`
`UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFIGE
`
`UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`United States Patent and Trademark Office
`!
`OX.
`Address: COMMISSIONER FOR PATENTS
`Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450
`www.uspto.gov
`
`APPLICATION
`NUMBER
`
`FILING or
`371(c) DATE
`
`GRP ART
`UNIT
`
`
`
`
`
`FIL
`
`12/189,192
`
`08/10/2008
`
`2621
`
`FEE REC'D
`
`760
`
`21129
`SPENCER, FANE, BRITT & BROWNE
`
`1000 WALNUT STREET
`
`SUITE 1400
`KANSASCITY, MO 64106-2140
`
`ATTY.DOCKET.NO
`
`5011383-33
`
`ITOT CLAIMSJIND CLAIMS
`
`3
`33
`CONFIRMATION NO. 6541
`
`FILING RECEIPT
`
`AC
`
`00000003167520
`
`Date Mailed: 08/26/2008
`
`Receipt is acknowledged of this non-provisional patent application. The application will be taken up for examination
`in due course. Applicant will be notified as to the results of the examination. Any correspondence concerning the
`application mustinclude the following identification information: the U.S. APPLICATION NUMBER, FILING DATE,
`NAME OF APPLICANT, and TITLE OF INVENTION. Fees transmitted by check or draft are subject to collection.
`Please verify the accuracy of the data presented on this receipt. If an error is noted on this Filing Receipt, please
`submit a written requestfor a Filing Receipt Correction. Please provide a copyofthis Filing Receipt with the
`changes noted thereon. If you received a "Notice to File Missing Parts" for this application, please submit
`any corrections to this Filing Receipt with your reply to the Notice. When the USPTO processesthe reply
`to the Notice, the USPTO will generate another Filing Receipt incorporating the requested corrections
`
`Applicant(s)
`
`Robert D. Haler, Blue Springs, MO;
`Powerof Attorney: None
`
`Domestic Priority data as claimed by applicant
`This appin claims benefit of 60/955, 129 08/10/2007
`and is a CIP of 11/531,955 09/14/2006
`which claims benefit of 60/717,602 09/16/2005
`
`Foreign Applications
`
`If Required, Foreign Filing License Granted: 08/20/2008
`
`The country code and number of your priority application, to be usedfor filing abroad under the Paris Convention,
`is US 12/189,192
`
`Projected Publication Date: To Be Determined - pending completion of Corrected Papers
`
`Non-Publication Request: No
`
`Early Publication Request: No
`** SMALL ENTITY **
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`Title
`
`VEHICLE-MOUNTED VIDEO SYSTEM WITH DISTRIBUTED PROCESSING
`
`Preliminary Class
`
`348
`
`PROTECTING YOUR INVENTION OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES
`
`Since the rights granted by a U.S. patent extend only throughout the territory of the United States and have no
`effect in a foreign country, an inventor who wishes patent protection in another country must apply for a patent
`in a specific country or in regional patent offices. Applicants may wish to consider thefiling of an international
`application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). An international (PCT) application generally has the same
`effect as a regular national patent application in each PCT-member country. The PCT process simplifies the filing
`of patent applications on the same invention in member countries, but does notresult in a grantof "an international
`patent" and doesnoteliminate the needof applicantsto file additional documents and fees in countries where patent
`protection is desired.
`
`Almost every country has its own patent law, and a person desiring a patent in a particular country must make an
`application for patent in that country in accordancewith its particular laws. Since the laws of many countries differ
`in various respects from the patent law of the United States, applicants are advised to seek guidance from specific
`foreign countries to ensure that patent rights are not lost prematurely.
`
`Applicants also are advised that in the case of inventions madein the United States, the Director of the USPTO must
`issue a license before applicants can apply for a patent in a foreign country. Thefiling of a U.S. patent application
`serves as a request for a foreign filing license. The application's filing receipt contains further information and
`guidance asto the status of applicant's license for foreign filing.
`
`Applicants may wish to consult the USPTO booklet, "General Information Concerning Patents”(specifically, the
`section entitled "Treaties and Foreign Patents") for more information on timeframes and deadlinesfor filing foreign
`patent applications. The guide is available either by contacting the USPTO Contact Center at 800-786-9199, or it
`can be viewed on the USPTO website at http://“www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/doc/general/index.html.
