MXPA03007741A - Active video surveillance system and active video surveillance method therefor. - Google Patents

Abstract

An active video surveillance system and active video surveillance method therefore of the present invention mainly is provided to continuously taking the wide-angle image signals within a surveillance area by an image-taking device, and a, processing device is employed for continuously comparing the latest and the second latest wide-angle image signals. Then, a moving target is identified when a difference occur there between and the image-taking device or a second image-taking device is immediately driven to take the enlarged image signals of the moving target, and the said wide-angle image signals and the said enlarged image signals are recorded into a recording unit. By using the above-mentioned design, the video surveillance system is able to enhance the definition and identification capability of specific moving targets.

Description

ACTIVE VIDEO MONITORING SYSTEM AND ACTIVE VIDEO MONITORING METHOD FOR THE SAME Background of the Invention Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an active video surveillance system and the active video surveillance method for the same, and more particularly to an active video surveillance system and the active video surveillance method for the same in which a mobile target can be identified automatically and the enlarged image of a specific moving target can be taken to improve the definition and identification capacity.

Description of the Previous Technique In public buildings, shopping centers, frequently purchased consumer warehouses, banks or even houses, a security video surveillance system with fixed or passive video cameras is very common. The video camera is able to monitor and record people, vehicles or similar which, (or who) enter and exit within a specific area by means of a wide-angle lens provided for the video camera. When an accident occurs or a crime is committed, or some specific needs arise, videotapes or other recording media record everything that happened through a video camera and can be retrieved and observed again to identify the recorded image or to carry out the prosecution of criminal acts. However, when the conventional video surveillance system is used, since the video surveillance system's video camera is recording only fixed-width angle images within a specific area with a wide-angle lens, the images Specific motion targets recorded on videotapes or other recording media tend to be very small and fuzzy and often can not be clearly identified. In particular, when the recorded angle-of-width images are too complicated to identify in detail, the purpose of monitoring and recording them may be difficult to satisfy. In addition, although in some countries there is proprietary technology to improve images in order to analyze and identify images, although such technology is not available for all countries. For some serious crimes, a country may request other countries that have this type of technology to provide assistance in order to analyze the necessary images. However, it takes time for communication and analysis and may not be able to resolve the case in a timely manner. Likewise, it is impossible for the general public to request this type of help. In addition, the technology to improve the images is not omnipotent and can only provide limited improvement. In addition, since the conventional video surveillance system is not able to control the definition of the recorded images and is not capable of increasing the size of the specific lens, the blurred image will be very difficult to identify and therefore the criminals can maintain a distance from the video camera and in this way make the images even more blurry. Therefore, it is necessary to solve the problem of how to improve the definition of specific objectives within a video surveillance area so that the objectives can be identified clearly and effectively.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Therefore the inventor has developed an active video surveillance system and the active video surveillance method for the same in order to solve the aforementioned problems and disadvantages. The primary objective of the present invention is to provide an active video surveillance system wherein the active video surveillance system is capable of automatically identifying the movement targets and signaling to the targets the specific movements to take the image signals increased in order to provide the definition and identification capacity. Another objective of the present invention is to provide an active video surveillance method to obtain the aforementioned objective. Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a technology feature, which is capable of providing enhanced images and prolonging the operating life of a mobile video camera device. To achieve the above and the other objects, the present invention may be executed as follows: An active video surveillance system comprising: A first image recording device, such as a video camera, which is continuously taking the signals of Wide angle image within the surveillance area; A processing device that is continuously comparing the most recent wide angle signals and the most recent second and moving objects are identified when differences are found; A second image taking device which is controlled by the processing device and used to take the enhanced image signals of the moving targets; and A recording unit, which is connected to the aforementioned devices and is continuously recording the wide angle image signals and the elongated image signals. Through the use of the aforementioned design, the active video surveillance system can identify and point to a specific objective, take the magnified image signals of the objective and record them to improve the definition and identification capacity. The recording unit comprises a first recording device and a second recording device for recording the signals of wide angle images and the increased image signals respectively. The recording unit further comprises either a display device for displaying the wide-angle image signals and the simultaneously enlarged image signals or two display devices for displaying the wide-angle image signals and the digital signal signals. respectively increased image. In addition, the first image-taking device is a fixed-width angle video camera and the second image-taking device is a mobile telescopic video camera which is composed by providing a mobile reflection device at the front of a camera. fixed telescopic video camera. The mobile reflectance device comprises a reflectance mirror, a longitudinal impeller and a transverse impeller where all of them are connected to a base by means of a fulcrum.

