Recording device with pre-start signal storage capability
DC
First Claim
1. A surveillance system comprising:
- a camera that converts images into first and second data streams;
a memory; and
hardware that executes an instruction set that utilizes an area of the memory as a circular buffer, records the first data stream in the buffer;
responds to a first signal by protecting a recently used segment of the buffer storing at least a portion of the first data stream corresponding to a duration of time prior to the first signal, while at the same time continuously recording the first data stream as the second data stream in an unprotected segment of the buffer, without overwriting the protected segment; and
responds to a second signal received after the first signal by increasing the duration of the protected segment of the buffer prior to the first signal.
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Abstract
A surveillance system uses a flash or other memory to store multiple data streams, each of which includes pre-start signal and post-start signal data. An area of the memory is preferably utilized as a circular buffer, in which a second data stream can be recorded without overwriting a first data stream. Buffers can have sufficient to capacity to capture up to an hour or more of image frames. All suitable methods and apparatus for initiating start and stop signals are contemplated, including for example using a button, toggle or other switch, a verbal or other human interface, and using motion, sound, light or other sensors. It is also contemplated that embodiments can include an interface for altering or otherwise designating a pre-signal size of the recently used segment. Cameras according to present invention can be mounted in any desired manner, including for example in camera boxes, on eyeglasses, and on automobiles or other vehicle.
42 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A surveillance system comprising:
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a camera that converts images into first and second data streams; a memory; and hardware that executes an instruction set that utilizes an area of the memory as a circular buffer, records the first data stream in the buffer;
responds to a first signal by protecting a recently used segment of the buffer storing at least a portion of the first data stream corresponding to a duration of time prior to the first signal, while at the same time continuously recording the first data stream as the second data stream in an unprotected segment of the buffer, without overwriting the protected segment; and
responds to a second signal received after the first signal by increasing the duration of the protected segment of the buffer prior to the first signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification
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- Resources
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Current AssigneeStellar, LLC
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Original AssigneeStellar, LLC
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InventorsDeKeyser, Paul
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Primary Examiner(s)DIEP, NHON THANH
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Application NumberUS11/846,217Publication NumberTime in Patent Office2,688 DaysField of SearchNoneUS Class Current348/148CPC Class CodesG08B 13/19621 Portable cameraG08B 13/19676 Temporary storage, e.g. cyc...H04N 7/188 Capturing isolated or inter...
