Virginia Patent of the Month – February 2021
ObjectVideo Labs, LLC is developing a smart camera which will be able to identify animals as they are photographed. This self powered camera will enable hunters to make more informed decisions. Typically a trail camera would incorporate heat sensing motion detectors and snap a picture when a hot source is identified. The image is stored on a memory card which would be retrieved by the hunter later. ObjectVideo’s design would identify animals and send notifications to the hunter in real time.
ObjectVideo’s design uses a self powered camera – either through batteries or embedded solar panels. The images can be transmitted wirelessly via radio or cellular communications. In order to reduce the required bandwidth, since some cameras will be in deep woods with reduced access, the camera will intuitively decide which pictures to send. Using a trained neural network, the camera will have a database of animal figures and types. This way the image can be briefly examined, the animal identified, and the image either sent or not sent. For instance, if a hunter wants pictures of deer but not squirrels, the camera’s programming would identify the animal in the image. If it’s a deer, the image will be sent to the hunter. The camera is capable of registering with multiple users and storing their preferences. Other preferences can be made to either receive the full picture, a cropped picture, or even just a notification, like “ deer detected”. These options help to customize to the user and reduce bandwidth. Improved camera trails can help hunters or property owners as well as scientists researching specific animals and eliminate the need to collect memory cards for viewing.
About ObjectVideo
ObjectVideo Labs is the world’s leading provider of intelligent video software for security, public safety, business intelligence, process improvement and other applications. ObjectVideo Labs develops highly customized video intelligence solutions for its clients. Their commercial software is recognized as a global market leader in providing intelligent video analytics to leading IP Camera and Video Management System manufacturers
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