An active video surveillance method of the present invention that includes the steps: Providing a first image taking device for continuously taking the wide angle image signals within the surveillance area; Employing a processing device to continuously compare the most recent and the second most recent wide-angle image signals and moving targets are identified when differences are found; Move a second image taking device to take the magnified image signals of the moving targets; and Record the wide angle image signals and the enhanced image signals in a recording unit. The recording unit is continuously recording the wide angle image signals and the enlarged image signals. The recording unit is also displaying the wide angle image signals and the enhanced image signals with any display device simultaneously or two display devices respectively. In addition, a fixed wide angle video camera is used in the present invention to continuously take the wide angle image signals within the surveillance area. A mobile telescopic video camera is provided for taking the magnified image signals of a moving target where a mobile reflectance device is provided on the front of a fixed telescopic video camera for taking the enhanced image signals. The present invention is not limited in the amount of image-taking devices to the two image-taking devices for taking the wide-angle image signals and the enlarged-image signals respectively. The present invention is susceptible to using only an image making device equipped with zoom lenses that act as the wide angle video camera as well as a telescopic video camera operating at intervals. Therefore, the present invention is capable of being realized as follows: An active video surveillance system comprising: An image taking device, such as a video camera equipped with zoom lenses, which are taking the signals of wide angle image within the surveillance area at specific intervals and also taking the magnified image signals of the moving targets under control; A processing device that is continuously comparing the most recent wide-angle image signals and the most recent second and moving targets are identified when differences are found and, changes the image taking device to telescopic lenses and takes the signals of augmented image of the moving target; and A recording unit, which is connected to the aforementioned devices and is continuously recording the wide angle image signals and the enlarged image signal. By using the aforementioned design, the video surveillance system is able to point to a specific moving target to take the augmented image signals and record them in order to improve the definition and identification capacity. The image taking device is a mobile video camera with zoom lenses, which is composed by providing a mobile reflectance device in front of a fixed video camera with zoom lenses. The mobile reflectance device comprises a reflectance mirror, a longitudinal impeller and a transverse impeller where all these three elements are connected to a base. An active video surveillance method of the present invention includes the steps: Providing an image-taking device for continuously taking the wide-angle image signals within the surveillance area; Employing a processing device, to continuously compare the most recent wide angle image signals and the most recent second and mobile targets are identified when differences are found; Move the image taking device to take the magnified image signals of the moving targets; and Record the wide angle image signals and the enhanced image signals in a recording unit. The recording unit is recording the wide angle image signals and the enlarged image signals respectively. The recording unit is also displaying the wide angle image signals and the enhanced image signals either as one display device simultaneously or two display devices respectively. In addition, a mobile video camera with zoom lenses is provided to take the wide angle image signals within the surveillance area and the magnified image signals of the moving targets where a mobile reflectance device is provided on the front. of a fixed video camera with zoom lenses to take the wide-angle image signals and the enhanced image signals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A more complete appreciation of the present invention and many of the advantages inherent therein, will become readily apparent as it is better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which symbols similar references indicate the same or similar components, wherein: Figure 1 is the block diagram of the system of the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic view illustrating the action of a mobile telescopic video camera of the present invention; Figure 3 shows a schematic exploded view of Figure 2; Figure 4 shows another schematic exploded view of Figure 2; Figure 5 is the flow chart of the present invention; Fig. 6 is a schematic view illustrating that the first image recording device of the present invention is taking the wide angle image signals; Figure 7 is a schematic view illustrating the second image taking device of the present invention taking the magnified image signals of the specific moving target; Figure 8 is a schematic view illustrating the example process for determining the moving target according to the present invention; Figure 9 is a schematic view illustrating another example process for determining the moving target according to the present invention; and Figure 10 is a schematic view illustrating yet another example process for determining the moving target according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES Please refer to Figure 1 which shows a block diagram of the system of the present invention. As shown, an active video surveillance system of the present invention comprises a processing device 1, a recording unit 2, a first image recording device 3 and a second image recording device 4. The first recording device 4 The image shot can be a fixed-width angle video camera (as shown in Figure 6) to take the wide-angle images within the surveillance area in a fixed direction thereof. The processing device 1 may be a computer or a processor in which a processing program exists and is used to continuously compare the most recent and the second most recent wide angle image signals and the moving targets are identified when differences are found The second image taking device 4 can be a mobile telescopic video camera (as shown in Figure 7) and is controlled by the processing device 1 to take the enhanced image signals of the moving targets. The recording unit 2 may be a hard disk or a computer memory or other recording medium. The recording unit 2 is connected to the aforementioned devices and is continuously recording the wide angle image signals and the enlarged image signals. The mentioned mobile telescopic video camera (please refer to Figure 2) is composed of a mobile reflectance device 6 on the front of a fixed telescopic video camera 5. The mobile reflectance device 6 (please refer to Figure 2, 3 and 4) comprises a base 7, a mirror of reflectance 8, a longitudinal driver 9 and a transverse impeller 10 in which the mirror of reflectance 8 is connected to the base 7 by means of the coupling of a fulcrum capable of rotating 11. And , the longitudinal impeller, and the transverse impeller 10 are connected to the base 7 by positioning at an angle of 90 degrees, although they are not limited to being exactly 90 degrees, another angle can work properly, in relation to the fulcrum 11 and the front ends thereof are connected to the corresponding posterior part of the reflectance mirror 8 respectively. Using that design, an image taking direction of the fixed telescopic video camera 5 can be changed by producing a reflectance angle to pivot the reflectance mirror 8 accordingly through the control of the longitudinal driver 9 and the transverse impeller 10.

