Surveillance unit and method of use thereof

• US 7,703,996 B1
• Filed: 08/01/2006
• Issued: 04/27/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 03/13/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: SCI Technology Incorporated (Sanmina-SCI Corporation)
• Original Assignee: STI Co., Ltd. (Outsourcing Incorporated)
• Inventors: Mikles, Lester W., Speakman, Warner E., Shackleford, Kenneth Alan, Osteen, John F., Sexton, Frederick D. Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): Perkey; W. B.
• Assistant Examiner(s): REISNER, NOAM S
• Application Number:
  US11/497,059
• Time in Patent Office: 1,365 Days
• Field of Search: 396/427, 348/143, 348/224.7, 348/220.21, 348/220.22, 348/220.31, 348/220.41, 361/724, 361/725, 361/727, 248/218.4, 2482191-2194
• US Class Current: 396/427
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 17/02 Bodies
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 5/00 Adjustment of optical system relative to image or object surface other than for focusing
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19632 Camera support structures, e.g. attachment means, poles
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19636 pertaining to the camera

Abstract

A surveillance system and method of use thereof is disclosed. The surveillance system provides a continuous presence and may be operated by remote control. The system may automatically record video and audio when certain audio, such as a gun shot, is detected. The system may automatically contact the authorities, or other remotely located devices upon the occurrence of an undesirable event.

Claims

1. A surveillance system, comprising:

a housing;

a frame removeably engaging the housing;

a plurality of panels removeably engaging the frame;

a recording device attached to one of the plurality of panels, wherein the recording device has H.264.10 compression technology;

a camera operationally connected to the recording device, wherein the camera has a microphone and speaker;

a GSM network operationally connected to the recording device;

a uninterrupted power source operationally connected to the recording device; and

a mounting bracket attached to the housing, wherein the mounting bracket has a first mount and a second mount removeably engaging the first mount, wherein the first mount is a channel for receiving the second mount, the channel having a first end, a second end, and opposite sides, the opposite sides defining a plurality of openings, the first end having a top.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a second unit communicationally connected with the surveillance unit.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a gunshot detection unit operationally connected to the camera so that the camera rotates and focuses in the direction from which a gunshot is detected.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the recording device is a digital video recorder.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the housing is bulletproof.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the housing is backlit.

7. A surveillance system, comprising:

a housing;

a frame removeably engaging the housing;

a plurality of panels removeably engaging the frame;

a first mount attached to the housing;

a second mount removeably engaging the first mount, wherein the first mount is a channel for receiving the second mount, the channel having a first end, a second end, and opposite sides, the opposite sides defining a plurality of openings, the first end having a top.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the second mount is an arm, having opposite sides defining a plurality of openings, the openings corresponding to the openings of the first mount.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the opposite sides of the second mount define a plurality of second openings adjacent to a side opposite of the side proximate to the housing so that the plurality of second openings receive fasteners.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the plurality of second openings of the second mount is at least 5 openings.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the second mount has a length of at least 12 inches.

12. The system of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of spacers attached to the housing so that a ventilation gap results when the frame sits upon the plurality of spacers.

13. A surveillance system, comprising:

a frame, wherein the frame is generally rectangular in shape;

at least one panel removeably engaging the frame;

an uninterrupted power source attached to the panel;

a cooling system operationally connected to the uninterrupted power source;

a digital video recorder operationally connected to the uninterrupted power source;

a video camera operationally connected to the digital video recorder;

a microphone and speaker operationally connected to the digital video recorder;

a GSM network operationally connected to the digital video recorder;

a gunshot detection system operationally connected to the digital video recorder;

a second unit operationally connected to the GSM network so that the camera and digital video recorder are controlled remotely by the second unit;

a housing attached to the frame, wherein the housing is bullet proof, wherein at least a portion of the housing is backlit;

a first mount attached to the housing, wherein the first mount is a channel for receiving the second mount, the channel having a first end, a second end, and opposite sides, the opposite sides defining a plurality of openings, the first end being enclosed; and

a second mount removeably engaging the first mount, wherein the second mount is an arm having opposite sides defining a plurality of openings, the openings corresponding to the openings of the first mount, wherein the opposite sides of the second mount define a plurality of second openings adjacent to a side opposite of the side proximate to the housing so that the plurality of second openings receive fasteners for attaching the second mount to a pole.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the second unit is a personal data assistant.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein the second unit is a laptop computer.

16. The system of claim 13, wherein the second unit is a mobile command center.