Vision based alert system using portable device with camera
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method for activating an alert in response to an event, the method comprising:
- positioning a portable electronic device such that a camera of the electronic device is orientated to capture images relating to a visual criterion by which the event is to be detected;
processing the images relating to the visual criterion on a processor of the portable electronic device to detect the event;
activating an alert related to the event based upon an output signal of the portable electronic device;
downloading a program of instructions to the portable electronic device via a wireless communication link; and
executing the program of instructions on the processor of the portable electronic device.
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Abstract
An alert system is activated in response to an event by positioning a portable electronic device, a cellular telephone or PDA for example, such that a camera of the electronic device is orientated to capture images relating to a visual criterion by which the event is to be detected. Images relating to the visual criterion are processed to detect the event and an alert system is activated if an event is detected. In one application, the portable device is held in a holder in a vehicle and used to detect vehicle lane departure or driver drowsiness.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A method for activating an alert in response to an event, the method comprising:
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positioning a portable electronic device such that a camera of the electronic device is orientated to capture images relating to a visual criterion by which the event is to be detected; processing the images relating to the visual criterion on a processor of the portable electronic device to detect the event; activating an alert related to the event based upon an output signal of the portable electronic device; downloading a program of instructions to the portable electronic device via a wireless communication link; and executing the program of instructions on the processor of the portable electronic device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A system for activating an alert in response to an event, the system comprising:
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a portable electronic device comprising a camera, a processor, and a communication circuit; and an alert system adapted to generate an alert signal in response to a signal from the communication circuit of the portable electronic device; wherein the processor of the portable electronic device is operable to process images from the camera, detect the event from features of the images, and control the communication circuit to signal the alert system if the event is detected, wherein the processor is further operable to download a program of instructions to the portable electronic device via a wireless communication link and to execute the program of instructions. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15)
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16. A holder of a system for activating an alert in response to an event, the holder comprising:
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a support element operable to support a portable electronic device and orient a camera of the portable electronic device to capture images relating to a visual characteristic of the event; an image transfer element operable to transfer images from the portable device to the holder; and a communication circuit operable to couple the holder to an alert system. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A method for activating an alert in response to an event, the method comprising:
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positioning a portable electronic device such that a camera of the electronic device is orientated to capture images relating to a visual criterion by which the event is to be detected; processing the images relating to the visual criterion on a processor of the portable electronic device to detect the event; and activating an alert related to the event based upon an output signal of the portable electronic device, wherein the event comprises the appearance of drowsiness of a person and wherein the visual criterion relates to the person'"'"'s eyes.
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Specification