An active video surveillance system of the present invention mainly comprises the following steps (please refer to Figure 5): Step 1. Take the width angle signals continuously: which are employed by the first device of picture taking 3 (such as a fixed-width angle video camera) for continuously taking the wide angle image signals within the direction of the fixed surveillance area; Step 2. Recording the wide-angle image signals: which is the continuous recording of the wide-angle image signals within the recording unit 2 (such as a hard disk); Step 3. Determine the difference: which is to continuously compare the most recent and the second most recent wide angle image signals through the processing device 1 (such as a computer): Step 4. Setting the objective in movement: when a difference is found from the result of the comparison, the difference is being compared with the previous recording to determine the most recent difference and to establish the most recent moving target; Step 5. Take the magnified image signals from the moving targets: after the direction of the moving target has been defined by the processing device 1, the second image capture device 4 (such as a mobile telescopic video camera) ) is redirected to take back the enhanced image signals of the moving targets; Step 6. Restore the moving target: the restoration of the moving target by recording the last location of the moving target in the processing device 1. AND Step 7. Recording the enhanced image signal: which is the recording of the enlarged image within a recording unit 2. In the aforementioned step, the process of determining the difference to set moving targets can use digital image processing technology. Please refer to Figure 8 in which the first wide-angle image signal 19 shows that no one is present. Next, a person A 21 appeared in a second image signal of angle of width 20. A difference is therefore found and it is decided who is the person A 21. Then this difference is compared to the previous moving target to determine that this difference is the most recent difference. Therefore, the person A 21 is set to be a mobile target 22 and the augmented image signals 23 thereof are taken immediately. Please refer to Figure 9 in which the person A 21 within a third image of angle image of width 24 has left the original position. At this time, the comparison of the third wide angle image signal 24 with the second wide angle image signal 20 is performed and those two differences (ie the abandoned position and the correct position) are found in which The person A 21 has appeared respectively. The comparison of these two differences with the previous moving target 22 to determine that the abandoned position is the most recent difference. Therefore, the person A 21 in the abandoned position is set to be a mobile target 25 and the augmented image signals 26 thereof are taken immediately. Please refer to figure 10 in which the person A 21 within a fourth image of angle image of width 27 did not move but a person B 28 has entered. At this time, the fourth width-angle image signal 27 is compared with the third angle-width-image signal 24 and the difference that person B is to be found 28. Then the comparison of the differences with the moving target preceding 25 to determine that the correct position is the most recent difference. Therefore, the person B 28 is set to be a mobile target 29 and the enhanced image signals 30 thereof are taken immediately. In addition, the recording unit 2 is capable of continuously recording the wide image angle signals and the enlarged image signals; Both signals can be identified and retrieved by the software. Indeed, two recording devices (such as two hard disks) can also be used to record the wide angle image signals and the enhanced image signals respectively. In addition, the active video surveillance system of the present invention comprises a display device for displaying the wide-angle image signals and the continuously enlarged image signals. Indeed, two display devices can also be used to display the wide angle image signals and the enlarged image signals respectively. Since the first image recording device 3 can continuously take the wide angle image signals within the direction of the fixed surveillance area, a fixed-angle angle video camera can therefore be used. The second image taking device 4, which is necessary to move and take the elongated image signals of the moving targets so that a mobile telescopic video camera can be used. However, the conventional mobile video camera is composed of a video camera and a universal motion base. Said mobile video camera is not only very expensive but also bulky and heavy, and the maintenance cost is high. Therefore, in the present invention, the mobile reflectance device 6 is provided on the front of the fixed telescopic video camera 5 to form a mobile telescopic video camera. The mobile reflectance device comprises a reflectance mirror 8, a longitudinal impeller 9 and a transverse impeller 10 where the three are connected to a base. Since the mobile reflectance device 6 is separate from the fixed telescopic video camera 5 and the configuration of the mobile reflectance device 6 is light, simple, compact and cost-effective, to minimize the cost of production and the maintenance cost of the mobile reflectance device. This is a great discovery. As stated above, the present invention is employing two image-taking devices, a processing unit and a recording unit, and is capable of addressing any moving target within the surveillance area to take the enlarged image thereof and store the image increased in reserve. Said enlarged image can improve the definition and identification capacity of the moving target. The technology of the present invention is limited to the use of said two image-taking devices. The present invention may also use only a mobile video camera with zoom lenses to take the fixed-width angle image signals and the image signals increased in intervals. Since this modification is only the change of the number of image capture devices, the video camera processes and the procedures are similar to those described above, so it will not be repeated again. As set out in the detailed description of the preferred embodiment, the active video surveillance system and the video surveillance method for the same of the present invention can be directed on any moving target within the surveillance area to take the enlarged images of the mobile targets of it and store the augmented images in reserve. Said enlarged images will be able to improve the definition and identification capacity of the mobile targets and therefore the surveillance and recording purposes can be definitely reinforced. It is obvious that the present invention has overcome the problems and disadvantages of the prior art by the aforementioned design. The present invention has been described with the preferred embodiments thereof and it is understood that many changes and modifications in the described embodiment can be carried out without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (10)

