Patent Document

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention relates generally to security camera devices and, more specifically, to a self contained image data analysis security camera containing logic circuits to capture an initial image and a processor to compare subsequent images thereto. The images are transmitted to a central station allowing the field of view to be displayed on a monitor and recorded by a VCR or other suitable recording device. The present invention may be used for conventional monitoring wherein streaming video is sent directly to the monitor and recording device without image comparison. When in security mode the processor in the camera continually compares incoming subsequent images with the initial captured image stored in the memory until a discrepancy between the two images is detected and initiates an alarm mode. A discrepancy between the initial captured image and an incoming subsequent image initiates an alarm mode wherein an audible and/or visual alarm is activated at the central station and/or other desired location. The alarm mode remains in effect until the operator depresses a memory control switch which then clears the memory and captures the current image which is then used for comparison to any subsequent images for the duration of the security mode or until another discrepancy is detected by the processor resulting in another alarm condition.  
         [0003]     The present invention includes an alarm sensitivity adjustment means to the processor to allow the operator to determine how much of a discrepancy between the captured image and the stored image is required to initiate the alarm mode. For instance, a high sensitivity setting may initiate the alarm mode due to the movement of a fly or other small object, whereas the introduction of a cat into the field of view during a medium sensitivity setting would be required to have the processor set off the alarm and a low sensitivity setting would require the introduction or movement of a larger object such as human to initiate an alarm.  
         [0004]     Additional options to the present invention include a power loss detection battery backup and connection less transmission of image signals, remote control switches, alarms and other appropriate remote components.  
         [0005]     2. Description of the Prior Art  
         [0006]     There are other surveillance cameras for security systems, while these surveillance cameras may be suitable for the purposes for which they were designed, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention, as hereinafter described.  
       SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION  
       [0007]     A primary object of the present invention is to provide a surveillance camera having data analysis capabilities for capturing an image and comparing subsequent incoming images thereto to detect activity in the targeted area.  
         [0008]     Another object of the present invention is to provide an image data analysis security camera wherein a processor and logic circuits are integral therewith.  
         [0009]     Still another object of the present invention is to provide an image data analysis security camera that may be used with existing security monitors and alarms.  
         [0010]     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide an image data analysis security camera that may be used with just an alarm to alert the necessary personnel that an alarm condition exists in the secured area.  
         [0011]     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an image data analysis security camera that will overcome human error of negligence of security personnel.  
         [0012]     Another object of the present invention is to provide an image data analysis security camera that can easily and cost-effectively be installed and integrated with existing hardware.  
         [0013]     Still another object of the present invention is to provide an image data analysis security camera that is simple and easy to use.  
         [0014]     Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide an image data analysis security camera that is inexpensive to manufacture and operate.  
         [0015]     Additional objects of the present invention will appear as the description proceeds.  
         [0016]     The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which forms a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In the accompanying drawings, like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views.  
         [0017]     The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES  
       [0018]     In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0019]      FIG. 1  is an illustrative view of the present invention;  
         [0020]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram of the present invention;  
         [0021]      FIG. 3  is a flow chart of all operational phases of the image data analysis security camera of the present invention;  
         [0022]      FIG. 4  is an interconnection diagram of the image data analysis security camera of the present invention;  
         [0023]      FIG. 5  is a general overview interconnection diagram of the image data analysis security camera of the present invention in monitor mode;  
         [0024]      FIG. 6  is an interconnection diagram of the image data analysis security camera of the present invention in image capture mode;  
         [0025]      FIG. 7  is an interconnection diagram of the image data analysis security camera of the present invention in security mode;  
         [0026]      FIG. 8  is an interconnection diagram of the image data analysis security camera of the present invention in alarm mode;  
         [0027]      FIG. 9  is an interconnection diagram of the image data analysis security camera of the present invention in reset mode;  
         [0028]      FIG. 10  is an interconnection diagram of the image data analysis security camera of the present invention with additional elements;  
         [0029]      FIG. 11  is an illustrative view wherein a plurality of image data analysis security cameras is in use with a single computer;  
         [0030]      FIG. 12  is an illustrative view of the present invention in use in security mode;  
         [0031]      FIG. 13  is an illustrative view of the present invention in use in alarm mode;  
         [0032]      FIG. 14  is an illustrative view of the control switches of the present invention; and  
         [0033]      FIG. 15  is a block diagram of the present invention transmitting to an alarm only.  
