Motion detecting web camera system
AssigneeIntel Corporation
InventorBradford H. Needham
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A camera system that includes a video camera and a processor, which periodically uploads images captured by the video camera to a web server in accordance with one of a plurality of motion detection algorithms. A first motion detection algorithm captures a current image frame when a pixel comparison between successive image frames exceeds a predetermined threshold.
Claims12
A web camera system for uploading pictures to a web site comprising:
- a video camera;
- a current frame buffer to hold a current image captured by the video camera;
- a previous frame buffer to hold a previous image captured prior to the current image;
- a candidate buffer to hold a most recent image for periodic uploading to the web site;
- logic circuitry to perform a pixel comparison between the current image and the previous image, the logic circuitry asserting a motion signal when the pixel comparison exceeds a predetermined threshold;
- and
- the web camera system operating according to one of a plurality of modes, in a first mode of operation the current image is loaded into the candidate buffer responsive to the motion signal and in a second mode of operation the current image is loaded into the candidate buffer after a certain duration has elapsed following assertion of the motion signal.
A method of operating a web camera system comprising:
- capturing a current image frame from a video camera;
- asserting a motion detection signal when a pixel comparison between the current image and a previous image frame exceeds a predetermined threshold;
- storing in a buffer successive image frames captured from the video camera while the motion detection signal is asserted;
- de-asserting the motion detection signal when the predetermined threshold is no longer exceeded for the current image frame;
- selecting from the buffer a certain one of the successive image frames as a candidate picture once the motion detection signal has been de-asserted for a certain duration;
- and
- uploading the candidate picture to a web site.
A method of operating a web camera system comprising:
- capturing a current image frame from a video camera;
- asserting a motion detection signal when a pixel comparison between the current image and a previous image frame exceeds a predetermined threshold;
- storing in a buffer successive image frames captured from the video camera while the motion detection signal is asserted;
- de-asserting the motion detection signal when the predetermined threshold is no longer exceeded for the current image frame;
- selecting as a candidate picture either:
- (i) the current image when the motion detection signal is asserted;
- (ii) the current image a first duration following de-assertion of the motion detection signal;
- or
- (iii) a certain one of the successive image frames from the buffer once the motion detection signal has been de-asserted for a second duration;
- and
- uploading the candidate picture to a web site.
A computer-readable storage medium having a configuration that represents data and instructions that cause a processor to:
- assert a motion detection signal when a pixel comparison between the current image frame captured from a video camera and a previous image frame exceeds a predetermined threshold;
- store in a buffer successive image frames captured from the video camera while the motion detection signal is asserted;
- de-assert the motion detection signal when the predetermined threshold is no longer exceeded for the current image frame;
- select from the buffer a certain one of the successive image frames as a candidate picture once the motion detection signal has been de-asserted for a certain duration;
- and
- upload the candidate picture to a web site.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.