WO2012127189A1

WO2012127189A1 - Image acquisition apparatus and system

Info

Publication number: WO2012127189A1
Application number: PCT/GB2012/000258
Authority: WO
Inventors: John LOCKERT
Original assignee: C2Uk Limited
Priority date: 2011-03-21
Filing date: 2012-03-21
Publication date: 2012-09-27
Also published as: GB201104743D0; GB201317282D0; GB2502932A

Abstract

A system is disclosed comprising a plurality of enabled units (10) where each unit is capable of obtaining images from one or more cameras (12) (14), and position and time data derived from GPS signals, for radio transmission to another enabled unit. Each enabled unit 10 is also capable of receiving image, position and time data from another enabled unit (10). The enabled units can be can be any civilian, commercial or military based equipment, including boats and ships, aircraft, airship, balloon and satellite. A unit becomes enables by installation of a ruggedized video control unit (16) with receiving, transmitting, GPS and cell phone facilities, enabled units (10) may be used in together for sophisticated surveillance with automatic time place and image recording. Enabled units can be deployed to allow transmitted image, position and time signals to be relayed over large distances and by meandering routes avoiding obstacles.

Description

Image Acquisition Apparatus and System

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a system and apparatus for acquiring video images. In particular, the invention relates to obtaining real time video images from diverse sources. Most particularly, the present invention consists relates to making images and other related data available to others.

Background of the Invention

Surveillance is often problematical. An individual who is present at or nearby to a place under surveillance or a monitoring device, can only maintain surveillance of one place at a time and is at risk of being noticed.

It is also often the case that two or more witnesses are required to be at an event before proof is accepted, requiring, for example, two individuals or more to be present in a vehicle that is conducting surveillance.

The present invention seeks to provide a solution to each of these problems.

The cost of fitting an enabled unit, such as a car or other vehicle, with equipment, is high. Processor power is required within the enabled vehicle for powering the surveillance devices. It is well known how quickly processors can become obsolescent and software becomes unusable.

The present invention seeks to make such equipment substantially future proof.

Video data can be provided as output to another facility from an enabled unit substantially only over line-of-sight or less distances because of the high radio frequencies required for video or video digital signals forcing the frequency of radio operation into the VHF and UHF bands. The horizon can often be a barrier, as can hills and buildings. The present invention seeks to provide a solution to such problems. Prior Art

US Patent Application US 2006/0089754 (Mortenson) discloses a mobile vehicle computer with one or more touch display interfaces. Brief explanation is provided to what appears to be a rack that is suitable for receiving a variety of differing hardware and software units that are capable of use as part of: navigational aids, vehicle tracking systems, library management systems for use with radio and audio equipment as for use with Internet applications.

UK Patent Application GB-A-2 368 219 (Roke Manor Research) discloses a camera system that employs a radio transmission system.

US Patent US 7 324 832 (Broadcom Corporation) discloses a radio frequency (RF) communication system for supporting cellular or wireless network. A method of communicating between a number of communication networks is disclosed. The method includes the steps of receiving cellular information from a plurality of frequency bands and receiving at least one UHF/VHF broadcast channel and processing the said at least one broadcast channel separately.

US Patent US-B-7003113 (NEC Corporation) discloses an authentication system for use in indicating a location using 'GPS' data. Encryption is performed and the system transmits location using a wireless technique. US 2009/0086020 (Westrick) discloses a surveying system which determines the position of an object point using at least two images. Two reference points are obtained and the location of the object is derived from this data. No mention is made as to the ability of a remote third party to interrogate the image acquisition system.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a portable video control apparatus adapted to be connected to a support panel, comprising: means operable to receive images from a plurality of cameras; means operable to receive Global Positioning by Satellite (GPS) signals; means operable to derive position information from the received GPS signals; encoding means operable to encode received images from the cameras in readiness for radio transmission; a radio transmission means; and means operable to transmit the encoded images together with the derived position information. Ideally the video control apparatus is adapted to be mounted in the support panel which is located in a vehicle. The support panel ideally includes connections which are adapted to push-fit in order to make a connection. This ensures rapid and straightforward removal and re-insertion of a control apparatus, for example in the event of failure of an existing unit or damage, for example due to a collision.

A remote user is optionally able to interrogate and control individual cameras/imagers by way of a two-way communication channel. Thus for example a remote operator user, at a command centre, is able to control the operation of a camera (for example by panning and/or tilting and/or zooming) onto an area of interest, so as to obtain images, without intervention of any of the occupants in the vehicle.