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCED NUMERALS  
       [0034]     Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, the figures illustrate the Image Data Analysis Security Camera System of the present invention. With regard to the reference numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the various drawing figures. 
         10  Image Data Analysis Security Camera System      12  image data analysis security camera      14  monitor      16  recording device      1   8  alarm      20  remote monitoring station      24  lens      26  light sensitive electronic chip      28  processor      30  memory      32  memory control circuit      34  image circuit      36  user controls      38  control switches      40  variable alarm sensitivity switch      42  power source      44  memory control switch      46  power and monitor switch      48  image capture switch      50  security mode switch      52  first electrical connection      54  second electrical connection      56  third electrical connection      58  fourth electrical connection      60  fifth electrical connection      62  sixth electrical connection      63  control connection      64  first signal connection      66  second signal connection      68  third signal connection      70  fourth signal connection      72  fifth signal connection      74  sixth signal connection      76  seventh signal connection      78  eighth signal connection      80  ninth signal connection      82  tenth signal connection      84  eleventh signal connection      86  camera receiver      88  monitor station receiver      90  camera transmitter      92  user control transmitter      94  battery      96  computer      98  computer interface      100  operator      102  intruder        
 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0082]     The following discussion describes in detail one embodiment of the invention. This discussion should not be construed, however, as limiting the invention to those particular embodiments, practitioners skilled in the art will recognize numerous other embodiments as well. For definition of the complete scope of the invention, the reader is directed to appended claims.  
         [0083]      FIG. 1  is an illustrative view of the present invention. The image data analysis security camera system  10  is a security system designed to monitor and record streaming video in real time with an incorporated alarm mode that takes a first image with all sampled subsequent images compared thereto, whereby, any deviance found in subsequent images initiates an alarm condition. The system is comprised of at least one image data analysis security camera  12  in communication with a monitor  14 , recording device  16  and audible and/or visual alarm device  18  with logic circuits integral with the camera  12 . The system  10  can be engaged in either a monitor mode or a security mode. In the monitor mode the camera images are viewed on the monitor  14  as well as being recorded on the recording device  16 . When the security mode is initiated, a first image is obtained and stored in memory with the real time streaming video images sampled, based on the processor capabilities, and compared to the first image. If no deviation from the first image is detected another image is captured with the process continuing while the system is in security mode. When a deviation in image comparison occurs, an alarm  18  condition is initiated. Real time video monitoring and recording continue throughout security mode.  
         [0084]      FIG. 2  is an illustrative block diagram of the present invention  10 . The image data analysis security camera system  10  of the present invention comprises components that are readily available, inexpensive and easily installed without the need for motion detectors, lasers, heat sensors, electrical contacts on doors and windows, or audio sensors. All of which would require a greater amount of effort to install, maintain and fund. The present invention  10  may also be used as a standard monitor wherein the transmitted image is viewable on the monitor  14  and recorded on a video recording device  16  but without involving the logic circuit in the event that there is authorized activity in the area being monitored. The data image analysis security camera  12  comprises a lens  24 , a light sensitive electronic chip  26 , a processor  28 , a memory  30 , a memory control circuit  32  and an image circuit  34 . The image data analysis security camera  10  is in communication with an external power source  42  a monitor  14 , an audible and/or visual alarm  18 , a recording device  16 , user controls  36  including control switches  38  and a variable alarm sensitivity switch  40  based in a remote monitoring station  20 .  
         [0085]      FIG. 3  is a flow chart of all operational work phases of the image data analysis security camera  12  of the present invention. Shown is a flow chart of the present invention demonstrating the process and inter-relationships of the various components.  
