Digital video security system
First Claim
1. A system for operating a digital video security system comprising:
- a video module for rendering video images captured by a video camera, and an event scheduling module for generating signals in response to at least one predefined event, wherein the video module renders said video images in response to a signal generated by the event scheduling module.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A digital video security system comprises a video module and an event scheduling module for generating signals in response to at least one predefined event, such that the video module renders the video images in response to a signal generated by the event scheduling module. Predefined events include triggering events, such as motion detection, or a scheduled events, such as a preset date and time. Video images are recorded in a time-indexed file format, from which segments of footage may be extracted by reference to a database of time indices relating to the predefined events. Video images taken by the security system may be delivered in near real-time or at a later time using streaming technology. The security system is operable by either a host computer provided with a video camera or a remote computer, which are in communication over a network such as the Internet.
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Citations
27 Claims
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1. A system for operating a digital video security system comprising:
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a video module for rendering video images captured by a video camera, and an event scheduling module for generating signals in response to at least one predefined event, wherein the video module renders said video images in response to a signal generated by the event scheduling module. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16)
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12. A system for managing a digital video file associated with a security system, the digital video file comprising time-indexed footage recorded by a video camera, comprising:
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a database comprising at least one external time index associated with a predefined event, means for presenting a list of the predefined events to a user, means for the user to select one of the list of predefined events, means for replaying a portion of the video file, the portion of the video file comprising time-indexed footage corresponding to the external time index associated with the predefined event selected by the user from the list of predefined events. - View Dependent Claims (15)
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17. A method of detecting motion using a digital video camera comprising the steps of:
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(a) receiving a first frame comprising an array of pixels from the video camera;
(b) receiving a second frame comprising an array of pixels from the video camera;
(c) comparing the colour values in each pixel on the second frame against the colour values in the corresponding pixel in the first frame, and if the differences between said first and second frames for all colour values associated with a pixel are greater than a first tolerance value, registering a change in association with that pixel;
(d) comparing the total number of pixels in the second frame for which a change is registered against a second tolerance value, and if said total number exceeds said second tolerance value, registering a motion detection. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 24, 26)
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18. A method of detecting motion using a digital video camera comprising the steps of:
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(a) calculating average colour differential values for each of an array of pixels from a series of frames previously received from the video camera;
(b) receiving a first frame comprising an array of pixels from the video camera;
(c) receiving a second frame comprising an array of pixels from the video camera;
(d) comparing the colour values in each pixel on the second frame against the colour values in the corresponding pixel in the first frame, and if the differences between said first and second frames for all colour values associated with a pixel are greater than a first tolerance value and greater than the corresponding average colour differential value, registering a change in association with that pixel;
(e) comparing the total number of pixels in the current frame for which a change is registered against a second tolerance value, and if said total number exceeds said second tolerance value, registering a motion detection.
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19. A security system comprising:
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a digital video camera, a host computer operably connected to the camera to receive video images from the camera, and at least one remote computer in communication with the host computer over a network, wherein the host computer streams video images to the remote computer in Microsoft Windows Media format. - View Dependent Claims (23)
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20. A security system comprising:
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a digital video camera, a host computer operably connected to the camera to receive video images from the camera, and at least one remote computer in communication with the host computer over a network, wherein the host computer delivers the video images to the remote computer in a streamed video format. - View Dependent Claims (25)
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27. A method for maintaining surveillance of a surveillance area, comprising the steps of:
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(a) providing a host computer with a security system comprising a video module for rendering video images captured by a video camera, an event scheduling module for generating signals in response to at least one predefined event, wherein the video module renders said video images in response to a signal generated by the event scheduling module, and a remote connection module for communicating with another computer over a network;
(b) providing a remote computer connected to the host computer over a network, the remote computer being provided with a security system comprising a video module for rendering video images captured by a video camera and retrieving images captured by a video camera, an event scheduling module for generating signals in response to at least one predefined event, and a remote connection module for communicating with the host computer over the network;
wherein signals generated by the event scheduling module on the remote computer are receivable by the host computer such that the video module on the host computer renders said video images.
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Specification