1. CLAIMS 1. An active video surveillance system comprising: a first image recording device that continuously takes wide-angle image signals within a surveillance area; a processing device that continuously compares the most recent wide angle image signals and the most recent second and mobile targets are identified when differences are found; a second image recording device controlled by the processing device and used to take the enhanced image signals of the moving targets; and a recording unit connected to the aforementioned devices and continuously recording the wide angle image signals and the enhanced image signals. 2. The active video surveillance system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first image-taking device is a fixed-width angle video camera and the second image-taking device is a mobile telescopic video camera. . 3. The active video surveillance system according to claim 2, characterized in that the mobile telescopic video camera is composed by providing a mobile reflectance device on the front of a fixed telescopic video camera. The active video surveillance system according to claim 3, characterized in that the mobile reflectance device comprises a mirror of reflectance, a longitudinal driver and a transverse impeller in which the three are connected to a base by means of a fulcrum. 5. An active video surveillance method that includes the steps: providing a first image taking device for continuously taking wide-angle image signals within a surveillance area; employing a processing device to compare the most recent and the second most recent angle image signals and the moving targets are identified when differences are found; moving a second image taking device to take the enhanced image signals of the moving targets; and recording the wide-angle image signals and the enhanced image signals in a recording unit. 6. An active video surveillance system comprising: an image-taking device (such as a mobile video camera with zoom lenses) that takes wide-angle image signals within a surveillance area and image signals increased of mobile targets under control respectively at specific intervals; a processing device that continuously compares the most recent wide angle image signals and the most recent second and mobile targets are identified when differences are found and, change the image making device for telescopic lenses and take the signals of augmented image of the mobile lens; and a recording unit connected to the aforementioned devices and continuously recording the wide angle image signals and the enhanced image signals. The active video surveillance system according to claim 6, characterized in that the image capture device is a mobile video camera with zoom lenses. The active video surveillance system according to claim 7, characterized in that the mobile video camera with zoom lenses is composed by providing a mobile reflectance device on the front of a fixed video camera with zoom lenses. 9. The active video surveillance system according to claim 8, characterized in that the mobile reflectance device comprises a reflectance mirror, a longitudinal impeller and a transverse impeller in which the three are connected to a base by means of a fulcrum. 10. an active video surveillance method that includes the steps: providing an image-taking device (such as a mobile video camera with zoom lenses) to continuously take wide-angle image signals within a surveillance area; employing a processing device to continuously compare the most recent wide angle image signals and the most recent second and mobile targets are identified when differences are found; moving the image taking device to take enhanced image signals from the moving targets; and recording the wide-angle image signals and the enhanced image signals in a recording unit.