System and method for detecting a camera

Abstract

A system and method for detecting a camera. In one embodiment, although not limited thereto, an illuminator illuminates an area of interest. A camera then takes multiple pictures of the illuminated area and an algorithm is then used to compare the pictures and locate and pirate cameras based on the reflection characteristics.

1 . A system for detecting an optical device, comprising:
 an illumination system for illuminating a target area;   an image acquisition system for capturing a first image of the target area on the same axis as the illumination system and for capturing a second image of the target area on a different axis from the illumination system; and   a processor and computer readable media having computer code for causing a processor to identify retro-reflections in the target area by analyzing the first image and the second image;   wherein the computer code for causing a processor to identify retro-reflections filters the first image to isolate retro-reflections.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the computer code for causing a processor to identify retro-reflections filters the first image to isolate retro-reflections by applying a low pass filter and applying a high pass filter. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising an image acquisition system for capturing a third image of the non-illuminated target area and wherein the computer code for causing a processor to identify retro-reflections subtracts the third image from the first image before it filters the first image to isolate retro-reflections. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3  wherein the computer code for causing a processor to identify retro-reflections creates an image mask and applies the image mask to the first image after it filters the first image to isolate retro-reflections. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4  wherein the image mask comprises:
 a maximum image created using the second image and the third image. 
 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 4  wherein the computer code for causing a processor to identify retro-reflections applies a low pass filter to the image mask and applies a high pass filter to the image mask before it applies the image mask. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 4  wherein the computer code for causing a processor to identify retro-reflections magnifies the image mask to separate the foreground from the background in the image mask before it applies the image mask. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 4  wherein the computer code for causing a processor to identify retro-reflections applies a histogram of thresholds to the image mask before it applies the image mask. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 4  wherein the computer code for causing a processor to identify retro-reflections separates the foreground from the background in the first image after it applies the image mask. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9  wherein the computer code for causing a processor to identify retro-reflections separates features in the foreground in the first image larger than a predetermined size. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the illumination system comprises an LED light. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the LED light pulses in periods of less than approximately 5 milliseconds. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 11  further comprising a steering mirror that directs the LED light. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a filter adjacent to the image acquisition system. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a forensic image acquisition system for acquiring a forensic image of a person when an optical device is detected. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a user alert system for alerting a user when an optical device is detected. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the processor and computer readable media are remote from the illumination system. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 17  wherein the processor and computer readable media communicate with more than one image acquisition system. 
     
     
         19 . A method of detecting an optical device, comprising the steps of
 (a) acquiring a first image of a target area on the same axis as an illumination source;   (b) acquiring a second image of the target area on a different axis from the illumination source; and   (c) identifying retro-reflections in the target area by analyzing the first image and the second image by:
 filtering the first image; 
 creating an image mask using the second image; 
 applying the image mask to the first image; and 
 separating features in the foreground in the first image larger than a predetermined size. 
   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19  wherein the target area is a movie theater. 
     
     
         21 . A system for detecting an optical device, comprising:
 means for illuminating a target area with illumination;   means for capturing a first image of the target area on the same axis as the illumination;   means for capturing a second image of the target area on a different axis from the illumination;   a processor and computer readable media having computer code for causing a processor to identify retro-reflections in the target area by:
 filtering the first image; 
 creating an image mask using the second image; 
 applying the image mask to the first image; and 
 separating features in the foreground in the first image larger than a predetermined size.