Method and apparatus for tracking with identification

Abstract

Combining and fusing the tracking of people and objects with image processing and the identification of the people and objects being tracked. Also, conditions of a person, object, area or facility can be detected, evaluated and monitored.

1 . A tracking system comprising:
 an imaging device;   a vision processor connected to said imaging device; and   an identifier connected to said vision processor.   
   
   
       2 . The tracking system of  claim 1  wherein said vision processor comprises:
 an image processor; and   a tracker.   
   
   
       3 . The tracking system of  claim 2 , further comprising a fusion processor connected to said vision processor and said identifier. 
   
   
       4 . The tracking system of  claim 3 , further comprising a user interface component. 
   
   
       5 . The tracking system of  claim 4 , further comprising a connection to at least one database. 
   
   
       6 . The tracking system of  claim 5 , further comprising a sensor connected to said identifier. 
   
   
       7 . The tracking system of  claim 6 , wherein said user interface component comprises an operator monitor. 
   
   
       8 . The tracking system of  claim 7 , wherein said imaging device comprises a plurality of cameras. 
   
   
       9 . The tracking system of  claim 8 , wherein said sensor comprises a detector of people and objects. 
   
   
       10 . The tracking system of  claim 9 , wherein said identifier can positively identify people and objects detected by said detector. 
   
   
       11 . A tracking system comprising:
 means for imaging;   means for processing images from said means for imaging;   means for identifying;   means for fusing together said means for identifying and said   means for imaging; and   means for tracking connected to said means for imaging.   
   
   
       12 . The tracking system of  claim 11 , wherein said means for tracking can track at least one person or object and identify that person or object. 
   
   
       13 . The tracking system of  claim 12 , further comprising means for interfacing a user with said means for tracking. 
   
   
       14 . The tracking system of  claim 13 , wherein said means for interfacing a user comprises a means for monitoring said means for tracking. 
   
   
       15 . The tracking system of  claim 14 , further comprising a means for sensing connected to said means for identifying. 
   
   
       16 . The tracking system of  claim 15 , further comprising a means for interacting with a database. 
   
   
       17 . A method for tracking comprising:
 attaining images of an item to be tracked;   processing the images;   tracking the item; and   identifying the item.   
   
   
       18 . The method for tracking of  claim 17 , further comprising fusing the identifying the item with the tracking the item. 
   
   
       19 . The method for tracking of  claim 18 , further comprising interfacing a user with the method for tracking. 
   
   
       20 . The method for tracking of  claim 19 , further comprising interacting the method for tracking with a database.