Such images may be recorded, for example under instruction of the remote operator, or manipulated in some other manner. For example they may be compared automatically with a database of digital images or suspects. The invention also provides an apparatus comprising: means operable to derive time information from received GPS signals; where the means operable to transmit encoded images is also operable to transmit the derived time and/or date stamping information. An advantage of this is that remote viewing and monitoring is possible from one vehicle or a control centre of another vehicle's surveillance equipment.

The invention also provides an apparatus further comprising: means operable to receive encoded representations of video images; and means operable to receive position information.

The invention also provides an apparatus comprising means operable to receive timing information. Preferably the apparatus includes a means to display the received and/or the video images from the one or more cameras. The display may be connected to the apparatus via a hardwire connection or via a short range radio frequency link such as Bluetooth or via a short range infra-red connection. The invention also provides an apparatus further comprising means operable to record the received and/or the video images from the one or more camera.

The invention also provides an apparatus further comprising mean operable to record GPS derived information.

The invention also provides an apparatus comprising means operable to transmit the received images.

The invention also provides an apparatus comprising means operable to transmit received GPS derived information. According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a system comprising: a plurality of enabled units; each enabled unit comprising: means operable to receive images from at least one camera; means operable to receive Global Positioning by Satellite (GPS) signals; means operable to derive position information from the received GPS signals; encoding means operable to encode received images from the at least one camera ready for radio transmission; radio transmission means; and means operable to transmit the encoded images together with the derived position information to another enabled unit. In a preferred embodiment therefore the invention can be fitted to a vehicle, that is equipped with at least one camera or imager and

The invention also provides a system wherein each enabled unit also comprises: means operable to derive time information from the received GPS signals; where the means operable to transmit the encoded images is also operable to transmit the derived time information.

The invention also provides a system wherein each enabled unit comprises: means operable to receive encoded representations of video images from another enabled unit; and means operable to receive position information from the another enabled unit.

The invention also provides a system wherein each enabled unit comprises means operable to receive timing information from another enabled unit.

The invention also provides a system wherein each enabled unit comprises means operable to display the received and/or the video images from the one or more camera on the same enabled unit. The invention also provides a system wherein each enabled unit further comprises means operable to record the received images from another enabled unit and means and/or means operable to record the video images from the one or more camera on the same enabled unit.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a system comprising: a plurality of enabled units; each enabled unit comprising: means operable to receive images from at least one camera; their being at least one actuator associated with said at least one camera; means operable to receive Global Positioning by Satellite (GPS) signals; means operable to derive position information from the received GPS signals; encoding means operable to encode received images from the at least one camera in a form suitable for radio transmission; radio transmission means; means operable to transmit the encoded images together with the derived position information to a remote location; and a receiver, which in use, receives a control signal from the remote location, the control signal includes control data for altering the state and/or orientation of the said at least one camera.

The invention also provides a system wherein each enabled unit further comprises mean operable to record GPS derived information. The invention also provides a system wherein each enabled unit comprises means operable to transmit the received images from the another enabled unit.

The invention also provides a system wherein each enabled unit comprises means operable to transmit received GPS derived information.

The invention is further explained, by way of one or more examples, by the following description, to be read in conjunction with the appended drawings, in which: Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is an outline drawing of a vehicle, fitted out as an enabled unit suitable for use in the invention;

Figure 2 is an exemplary schematic block diagram of one possibility for the video control unit, otherwise shown in Figure 1 ; and

Figure 3 is an exemplary plan map view of a situation where the present invention may be employed. Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

Attention is first drawn to Figure 1 , showing a vehicle fitted out in a manner suitable for use with the invention which is ideally provided in a ruggedized, waterproof and shock proof housing, fitted with suitable push fit, bayonet or threaded connectors so as to be able to be fitted quickly in the event of need for rapid deployment.

A vehicle 10 can have one or more video or stills vehicle mounted cameras 12 mounted thereon. One or more remote cameras 14 can be mounted within wireless transmission range of the vehicle 10. The vehicle is fitted with a ruggedized video control unit 16 powered, for example, by the vehicle 10 battery 18 or that is adapted to be powered by a separate power supply.

