MAI MOTOMONTANT DODOTTI ON TO AN INTE
`
`US009912914B2
`
`( 12 ) United States Patent
`DeKeyser
`
`( 10 ) Patent No . :
`( 45 ) Date of Patent :
`
`US 9 , 912 , 914 B2
`* Mar . 6 , 2018
`
`( 54 ) WRITE - PROTECTED RECORDING
`( 71 ) Applicant : STELLAR , LLC , Irvine , CA ( US )
`( 72 ) Inventor : Paul DeKeyser , Irvine , CA ( US )
`( 73 ) Assignee : STELLAR , LLC , Irvine , CA ( US )
`( * ) Notice :
`Subject to any disclaimer , the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U . S . C . 154 ( b ) by 0 days .
`This patent is subject to a terminal dis
`claimer .
`( 21 ) Appl . No . : 15 / 279 , 155
`Sep . 28 , 2016
`( 22 ) Filed :
`Prior Publication Data
`( 65 )
`US 2017 / 0019640 A1 Jan . 19 , 2017
`Related U . S . Application Data
`Continuation of application No . 13 / 790 , 553 , filed on
`Mar . 8 , 2013 , now Pat . No . 9 , 485 , 471 , which is a
`continuation of application No . 12 / 560 , 584 , filed on
`Sep . 16 , 2009 , now Pat . No . 8 , 692 , 882 , which is a
`continuation of application No . 12 / 268 , 286 , filed on
`( Continued )
`
`( 63 )
`
`( 51 )
`
`Int . Ci .
`H04N 7 / 18
`GIIB 23 / 28
`GIIB 27 / 10
`GIIB 31 / 00
`H04N 5 / 76
`H04N 5 / 77
`GO8B 15 / 00
`GO8B 13 / 196
`( 52 ) U . S . CI .
`???
`
`( 2006 . 01 )
`( 2006 . 01 )
`( 2006 . 01 )
`( 2006 . 01 )
`( 2006 . 01 )
`( 2006 . 01 )
`( 2006 . 01 )
`( 2006 . 01 )
`
`H04N 7 / 18 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; GIIB 23 / 288
`( 2013 . 01 ) ; GIIB 27 / 10 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; GIIB
`31 / 006 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; H04N 5 / 76 ( 2013 . 01 ) ;
`
`( 58 )
`
`H04N 5 / 77 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; G08B 13 / 19621
`( 2013 . 01 ) ; G08B 13 / 19676 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; G08B
`15 / 001 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; GIIB 2220 / 216 ( 2013 . 01 )
`Field of Classification Search
`CPC . . . H04N 7 / 18 ; H04N 5 / 76 ; H04N 5 / 77 ; G11B
`23 / 288 ; G11B 27 / 10 ; G11B 31 / 006 ;
`G11B 2220 / 216 ; GO8B 13 / 19621 ; GO8B
`13 / 19676 ; G08B 15 / 001
`See application file for complete search history .
`
`( 36 )
`
`References Cited
`U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
`4 / 1993 Cowan
`5 , 204 , 909 A
`5 , 381 , 526 A
`1 / 1995 Ellson
`( Continued )
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`0510968
`10 / 1992
`1064783
`4 / 2003
`( Continued )
`Primary Examiner — Nhon Diep
`( 74 ) Attorney , Agent , or Firm - Fish IP Law
`
`EP
`EP
`
`( 57 )
`ABSTRACT
`A surveillance apparatus continuously records imaged data
`from a camera into a circular buffer in a local memory . When
`a record signal is received , the system records the video
`stream that was recorded before the record signal was
`received , and the video stream that is recorded after the
`record signal was received . The recorded segment is then
`write - protected , so that the surveillance apparatus does not
`overwrite the recorded segment . The recorded segment
`could then be sent to a remote memory via a wireless
`connection to free up local memory for future recording
`sessions .
`
`23 Claims , 4 Drawing Sheets
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`169
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`320
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`310
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`163
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`DeKeyser
`( variable
`buffer )
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`400
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`[ AAAAAAAAAAA AAAA ] ,
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`- - -
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`- -
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`- - - -
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`

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`US 9 , 912 , 914 B2
`Page 2
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`Related U . S . Application Data
`Nov . 10 , 2008 , now Pat . No . 7 , 593 , 034 , which is a
`continuation - in - part of application No . 11 / 770 , 920 ,
`filed on Jun . 29 , 2007 , now Pat . No . 8 , 310 , 540 , said
`application No . 12 / 268 , 286 is a continuation - in - part
`of application No . 11 / 846 , 217 , filed on Aug . 28 , 2007 ,
`now Pat . No . 8 , 928 , 752 .
