Method and apparatus for providing a scalable multi-camera distributed video processing and visualization surveillance system

Abstract

A scalable architecture for providing real-time multi-camera distributed video processing and visualization. An exemplary system comprises at least one video capture and storage system for capturing and storing a plurality of input videos, at least one vision based alarm system for detecting and reporting alarm situations or events, and at least one video rendering system (e.g., a video flashlight system) for displaying an alarm situation in a context that speeds up comprehension and response. One advantage of the present architecture is that these systems are all scalable, such that additional sensors (e.g., cameras, motion sensors, infrared sensors, chemical sensors, biological sensors, temperature sensors and like) can be added in large numbers without overwhelming the ability of security forces to comprehend the alarm situation.

1 . A method for monitoring at least one scene, comprising:
 receiving a plurality of input videos; and   applying selectively a subset of said plurality of input videos to a model of the at least one scene in response to a pose parameter.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said pose parameter is selected in accordance with an alarm signal. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein said alarm signal is generated by an alarm detection method. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein said alarm detection method detects motion within the at least one scene. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein said alarm detection method detects a left behind object within the at least one scene. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein said alarm detection method detects motion of an object in a non-preferred direction within the at least one scene. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein said alarm detection method detects a count of a number of objects within the at least one scene. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 receiving signals from at least one sensor deployed within the at least one scene.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising:
 highlighting a portion of the at least one scene to indicate a location associate with said alarm signal.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said subset of said plurality of input videos is continuously updated to provide a continuous virtual view of the at least one scene. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein said alarm signal is provided by at least one vision based alarm system. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of input videos are provided by a plurality of cameras, wherein at least one of said cameras has pan, tilt and zoom (PTZ) capability. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein when said pose parameter is selected, a corresponding PTZ value is forwarded to said at least one of said cameras has pan, tilt and zoom (PTZ) capability. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said subset of said plurality of input videos is overlaid over said model. 
     
     
         15 . An apparatus for monitoring at least one scene, comprising:
 a plurality of cameras for providing a plurality of input videos; and   a video rendering system for applying selectively a subset of said plurality of input videos to a model of the at least one scene in response to a pose parameter.   
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , further comprising at least one vision based alarm system for generating an alarm signal, wherein said pose parameter is selected in accordance with said alarm signal. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein said alarm signal is generated by an alarm detection method. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein said alarm detection method detects motion within the at least one scene. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein said alarm detection method detects a left behind object within the at least one scene. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein said alarm detection method detects motion of an object in a non-preferred direction within the at least one scene. 
     
     
         21 - 27 . (canceled)