`
`For information on preventing theft of your intellectual property (patents, trademarks and copyrights), you may wish
`to consult the U.S. Government website, http:/Avww.stopfakes.gov. Part of a Department of Commerceinitiative,
`this website includes self-help "toolkits" giving innovators guidance on how to protectintellectual property in specific
`countries such as China, Korea and Mexico. For questions regarding patent enforcementissues, applicants may
`call the U.S. Governmenthotline at 1-866-999-HALT (1-866-999-4158).
`
`LICENSE FOR FOREIGN FILING UNDER
`
`Title 35, United States Code, Section 184
`
`Title 37, Code of Federal Regulations, 5.11 & 5.15
`
`GRANTED
`
`if the phrase "IF REQUIRED, FOREIGN FILING
`The applicant has been granted a license under 35 U.S.C. 184,
`LICENSE GRANTED"followed by a date appears on this form. Such licenses are issuedin all applications where
`the conditions for issuance of a license have been met, regardless of whether or not a license may be required as
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`set forth in 37 CFR 5.15. The scope andlimitations of this license are set forth in 37 CFR 5.15(a) unless an earlier
`license has been issued under 37 CFR 5.15(b). The license is subject to revocation upon written notification. The
`date indicatedis the effective date of the license, unless an earlier license of similar scope has been granted under
`37 CFR 5.13 or 5.14.
`
`This licenseis to be retained by the licensee and maybe usedat any time onor after the effective date thereof unless
`it is revoked. This license is automatically transferred to any related applications(s) filed under 37 CFR 1.53(d). This
`license is not retroactive.
`
`The grantof a license doesnot in any way lessen the responsibility of a licensee for the security of the subject matter
`as imposed by any Governmentcontract or the provisions of existing laws relating to espionage and the national
`security or the export of technical data. Licensees should apprise themselvesof current regulations especially with
`respect to certain countries, of other agencies, particularly the Office of Defense Trade Controls, Department of
`State (with respect to Arms, Munitions and Implements of War (22 CFR 121-128)); the Bureau of Industry and
`Security, Department of Commerce (15 CFR parts 730-774); the Office of Foreign AssetsControl, Department of
`Treasury (31 CFR Parts 500+) and the Department of Energy.
`
`NOT GRANTED
`
`No license under 35 U.S.C. 184 has been granted at this time, if the phrase "IF REQUIRED, FOREIGN FILING
`LICENSE GRANTED" DOESNOTappear on this form. Applicant maystill petition for a license under 37 CFR 5.12,
`if a license is desired before the expiration of 6 months from thefiling date of the application. If 6 months has lapsed
`from thefiling date of this application and the licensee has not received any indication of a secrecy order under 35
`U.S.C. 181, the licensee mayforeign file the application pursuant to 37 CFR 5.15(b).
`
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`VEHICLE-MOUNTED VIDEO SYSTEM WITH DISTRIBUTED PROCESSING
`
`RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`[0001]
`
`The present non-provisional patent application is related to and claims
`
`priority benefit of an earlier-filed provisional patent application titled "Vehicle-Mounted
`
`Video System With Distributed Processing", Serial No. 60/955,129, filed August 10,
`
`2007,
`
`is a continuation-in-part and claims priority benefit of an earlier-filed non-
`
`provisional patent application,titled "Rear View Mirror With Integrated Video System",
`
`Serial No. 11/531,955, filed September 14, 2006, and is related to and claims priority
`
`benefit of an earlier-filed provisional patent application titled "Rear View Mirror With
`
`10
`
`Integrated Video System", Serial No. 60/717,602, filed September 16, 2005. Each of the
`
`identified earlier-filed patent applications is hereby incorporated by reference into the
`
`present patent application as though fully set forth herein.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0002]
`
`The present invention relates generally to vehicle-mounted systems for
`
`15
`
`recording video and audio. More particularly, the present invention concerns such a
`
`system using distributed processing, including encoding the video and audio at their
`
`source(s), and a high-speed, e.g., Ethernet, bus connecting the various
`
`system
`
`components and external devices.
