DESC:4. DESCRIPTION
Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to surveillance and security systems, specifically a long- distance multi-sensor Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) thermal camera apparatus. It integrates thermal imaging, high-definition daylight imaging, Pan-Tilt control, a Laser Range Finder, and advanced image processing for comprehensive monitoring in diverse conditions. Ideal for border security, critical infrastructure protection, and military operations requiring high-quality, long-distance surveillance.

Background of the Invention

Security and surveillance are critical components in ensuring the safety of people, assets, and infrastructure across various sectors, including national security, border control, critical infrastructure, urban security, and private properties. Effective surveillance systems are necessary to monitor activities, detect potential threats, and respond promptly to incidents. However, traditional surveillance systems face significant challenges that limit their effectiveness, particularly in diverse and demanding environments.

One of the primary challenges faced by conventional surveillance systems is their inability to operate effectively under varying lighting conditions. Many surveillance cameras struggle with low light or complete darkness, severely limiting their capability to provide continuous monitoring and detailed imaging at night or in poorly lit areas. This deficiency leaves significant gaps in surveillance coverage, making it difficult to maintain security during nighttime or in environments where lighting conditions cannot be controlled.

Environmental conditions further exacerbate the limitations of traditional surveillance systems. Surveillance equipment is often exposed to harsh weather conditions, such as rain, fog, snow, and extreme temperatures. These adverse conditions can degrade image quality, obstruct the camera's view, and damage sensitive components. The inability of conventional systems to withstand and adapt to these environmental challenges significantly compromises their reliability and performance, particularly in outdoor and remote surveillance applications.

Another significant problem is the limitation in distance and coverage. Ensuring comprehensive surveillance over large areas is challenging with traditional cameras that lack the capability to capture high-resolution images over long distances. This limitation is particularly problematic in applications such as border security, perimeter monitoring, and critical infrastructure protection, where vast areas need to be monitored continuously and with high precision.

Movement and vibration also pose substantial issues for surveillance systems. Cameras installed in areas with high levels of vibration or movement, such as on vehicles or tall structures, often produce blurred or unstable images. This instability hampers the ability to capture clear and actionable footage, reducing the effectiveness of the surveillance system in dynamic environments.

Prior art attempts to address these issues have led to the development of various surveillance systems, each with its own set of features and limitations. For instance, CN111556236A discloses an intelligent security monitoring device that features a rotating mechanism for versatile camera positioning and a cleaning system to maintain optical clarity. While this device offers some flexibility in camera positioning and maintenance, it does not adequately address the challenges of low-light conditions and long-distance imaging.
Another prior art, CN112770034A, describes high-speed monitoring equipment that emphasizes high-speed operation and precise positioning. Although this system improves response times and positioning accuracy, it falls short in providing comprehensive imaging capabilities under varying environmental and lighting conditions. Similarly, CN116293310A introduces a security monitoring device with precise control over camera orientation, but it lacks advanced imaging technologies needed for effective surveillance in diverse environments.

CN114125220B presents a monitoring security device with multiple sensors for comprehensive surveillance. While the inclusion of multiple sensors enhances monitoring capabilities, the system still does not offer an integrated solution that can operate effectively across a wide range of conditions. Lastly, CN117415070A features security monitoring equipment with a multi-sensor setup aimed at improving monitoring capabilities. However, this system, like others, does not integrate the advanced features necessary to overcome the challenges of lighting, distance, environmental resilience, and stability.

Given these limitations, there is a dire need for an improved surveillance system that can provide comprehensive and reliable monitoring under all conditions. An effective surveillance system should integrate advanced imaging technologies to ensure high- resolution image capture both day and night. It must be robust enough to withstand harsh environmental conditions and continue to perform reliably. Additionally, it should offer long-distance imaging capabilities to cover vast areas and include mechanisms to counteract the effects of movement and vibration, ensuring stable and clear images.

The need for such an improved system is evident in various applications where traditional surveillance systems fall short. For instance, in border security, effective monitoring over long distances is crucial to detect and respond to unauthorized crossings. In critical infrastructure protection, continuous and clear surveillance is necessary to prevent and mitigate potential threats. Urban security also demands reliable surveillance systems that can operate effectively in diverse and unpredictable environments.

