Method and system for tracking and behavioral monitoring of multiple objects moving through multiple fields-of-view

Abstract

A computerized method of video analysis that includes receiving several series of video frames generated by a number of image sensors. Each image sensor has a field-of-view. The image sensors monitor a portion of a monitored environment. The computerized method also includes concurrently tracking, independent of calibration, multiple objects within the monitored environment as the objects move between fields-of-view, at least two of which overlap, and multiple objects within one field-of-view. The tracking is based on the plurality of received series of video frames

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 706,850, filed on Nov. 12, 2003, which further claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60 / 425,267, filed Nov. 12, 2002, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The present invention generally relates to video surveillance, and more specifically to a computer aided surveillance system capable of tracking multiple objects. BACKGROUND [0003] The current heightened sense of security and declining cost of camera equipment have resulted in increased use of closed circuit television (CCTV) surveillance systems. Such systems have the potential to reduce crime, prevent accidents, and generally increase security in a wide variety of environments. [0004] A simple closed-circuit television system uses a single camera connected to a display device. More complex systems can have multip...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0020] In another aspect, the invention relates to a system for child hazard detection which includes a receiving module configured to receive a plurality of series of video frames and a calibration independent tracking module in communication with the receiving module. The series of video frames are generated by a plurality of image sensors which monitor portions of a monitored environment and have a field-of-view. The tracking module is configured to both concurrently track a plurality of objects within the monitored environment as the objects move between fields-of-view and to concurrently track a plurality of objects within one field-of-view based on the plurality of received series of video frames. The tracking module also can output tracking metadata. The system also includes a rules engine utilizing a child safety rule set configured to receive and evaluate the tracking metadata.

[0021] In another aspect, the invention relates to a system for property theft detection which includes a receiving module configured to receive a plurality of series of video frames and a calibration independent tracking module in communication with the receiving module. The series of video frames are generated by a plurality of image sensors which monitor portions of a monitored environment and have a field-of-view. The tracking module is configured to both concurrently track a plurality of objects within the monitored environment as the objects move between fields-of-view and to concurrently track a plurality of objects within one field-of-view based on the plurality of received series of video frames. The tracking module also can output tracking metadata. The system also includes a rules engine utilizing a public safety monitoring rule set configured to receive and evaluate the tracking metadata.

Problems solved by technology

More complex systems can have multiple cameras and / or multiple displays.

A robust tracking system faces many difficulties.

Changes in scene lighting can affect the quality of object extraction, causing foreground elements to be misshapen or omitted completely.

Object occlusions can cause objects to disappear or merge together, leading to difficulties in correspondence between frames.

In addition, even under ideal conditions, single-view tracking systems invariably lose track of monitored objects that leave the field-of-view of the camera.

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