`( 60 ) Provisional application No . 60 / 824 , 095 , filed on Aug .
`31 , 2006 .
`
`( 56 )
`
`References Cited
`U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
`5 / 1995 De Luigi et al .
`5 , 418 , 529 A
`5 , 523 , 799 A
`6 / 1996 Hattori et al .
`5 , 689 , 442 A
`11 / 1997 Swanson et al .
`8 / 1998 Greer et al .
`5 , 790 , 427 A
`6 , 163 , 338 A
`12 / 2000 Johnson et al .
`6 , 317 , 817 B1
`11 / 2001 Shichiku et al .
`6 , 351 , 798 B1
`2 / 2002 Aono
`
`4 / 2002 Washino
`6 , 370 , 198 B1
`6 , 618 , 546 B29 / 2003 Ichioka et al .
`6 , 831 , 652 B1 . 12 / 2004 Orr
`6 , 950 , 600 B2
`9 / 2005 Dietz
`7 , 162 , 607 B2
`1 / 2007 Macy et al .
`7 , 195 , 164 B2
`3 / 2007 Patel
`7 , 263 , 073 B2
`8 / 2007 Petite et al .
`7 , 546 , 602 B2
`6 / 2009 Heilsberg
`7 , 587 , 323 B2
`9 / 2009 Matz et al .
`7 , 813 , 822 B1 10 / 2010 Hoffberg
`2002 / 0005895 A1
`1 / 2002 Freeman et al .
`2004 / 0183912 AL 9 / 2004 Szolyga et al .
`2005 / 0240942 A1 10 / 2005 Smith
`2006 / 0158968 A1
`7 / 2006 Vanman et al .
`2007 / 0132773 A
`6 / 2007 Plante
`2007 / 0174538 A1 7 / 2007 Christoffersson et al .
`2008 / 0177994 Al 7 / 2008 Mayer
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`92 / 22983
`12 / 1992
`9 / 1999
`99 / 49656
`11 / 1999
`99 / 56216
`2006 / 044476
`4 / 2006
`
`WO
`WO
`WO
`WO
`
`

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`atent
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`Mar . 6 , 2018
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`Sheet 1 of 4
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`US 9 , 912 , 914 B2
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`FIG . 1
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`150
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`TOP TRANSMIT 200 OM ZOOM
`REC STOP
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`Mar : 6 , 2018
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`U . S . Patent
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`atent
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`Mar . 6 , 2018
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`Sheet 3 of 4
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`US 9 , 912 , 914 B2
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`buffer )
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`FIG . 4B
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`FIG . 4C
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`BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB
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`FIG . 4D
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`atent
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`Mar . 6 , 2018
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`Sheet 4 of 4
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`US 9 , 912 , 914 B2
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`De Keyser
`( variable
`buffer )
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`400
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`buffer )
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`FIG . 4E
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`FIG . 4F
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`[ BBBBBBBBBBBBBBB ] CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC . . . CCCCCCC
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`[ CCCCCCC [ AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA ] CCCCCI .
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`[ BBBBBBBBBBBBBBB ]
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`FIG . 4H
`
`

`

`US 9 , 912 , 914 B2
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`stop recording and offload the data at another location before
`WRITE - PROTECTED RECORDING
`the user can record again . Mann also discusses streaming the
`images directly to a wireless memory that may have a larger
`This application is a continuation of U . S . patent applica
`capacity ; however , this means that the camera does not work
`tion Ser . No . 13 / 790 , 553 filed on Mar . 8 , 2016 , which is a
`continuation of U . S . patent application Ser . No . 12 / 560 , 584 , 5 in the absence of a wireless connection . U . S . Pat . No .
`filed Sep . 16 , 2009 , now issued U . S . Pat . No . 8 , 692 , 882
`5 , 523 , 799 to Hattori et al . also describes storing data in a
`which is a continuation of U . S . patent application Ser . No .