In all, the traditional surveillance systems currently available face numerous challenges that limit their effectiveness, particularly in demanding environments. There is a pressing need for an advanced surveillance system that integrates multiple imaging technologies, offers robust environmental resilience, provides long-distance coverage, and ensures image stability. The long-distance multi-sensor Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) thermal camera system addresses these needs, offering a comprehensive solution for effective surveillance across various applications.

Objects of the Invention

The primary object of the present invention is to provide a thermal and visual imaging surveillance system that integrates a thermal imaging module with a cooled infrared detector and a visual imaging module with high-definition optical zoom, thereby enabling continuous, reliable surveillance under all lighting conditions, including total darkness, low illumination, and intense daylight.

Another object of the invention is to incorporate a laser range finder module capable of measuring distances up to five kilometers with high accuracy and dynamically integrating this range data to adjust the focus of the thermal imaging module and visual imaging module for improved target detection, recognition, and tracking.

It is a further object of the invention to provide an embedded processing unit configured to execute advanced image processing algorithms including anti-sunburn protection, temperature compensation, defogging, dehazing, three-dimensional noise reduction, and real-time image stabilisation, thereby enhancing image clarity and operational safety across diverse environmental conditions.

Yet another object of the invention is to implement AI-based object tracking within the embedded processing unit, wherein the AI-based tracking algorithm classifies targets and selects appropriate tracking modes, including ground-based mode for vehicles or personnel and aerial mode for drones or aircraft, ensuring adaptable and precise tracking performance.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a pan-tilt-zoom assembly with servo or stepper motors enabling 360-degree continuous pan and ±90-degree tilt with variable speed, combined with pre-programmed patrol modes and region-of-interest zoom functionality, to ensure comprehensive area coverage and automated surveillance capabilities.

It is also an object of the invention to integrate a robust IP box with a power supply module and control interface, incorporating surge protection circuits and electromagnetic interference shielding, thus ensuring stable, compliant, and reliable operation even under harsh electrical and environmental conditions.

A further object of the invention is to enable efficient network integration through a single RJ45 output supporting ONVIF and RTSP streaming protocols with dual-stream video encoding in H.264 and H.265 formats, facilitating seamless integration with existing command and control infrastructures.

Finally, it is an object of the invention to ensure that all system components, including the IP camera unit, thermal imaging module, visual imaging module, laser range finder, embedded processing unit, and pan-tilt-zoom assembly, are housed in a weatherproof structure with anti-corrosive coatings and ingress protection rating of at least IP66, allowing continuous deployment in outdoor environments subject to rain, dust, and temperature extremes.

Brief Summary of the Invention

In one aspect of the present invention, a thermal and visual imaging surveillance system is provided, integrating a thermal imaging module comprising a cooled infrared detector with high resolution and low NETD, enabling detection of minimal temperature differentials under total darkness or low-contrast environmental conditions. This aspect allows reliable thermal imaging for surveillance applications requiring continuous night-time monitoring.

In another aspect of the present invention, the system includes a visual imaging module equipped with a high-definition CCD or CMOS sensor and optical zoom capability of at least 30x, coupled with auto-focus and auto-iris controls, providing sharp, clear images across varying distances and illumination levels for daytime and low-light operations.

In a further aspect of the present invention, the system incorporates a laser range finder module operating at an eye-safe wavelength and capable of accurately measuring distances up to five kilometers, with real-time integration of distance data into the embedded processing unit to adjust imaging module focus dynamically and improve tracking performance.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, an embedded processing unit is configured to execute advanced image processing algorithms including anti-sunburn protection, temperature compensation, defogging, dehazing, three-dimensional noise reduction, and real-time image stabilisation using gyroscopic sensors or electronic compensation algorithms, enhancing image clarity and operational safety under diverse environmental conditions.

In an additional aspect of the present invention, the embedded processing unit executes AI-based object tracking algorithms that classify detected targets and automatically select between ground-based tracking mode for personnel or vehicles and aerial tracking mode for drones or aircraft, thereby optimising tracking parameters based on the nature of the target.