`
`BACKGROUNDOF THE INVENTION
`
`20
`
`[0003]
`
`Many law enforcement vehicles include video systems for recording and
`
`displaying activity in and around the vehicle. Unfortunately, these systems typically
`
`consist of one or two cameras and an independent display monitor that is difficult to
`
`view while the vehicle is in operation. Moreover, the current systems are expensive,
`
`bulky, and difficult to operate and maintain. It is also difficult to find sufficient space for
`
`25
`
`the camera, recording system, and monitor in the law enforcement vehicles, which are
`
`already heavily loaded with extra equipment.
`
`It is possible to locate certain components,
`
`such as the recording system, which do not need to be frequently accessed, in the trunk
`
`of the vehicle, but this then requires long cables extending through the vehicle to connect
`
`the recording system with the camera and monitor. Additionally, many current systems
`
`30
`
`are limited to simply recording and displaying visual images of the activity, and do not
`
`provide any additional information associated with the activity.
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`[0004]
`
`Furthermore, current systems are designed with a single central processor
`
`unit (CPU) which controls most or all major functions,
`
`including encoding video
`
`received from a camera. Unfortunately, centralized processing creates bottlenecks for
`
`both speed and processing capabilities (depending on the CPU, encoding video signals
`
`may require 75% the CPU's processing capability), requires significant changes in order
`
`to add new hardware features, and, generally, results in an inability to make changes to
`
`the system without investing significant expense and time. Additionally, communicating
`
`unencoded analog signals within the vehicle to the single CPU can result in significant
`
`electrical interference and signal degradation.
`
`10
`
`SUMMARYOF THE INVENTION
`
`[0005]
`
`The present invention overcomes the above-identified and other problems
`
`by providing a vehicle-mounted video and audio recording system using distributed
`
`processing, including encoding the video and audio at their source(s), and a high-speed,
`
`e.g., Ethernet, bus connecting the various system components and external devices.
`
`15
`
`[0006]
`
`In one embodiment, the video system for a vehicle broadly comprises a
`
`video camera mounted on the vehicle and operable to both capture and encode video, a
`
`central control unit mounted on the vehicle and operable to receive and decode the
`
`encoded video, and a display monitor mounted on the vehicle and operable to display the
`
`decoded video.
`
`20
`
`[0007]
`
`In various implementations, the video system may further include any one
`
`or more of the following features. The video camera may be synchronized with the
`
`central control unit so as to provide an accurate time stamp associated with the video.
`
`The video camera may be operable to implement a pre-event recording loop. The video
`
`camera and central control unit may be connected by a high speed bus. There may be
`
`25
`
`two or more video cameras connected to a hub, wherein the hub is connected to the
`
`central control unit, and the central control unit is operable to receive the encoded video
`
`from each of the two or more video cameras substantially simultaneously. The system
`
`may include a microphone operable to capture and encode audio, wherein the central
`
`control unit is operable to receive and decode the encoded audio, a vehicle interface box
`
`30
`
`mounted on the vehicle and operable to interface an external device to the central control
`
`unit, wherein the external device may be any one or more of a crash sensor, a radar gun,
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`and a speedometer, and a co-processing module mounted on the vehicle and operable to
`
`provide processing for an additional feature of the system, wherein the additional feature
`
`may be any one or more of a face recognition feature, a license plate recognition feature,
`
`a streaming video feature, and a wireless Internet access feature.
`
`[0008]
`
`The system may include a rear view mirror housing, a mirror mounted in
`
`the rear view mirror housing, and the display monitor mounted in the rear view mirror
`
`housing substantially behind the mirror, and the mirror and the display monitor being
`
`configured so that the displayed video is viewable through the mirror.
`
`[0009]
`
`The system may include a location determining device operable to
`
`10
`
`determine a location of the vehicle when the video is captured, and a recording medium
`
`operable to record at a least a portion of the captured video and the location of the
`
`vehicle when the video was captured.
`
`[0010]
`
`These and other details of the present invention are described in greater
`
`below in the section below titled DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION.