`memory having an archival portion . However , Hattori fails
`12 / 268 , 286 , filed Nov . 10 , 2008 , now issued U . S . Pat . No .
`to address sending data to a remote memory .
`7 , 593 , 034 , which is a continuation - in - part of U . S . patent
`Thus , there is still a need for a recording camera that
`application Ser . No . 11 / 770 , 920 , filed Jun . 29 , 2007 , now 10 provides better recording and editing functions .
`issued U . S . Pat . No . 8 , 310 , 540 , which claims the benefit of
`III . SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`U . S . provisional patent 60 / 824 , 097 , filed Aug . 31 , 2006 .
`This application Ser . No . 12 / 268 , 286 are also continuations
`in - part of U . S . patent application Ser . No . 11 / 846 , 217 , filed
`The present invention provides apparatus , systems , and
`Aug . 28 , 2007 , which claims the benefit of U . S . provisional 15 methods in which a surveillance apparatus processes images
`patent 60 / 824 , 095 , filed Aug . 31 , 2006 . These and all other
`by ( 1 ) continuously recording a stream of imaged data , ( 2 )
`referenced extrinsic materials are incorporated herein by
`write protecting segments of the recorded stream , and ( 3 )
`reference in their entirety . Where a definition or use of a term
`sending write protected segments from a local memory to a
`in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the
`remote memory using a wireless transmitter .
`definition of that term provided herein , the definition of that 20
`The surveillance apparatus generally has a camera func
`term provided herein applies and the definition of that term
`tionally coupled to a local memory with a circular buffer . As
`used herein , the term “ a local memory functionally coupled
`in the reference does not apply .
`to the camera " means that the memory that is distanced less
`I . FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`than 20 cm from the camera , and is coupled to the camera
`25 using entirely physical connectors ( e . g . , wires , pins , con
`The field of the invention is video camera recording
`ductive paths , etc . ) . This contrasts with a “ remote memory
`technology
`functionally coupled to the camera ” , which would be a
`memory that is distanced from the camera by at least 20 cm ,
`II . BACKGROUND
`or is coupled to the camera using a wireless connection . The
`30 circular buffer is preferably organized into a series of
`memory segments that loops back on itself and is organized
`Conventional camcorders use a variety of storage formats
`into both available segments and write - protected segments .
`including digital video cassettes , mini - DV cassettes , or
`This allows a recording facility to record the data stream
`DVD - R discs that offer a limited amount of memory to store
`available in portions of the circular buffer while skipping
`data . One of the major shortcomings of the existing cam
`corder technology is that the memory runs out too soon . 35 over write - protected matter . Preferably , the local memory is
`Once a portion of the memory has been recorded , there is
`large enough to store at least 5 or 10 minutes of imaged data .
`less memory available for further recording . Then when the
`Preferably , the recording facility continuously records the
`memory is full , users have to return to their home / work
`data stream into the circular buffer any time the surveillance
`computer or media station to transfer the recorded data from
`apparatus is powered on . As used herein , the term " continu
`the camera to free up the memory . This creates inconve - 40 ous " with respect to recording a video data stream means
`nience and inflexibility for recording on the go .
`that data is recorded at least every half second over a given
`WO 2006 / 044476 to Vanman describes an electronic
`ten second period . When a signal to record is sent to the
`surveillance apparatus , a protecting facility designates a
`camera mounted to a police vehicle with a circular buffer
`that is constantly recording . When the camera reaches the
`segment of the circular buffer to be write - protected to
`end of the memory it records from the beginning of memory , 45 prevent that segment from being overwritten during the next
`erasing the earliest recorded data . Such technology is often
`recording loop . Part of the write - protected portion could be
`employed with surveillance cameras for long and continuous
`a pre - recorded subset that is recorded before the signal is
`recording with little or no supervision . However , Vanman
`received , while part of the write - protected portion could be
`does not distinguish or differentiate any data that is of
`a post - recorded subset that is recorded after the signal is
`importance . To save data in the buffer , the user of the 50 received . The pre - recorded subset could be as long as 5
`Vanman device needs to transfer important portions of the
`seconds , 10 seconds , 30 seconds , or more . Preferably , vari
`buffer wirelessly to a central office or physically to a DVD
`ous aspects of both the pre - recorded subset and the post
`disc , or else risk having the interesting data be recorded over
`recorded subset can be configured with a user interface .