In another aspect of the present invention, the system comprises a pan-tilt-zoom assembly with servo or stepper motors, capable of 360-degree continuous pan and ±90-degree tilt with variable speed control and incorporating pre-programmed patrol modes and region-of-interest zoom functionality to ensure comprehensive area coverage and automated surveillance routines.

In a further aspect of the present invention, the system includes an IP box comprising a power supply module and control interface, integrating surge protection circuits and electromagnetic interference shielding to ensure electrical safety and stable operation under harsh deployment conditions.

In yet another aspect, the system is configured with a network communication module supporting a single RJ45 output with ONVIF and RTSP streaming protocols and dual-stream video encoding using H.264 and H.265 codecs, enabling seamless integration with existing command and control infrastructure while optimising bandwidth utilisation.

These aspects collectively enable the thermal and visual imaging surveillance system to function as a robust, high-performance, and reliable solution for continuous surveillance under diverse operational scenarios, integrating multiple sensor modalities, advanced processing, and adaptable tracking capabilities within a weatherproof and vibration-resistant system architecture.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will be further understood from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment taken in conjunction with an appended drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates a block diagram of the thermal and visual imaging surveillance system (100), in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 illustrates a method of the thermal and visual imaging surveillance system (100), in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

In accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a thermal and visual imaging surveillance system is provided that integrates multiple advanced sensing, processing, and mechanical modules to enable comprehensive monitoring across diverse operational environments. The system includes a thermal imaging module incorporating a cooled infrared detector having a resolution of at least 640 by 512 pixels and a noise equivalent temperature difference (NETD) below 20 millikelvin. This module operates effectively within the mid-wave infrared spectral band ranging from approximately three to five micrometers, allowing it to detect minimal temperature differentials even under low-contrast conditions.

The system further comprises a visual imaging module configured with a high-definition CCD or CMOS sensor and equipped with optical zoom capabilities of at least thirty times magnification. This visual imaging module integrates auto-focus and auto-iris controls that dynamically adjust to ensure consistent sharpness and optimal exposure across varying lighting conditions and zoom levels. The combination of thermal and visual imaging modules enables continuous and reliable surveillance during day and night as well as in adverse environmental conditions including fog, smoke, and low illumination.

To enhance target detection and range estimation, the system incorporates a laser range finder module operating at an eye-safe wavelength and capable of measuring distances up to five kilometers with an accuracy of plus or minus half a meter. This range data is dynamically integrated by an embedded processing unit to adjust focus settings of both imaging modules and to improve object tracking performance. The embedded processing unit further executes multiple image processing algorithms including anti-sunburn protection to prevent sensor damage from direct sunlight exposure, temperature compensation to stabilise sensor output under varying ambient temperatures, defogging and dehazing to enhance image clarity in obscured conditions, three-dimensional noise reduction to improve low-light image quality, and real-time image stabilisation algorithms to minimise motion blur during system movement or external vibrations.

The surveillance system also includes a pan-tilt-zoom assembly with servo or stepper motors, enabling full 360-degree continuous pan rotation and tilt movement ranging from negative ninety to positive ninety degrees. The pan-tilt-zoom assembly operates with variable speed control between approximately 0.01 degrees per second to 60 degrees per second, facilitating both rapid reorientation and fine adjustment for precise target tracking. Additionally, the pan-tilt-zoom assembly is equipped with pre-programmed patrol modes that allow automated surveillance of predefined areas with adjustable dwell times at each position. Region-of-interest zoom functionality is also supported, enabling operators to focus on critical zones within the broader surveillance area.

The embedded processing unit executes artificial intelligence-based object tracking algorithms capable of classifying targets and selecting appropriate tracking modes. For example, when tracking ground-based targets such as vehicles or personnel, a ground-based tracking mode is engaged, whereas aerial tracking mode is activated for monitoring drones or low-flying aircraft. This automatic classification and mode selection enhances the system’s adaptability to diverse surveillance scenarios.

The system includes an IP box housing internal control electronics and power conversion modules. The IP box receives standard AC220V input and converts it to DC voltages required by the imaging modules, laser range finder, and pan-tilt-zoom assembly. It also integrates surge protection circuits and electromagnetic interference shielding to ensure operational safety and compliance with relevant electromagnetic compatibility standards in harsh deployment environments.