`
`15
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0011]
`
`Further features of the present invention will become apparent to those
`
`skilled in the art to which the present invention relates from reading the following
`
`description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
`
`[0012]
`
`Fig. 1 is a functional block diagram of a video system according to one
`
`20
`
`embodimentof the present invention;
`
`[0013]
`
`Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a rear view mirror constructed according to
`
`one embodimentof the present invention;
`
`[0014]
`
`Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a rear view mirror constructed according to
`
`an embodiment of the present invention and illustrating an active monitor showing the
`
`25
`
`image from a forward facing external camera mounted in close proximity to the rear
`
`view mirror;
`
`[0015]
`
`Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the rear view mirror of Fig. 1;
`
`[0016]
`
`Fig. 5 is a front elevation view of the rear view mirrorof Fig. 1;
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`[0017]
`
`Fig. 6 is an side elevation view of the rear view mirrorof Fig. 1;
`
`[0018]
`
`Fig. 7 is a plan view of the rear view mirror of Fig. 1;
`
`[0019]
`
`Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a rear view mirror constructed according to
`
`another embodimentof the present invention;
`
`[0020]
`
`Fig. 9 is a front elevation view of the rear view mirrorof Fig. 8;
`
`[0021]
`
`Fig. 10 is a rear elevation view of the rear view mirror of FIG.8;
`
`[0022]
`
`Fig. 11 is a block diagram of a video system according to another
`
`embodimentof the present invention; and
`
`[0023]
`
`Fig. 12 is a block diagram of a camera component of the video system of
`
`10
`
`Fig. 11.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0024]
`
`With reference to the figures, a video system is herein described, shown,
`
`and otherwise disclosed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
`
`invention. More specifically, the present invention provides a vehicle-mounted video
`
`15
`
`system that is capable of recording, storing, and replaying video images, wherein the
`
`video system includesat least one internal camera and a display monitor, with both being
`
`integrated into the same housing as a rear view mirror of the vehicle, and with the
`
`monitor being located substantially behind the mirror such that video images displayed
`
`by the monitor are visible through the mirror. The video system may also allow for
`
`20
`
`capturing audio signals and other desirable information, including, for example, location
`
`and speed information.
`
`[0025]
`
`Referring to Fig. 1, an embodiment of the video system 10 is shown
`
`broadly comprising various components mounted in or on the rear view mirror housing
`
`20, including an internal camera 30, a video monitor 40, an electronics module 50, a
`
`25
`
`memory 60, an internal microphone 70, a speaker 80, input buttons 90, LED indicators
`
`100, input connectors 110, output connectors 120, and at least one infrared LED 130.
`
`The system 10 mayalso include an external camera 140, a GPS antenna 150, and a speed
`
`detector 160.
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`[0026]
`
`The internal camera 30 is typically positioned on an upper and central
`
`portion of the mirror housing 20 so that it can capture video imagesof activity within the
`
`passenger compartment of the vehicle. Alternatively, the internal camera 30 may be
`
`hidden behind the mirror 170. The internal camera 30 may be mounted at an appropriate
`
`angle, such as approximately between 10 degrees and 20 degrees to the left, so that the
`
`camera 30 is able to properly view the passenger compartment even when the mirror 170
`
`is angled towards the driver during normal use. Camera 30 may also be mounted at
`
`approximately 160 degrees or greater when camera 30 is a wide-angle camera. One
`
`appropriate camera for use as the internal camera 30 is a 510x492 black and white
`
`10
`
`CMOSsensor with TV resolution, 0.01 Lux sensitivity, and a 140 degree 4-element
`
`coated glass lens.
`
`[0027]
`
`The external camera 140 is mounted outside of the mirror housing 20 in a
`
`separate enclosure. The external camera 140 is useful, for example, to record video
`
`images when an officer leaves the vehicle, such as during a traffic stop. One appropriate
`
`15
`
`camera for use as the external camera 140 is a color CCD sensor NTSC with 768x484
`
`pixels and 470lines of resolution, a 10X optical zoom and auto focus capabilities, a wide
`
`viewing angle that is from 50.7 to 5.4 degrees, and standard and low light modes.
`
`[0028]
`
`The monitor 40 is mounted substantially behind the mirror 170 (see Figs.
`
`2 and 3) and works in conjunction with the mirror 170 so that when the monitor 40 is
`
`20
`
`turned on it is viewable through the mirror 170, and whenit is turned off it is not visible.
