SBIR Phase I: New Algorithms for PTZ Camera Based Object Tracking

Juntech, Inc., Milwaukee WI

Investigators

Abstract

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will investigate and evaluate a new class of moving object-tracking algorithms for PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras in video surveillance systems. In most of today's video surveillance systems, real-time object tracking is performed manually by human operators using PTZ cameras. This is often stressful and inefficient (an operator can only control one PTZ camera at a time) and causes inconsistent results. The proposed project will investigate a new class of algorithms to direct a PTZ camera to track an object of interest automatically. This is done by using an optimal filter with new object and observation models. The project outcome will be software modules that can be integrated into standard video surveillance systems to improve their capabilities. Video surveillance systems are important tools in the fight against crime and terrorism. Most of the systems on the market today are relatively standard DVR's (digital video recorders) with few smart features. The proposed innovation (automatic object tracking) is a smart feature that can significantly improve a standard system's capabilities by allowing it to get better and more useful images. Since this feature is demanded by many end-users, it is highly attractive to equipment vendors and integrators. Hence, it has commercial potential. Finally, by introducing new models for object tracking (detailed in the Project Description), the proposed innovation also advances the state-of-the-art in image processing and computer vision research.