Abnormality detection and surveillance system

Abstract

A surveillance system having at least one primary video camera for translating real images of a zone into electronic video signals at a first level of resolution. The system includes means for sampling movements of an individual or individuals located within the zone from the video signal output from at least one video camera. Video signals of sampled movements of the individual is electronically compared with known characteristics of movements which are indicative of individuals having a criminal intent. The level of criminal intent of the individual or individuals is then determined and an appropriate alarm signal is produced.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO COPENDING PATENT APPLICATION[0001]This isThis application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 466,340, filed May 14, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. Re. 42,690, which is a Reissue of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08 / 898,470, filed Jul. 22, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,028,626 which is a continuation in part of patent application Ser. No. 08 / 367,712, filed Jan. 3, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,666,157, each of which are incorporated herein be reference in their entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]A) Field of the Invention[0003]This invention generally relates to surveillance systems, and more particularly, to trainable surveillance systems which detect and respond to specific abnormal video and audio input signals.[0004]B) Background of the Invention[0005]Today's surveillance systems vary in complexity, efficiency and accuracy. Earlier surveillance systems use several closed circuit cameras, each connected to a devoted monitor. This type of system wo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a surveillance system that uses a video camera to capture images of a region and analyze them to identify potential criminals. The system can detect movement in the images and compare it with pre-known characteristics of movements associated with criminals. It can also determine the level of criminal intent and activate an alarm if it detects a person with a specific level of intent. The technical effects of the invention are improved surveillance and increased security against potential threats.

Problems solved by technology

These improvements allow fewer personnel to adequately supervise the monitors to cover the larger protected area.

These improvements, however, still require the constant attention of at least one person.

The above described multiple-image / single screen systems suffered from poor resolution and complex viewing.

Eventually, it was recognized that human personnel could not reliably monitor the “real-time” images from one or several cameras for long “watch” periods of time.

As discussed above, it is the human link which lowers the overall reliability of the entire surveillance system.

The surveillance system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,737,847 does remove some of the monitoring responsibility otherwise placed on human personnel, however, such a system can only determine an intruder's “intent” by his presence relative to particular zones.

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