         [0086]      FIG. 4  is a general overview interconnection diagram of the image data analysis security camera security system of the present invention  10 . Shown are the primary components of the present invention  10  along their electrical connections, signal connections and various switches. The physical configuration of the present invention  10  may be varied without deviating from the intent and spirit of the present invention  10 . The signal connections are depicted in dashed line and the current lines are shown in solid. Arrows indicate an active signal or current. The present invention  10  is off wherein the power and monitor switch  46  is open. The present invention  10  comprises a processor  28 , a memory  30 , a memory control circuit  32 , an image circuit  34 , a lens  24 , a light-sensitive electronic chip  26 , a monitor  14 , a recording device  16 , an alarm  18 , a power source  42  and user controls  36  including a memory control switch  44 , a power and monitor switch  46 , an image capture switch  48 , a security mode switch  50  and a variable alarm sensitivity switch  40 . The circuit of the present invention  10  further includes a first electrical connection  52  running from the power source  42  to the power and monitor switch  46 , a second electrical connection  54  connecting the power and monitor switch  46  to the image circuit  34 , a third electrical connection  56  between the memory  30  and the second electrical connection  54 , a fourth electrical connection  58  connecting the processor  28  to the second electrical connection  54 , a fifth electrical connection  60  between the second electrical connection  54  and the memory control switch  44 , a sixth electrical connection  62  between the memory control switch  44  and the memory control circuit  32 , a control connection  63  communicating between the variable alarm sensitivity switch  40  and the processor  28 , a first signal connection  64  running from the light-sensitive-electronic chip  26  to the image circuit  34 , a second signal connection  66  between the image circuit  34  to the monitor  14 , a third signal connection  68  connecting the recording device  16  to the second signal connection  66 , a fourth signal connection  70  between the light sensitive electronic switch  26  and the image capture switch  48 , a fifth signal connection  72  running from the image capture switch  48  to the memory  30 , a sixth signal connection  74  from the memory  30  to the processor  28 , a seventh signal connection  76  from the processor  28  to the alarm  18 , an eighth signal connection  78  connecting the security mode switch  50  to the fourth signal connection  70 , a ninth signal connection  80  from the security mode switch  50  to the processor  28 , a tenth signal connection  82  from the light sensitive electronic chip  26  to the memory control circuit  32  and an eleventh signal connection  84  from the memory control circuit  32  to the memory  30 .  
         [0087]      FIG. 5  is an interconnection diagram of the image data analysis security camera system of the present invention  10  in monitoring mode. The present invention  10  is in the monitor mode wherein the power and monitor switch  46  is closed and delivering current for all components thereby activating the image circuit  34  which transmits the signal viewed by the lens  24  and the light sensitive electronic chip  26  to the monitor  14  and the video recorder  16 . Current travels from the power source  42  along the first electrical connection  52  to the closed power and monitor switch  46  along the second electrical connection  54  to the image circuit  34 . Current also travels from the second electrical connection  54  through the fourth electrical connection  58  to the processor  28  which in not processing at this point, through the third electrical connection  56  to the memory  30  which is empty and through the fifth electrical connection  60  to the open memory control switch  44 . The image signal is transferred along the first signal connection  64  to the image circuit  34 , along the second signal connection  66  to the monitor  14  and from the second signal connection  66  along the third signal connection  68  to the recording device  16 . The image signal simultaneously travels from the light-sensitive electronic chip  26  along the fourth signal connection  70  to the open image capture switch  48  and from the fourth signal connection  70  along the eighth signal connection  78  to the open security mode switch  50 . The image signal is also transmitted from the light-sensitive electronic chip  26  along the tenth signal connection  82  to the memory control circuit  32  which remains inactive until a current is applied thereto.  
         [0088]      FIG. 6  is an interconnection diagram of the image data analysis security camera system of the present invention  10  in image capture mode. The image capture switch  48  is a contact switch that is momentarily closed allowing the image signal to travel from the light-sensitive electronic chip  26  to the memory  30  where the image is stored and read by the processor  28 . The processor  28  will not process until it receives two signals, one from the memory  30  and one from the electronic chip  26  via a closed security mode switch  48  which is open during the image capture stage. The image capture switch  48  is a contact switch that opens when released by the operator. Current travels along the first electrical connection  52  to the closed power and monitor switch  46  along the second electrical connection  54  to the image circuit  34 . Current also travels from the second electrical connection  54  through the fourth electrical connection  58  to the processor  28 , through the third electrical connection  56  to the memory  30  through the sixth signal connection  74  to the processor  28  and through the fifth electrical connection  60  to the open memory control switch  44 . The image signal is transferred along the first signal connection  64  to the image circuit  34 , along the second signal connection  66  to the monitor  14  and from the second signal connection  66  along the third signal connection  68  to the recording device  16 . The image signal simultaneously travels from the light-sensitive electronic chip  26  along the fourth signal connection  70  to the closed image capture switch  48  and along the fifth signal connection  72  to the memory  30  and from the fourth signal connection  70  along the eighth signal connection  78  to the open security mode switch  50 . The image signal is also transmitted from the light-sensitive electronic chip  26  along the tenth signal connection  82  to the memory control circuit  32  which is not operating.  