`
`The monitor 40 may be operable to automatically turn off when the vehicle begins to
`
`move or when the vehicle's transmission is shifted into reverse or drive, so that the driver
`
`has full use of the mirror 170 while the vehicle is in motion, Alternatively, the monitor
`
`may be mounted adjacent to or only partially behind the mirror 170. One appropriate
`
`25
`
`monitor for use as the video monitor 40 is a 3.5 inch diagonal, 640x480 TFT LCD
`
`monitor.
`
`[0029]
`
`The electronics module 50 includes a number of electronic components,
`
`including components for receiving video signals from the video cameras 30,140 and for
`
`transmitting video signals to the monitor 40. The electronics module 50 also includes
`
`30
`
`components operable to receive and execute instructions stored in internal memory.
`
`In
`
`one embodiment, for example, these instructions include menu instructions for setting
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`operational modes and resolutions. These instructions may be updated by loading
`
`instructions into a memory card and then inserting that card into a port in the system 10.
`
`[0030]
`
`The input and output connectors 110,120 are connected to the module 50
`
`for receiving electronic signals thereto and transmitting electronic signals therefrom.
`
`The input connectors 110 may include, for example, a connector for power, for the
`
`output from the speed detector 160, and for the output from the GPS antenna 150. The
`
`input connectors 110 may also include one or more connectors for receiving signals to
`
`trigger operation of the system. These triggers may include, for example, turning on the
`
`vehicle's siren and/or signal
`
`lights. The input connectors 110 may also include a
`
`10
`
`connector for receiving the output of a second external camera, such as a rear-facing
`
`camera, and a connector for receiving the output of a second external microphone. The
`
`input connectors 110 may also include a port, such as a USB 2.0 port,
`
`to allow for
`
`directly accessing the memory 60 using a laptop or other computer.
`
`The output
`
`connectors 120 may include, for example, an audio/visual connector for transmitting
`
`15
`
`audio/visual signals to an external monitor or recording device. Additionally or
`
`alternatively, any one or more of these physical connectors 110,120, may be replaced
`
`with wireless communication technology allowing the system 10 to wirelessly receive or
`
`transmit any of the aforementioned input or outputs. In one embodiment, the input and
`
`output connectors 110,120 are provided on an interface module or block which is not
`
`20
`
`located on or integrated into the housing 20, but rather is located in a remote location,
`
`such as underthe vehicle's dash, and operatively coupled with the module 50 by wire or
`
`wirelessly.
`
`[0031]
`
`The module 50 may also include components for receiving audio signals
`
`from audio sources, such as the internal microphone 70, and for transmitting audio
`
`25
`
`signals to the speaker 80. The module 50 may also include components for receiving
`
`wireless signals from one or more remote microphones, such as a wireless microphone
`
`worn by the officer.
`
`In this case, the module 50 may include an integrated 900MHz (or
`
`another suitable frequency allowed by law), spread spectrum, dual receiver capable
`
`remote microphone system with a nominal range of up to approximately 1000 feet or
`
`30
`
`greater (a range of several miles may be achieved underthe proper conditions).
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`[0032]
`
`The module 50 mayalso include an integrated GPS receiver connected to
`
`the GPS antenna 150. Utilizing the information provided by these components, the
`
`module 50 may mark recorded video with real-time position data. The system may
`
`include a "dead reckoning" function which works with GPS to allow for operation in
`
`shielded locations, such as underground garages.
`
`[0033]
`
`The module 50 may also be connected to the speed detector 140, which
`
`may be a radar gun or other conventional speed detecting device, and operable to record
`
`speed information provided by the speed detector 140 along with the video images.
`
`[0034]
`
`The memory 60 is in communication with the module 50 for receiving
`
`10
`
`and storing the video, audio, and other data. One appropriate form of electronic memory
`
`for use as the memory 60 is a CF card form factor removable memory module, and one
`
`appropriate format for storing the data is MPEG 4 format. Other appropriate forms of
`
`electronic memory for use as the memory 60 include micro hard drives, laptop-type hard
`
`drives, and flash memory cards. As will be understood by those in the field, the amount
`
`15
`
`of data storable in the memory 60 is dependent, at least in part, on the resolution utilized
`
`by the electronics module 50.
