Method And System For Transmitting Video Images Using Video Cameras Embedded In Signal/Street Lights

• US 20090195653A1
• Filed: 02/04/2008
• Published: 08/06/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 02/04/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Wen Miao
• Original Assignee: Wen Miao
• Inventors: Miao, Wen
• Granted Patent: US 9,202,358 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/149
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19632 Camera support structures, e.g. attachment means, poles
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19656 Network used to communicate with a camera, e.g. WAN, LAN, Internet
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 15/001 Concealed systems, e.g. disguised alarm systems to make covert systems
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 25/06 using power transmission lines
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/04 using optical or ultrasonic detectors

Abstract

A method and system of video surveillance by using existing street light, traffic light and other household or outdoor light assemblies. A video camera is mounted in the light assembly and is powered through power lines of the light assembly. A converter is used to convert images captured by the video camera into Internet Protocol (IP) video data. A combiner then combines the IP video data into the power stream for transmission through the power lines. Both the converter and the combiner are housed in the light assembly. The IP video data travels through the power lines and is separated from the power stream at a collection point. The separated IP video data is transmitted wirelessly or through existing cables over the Internet for viewing.

Claims

1. A method of video surveillance by using existing setups of street lights, traffic lights and other existing household or outdoor lighting infrastructure, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) converting videos captured by a camera mounted in the light assembly into protocols for video data transmission, comprising Internet Protocol (IP), wherein the camera is powered by power lines of the light assembly;

(b) combining the IP video data into power stream for transmission over the power lines; and

(c) separating the IP video data from power stream for transmission to one more viewing locations for surveillance, monitoring, and/or recording purposes.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of converting images or videos into IP video data and the step of combining the Internet Protocol video data into power stream are performed within or outside the light assembly.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of separating the IP video data from power stream is performed at a collection point.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the collection point is on or near the lighting structure.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein the collection point is at intersections or at the same location where the timing for a traffic signal light is located if the light assembly comprises a traffic light.

6. The method of claim 3, wherein the separated IP video data is boosted, at the collection point, for long distance transmission.

7. The method of claim 3 further comprising the step of encrypting the video data at the collection point.

8. The method of claim 3, wherein the collection point receives and collects the IP video data traveling through power stream from a plurality of light assemblies with the cameras for transmitting the video data to a central base station, thereby reducing the number of network nodes required to backhaul the video data to the central base station, either on the LAN or WAN network.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein signals comprising the IP video data are boosted for long distance transmission.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the separated video data is transmitted to existing downstream local-area networks (LAN'"'"'s), wide-area networks (WAN'"'"'s) and/or Internet using existing data transmission infrastructure such as data cabling or wireless technology.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the transmitted video data can be viewed on a website or any other computing system.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein a means for converting videos captured by the camera into IP video data and a means for combining the IP video data into the power stream are housed in the light assembly.

13. The method of claim 19 wherein the camera is mounted such that its view is over the lighting area of the light assembly

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the camera is mounted in a housing of the light assembly.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the camera is embedded into an existing traffic signal light bulb.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the camera is mounted at any location on a traffic signal light bulb faceplate.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein the images captured by the camera are processed to offset external light effects by employing lens filters, including digitally enhancing the images.

18. The method of claim 1, wherein the camera is a video camera having tilt pan, and zoom capabilities.

19. The method of claim 1, wherein the camera angle is adjustable and the camera is removable.

20. The method of claim 1, wherein the camera and the images can be controlled and manipulated for system management maintenance and support purposes.

21. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of encrypting the video data.

22. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of encrypting the videos captured by the camera.

23. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of encrypting the video data at a user viewing station.

24. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of encoding and decoding the video data.

25. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of compressing and decompressing the video data.

26. The method of claim 1, wherein the videos captured can be recorded, post-processed, or manipulated by authorized personnel.

27. The method of claim 1, wherein hardware and software required for implementing the method are upgradeable.