`during loop recording . Such transfers are processor intensive
`While the write - protected portions could be electronically
`and may not be possible when the central office is out of 55 indexed using a memory heap or a clustered index , the
`write - protected portions are preferably stored as separate
`range or an empty DVD disc is unavailable .
`Vanman and all other extrinsic materials identified herein
`files in the memory . Such files could be stored in physically
`are incorporated by reference in their entirety . Where a
`dis - contiguous parts of the circular buffer . Additionally , the
`definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is
`indexing is preferably performed while the recording facility
`inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term pro - 60 is still recording data into the memory .
`vided herein , the definition of that term provided herein
`The signal to record is preferably automatically triggered
`applies and the definition of that term in the reference does
`by a sensor that detects an image in the camera or a sound
`by the camera ' s microphone . For example , the signal to
`not apply .
`EP 1064783 to Mann describes a camera mountable to a
`record could be triggered by a human face , an open book , a
`pair of eyeglasses that continuously saves recorded images 65 computer screen , a whistle , a verbal command , a recognized
`to a circular buffer in a computer on the user ' s waist . When
`object , or a pattern of knocks . Alternatively , a user interface
`a user wants to save a piece of recorded video , the user must
`could allow a human user to manually send the signal to
`
`

`

`US 9 , 912 , 914 B2
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`possible sense , to include not only professional or commer
`record and could even allow the human user to designate a
`cial types of surveillance , but also any other type of obser
`length of time of the pre - recorded subset or the post -
`vation , including for example an ordinary person watching
`recorded subset . A user could send two signals , one to start
`a baseball game or birthday party .
`recording and another to stop recording , but preferably the
`The eyeglasses 110 are used here euphemistically to
`user merely sends a signal to start recording for a specified 5
`represent any type of camera mount . In a preferred embodi
`period of time . In an exemplary embodiment , when the
`ment , the camera mount is disguised to be a common object
`specified period of time has almost expired , say , for
`worn by a person or lying around a house , but could also be
`example , 5 seconds , 10 seconds , or longer , the user could
`shaped and sized to look like a camera . Contemplated
`extend the length of specified time by sending another
`trigger to the surveillance apparatus . For example , the 10 mounts include lapel pins , hair clips , shirt buttons , purses ,
`surveillance apparatus could send a warning 10 seconds
`staplers , desk clocks , tripods , head gear , hand grips , or
`before it is scheduled to stop recording by vibrating against
`security camera mounts . As used herein the term “ camera "
`the user ; in response the user could say “ don ' t stop ” or
`means any device or collection of devices that includes an
`merely cough to extend the length of the write - protected
`image capturing component that captures image data , and a
`15 converting component that converts the image data into
`portion of memory .
`While the surveillance apparatus could be a mounted on
`digital data , possibly at least one data stream . An image
`a hand - held video camera , the surveillance apparatus is
`capturing component could include one or more charge
`preferably a small device that can be mounted inconspicu -
`couple devices ( CCD ) complimentary metal - oxide - semi
`ously on a person . For example , contemplated surveillance
`conductors ( CMOS ) , CMOS focal plane arrays ( CFP ) , radi
`apparatus mounts are a pair of wearable sunglasses or 20 ometers , or other manners of image obtaining devices .
`Camera 120 should be interpreted euphemistically to include
`eyeglasses , a lapel pin , a collar button , a hat or visor , a hair
`all such variants . Likewise , a suitable converting component
`pin , or a front of a purse .
`Since the surveillance apparatus is typically too small to
`could include one or more analog - to - digital converters ,
`house a large amount of memory , the surveillance apparatus
`software codecs , or integrated circuits .