For network connectivity, the system is equipped with a communication module featuring a single RJ45 output. This output supports both ONVIF and RTSP streaming protocols for seamless integration into existing security networks. Furthermore, the communication module supports dual-stream video encoding using H.264 and H.265 codecs, enabling simultaneous high-resolution streaming and bandwidth-efficient lower-resolution feeds for monitoring and recording.

The system housing is constructed from materials treated with anti-corrosive coatings and sealed to achieve an ingress protection rating of at least IP66. This design ensures the system’s operational integrity under continuous exposure to rain, dust, humidity, and temperature extremes ranging from minus forty degrees Celsius to plus sixty degrees Celsius. Additionally, real-time image stabilisation is achieved through the integration of gyroscopic sensors and electronic compensation algorithms, maintaining stable and clear imagery even when the system is mounted on moving vehicles or tall structures exposed to wind-induced vibrations.

These exemplary embodiments collectively provide a robust, high-performance surveillance solution suitable for border monitoring, critical infrastructure protection, military reconnaissance, and urban security applications. The integrated hardware-software architecture enables continuous day and night operation with automated tracking and dynamic focus adjustment, ensuring actionable intelligence under challenging operational conditions.

Referring to Drawings
In accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention, Figure 1 illustrates the thermal and visual imaging surveillance system (100) integrating multiple subsystems to provide a comprehensive monitoring solution. The system (100) includes an IP camera unit (2), which houses both the thermal imaging lens (4) and the visual light lens (6). The thermal imaging lens (4) incorporates a cooled infrared detector operating within the 3–5 µm spectral band, providing high-resolution thermal imaging capability with a resolution of at least 640 x 512 pixels and a NETD below 20 millikelvin, enabling detection of minimal temperature differentials for clear thermal imagery even under low contrast conditions. The thermal imaging module further includes an internal shutter mechanism facilitating background calibration to correct thermal drift and maintain image accuracy during prolonged operation.

The visual light lens (6) comprises a high-definition CCD or CMOS sensor with optical zoom capability of at least 30x. The visual imaging module is equipped with integrated auto-focus and auto-iris controls, allowing dynamic adjustment of focus and exposure based on zoom level and ambient lighting, thus ensuring consistent image sharpness and clarity. The daylight camera (3) in conjunction with the visual light lens provides optical clarity across varying lighting conditions, and a wiper (5) mechanism is included for the daylight camera to maintain lens cleanliness, particularly during rain or dust exposure.

The system (100) further comprises a laser range finder module (1), operable at an eye-safe wavelength and configured to measure distances up to 5 km with an accuracy of ±0.5 m. The laser range finder (1) enables precise distance measurement to targets, which is dynamically integrated into the embedded processing unit (10) to adjust the focus of both imaging modules, enhancing target identification and tracking performance.

The embedded processing unit (10) is housed within the IP box (8) and is configured to execute multiple advanced image processing algorithms. These include anti-sunburn protection to prevent sensor damage from direct intense light, temperature compensation to stabilise thermal sensor outputs under varying ambient temperatures, defogging and dehazing algorithms to enhance image clarity in environmental obscurants, and three-dimensional noise reduction algorithms that process both spatial and temporal pixel data to improve image quality in low-light conditions. Additionally, the processing unit executes real-time image stabilisation algorithms integrating gyroscopic sensor inputs to counteract vibration-induced blur.

The IP box (8) itself is a centralised hub containing the power supply module and control interface (12), converting AC220V input to the required DC voltages for the camera unit (2), laser range finder (1), and PTZ assembly (19). The IP box (8) integrates surge protection circuits and electromagnetic interference shielding to ensure safe and compliant operation in harsh environments.

The pan-tilt-zoom assembly (19) enables full 360-degree continuous pan rotation and tilt movement from -90° to +90°, driven by servo or stepper motors controlled by the embedded processing unit (10). The PTZ assembly operates with variable speed ranging from 0.01°/s for fine adjustments to 60°/s for rapid reorientation, facilitating both smooth tracking and rapid target acquisition. The PTZ assembly includes pre-programmed patrol modes with adjustable dwell times at each preset location to automate routine surveillance and region-of-interest zoom functionality to focus on predefined critical zones within the surveillance area.

