Mobile Surveillance System

Abstract

A mobile pan and tilt camera and display-control apparatus comprising a fully rotatable camera mounted to a vehicle for capturing images, a display-control box having an image display screen and control buttons for controlling said camera and its movement attached to an adjustable mount in said vehicle within an operator's view and reach, an image capture box for storage on various recording media or for transmission of said captured mobile images, said captured mobile images are sent by radio frequency transmission to a data storage server for a consumer to access. A preferred embodiment includes further comprising a mount that incorporates a quick disconnect mechanism along with a locking mechanical base and an electronic signal connector for easy camera installation and removal. A preferred embodiment includes further comprising a double locking mechanism where one mechanism is a security fastener.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation of prior application Ser. No. 09 / 059,077, filed Apr. 9, 1998BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates generally to the field of surveillance camera systems, and more particularly to an apparatus and process for capturing images by mobile security guards.

[0003] Pan and tilt mechanisms for pointing cameras are old as dirt. From the introduction of the wheel, applying a pan and tilt camera system to moving vehicles has been limited. The operation of moving vehicles has evolved and now the opportunity for the addition of augmented vision can be utilized by the vehicle operator for various applications like mobile patrol guard image acquisition or improved driver safety. This technology started in August of 1977 with the incorporation of a cathode-ray tube and video camera on a tripod between the seats of an automobile. Tests were conducted and videotapes were produced through 1980. The project was rekindled in 1996 by using a traditi...

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