`also preferably has a wireless transmitter that is also func - 25
`Camera 120 contains an imager lens 122 used to focus
`tionally connected to the local memory . A sending facility
`images for camera 120 . Conventional lenses allow one or
`more of the following adjustments : aperture ( to control the
`uses the wireless transmitter to transmit write - protected
`portions of the circular buffer to a remote memory that is not
`amount of light ) , zoom ( to control the field - of - view ) , or
`physically connected to the local memory in some way . For
`shutter speed ( to capture continuous motion . ) . In preferred
`example , the wireless transmitter could send write - protected 30 embodiments , these adjustments are automatically con
`portions of the circular buffer to a mobile phone , or the
`trolled by the camcorder electronics , generally to maintain
`surveillance apparatus could be plugged into a mobile phone
`constant exposure onto the imager without the manual
`which is then used as a wireless transmitter to forward a
`adjustment from a user . It is contemplated that the preferred
`write - protected portion to another remote memory . In a
`embodiments offer direct user control of all major optical
`preferred embodiment , after a write - protected portion of the 35 functions . As with most modern digital recorders and cam
`circular buffer is transferred to a remote memory , the pro -
`corders , an analog - to - digital ( ADC ) converter is used to
`tecting facility could remove the corresponding portion from
`digitize the analog imager waveform output into a discrete
`protection so that the recording facility could use that
`digital - video signal . Thus , the recorder can be used to record
`analog or digital formats .
`portion to record data .
`Various objects , features , aspects and advantages of the 40
`Viewfinder image lens 130 is calibrated to have the same
`present invention will become more apparent from the
`field of view as camera 120 . Preferably , viewfinder image
`following detailed description of preferred embodiments of
`lens 130 is embedded in between the two glass lenses of
`the invention , along with the accompanying drawings in
`eyeglasses 110 . Preferably viewfinder image lens 130 is a
`zoom lens with preferred standard zoom ration of 3x in or
`which like numerals represent like components .
`45 out of the focal length of the camera . A more sophisticated
`IV . BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
`viewfinder image lens 130 is contemplated to have a greater
`zoom range and also has nighttime vision or is able to render
`FIG . 1 is a camera mounted on a pair of glasses connected
`images under different light conditions . Within the lenses ,
`viewfinder image lens 130 is outlined by tinted area or
`to a circular buffer in a local memory that is controlled by
`50 graticle and the outline graticle is embedded with glowing
`a ring
`FIGS . 2A and 2B show user interface buttons for the ring
`fiber optic filament . Eye - glasses are made preferably from
`opaque , translucent , or possibly photo gray - type tint of
`of FIG . 1 .
`FIG . 3 shows a diagram representation of the circular
`glasses . Alternatively , glasses change color slightly when
`energized .
`buffer of FIG . 1 .
`FIG . 4A - 4H show representations of the circular buffer of 55
`Where the camera is a hand - held camera and is not
`embedded in a pair of eyeglasses , viewfinder image lens 130
`FIG . 1 while the surveillance apparatus is in use .
`can be permanently fixed to camera 120 , or it can be
`interchangeable with lenses of different focal lengths and
`V . DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`other properties depending on the need and circumstances of
`In FIG . 1 , an example surveillance apparatus 100 gener - 60 use .
`Recorder 160 is any recording device that records video
`ally comprising eyeglasses 110 having a camera 120
`mounted at the nose bridge , and an optional viewfinder 130
`and / or audio / video data , including conventional recorders .
`applied onto one of the lenses . A data and power cord 140
`Recorder 160 preferably includes a processor 162 with
`couples the camera 120 to a belt - worn recorder 160 , which
`software or hardware that accomplishes the functions
`cooperates with a ring - shaped signaling device 150 and a 65 described herein , or one or more physical memories that are
`remote memory 170 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate
`collectively referred to herein as memory 166 . Typically , the
`that the term “ surveillance ” is used herein in its broadest
`recorder or the camera converts analog images into a digital
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`US 9 , 912 , 914 B2
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`166 . Preferably , all of the free space in memory 166 is used
`format to be stored in the memory , or also preferably records
`to create circular buffer 167 , however , multiple circular
`both audio and video input analog signals from the camera
`buffers could be created in the memory where there exist
`to the memory . Those skilled in the art will also appreciate
`multiple cameras connected to a single recorder . Once the
`that the concepts described herein with respect to video
`and / or audio / video data can be applied to recordation of 5 recorder is turned on , image data is continuously stored in
`purely audio , or in fact any other type of data stream ; this
`circular buffer 167 for access . If no record or protect button
`specification should be interpreted as expressly including
`is pushed , the recorder will loop back and store the image
`such application . A wearer could clip recorder 160 as a belt
`data for a said length of time . Recording , book - marking and
`clip or another compact device . Contemplated recorders
`protecting are used synonymously herein . Recording , book
`include MP3 players , purses , or buttons . It is also contem -
`10 marking and protecting means that a portion of the imaged
`plated that recorder 160 could also comprise a cell or mobile
`data is write - protected upon an activation of a signal by a
`phone having a suitable recorder application installed that is
`user and can not then be overwritten unless the write
`configured to communicate with the other components of
`protection is later removed . Consequently , protected data
`apparatus 100 .