         [0089]      FIG. 7  is an interconnection diagram of the image data analysis security camera system of the present invention  10  in security mode. Shown is the present invention  10  in the security mode wherein the image capture switch  48  has been released and is open and the security mode switch  50  is closed thereby transmitting the image viewed by the lens  24  from the electronic chip  26  to the processor  28  which is now processing and comparing the captured image from the memory  30  with each subsequent image received from the electronic chip  26 . Prior to processing the variable sensitivity switch  40  is adjusted by the user to inform the processor  28  through the control connection  63  how great a degree of deviation is desired to initiate an alarm condition. Current travels along the first electrical connection  52  to the closed power and monitor switch  46  along the second electrical connection  54  to the image circuit  34 . Current also travels from the second electrical connection  54  through the fourth electrical connection  58  to the processor  28 , through the third electrical connection  56  to the memory  30  and through the fifth electrical connection  60  to the open memory control switch  44 . The image signal is transferred along the first signal connection  64  to the image circuit  34 , along the second signal connection  66  to the monitor  14  and from the second signal connection  66  along the third signal connection  68  to the recording device  16 . The image signal simultaneously travels from the light-sensitive electronic chip  26  along the fourth signal connection  70  to the open image capture switch  48  and from the fourth signal connection  70  along the eighth signal connection  78  to the closed security mode switch  50  and along the ninth signal connection  80  to the processor  28 . The image signal is also transmitted from the light-sensitive electronic chip  26  along the tenth signal connection  82  to the memory control circuit  32  which is inactive. The captured image in the memory  30  is read by the processor  28  over the sixth signal connection  74 .  
         [0090]      FIG. 8  is an interconnection diagram of the image data analysis security camera system of the present invention  10  in alarm mode. Shown is the present invention  10  in the alarm stage wherein the processor  28  has detected a discrepancy between the image stored in the memory  30  and the image transmitted from the electronic chip  26  and has responded by sending a signal to activate the alarm  18 . The present invention  10  remains in an alarm state until the memory control switch  44  is closed to overwrite the stored image in the memory  30  with the current image sent from the light sensitive electronic chip  26 . Current travels along the first electrical connection  52  to the closed power and monitor switch  46  along the second electrical connection  54  to the image circuit  34 . Current also travels from the second electrical connection  54  through the fourth electrical connection  58  to the processor  28 , through the third electrical connection  56  to the memory  30  and through the fifth electrical connection  60  to the open memory control switch  44 . The image signal is transferred along the first signal connection  64  to the image circuit  34 , along the second signal connection  66  to the monitor  14  and from the second signal connection  66  along the third signal connection  68  to the recording device  16 . The image signal simultaneously travels from the light-sensitive electronic chip  26  along the fourth signal connection  70  to the open image capture switch  48  and from the fourth signal connection  70  along the eighth signal connection  78  to the closed security mode switch  50  and along the ninth signal connection  80  to the processor  28 . The image signal is also transmitted from the light-sensitive electronic chip  26  along the tenth signal connection  82  to the memory control circuit  32  which is not working. The captured image in the memory  30  is sent to the processor  28  over the sixth signal connection  74 . A signal is sent from the processor  28  over the seventh signal connection  76  to activate the alarm  18 . The processor  28  and the variable alarm sensitivity switch  40  communicate via the control connection  63 .  
         [0091]      FIG. 9  is an interconnection diagram of the image data analysis security camera system of the present invention  10  in reset mode. Shown is the present invention  10  in the reset stage wherein the memory control switch  44  is closed thereby activating the memory control circuit  32  which transfers an image signal from the electronic chip  26  to the memory  30  which then overwrites the previous captured image with the current one to achieve equilibrium between the captured image and the real time image thereby causing the processor  28  to stop the alarm  18  and return to security mode. The memory control switch  44  is also a contact switch which opens immediately after closing the circuit. Current travels along the first electrical connection  52  to the closed power and monitor switch  46  along the second electrical connection  54  to the image circuit  34 . Current also travels from the second electrical connection  54  through the fourth electrical connection  58  to the processor  28 , through the third electrical connection  56  to the memory  30  and through the fifth electrical connection  60  to the closed memory control switch  44  over the sixth electrical connection  62  to activate the memory control circuit  32 . The image signal is transferred along the first signal connection  64  to the image circuit  34 , along the second signal connection  66  to the monitor  14  and from the second signal connection  66  along the third signal connection  68  to the recording device  16 . The image signal simultaneously travels from the light-sensitive electronic chip  26  along the fourth signal connection  70  to the open image capture switch  48  and from the fourth signal connection  70  along the eighth signal connection  78  to the closed security mode switch  50  along the ninth signal connection  80  to the processor  28 . The image signal is also transmitted from the light-sensitive electronic chip  26  along the tenth signal connection  82  to the memory control circuit  32  and along the eleventh signal connection  84  to the memory  30  then through the sixth signal connection  74  to the processor  28 . With this, we overwrite the previous captured image with the current one thereby completing the reset process.  
