imaging  508  captured in routine  500  by determining the order and sequence of the control signals activating camera system  200 . If routine  512  determines that camera activation occurred initially by detection of intrusion into the secure monitored area via PIR, frame change, or similar means, absent detection by capacitive charge controller  524 , then logic  516  will cause the temporary imaging of the secure scene  508  to be deleted or erased from memory  520  unless otherwise required  518 . Subsequent to this memory erasure of short-term imaging, the monitoring camera system  200  will be returned to a non-recording standby state  522 . 
     In the event that routine  512  determines camera activation occurred initially due to receiving a control signal initiated by charge controller  524 , then logic  512  seeks to determine if a subsequent control signal  504  or  506  has been received. The optional Boolean logic  526  of routine  512  provides redundancy in the determination of the near concurrence of both a control signal indicating physical contact or near proximity to the select monitored object  502  and the detection of a person via visual means  504  or  506  has occurred. Determination of this concurrence will then cause the system  100  to transfer temporary image  508  to a retrievable long-term memory  528 . Additionally, routine  530  will cause a timed segment or interval of video imaging of the scene  508  preceding the actual detection of physical contact or near proximity with the select monitored object to then accompany the conversion  528  of the now continually recorded scene  508  to a permanently stored video segment imaging the actual event showing the contact or proximity with the select object within a secure location scene  532 . This availability of a combination of pre and post contact or security violation imaging will provide a permanent forensic  532  (before actual contact) video record for either local or remote review  534 . In this manner, the system or method integrates these components into a specific practical application of determining what occurred immediately prior to the person touching or being in the near vicinity of the object. The video that is saved may be limited to a certain time frame  510 , such as about the two minutes prior to or after the person touching or being in the near vicinity of the object. In this way, the claimed system or method improves the operation of the special purpose computer in retaining only the essential video data that is recorded in the time period prior to or after the person touches the object or is in the near vicinity of the object. 
     As a result, the claims of this invention provide an improvement in the technical field by limiting the amount of total video data to be recorded while allowing data to be uniquely recorded just prior to the contact triggering event. It should be understood, subsequent to camera system  200  imaging and permanently recording security violations as determined in the observed scene for a period as determined by routine  510 , camera system  200  is then returned to its non-recording standby state  522  awaiting further re-activation. 
       FIG. 15  is a screen shot of a user webpage data access dashboard  290  with the title “Security Alert Contact Register”. This system associated user programmable contact webpage provides the user or monitoring person the means by which to remotely select those persons to receive an audio, push message or email alert when automatically requested when contact or proximity is detected with select object or select area in which at least one of the embodiments of the present invention is shown. 
     In at least one embodiment, the functions of the device or method described may be implemented in software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, the functions may be transmitted, as one or more instructions or code on, over or stored on at least one computer-readable medium. The computer-readable media may include both communication media and computer storage media, including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A storage media may be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Also, any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. 
     All of these embodiments and the invention disclosed herein are intended to be within the scope herein disclosed. These and other embodiments of the invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description of at least one embodiment having reference to the attached figures, the embodiments not being limited to any particular embodiment disclosed. Also, the invention disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein. 
     While certain embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention by such disclosure, but rather, is intended to cover all modifications and alternate constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. 
     Although the invention has been explained in relation to at least one embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.