Apparatus for supplying consistent, properly exposed and high resolution video images for the purpose of physical identification and process for making same

• US 6,554,499 B1
• Filed: 07/17/2000
• Issued: 04/29/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 07/17/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: CUTV Forensics, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Marcus Egon Gumpenberger
• Inventors: Gumpenberger, Marcus Egon
• Primary Examiner(s): Gray, David M.
• Assistant Examiner(s): BLACKMAN, ROCHELLE ANN J
• Application Number:
  US09/617,846
• Time in Patent Office: 1,016 Days
• Field of Search: 396/419, 396/427, 396/433, 348/135, 348/143, 348/150, 348/151, 337/58, 337/59, 340/541, 340/545.1, 340/545.2, 340/545.3, 340/545.4
• US Class Current: 396/427
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/183 for receiving images from a single remote source
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/186 Video door telephones

Abstract

An apparatus and process for installation for supplying superior closeup images of an individuals face and provide a height measurement device for witnesses for the purpose of identification with the steps of; utilizing sunlight to illuminate a subject'"'"'s face for better exposure, always being directed towards the path of an individual arriving or exiting a building or structure, placed at eye level to avoid physical obstructions and a multiple axis mounting system to enable fine position adjustments. Preferred embodiments include a machine that is installed on a door frame or wall, facing into a building structure no less than ninety degrees from an existing outdoor light source, facing towards the suspects path of exit, a machine that is covert in it'"'"'s operation and provides a height scale for witnesses to identify a subjects height as they leave through the door.

Claims

1. An apparatus for supplying images for the purpose of identification, comprising:

an imaging device directed towards a path of departure from a building or structure, contained within a housing and mounted generally at eye level, the housing providing a scale to allow height identification of a person by witnesses,

the imaging device being concealed within the housing, to enable the imaging device to go undetected while allowing light to be received by the imaging device,

whereby the imaging device supplies a frontal image of the person leaving the building or structure.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the apparatus is mounted on a door mullion.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 comprising a multiple axis mounting system to enable fine adjustments to position the imaging device.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 in which a lens of the imaging device is concealed by a filter.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the device is mounted at an angle of at least 90 degrees from an outdoor light source.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the imaging device is mounted at a height substantially between four feet and six feet.

7. A method of supplying images for the purpose of identification, utilizing an imaging device concealed within a housing which provides a scale to allow height identification of the person by witnesses, to enable the imaging device to go undetected while allowing light to be received by the imaging device, the method comprising the steps of:

mounting the imaging device directed towards a path of departure from a building or structure, generally at eye level, and

obtaining a frontal image of a person leaving the building or structure.

8. The method of claim 7 including the step of mounting the imaging device on a door mullion.

9. The method of claim 7 including the step of adjusting a position of the imaging device using a multiple axis mounting system.

10. The method of claim 7 including the step of concealing a lens of the imaging device behind a filter.

11. The method of claim 7 including the step of mounting the device at an angle of at least 90 degrees from an outdoor light source.

12. The method of claim 7 including the step of mounting the imaging device at a height substantially between four feet and six feet.