For preference, the video control unit 16 and any associated elements are powered by a DC supply system having a voltage range of 9-32 Volts DC, and over an operating temperature range of between -30 to +60°C. The cameras 12 and 14 deliver video images to the video control unit 16. The vehicle 10 can be just one of a plurality of capable units within broadcast range of the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 has a broadcast antenna 20 which the video control unit 16 can use to send video signals and other data and communications to other enabled units. The vehicle also comprises an antenna 22 capable of receiving Global Positioning by Satellite signals (GPS) and providing the GPS signals to the video control unit 16. A mobile telephone antenna 24 is also provided capable of providing, for example, GSM or other standard cell phone signals into and out of the video control unit 16. The antennas 20 22 24 are here shown as being positioned outside of the vehicle 10. It is to be appreciated that the antennas 20 22 24 can be of any form and be positioned in any position which will allow the antennas 20 22 24 to work and fulfill their function. For example, GSM 24 and GPS 22 antennas are frequently positioned inside the glass surfaces of the vehicle 10 or formed as part of the vehicle body.

Figure 1 shows a vehicle 10. It is to be appreciated that an enabled unit 10 can be any civilian, commercial or military based equipment, including boats and ships, where a high degree of protection and operational availability is required in order to meet the operational needs of a user. An enabled unit 10 can also be fixed. An enabled unit can also be an aircraft, airship, balloon or satellite.

Attention is next drawn to Figure 2 showing an exemplary schematic block diagram of one embodiment of the video control unit 16, otherwise shown in Figure 1.

The video control processor 16, in the example shown, comprises a processor board 26 housing a high performance digital processor 28 capable of organizing, managing and processing data and communications for the video control processor 16. The digital processor 28 is provided with a wide array of storage means 30 in order to provide the normal operation of the operating system or for a back-up of system and data files, including but not limited to, one or more of: Compact Flash (CF) Solid State Disks; and Rotating Platter Hard Disk Drives. The storage means 30 are also usable to store incoming, edited or processed video material. The digital processor is non-specific in what software it supports, and can be used for any software application or operating system package consistent with operation of the invention as hereafter described. The GPS antenna 22 is coupled to a GPS unit 32 which provides the digital processor 28 with an accurate position for the vehicle 10 and also provides an accurate indication of time.

The mobile telephone antenna 24 is coupled to a mobile telephone unit 34 to enable the digital processor bidirectional voice, data or image communication with the outside world.

An Ethernet hub 36 provides an optional high speed communication network with other network devices and also provides internal data and signal transfer inside the video control unit 16. Optionally a facility may be provided to encrypt data so that limited access to images, sound or other data is achievable by way of password protection or remote decryption techniques.

Another example of a technique that can be employed is one that utilises frequency hopping techniques, such as over-the-air-rekeying or similar systems that are employed in mobile communication systems. A serial data connection 40 allows connection to be made to one or more optional serial data devices 42 and a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection 44 allows connection to be made with one or more USB devices.

The combination of Ethemet 36, serial data 40 and USB 44 connections allows other optional devices to be coupled to the video control unit 16. Additional equipment can include, but is not limited to: control equipment for lights and cameras; telemetric apparatus operable to provide the video control unit 16 signals indicative of environmental factors; and other video and other audio equipment, including infra-red (IR) location devices, sensors and imaging equipment. A video server 48 allows optional video sources to provide real time PAL/NTSC video feeds to be received from cameras 12 14, to be viewed and to be recorded seamlessly using the video control unit 16 with the minimum integration overhead. In the example shown, the video server is a four port device to match the potential number of cameras shown in Figure 1. It is to be understood the video server 48 can have as many or as few ports as are necessary. It is also to be appreciated that the feeds need not come from cameras 12 14, but can also come from transmissions from one or more other capable units 10. It is yet further to be appreciated that the video server 48 is not limited to PAL (Phase Alternated Line) or National Telecommunication Sub Committee (NTSC), but can also include any other transmission methods and standards, including, but not limited to: JPEG streams, AVI, High Definition; and any of the numerous MPEG- X (X being an integer) compression methods.

The broadcast antenna 20 is coupled to a radio transmission and reception unit 52 operable to allow transmission to other recipients including, but not restricted to, other enabled units 10 and to allow reception of signals from other enabled units 10.

For preference, the radio system used is a Coded Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (COFDM) meshing radio system that enhances the Internet Protocol (IP) capability of the device by combating fading due to multipath transmission. The COFDM system allows the video control unit 16 automatically to be meshed with other data systems within of the connected network. This can be expanded to include any other type of communications media that might use the USB/Serial/3G-GPRS/Ethernet type of LOS/BLOS communications bearer.