`cannot be overwritten by newly stored imaged data in the
`Although not expressly shown , recorder 160 also includes 15 circular buffer .
`an appropriate power supply or connection , supporting
`The circular buffer is preferably large enough to store at
`electronics , or a display or other interface . The power source
`least 3 minutes of data , more preferably 5 minutes and most
`can vary considerably . For example , in embodiments where
`preferred 10 minutes of data . However , it is contemplated
`the recorded is relatively large , a suitable power source can
`that depending on the size and capacity of the device , any
`include a rechargeable battery . On the other hand , when the 20 length longer or shorter is possible . It is preferred when the
`recorder is relatively small , an appropriate power source can
`recorder is turned on the entire circular buffer is treated and
`include an external power source ( e . g . , transformer for wall
`stored as a single file . Thus , if no recording is protected or
`outlet or cigarette lighter adapter ) . Whether embodied in
`bookmarked , then the entire file will be erased and the
`control buttons or in some other manner , it is also contem -
`recording will start at the beginning of the circular buffer .
`plated that recorder can include some sort of security control 25
`Signaling device 150 is shown in the figure as a ring that
`requiring a password and some sort of automatic turnoff
`communicates wirelessly ( e . g . , BlueTooth , Skinplex , wire
`feature that activates after a certain amount of inactivity .
`less USB , 802 . 11 , 802 . 15 , UWB , Z - Wave , IrDa , Zigbee ,
`Authentication or authorization of user access provides for
`etc . ) with the recorder , possibly as part of a personal area
`ensuring a proper user of apparatus 100 retains desired
`network ( PAN ) . The ring can have any suitable interface ,
`control . For example , once a user is authenticated , the user 30 shown in FIGS . 2A and 2B , including for example buttons
`can control indexing , editing , transmitting , or adjusting
`on its outer periphery , or a sensor along its inner edge . In
`FIG . 2A , ring 150 has user interface 200 , with a start signal
`content data in memory .
`Recorder 160 would typically record images in digital
`button 210 , a stop signal button 220 , a transmit button 230 ,
`format , but analog or combination formats are also contem
`a zoom in button 240 , or a zoom out button 250 . Alterna
`plated . Preferably , the recorder ' s electronics are preferably 35 tively , the buttons could have decorative symbols in lieu of
`all on a unitary printed circuit board with different functions ,
`words of function as shown in FIG . 2B , or could even have
`or facilities , encoded on a programmable chip or disk . For
`arbitrary symbols surrounding the entirety of signaling
`example , a recording facility 163 could record the data
`device 150 . These buttons allow a user to manipulate and
`stream from camera 120 to local memory 166 , a protecting
`control image data and to generate protected data .
`facility 164 could protect segments ( not shown ) of recorded 40
`In an alternative embodiment , turning the ring in one
`data on memory 166 , or a sending facility 165 could transmit
`direction might produce a start signal , and continuing to turn
`protected segments ( not shown ) of recorded data to remote
`the ring in that direction might extend backwards the time
`memory 170 . While the different facilities are preferably
`period that is protected . Where a default time period for
`part of a single hardware or software program , the facilities
`storing pre - start signal data is used , extending the time can
`could be split into different components as necessary . Other 45 be considered overriding the default . Similarly , turning the
`facilities could be installed , for example a facility that allows
`ring in the opposite direction might produce a stop signal ,
`editing of the received image data or protected data . It is
`and where a default time period for storing post - start signal
`contemplated that such facilities could be purchased through
`data is used , extending the time can be considered overriding
`or installed on a cell phone , possibly through an on - line
`that default . Electronics for such a ring or other control
`application store .
`50 device are readily available , and for example are similar to
`The contemplated memory could vary depending on the
`those used in key fobs . Indeed , signaling device 150 should
`particular configuration of the recorder . Particularly suitable
`be interpreted euphemistically to include key fob type
`memories include commercially available micro hard drives
`device .
