EXTENDED LIFE VIDEO CAMERA SYSTEM AND METHOD

• US 20100118143A1
• Filed: 11/09/2008
• Published: 05/13/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 11/09/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Haim Amir
• Original Assignee: Haim Amir
• Inventors: Amir, Haim
• Granted Patent: US 8,547,433 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/143
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19695 Arrangements wherein non-video detectors start video recording or forwarding but do not generate an alarm themselves
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/188 Capturing isolated or intermittent images triggered by the occurrence of a predetermined event, e.g. an object reaching a predetermined position signal generation from motion picture films H04N5/253

Abstract

An extended-life video camera system comprising a video detector assembly (VDA) directable at a viewing region, the VDA having: a video camera module maintainable in a normally inactive state; a passive detection module (PDM) operatable to selectively activate the video camera module; and a non-mains power source capable of powering the VDA for an extended period.

Claims

1. An extended-life video camera system comprising a video detector assembly (VDA) directable at a viewing region, the VDA having:

a. a video camera module maintainable in a normally inactive state;

b. a passive detection module (PDM) operatable to selectively activate the video camera module; and

c. a non-mains power source capable of powering the VDA for an extended period.

2. An extended-life video camera system according to claim 1, further including:

a. a control panel assembly (CPA) positionable within a communication range from the VDA and operatable to send and receive wireless signals to and from the VDA; and

b. a central monitoring station (CMS) locatable remotely from the CPA, the CPA further operatable to send and receive wireless signals to and from the CMS.

3. An extended-life video camera system according to claim 2, wherein the VDA further includes a recording module, operatable to record video information from the video camera module.

4. An extended-life video camera system according to claim 2, wherein the non-mains power source is a battery.

5. An extended-life video camera system according to claim 2, wherein the extended period is at least 2 years.

6. An extended-life video camera system according to claim 2, wherein the PDM is operatable to discriminate movement of at least one object in the viewing region to selectively activate the video camera module, based on at least one object sensed characteristic parameter.

7. An extended-life video camera system according to claim 6, wherein the sensed characteristic parameter includes at least one chosen from a list including:

temperature;

size;

movement direction; and

movement speed.

8. An extended-life video camera system according to claim 7, wherein the PDM includes a DragonFly™

lens.

9. An extended-life video camera system according to claim 7, wherein the VDA is operable to download-video information to the CPA.

10. An extended-life video camera system according to claim 9, wherein the CPA is operable to download video information to the CMS.

11. An extended-life video camera system according to claim 2, wherein the communication range is up to 1000 meters.

12. A method of using an extended-life video camera system comprising the steps of:

a. directing a video detector assembly (VDA) at an viewing region, the VDA having;

i. a video camera module maintained in a normally inactive state;

ii. a passive detection module operated to sense movement in the viewing region and to selectively trigger activation of the video camera module;

iii. a recording module, operated to record video information from the video camera module; and

iv. a power source capable of powering the VDA for an extended period,

b. positioning a control panel assembly (CPA) within a communication range from the VDA; and

c. locating a central monitoring station remotely from CPA.

13. A method according to claim 12, further including:

a. positioning a control panel assembly (CPA) within a communication range from the VDA and operating the CPA to send and receive wireless signals to and from the VDA; and

b. locating a central monitoring station (CMS) remotely from the CPA, the CPA further operated to send and receive wireless signals to and from the CMS.

14. A method according to claim 13, wherein the non-mains power source is a battery.

15. An extended-life video camera system according to claim 14, wherein the extended period is at least 2 years.

16. A method according to claim 13, wherein the PDM is operated to discriminate movement of at least one object in the viewing region to setectively activate the video camera module, based on at least one object sensed characteristic parameter.

17. A method according to claim 16, wherein the sensed characteristic parameter includes at least one chosen from a list including:

temperature;

size;

movement direction; and

movement speed.

18. A method according to claim 17, wherein the VDA is operable to download video information to the CPA.

19. A method according to claim 18, wherein the CPA is operable to download video information to the CMS.

20. A method according to claim 13, wherein the communication range is up to 1000 meters.