Although the COFDM system is preferred, it is by no means essential, and the invention also includes any radio communication means capable of sending and receiving video and other data. The video control unit 16 provides for displaying computer screens and video material, by means, in this example, of a high speed LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling) screen output 54 driving an LVDS screen, shown in broken line. Another type of screen is supported by a Video Graphics Array (VGA) connection 58 driving a VGA screen 60, also shown in broken line. The invention also provides for all other forms or screen connection 54 58 and for connection with as many or as few screens 56 60 as may be desired.

A DC to DC Converter 62 receives power from the battery 18 at variable voltage and converts it to a steady voltage for use by the video control unit 16. The power feed to the DC to DC converter is not restricted to a vehicle battery, and can be any other DC source, and can include at least one of , but not be limited to: photovoltaic power; wind generated power; rectified DC from an AC generator; vehicle alternator output; and other battery sources.

The video control unit 16, as so far described, provides a small but powerful computer that brings all of the different functions together. The main constituents of the video control unit 16 are an Ethernet switch/hub 36, which can connects the system to the other devices within the video control unit 16. Other devices that go to make up the video control unit include, but not limited to; the video server 48; an Ethernet switch/hub 36; two way radio system 52 20; an embedded GPS system; a GPRS/GSM/3G mobile cellular modem; and a WiFi enabled modem. The Ethernet switch/hub 36 enables video control unit 16 to be connected to the outside world via its high speed communications ports. The ports on the hub also enable the devices within the system to interact with each other within the video control unit 16 framework. The video control unit 16 also has the industry standard Serial or USB devices to enable connection to other devices for communications or control by systems that use those protocols or systems. Human Machine Interface (HMI) devices such as keyboards, mice and pointing devices are all supported by the video control unit 16. The system as shown in Figure 2 is capable of driving 2 screens from the choice of either LVDS or VGA. The option to select either just 2 x VGA is also supported by the video control unit 16. The displays can operate either normal daylight readable screens or worn-visor type military systems. An external display may be connected to the video control unit.

Attention is next drawn to Figure 3, an exemplary plan map view of a situation where the present invention may be employed.

In this exemplary situation, three vehicles 10A 10B 10C are each enabled units as illustrated in Figure 1. Each vehicle 10A 10B 10C is on a sightseeing safari with the aim of allowing tourists to see wildlife face-to-face. Having dispersed vehicle 10C happens upon a small herd of elephants 64. Neither vehicle 10A nor 10B can see the elephants 64 because of intervening woodland 66. Each Vehicle 10A 10B 10A is in radio communication 68 with each of the others 10B 10C 10A.

The communication includes the GPS position of each vehicle 10A 10B 10C and images picked up by the cameras 12 on each vehicle. Preferably, the camera image data is date, time and position stamped. Either of the vehicles 10A 10B to whom the elephants are invisible can take the GPS co-ordinates of vehicle 10C and move towards the general vicinity of vehicle 10C from where the elephants 64 should be visible.

Another use of the invention is to mount surveillance remotely. A first, unmanned enabled unit can be parked or left where surveillance is desired, and surveillance conducted by another enabled unit, out of sight elsewhere, or positioned where further surveillance is required, allowing the possibility of one individual being capable of watching several places at once. There can be more than one first enabled unit and more than one second enabled unit, permitting simultaneous surveillance of many places by many people at once. Alternatively, and as part of a communications system, repeater or booster transponders may be arranged so as to provide a transmission path in remote terrains where for example line-of-sight communication is impractical, such as in mountainous regions or areas of dense forestation.

The repeater or booster transponders are provided so as to handover signals received from one or more mobile inputs and to either transmit them to another repeater or booster transponders or to a satellite communication systems. Optionally the repeater or booster transponders have anti tamper systems fitted. Advantageously a repeater or booster transponder is embodied in a mobile communication device, with a self-powered capability that is adapted to operate in a sleep mode and which is able to be switched on and off remotely. Yet another use of the invention is to position a second enabled unit 10 distantly suitable for viewing, by an enabled unit 10 towards a radio receiver. The radio receiver being perhaps in another enabled facility or a different vehicle 10, where video and other data is to be received and stored. The second enabled unit 10 receives video and other data from the first enabled unit 10 and relays that information to the even more distant or otherwise inaccessible radio receiver.

This technique, which also involves employing chains of relaying enabled units 10, allows large distances to be covered and also allows information signals to be conveyed around radio obstructions by effectively establishing a network using the vehicles as nodes.

