Universal dynamic video on demand surveillance system

• US 20040080624A1
• Filed: 10/29/2002
• Published: 04/29/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 10/29/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Siltex Peter Yuen
• Original Assignee: Siltex Peter Yuen
• Inventors: Yuen, Siltex Peter
• Application Number:
  US10/282,995
• Publication Number:
  US 20040080624A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/211.99
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19621 Portable camera
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19656 Network used to communicate with a camera, e.g. WAN, LAN, Internet
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19684 Portable terminal, e.g. mobile phone, used for viewing video remotely
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19693 using multiple video sources viewed on a single or compound screen
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/147 Communication arrangements, e.g. identifying the communication as a video-communication, intermediate storage of the signals selecting H04Q
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/15 Conference systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/181 for receiving images from a plurality of remote sources

Abstract

An Universal Dynamic Video On Demand Surveillance System is a mass video surveillance system with affordable price. It allows users to have global access to the installed sites and with multiple users at the same time. Users can use generic personal video camcorder or camera instead of expensive industrial surveillance camera. Users can have full control of the camera pan and tilt positions and all the features of the video camera from any part in the world as long as Internet access is available. Furthermore, the users can retrieve the video and audio data and watch it on the monitor screen instantly.

This new invention is also a dynamic video on demand video-telephone conferencing system. It allows the users to search, zoom and focus around all the meeting rooms at wish.

Claims

1. An Universal Dynamic Video On Demand Surveillance System comprising:

Video station subassemblies, which are individually consisted of;

A video camera

A remote control device for video camera

A remote control utility equipment mounting apparatus

A video and audio signal cable

A remote-controller cable

IR (Infrared) signals bundler, receiver &

transmitter units

IR signals converter, receiver &

transmitter units

RF (Radio frequency) signals bundler, receiver &

transmitter units

RF signals converter, receiver &

transmitter units

Wirelessly transmittable combined signals function

Signals bundler &

converter units

Node station computers with operating system software, keyboard, mouse and monitor

Web access computers with operating system software

Connection cables

Connecting system between two computers

Connecting system from computer to Internet

Video on demand computer software

Server computer

Video on demand server software

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said the said Universal Dynamic Video On Demand Surveillance System is also a telephone conferencing system with video on demand features.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said the said video camera also includes audio sound signals capturing capability can be a commercially available personal handheld video camera or an industrial surveillance camera.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said the said video camera also has zooming functions, auto focusing functions, steady shot feature and low intensity filming.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said the said video camera also includes camcorder, still camera, digital camera, video camera with still picture capability and mobile phone with picture taking capability.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said the said video camera is equipped with handheld remote control unit.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said the said video camera is equipped with adaptor for external microphone.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said the said remote control device for video camera is equipped with electronic components to control all the functions of the said video camera and mechanical assembly to support the said video camera physically.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said the said remote control device for video camera is equipped with electronic components to receive input control signals from external equipment and to send feedback control signals to the said external equipment.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said the said remote control device for video camera is equipped with electromechanical components to control all the switches on the body of the said video camera.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said the said remote control device for video camera is equipped with electromechanical components to control all the switches on the handheld remote controller of the video camera.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said the said remote control device for video camera is equipped with light channel to transfer the IR signals from the handheld remote controller of the video camera to IR signals receiving lens of the body of the said video camera.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said the said remote control utility equipment mounting apparatus is equipped with mechanical means to provide mounting support for the said remote control device for video camera with the said video camera installed in it, electronic components to drive the motorized mechanism to perform vertical tilt function and the motorized mechanism to perform horizontal rotational function.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said the said remote control utility equipment mounting apparatus is equipped with electronic components to receive input control signals from external equipment and to send feedback control signals to the said external equipment.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said the said video station subassembly is rain resistance and transparent cover is also provided for the said video camera.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said the method of using the said video station as a remote control surveillance video camera system.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said the said video station is produced by using the said video camera installed in the said remote control device for video camera and mounted on the said remote control utility equipment mounting apparatus.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said the said video camera also includes camcorder, still camera, digital camera, video camera with still picture capability and mobile phone with image picture taking capability.

19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said the said video station can be controlled by electrical signals input from external equipment.

20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said the said IR signals bundler, receiver &

transmitter unit receives video signals and audio signals from the said video camera, control and feedback signals for the said remote control device for video camera and control and feedback signals for the said remote control utility equipment mounting apparatus.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein said the said IR signals bundler, receiver &

transmitter unit groups together and encodes together all the said signals into one combined signal function as the said wirelessly transmittable combined signals function.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said the said IR signals bundler, receiver &

transmitter unit emits the said wirelessly transmittable combined signals function as a wireless IR signal function.

23. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said the method of grouping together and encoding together video signals and audio signals from the said video camera, control and feedback signals for the said remote control device for video camera and control and feedback signals for the said remote control utility equipment mounting apparatus into one combined signals function and emits this said combined signals function out as an IR (infrared) transmittable signals function.

24. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said the said IR signals converter, receiver &

transmitter unit detects and receives the said wirelessly transmittable combined signals function and decodes it into standard computer communication functions of video signals, audio signals, feedback signals for the said remote control device for video camera and feedback signals for the said remote control utility equipment mounting apparatus functions.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein said the said wirelessly transmittable combined signals function is an IR signals function.

26. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein said the method of detecting an IR signals function and receiving an IR signals function;

and then decodes the said IR signals function into standard computer communication functions of video signals, audio signals, feedback signals for the said remote control device for video camera and feedback signals for the said remote control utility equipment mounting apparatus functions.

27. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said the said RF signals bundler, receiver &

transmitter unit receives video signals and audio signals from the said video camera, control signals for the said remote control device for video camera and control signals for the said remote control utility equipment mounting apparatus.

28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein said the said RF signals bundler, receiver &

transmitter unit groups together and encodes together all the said signals into one combined signal function as the said wirelessly transmittable combined signals function.

29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein said the said RF signals bundler, receiver &

transmitter unit emits the said wirelessly transmittable combined signals function as a wireless RF signal function.

30. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein said the method of grouping together and encoding together video signals and audio signals from the said video camera, control and feedback signals for the said remote control device for video camera and control and feedback signals for the said remote control utility equipment mounting apparatus into one combined signals function and emits this said combined signals function out as a RF (radio frequency) transmittable signals function.

31. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said the said RF signals converter, receiver &

transmitter unit detects and receives the said wirelessly transmittable combined signals function and decodes it into standard computer communication functions of video signals, audio signals, feedback signals for the said remote control device for video camera and feedback signals for the said remote control utility equipment mounting apparatus functions.

32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein said the said wirelessly transmittable combined signals function is a RF signals function.

33. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein said the method of detecting a RF signals function and receiving a RF signals function;

and then decodes the said RF signals function into standard computer communication functions of video signals, audio signals, feedback signals for the said remote control device for video camera and feedback signals for the said remote control utility equipment mounting apparatus functions.

34. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said the said node station computer can also be a desk top computer, portable computer, handheld PC, PDA, combined PC and telephone unit, and wearable computer, which is defined as a portable computer to be worn on the body of an operator.

35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein said the said node station computer can also equipped with keyboard, touch screen input device, joy stick, virtual key pad, electronic pointing device and electronic sketching device as computer input device.

36. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein said the said node station computer has the said video on demand computer software installed.

37. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein said the said node station computer communicates to the said video station subassembly by connection to the said IR signals converter, receiver &

transmitter unit, which communicates via IR signals emission, detection and receives of the said wirelessly transmittable combined signals functions with the IR signals bundler, receiver &

transmitter unit which is connected to the said video station subassembly by the said video and audio signal cable and the said remote-controller cable.

38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein said the method of a node station computer to communicate to a wireless video station subassembly by connection to an IR signals converter, receiver &

transmitter unit, which communicates via IR signals emission, detection and receives of wirelessly transmittable combined signals functions with an IR signals bundler, receiver &

transmitter unit which is connected to the said video station subassembly by video and audio signal cable and the said remote-controller cable.

39. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein said the said node station computer communicates to the said video station subassembly by connection to the said RF signals converter, receiver &

transmitter unit, which communicates via RF signals emission, detection and receives of the said wirelessly transmittable combined signals functions with the RF signals bundler, receiver &

transmitter unit which is connected to the said video station subassembly by the said video and audio signal cable and the said remote-controller cable.

40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein said the method of a node station computer to communicate to a wireless video station subassembly by connection to the a RF signals converter, receiver &

transmitter unit, which communicates via RF signals emission, detection and receives of wirelessly RF transmittable combined signals functions with a RF signals bundler, receiver &

transmitter unit which is connected to the said video station subassembly by video and audio signal cable and the said remote-controller cable.

41. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein said the said node station computer communicates to the said video station subassembly by connection to the said signals bundler &

converter units, which is connected to the said video station subassembly by the said video and audio signal cable and the said control cable.

42. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein said the said signals bundler &

converter units receives the video signals and audio signals from the said video camera, control and feedback signals for the said remote control device for video camera and control and feedback signals for the said remote control utility equipment mounting apparatus; and

then converts these signals into standard computer communication functions of video signals, audio signals, feedback signals for the said remote control device for video camera and feedback signals for the said remote control utility equipment mounting apparatus functions.

43. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said the method of a node station computer communicates to a video station subassembly by connection to a signals bundler &

converter units, which is connected to the said video station subassembly by the said video and audio signal cable and the said remote-controller cable.

44. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said the said Web access computer can also be a desk top computer, portable computer, handheld PC, PDA, combined PC and telephone unit and wearable computer, which is defined as a portable computer to be worn on the body of an operator.

45. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein said the said Web access computer can also be equipped with keyboard, touch screen input device, joy stick, virtual key pad, electronic pointing device and electronic sketching device as computer input device.

46. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein said the said Web access computer has the said video on demand computer software installed.

47. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein said the said node station computer communicates to other node station computers and Web access computers through direct connection, which also includes direct cable connection, fiber-optic cable connection, wireless equipment connection, telephone network connection, mobile phone network connection and satellite phone network connection between node station computer units and web access computer units.

48. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein said the said node station computer communicates to other node station computers and Web access computers through Intranet connection, which also includes Ethernet, local area network (LAN) and mainframe batch computer system.

49. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein said the said node station computer communicates to other node station computers and Web access computers through Internet.

50. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said the video on demand computer software when installed in a computer will provide the said computer the necessary programmed control functions to allow the said computer to perform as the said node station computer and the said Web access computer.

51. The apparatus of claim 50, wherein said the said node station computer after connected to other node station computers through direct connection, which also includes direct cable connection, fiber-optic cable connection, wireless equipment connection, telephone network connection, mobile phone network connection and satellite phone network connection, Intranet, LAN or Internet can control any video station subassemblies linked to the other node station computers by direct input with computer input devices which also include keyboard, mouse, joystick, trackball, touchscreen, touchpad, virtual keypad, capacitance probe, inductance probe, optical mouse, electronic sketch pad, voice recognition software system and keyboard for visually impaired person to the said node station computer.

52. The apparatus of claim 51, wherein said the said node station computer has multimedia functions to control more than one said video station subassemblies, retrieve data from these video station subassemblies and display the video data on the monitor in multi-display windows simultaneously.

53. The apparatus of claim 51, wherein said the method of using a node station computer after connected to other node station computers through direct connection, which also includes direct cable connection, fiber-optic cable connection, wireless equipment connection, telephone network connection, mobile phone network connection and satellite phone network connection, Intranet, LAN or Internet to control any video station subassemblies, which are connected to the other node station computers by direct input with computer input devices which also include keyboard, mouse, joystick, trackball, touchscreen, touchpad, virtual keypad, capacitance probe, inductance probe, optical mouse, electronic sketch pad, voice recognition software system and keyboard for visually impaired person to the said node station computer.

54. The apparatus of claim 53, wherein said the said node station computer has multimedia functions to control more than one said video station subassemblies, retrieve data from these video station subassemblies and display the video data on the monitor in multi-display windows simultaneously.

55. The apparatus of claim 51, wherein said the said node station computer can allow other node station computers to control the video station subassemblies connected to the said node station computer and retrieve data from the said node station computer.

56. The apparatus of claim 55, wherein said the method of a node station computer to allow other node station computers to control the video station subassemblies, which are connected to the said node station computer and retrieve data from the said node station computer.

57. The apparatus of claim 50, wherein said the said Web access computer after connected to other node station computers through direct connection, which also includes direct cable connection, fiber-optic cable connection, wireless equipment connection, telephone network connection, mobile phone network connection and satellite phone network connection, Intranet, LAN or Internet can control any video station subassemblies linked to the other node station computers, by direct input with computer input device which also includes keyboard, mouse, joystick, trackball, touchscreen, touchpad, virtual keypad, capacitance probe, inductance probe, optical mouse, electronic sketch pad, voice recognition software system and keyboard for visually impaired person to the said Web access computer.

58. The apparatus of claim 57, wherein said the said Web access computer has multimedia functions to control more than one said video station subassemblies, retrieve data from these video station subassemblies and display the video data on the monitor in multi-display windows simultaneously.