`with a 1 - inch disc ( which can preferably have a capacity of
`It is contemplated that the signaling device could be
`more than 1 GB ) , flash memory cards with a capacity of up 55 integrated into other items as an accessory and that is
`to 128 MB and more , or other transient and / or permanent
`wearable on an individual , for example a lapel pin or a pen
`memory units . Likewise , suitable memory can also include
`within a pocked protector . It is also contemplated that the
`SDRAM , MRAM , racetrack memory , SIMM , DIMM , etc .
`switch could be portable or can be hidden or attached to
`with a capacity of at least 32 MB , more preferably at least
`other devices such as a vehicle , furniture , etc . The signal
`64 MB , or most preferably above 128 MB . In preferred 60 could also be generated in non - tactile ways , for example by
`embodiments , memory 166 is a SDRAM capable of storing
`an audio command or whistle , or by an automatic sensor .
`at least 1000 frames of data . Once received by memory 166 ,
`Preferably , the user could configure the audio signal to
`frames are preferably compressed by employing conven
`match only his / her voice .
`tional compression rates and methods to achieve at least a
`At any moment , the user can signal recorder 160 to place
`65 a “ bookmark ” in the recording . This signal can be sent by
`50 : 1 ratio .
`In preferred embodiments , image data received by
`pressing a button that will then transmit a signal through
`recorder 160 is stored in a circular buffer 167 on memory
`wires 140 that attach to the glasses then to the recorder . The
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`US 9 , 912 , 914 B2
`
`can be configured to store data in the physical memory by
`wires 140 could be fiber optic wires that are small and thin
`taking into account wear - leveling across the physical
`to avoid detection . In an exemplary embodiment , the user
`memory .
`could control the entire system using signaling device 150 ,
`In FIG . 4B the protecting facility ( not shown ) has pro
`for example by turning the camera on and off , recording a
`portion of image data , stop the recording , zooming in and 5 tected a recent period of data stream “ A ” as a function of a
`start signal , shown by the character “ ) ” . The start signal can
`out of image data ; or transmitting protected data into the
`be triggered in any suitable manner , including for example
`remote memory 170 .
`manual operation of a trigger or a switch by a user . For
`While remote memory 170 is shown in the figure as a
`example , the ring of FIG . 1 could be used as a switch , or any
`mobile or cell phone , remote memory 170 should be inter
`preted euphemistically to include any memory that is not 10 other wearable accessory could have a switch integrated into
`it . In other examples , start signals can be triggered by
`connected to surveillance apparatus 100 , for example , a
`detection of a particular circumstance by a motion , sound or
`DVD writer , a wireless network attached storage ( NAS )
`other sensor . In an exemplary system , software can operate
`device , a wireless storage area network ( SAN ) device , a
`upon content in the data stream , such as by monitoring an
`home computer , or even a second surveillance apparatus . 15 entrance to a building using a data stream received from one
`Preferably , sending facility 165 sends protected segments of
`or more cameras , and could then send a start signal when the
`circular buffer 167 wirelessly to remote memory 170 when
`image shows a person loitering in
`a certain area of the
`ever remote memory 170 is within range of wireless trans
`screen .
`ceiver 169 , possibly as part of a PAN using one or more
`The “ ? ” character is used to designate the start of protected
`wireless communication technologies ( e . g . , BlueTooth , 20 memory . Concomitantly , the portion of the data stream prior
`Skinplex , wireless USB , 802 . 11 , 802 . 15 , UWB , Z - Wave ,
`to the protected portion has once again been marked “ _ ” to
`IrDa , Zigbee , etc . ) . However , sending facility 165 could also
`show that it is unprotected . In protecting recent data , the
`respond to manual commands , for example through a button
`system can protect a default historical time period before the
`on signaling device 150 , recorder 160 , or the mobile phone
`start signal is sent and protect a default period after the start
`itself . In an alternative embodiment , the mobile phone does 25 signal is sent ( such as 30 seconds , 2 minutes , etc ) . All
`not act as a remote memory depository , and instead forwards
`suitable defaults are contemplated . Alternatively , the histori
`the protected segment to a remote memory via a mobile
`cal time period being protected could be altered in some
`internet or wi - fi connection . Preferably , once protected data
`manner , such as by software or by a user operating a history
`is transferred to a remote memory , the protected memory
`button . For example , if a user hits a start button , the system
`areas then will go back to become free memory areas that are 30 m