Video quick zoom and autofocus for officer safety
First Claim
1. A video record and image control system installed within a vehicle comprising:
- a video recording device with lens and aperture controls;
a processor electrically connected to said video recording device;
a memory electrically connected to said processor configured to store a captured data stream from said video recording device;
software modules stored within said processor and configured to establish and monitor at least one timer and at least one timing period;
software modules stored within said processor and configured to initiate and control lens and aperture activity;
wherein said system is configured to control said video recording device to perform video data capture and to increase the clarity and definition of captured video data during a user definable time period without intervention from the driver of said vehicle.
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Accused Products
Abstract
This invention automatically captures an image of an object, such as a vehicle or license plate, in the view of a camera mounted in a vehicle, such as a police car, without requiring any action upon the part of the driver of the vehicle containing the camera. The camera also adjusts for poor weather conditions and low light conditions, capturing a sharp image stored for later review and use. This invention is particularly useful for police officers during traffic stops, allowing the officer to concentrate upon the stopped vehicle rather than splitting attention between the vehicle and the video capture, providing the officer with a safer experience in the performance of their duties.
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Citations
9 Claims
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1. A video record and image control system installed within a vehicle comprising:
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a video recording device with lens and aperture controls;
a processor electrically connected to said video recording device;
a memory electrically connected to said processor configured to store a captured data stream from said video recording device;
software modules stored within said processor and configured to establish and monitor at least one timer and at least one timing period;
software modules stored within said processor and configured to initiate and control lens and aperture activity;
wherein said system is configured to control said video recording device to perform video data capture and to increase the clarity and definition of captured video data during a user definable time period without intervention from the driver of said vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A process for capturing video image data through the use of video recording and image control equipment installed within a vehicle comprising the steps of:
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i. initialize a video capture device to begin the capture of video data at a first level of video resolution;
ii. cause the video capture device to operate in daytime mode or nighttime mode as defined in a software control module;
iii. upon the receipt of a trigger event, as pre-defined in said software control module, initialize a trigger event timer and initiate the process of automatic video data capture at a second level of video resolution under either of daytime or nighttime mode rules under software program control;
iv. upon the expiration of a pre-defined time limit, reset the capture of video data to said first level of video resolution;
v. store all captured video data to a high capacity data storage device within the vehicle;
vi. upon receipt of any subsequent trigger event, repeat steps iii through v;
vii. wherein the automatic video data capture occurs without intervention of a driver of said vehicle eliminating distraction for said driver and providing for greater driver safety with no loss of video image data. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9)
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Specification