`
`It is contemplated, however, that the memory 60 may
`
`store approximately one hour of data per gigabyte of memory per simultaneous camera
`
`for high resolution, approximately two hours of data per gigabyte of memory per
`
`simultaneous camera for medium resolution, and approximately four hours of data per
`
`20
`
`gigabyte of memory per simultaneous camera for low resolution.
`
`[0035]
`
`Referring also to Figs. 2-7, the input buttons 90 are mounted on the video
`
`housing 20 and allow for controlling various components and functions of the system 10.
`
`In one embodiment, these buttons 90 may include and operate as follows. A REC button
`
`180 triggers recording in the mode shown in a menu displayed on the monitor 40.
`
`25
`
`Pressing the REC button 180 during recording allows for cycling through the various
`
`night and day camerasettings. Day and night recording modes may be set automatically
`
`using information from an on-board real-time clock or from a light sensor or from the
`
`camera 30. A red indicator LED 100 onthe front of the unit and a red record LED on the
`
`back of the unit are both turned on whenthe system is recording. A MARKbutton 190
`
`30
`
`sets a place for the current GPS position in the video data. A DISP button 200 toggles
`
`through settings such as Video Monitor and Control illumination/indicators ON, Video
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`Monitor OFF, Control
`
`illumination/indicators ON, and Video Monitor and Control
`
`illumination OFF. A Menu button 210 toggles the menu display on the monitor 40 and
`
`turns the monitor 40 ON if the display is OFF. A "Play" Qarge right-facing arrow)
`
`button 220 executes commands in Menu Modeandtoggles Play/Pause in video playback
`
`mode. A "Stop" (square) button 230 acts to cancel the current function in Menu Mode,
`
`stops video in Playback Mode, and toggles pre-set Zoom positions in Record Mode. A
`
`REV/DOWNbutton 240 zooms the camera 30 towards Wide in Record Mode, moves
`
`down in Menu Mode, and moves in reverse in Playback Mode. A FWD/UPbutton 250
`
`zooms the camera 40 towards TELE in Record Mode, moves up in Menu Mode, and
`
`10
`
`moves forward in Playback Mode. Other buttons may include an auto zoom feature to
`
`assist in reading license plates on other vehicles.
`
`[0036]
`
`The at least one infrared LED 130 is disposed in the mirror housing 20
`
`and operable to provide infrared illumination inside the vehicle's passenger compartment
`
`so that the internal camera 30 can capture video images even whenthereis little visible
`
`15
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`light,
`
`[0037]
`
`Power is supplied to the components of the video system 10 from the
`
`vehicle. The power provided is heavily filtered and regulated to avoid interference. The
`
`video system 10, using the particular components described herein, may require 4 amps
`
`from a 10 V to 13.8 V DC powersupply.
`
`20
`
`[0038]
`
`The rear view mirror includes the mirror 170 mounted within the housing
`
`20. One appropriate mirror 170 is constructed of mirror glass. One appropriate housing
`
`for use as the housing 20 is constructed of a polycarbonate plastic that is resistant to high
`
`impacts and high temperatures and is approximately between 12 inches and 14 inches
`
`long, 3 inches and 4 inches high, and 0.5 inches and 1.5 inches deep. The vehicle's
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`25
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`conventional rear view mirror mount may be replaced by a stronger mountbetter able to
`
`support the weight of the mirror 170 and housing 20 and other components of the system
`
`10. The input buttons 90, discussed above, may be mounted on a front or side surface of
`
`the housing 20. The mirror housing 20, and the housings of other components of the
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`system, may include materials operable to shield against electrical or radio interference.
`
`30
`
`[0039]
`
`Additionally, the system 10 may be provided with a "stealth" mode in
`
`which the cameras 30,140 and the microphone 70 are active and recording, but the lights
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`and indicators, such as the LED 100, are turned off, thereby making the system 10
`
`appear to be dormant.
`
`[0040]
`
`Additionally, the system 10 may provide "pre-event" recording in which
`
`the system 10 records constantly in a loop of a selected duration of time, such as thirty
`
`seconds or sixty seconds, so that when an event triggers recording, the events occurring
`
`shortly prior to the initiation of recording are also recorded andstored.