59. The apparatus of claim 57, wherein said the method of a Web access computer after connected to other node station computers through direct connection, which also includes direct cable connection, fiber-optic cable connection, wireless equipment connection, telephone network connection, mobile phone network connection and satellite phone network connection, Intranet, LAN or Internet to control any video station subassemblies, which are connected to the other node station computers, by direct input with computer input device which also includes keyboard, mouse, joystick, trackball, touchscreen, touchpad, virtual keypad, capacitance probe, inductance probe, optical mouse, electronic sketch pad, voice recognition software system and keyboard for visually impaired person to the said Web access computer.

60. The apparatus of claim 59, wherein said the said Web access computer has multimedia functions to control more than one said video station subassemblies, retrieve data from these video station subassemblies and display the video data on the monitor in multi-display windows simultaneously.

61. The apparatus of claim 59, wherein said the said Web access computer also includes desk top computer, portable computer, PDA, handheld PC, mobile phone, combination of mobile phone and computer, mobile phone and camera combination unit.

62. The apparatus of claim 50, wherein said the said video on demand computer software allows a node station computer to control the video station subassemblies of other node station computers and retrieve data from these video station subassemblies when all the node station computers are connected by direct connection, which also includes direct cable connection, fiber-optic cable connection, wireless equipment connection, telephone network connection, mobile phone network connection and satellite phone network connection, Intranet, LAN, and/or Internet.

63. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein said the method of using software to allow a computer to remotely control and retrieve data simultaneously from one or more video station subassemblies which are connected to other computers;

while all computers are linked together by direct connection, which also includes direct cable connection, fiber-optic cable connection, wireless equipment connection, telephone network connection, mobile phone network connection and satellite phone network connection, Intranet, LAN, and/or Internet.

64. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein said the said data retrieved can be displayed in more than one display windows on the monitor simultaneously.

65. The apparatus of claim 63, wherein said the said method of using software to allow a computer with video station subassemblies connected, to provide functions for other computers to gain control and retrieve data from one or more of its video station subassemblies;

while all computers are linked together by direct connection, which also includes direct cable connection, fiber-optic cable connection, wireless equipment connection, telephone network connection, mobile phone network connection and satellite phone network connection, Intranet, LAN, and/or Internet.

66. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein said the said video station subassembly includes a video camera, which also includes camcorder, digital camera, still camera, video camera with still picture capability and mobile phone with picture taking capability;

a remote control device for video camera, a remote control utility equipment mounting apparatus, audio and video signals cables and control cable.

67. The apparatus of claim 66, wherein said the said data also includes video data, audio data, control and feedback data of the said remote control device for said video camera and control and feedback data of the said remote control utility equipment mounting apparatus.

68. The apparatus of claim 50, wherein said the method of using this video on demand computer software as one of the control software package in video surveillance system.

69. The apparatus of claim 50, wherein said the method of using this video on demand computer software as one of the control software package in video telephone conferencing system.

70. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said the said server computer is equipped with the said video on demand server software and is providing data storage, user identity verification and access authorization for the said universal dynamic video on demand surveillance system.

71. A method of using a handheld computer, which includes PDA, handheld PC, wearable PC, combined mobile phone and computer unit, after connected to other node station computers through direct connection, which also includes direct cable connection, fiber-optic cable connection, wireless equipment connection, telephone network connection, mobile phone network connection and satellite phone network connection, Intranet, LAN or Internet to control any cameras, which include video camera, still camera, digital camera and camcorder, which are connected to the other node station computers, and cameras, which also include video cameras, with network connection capability by direct input with computer input device which also include keyboard, mouse, joystick, trackball, touchscreen, touchpad, virtual keypad, capacitance probe, inductance probe, optical mouse, electronic sketch pad, voice recognition software system and keyboard for visually impaired person to the said handheld computer.

72. A method of using a mobile phone, which also includes cellular phone, combination of mobile phone and camera unit, after connected to other node station computers through direct connection, which also includes direct cable connection, fiber-optic cable connection, wireless equipment connection, telephone network connection, mobile phone network connection and satellite phone network connection, Intranet, LAN or Internet to control any cameras, which include video camera, still camera, digital camera and camcorder, which are connected to the other node station computers, and cameras, which include video cameras, with network connection capability by direct input with computer input device which also include keyboard, mouse, joystick, trackball, touchscreen, touchpad, virtual keypad, capacitance probe, inductance probe, optical mouse, electronic sketch pad, voice recognition software system and keyboard for visually impaired person to the said mobile phone unit.