The invention is therefore capable of providing for totally unmanned surveillance, where at least one vehicle in a group performs recording as a stand-alone system and receives image and GPS derived data signals and optionally relays data to a remote control centre. The invention has been described with reference to and related video information and with specific reference to use with land/water vehicles, although it will be appreciated that a smaller, portable version of the system may be used in conjunction with imaging equipment and an additional short range link to the encoding means for radio transmission, so that one or more lightweight cameras for example, may be connected to animals, personnel or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

It is also to be appreciated that all manner of voice and data communications are included within the scope of the invention, and the skilled man will be aware of many variants within the scope of the claims, as set out here below.

Although described with respect to a multi camera or imager input it will be appreciated that the invention may be used with a single input form a single camera or imager.

In an alternative embodiment an operator located at a remote location (not shown) transmits a control signal with control data for altering the state and/or orientation of one of the camera 14. This might be for example a command to zoom into an object or person by way of an actuator in order to obtain an image of that person or to inspect an item in detail.

Claims

Claims 1. A video control apparatus comprising: means operable to receive images from at least one camera; means operable to receive Global Positioning by

Satellite (GPS) signals; means operable to derive position information from the received GPS signals; encoding means operable to encode received images from the at least one camera ready for radio transmission; radio transmission means; and means operable to transmit the encoded images together with the derived position information.

2. The apparatus according to Claim 1, also comprising: means operable to derive time information from the received GPS signals wherein the means operable to transmit the encoded images is also operable to transmit the derived time information.

3. The apparatus, according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, further comprising: means operable to receive encoded representations of video images; and means operable to receive position information.

4. The apparatus, according any of the preceding claims, comprising means operable to receive timing information.

5. The apparatus, according to any of the preceding Claims, comprising means to display the received and/or the video images from the one or more camera.

6. The apparatus, according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising means operable to record the received and/or the video images from the one or more camera.

7. The apparatus, according to Claim 6, further comprising mean operable to record GPS derived information.

8. The apparatus, according to Claim 3, or according to any of the preceding Claims when dependent upon Claim 3, comprising means operable to transmit the received images.

9. The apparatus, according to Claim 8 comprising means operable to transmit received GPS derived information.

10. A system comprising a plurality of enabled units; each enabled unit comprising: means operable to receive images from at least one camera; means operable to receive Global Positioning by Satellite (GPS) signals; means operable to derive position information from the received GPS signals; encoding means operable to encode received images from the at least one camera ready for radio transmission; radio transmission means; and means operable to transmit the encoded images together with the derived position information to another enabled unit

11. The system, according to Claim 10, wherein each enabled unit also comprises: means operable to derive time information from the received GPS signals wherein the means operable to transmit the encoded images is also operable to transmit the derived time information.

12. The system, according to Claim 10 or Claim 11 , wherein each enabled unit comprises: means operable to receive encoded representations of video images from another enabled unit; and means operable to receive position information from the another enabled unit.

13. The system, according any of claims 10 to 12, wherein each enabled unit comprises means operable to receive timing information from another enabled unit.

14. The system, according to any of Claims 10 to 13, wherein each enabled unit comprises means operable to display the received and/or the video images from the one or more camera on the same enabled unit.

15. The system, according to any of claims 10 to 14, wherein each enabled unit further comprises means operable to record the received images from another enabled unit and means and/or means operable to record the video images from the one or more camera on the same enabled unit.

16. The system, according to Claim 15, wherein each enabled unit further comprises mean operable to record GPS derived information.

17. The system, according to Claim 12, or according to any of the preceding Claims when dependent upon Claim 12, wherein each enabled unit comprises means operable to transmit the received images from the another enabled unit.

18. The system, according to Claim 17, wherein each enabled unit comprises means operable to transmit received GPS derived information.

19. A system comprising: a plurality of enabled units; each enabled unit comprising: means operable to receive images from at least one camera; their being at least one actuator associated with said at least one camera; means operable to receive Global Positioning by Satellite (GPS) signals; means operable to derive position information from the received GPS signals; encoding means operable to encode received images from the at least one camera in a form suitable for radio transmission; radio transmission means; means operable to transmit the encoded images together with the derived position information to a remote location; and a receiver, which in use, receives a control signal from the remote location, the control signal includes control data for altering the state and/or orientation of the said at least one camera.

20. An apparatus, substantially as described with reference to the appended drawings.

21. A system, substantially as described and with reference to the appended drawings.