`
`[0041]
`
`Additionally, various embodiments of the system 10 include any one or
`
`more of the following features. The system 10 requires entry of a password or code prior
`
`to accessing and changing operational settings. The system 10 requires use of a key to
`
`10
`
`remove any removable memory components. The system 10 incorporates electronic
`
`watermarks into the recorded video images to prevent tampering or alteration. The
`
`system 10 allows for wirelessly downloading the contents of the memory 60 to a laptop
`
`or other computer. The system 10 allows for streaming the live video from the cameras
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`30,140, and possibly other inputs and/or outputs, via a high-speed wireless data network.
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`15
`
`The system 10 is operable to encode multiple video streams from four or more cameras
`
`simultaneously. The system 10 includes a remote control device for allowing a user to
`
`remotely control the operation of the system 10. The system 10 includes a temperature
`
`sensor and temperature indicator operable to detect and warn the user if the system 10 is
`
`at risk of malfunction or damage due to an ambient temperature that is too high or too
`
`20
`
`low for proper operation, such as may easily occur in a vehicle on a very hot or very cold
`
`day. The housing 20, and possibly the housings of other components of the system 10,is
`
`vented to dissipate heat, and may include other passive or active features to moderate
`
`temperature, especially in relatively extreme environments.
`
`[0042]
`
`Referring also to Figs. 8-10, a second implementation of the system 10 is
`
`25
`
`shown which is somewhat different in appearance than the implementation shown in
`
`Figs. 2-7, particularly with regard to the housing 220 and the layout of certain
`
`components thereabout, but which is otherwise substantially similar in functionality.
`
`[0043]
`
`It will now be apparent that the present invention is both inexpensive to
`
`manufacture and easy to use, especially when compared to current vehicle video systems.
`
`30
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`The video system of the present
`
`invention is fully integrated into a small, easily
`
`installable and replaceable package that requires minimal space inside the vehicle. Thus,
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`it replaces several single-purpose devices with a multifunction device that requires the
`
`same or less space in the vehicle. Moreover, the video system includes novel features
`
`and/or capabilities not present in currently available systems. Those skilled in the art
`
`will perceive additional significant improvements, changes, and modifications.
`
`[0044]
`
`Referring also to Fig. 11, another embodiment of the above-described
`
`system is shown which uses distributed processing, including encoding the video and
`
`audio at their source(s) rather than at a centralized location, and a high-speed, e.g.,
`
`Ethernet, bus connecting the system components and various external devices.
`
`[0045]
`
`In one implementation, the system 1010 broadly comprises the rear view
`
`10
`
`mirror housing 1020, a central control unit 1012, the internal camera 1030, the display
`
`monitor 1040, the input buttons 1090, one or more of the external cameras 1140, one or
`
`more external microphones 1142, a vehicle interface box 1144, one or more co-
`
`processing modules 1146, and the high-speed bus 1148.
`
`[0046]
`
`In this implementation,
`
`the central control unit 1012 does not
`
`itself
`
`15
`
`encode the video and audio generated by the external camera 1140 and microphone
`
`1142, but rather receives the signals already encoded. As such, the central control unit
`
`1012 includes a decoder for decoding the encoded video and audio to allow for
`
`communication via the display monitor 1040 and an associated speaker.
`
`[0047]
`
`The one or more external cameras 1140 are each operable to both capture
`
`20
`
`video and encode the video before transmitting it to the central control unit 1012 for
`
`display and storage. Because encoding can account for 75% of the processing workload
`
`in prior art systems, encoding the video at the camera 1140 rather than at the CPU of the
`
`central control unit 1012 advantageously allows the central control unit 1012 to support
`
`multiple external cameras simultaneously.
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`25
`
`[0048]
`
`Generally, existing IP ("Internet protocol") cameras are unsuitable for use
`
`in the present system 1010 because they have a tendency to lose frames, which is not
`
`acceptable for law enforcement applications in which the video might be used as
`
`evidence, and because they haverelatively narrow bandwidths, which is also problematic
`
`for law enforcement applications in which activity often takes place under extreme
`
`30
`
`lighting conditions, e.g., bright streetlights and dark shadows. However,referring also to
`
`