         [0092]      FIG. 10  is an interconnection diagram of the image data analysis security camera system of the present invention  10  with additional elements. Shown is the security system  10  with an additional element comprising connection less communications. To suit user requirements, connection less communication may be utilized between select components or the complete security system. This additional element provides improved means for setup and transportability. The camera  12  comprises a lens  24  a light-sensitive electronic chip  26 , a processor  28 , a memory  30 , a memory control circuit  32  an image circuit  34 , a transmitter  90 , a receiver  86  and a battery  94 . The camera  12  is in communication with a remote alarm  18 . The emergency battery  94  serves to provide a back-power source in the event that the external power source  42  is compromised. The termination of electricity from the external power source  42  will automatically transfer power distribution to the emergency battery  94  thereby assuring the continuous operation of the present invention  10  until the external power is restored. The remote monitoring station  20  comprises user controls  36  including control switches  38 , a variable alarm sensitivity switch  40 , a transmitter  32 , a recording device  16 , a monitor  14  and a receiver  88 .  
         [0093]      FIG. 11  is an illustrative view wherein a plurality of image data analysis security cameras  12  is in use with a single computer  96 . The present invention  10  may easily be adapted for multiple cameras  12  to simultaneously be in use with a single system. Shown is a configuration wherein the cameras  12  are in communication with a computer interface  98  that routes the appropriate signals to the computer  96  and, if necessary, to the pertinent alarms  18 . Keystrokes may be used by the operator to switch between cameras  12  for manual monitoring and to activate the control switches.  
         [0094]      FIG. 12  is an illustrative view of the present invention in use. Shown is the image data analysis security camera system of the present invention in use wherein the camera  12  is installed in a secure area. The camera  12  may be set in monitor mode wherein the image is sent directly to the monitor  14  and the recording device  16  or the operator  100  may capture an image thereby initiating the security mode wherein subsequent images are compared thereto. An alarm  18  will be activated if a deviation between the real time image and the sampled image stored in the memory is detected by the processor. The operator  100  determines the operation and function of the present invention from a remote location through the manipulation of user controls  36 .  
         [0095]      FIG. 13  is an illustrative view of the present invention in use. Shown is the image data analysis security camera system of the present invention in use wherein the processor in the camera  12  has detected an image differentiation between the real time image and the captured image because an intruder  102  has entered the secured area and has initiated the alarm mode. An audible/visual alarm  18  has been activated and has alerted security personnel to the breach of the secured area. The image of the secured area is being transmitted to the monitor  14  and recording device  16  in the remote monitoring station. The present invention will remain in alarm mode until the operator  100  presses the memory control switch on the user controls  36  to clear the previously captured image and replace it with the current one thus returning the system to security mode.  
         [0096]      FIG. 14  is an illustrative view of the user controls  36  including control switches  38 . The control switches  38  of the present invention are designed to be positioned and operated at the monitoring station. The switches  38  include a power and monitor switch  46 , an security mode switch  50 , an image capture switch  48 , a memory control switch  44  and an variable alarm sensitivity switch  40 . The variable alarm sensitivity switch  40  serves to allow the operator to adjust the degree of differentiation required to initiate the alarm mode. This is achieved through the use of a variable resistor or other such appropriate component suitable for the objective of the variable alarm sensitivity switch  40 . The variable alarm sensitivity switch  40  informs the processor how great a deviation between the captured image and the real time image is required to initiate an alarm condition.  
         [0097]      FIG. 15  is an illustrative block diagram of the present invention  10 . The data image analysis security camera  12  of the present invention  10  may also be used with just an alarm  18  without a link to a monitor or a recording device. The data image analysis security camera  12  comprises a lens  24 , a light sensitive electronic chip  26 , a processor  28 , a memory  30 , a memory control circuit  32  and an image circuit  34 . The image data analysis security camera  12  is in communication with an external power source  42 , an audible and/or visual alarm  18 , user controls  36  including control switches  38  and a variable alarm sensitivity switch  40  based in a remote monitoring station  20 .  
         [0098]     It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together may also find a useful application in other types of methods differing from the type described above.  
         [0099]     While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.  
         [0100]     Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.

Technology Category: g