The software interface (16) enables secure login through the login system (18) for authorised personnel to control, configure, and monitor system operations. The software provides real-time preview and playback functionalities, allowing operators to view live feeds, review recorded footage, and adjust operational settings as required. The software also integrates AI-based object tracking algorithms executed by the embedded processing unit (10). These algorithms use convolutional neural network (CNN) architectures to detect and classify objects within the thermal and visual feeds. For example, tracked objects are classified as ground-based vehicles or personnel to trigger ground tracking mode, whereas aerial targets such as drones activate aerial tracking mode, each with optimised tracking parameters such as bounding box update frequency and pan-tilt motion speed profiles.

Figure 2 illustrates the method (200) of operation of the system (100). Initially, upon power-up, the system executes a power-on self-test sequence verifying functionality of all modules. The thermal imaging module performs background calibration using its internal shutter mechanism, while the visual imaging module sets the initial focus position based on last known operational parameters. The software interface (16) establishes a secure connection with the control server via the RJ45 output (14), which provides both video streaming and control data over ONVIF and RTSP protocols.

The pan-tilt-zoom assembly (19) is operated either manually through the software interface or automatically using pre-programmed patrol modes. The embedded processing unit (10) continuously receives distance data from the laser range finder (1), integrating it to adjust the focus of both imaging modules for clear target imaging. When AI-based tracking is activated, the software processes incoming frames using CNN inference, assigns classification labels, and commands the PTZ assembly to maintain the target within the centre of the field of view.

The system’s algorithms operate on a modular software architecture deployed on the embedded processing unit, typically an ARM Cortex-A processor with integrated GPU cores. The codebase includes real-time operating system components and AI inference modules built using frameworks such as TensorRT or OpenVINO. For example, the object detection module implements YOLOv5 inference optimised for embedded deployment, while the image stabilisation algorithm employs a Kalman filter approach combining gyroscopic input with frame-to-frame correlation for motion compensation.

In an exemplary embodiment, the embedded processing unit executes an AI-based object tracking module implemented as a convolutional neural network (CNN) detection architecture. The model may be based on an optimised YOLOv5s configuration with approximately 140 layers, trained on a dataset containing annotated thermal and visual images of ground targets, including humans and vehicles, as well as aerial targets such as drones and low-flying aircraft. The AI model processes incoming frames from both the thermal imaging module and the visual imaging module to detect and classify objects based on extracted spatial features.

The AI-based tracking algorithm includes a target classification subroutine that assigns a confidence score to each detected object for predefined classes. When a ground-based class, such as ‘person’ or ‘vehicle’, is detected with a confidence threshold above 0.8, the system automatically activates ground-based tracking mode. In this mode, the pan-tilt-zoom assembly adjusts with a maximum speed limit of 20 degrees per second and bounding box refresh rates optimised for objects moving at speeds up to 50 kilometres per hour. Conversely, when an aerial class such as ‘drone’ is detected with a confidence threshold above 0.6, the system switches to aerial tracking mode, wherein the pan-tilt-zoom assembly permits motion speeds up to 60 degrees per second and employs predictive movement algorithms incorporating Kalman filters to compensate for rapid three-dimensional trajectory changes typical of aerial targets.

The algorithm also integrates distance data from the laser range finder to adjust focus dynamically and to recalibrate the bounding box dimensions to maintain correct scale for objects at varying ranges. The AI module is deployed on the embedded processing unit’s GPU cores using TensorRT for accelerated inference, achieving detection latencies below 50 milliseconds per frame under operational conditions.

Additionally, the tracking control logic employs a state machine architecture with separate sub-states for target acquisition, tracking, occlusion recovery, and loss declaration, ensuring robust target persistence even under temporary obstructions or background clutter.

Comparative analysis examples demonstrate that the integrated defogging and dehazing algorithms improve visual clarity by up to 30% in dense fog conditions compared to baseline thermal-only imagery. The anti-sunburn algorithm, implemented as an intensity threshold-based shutter actuation routine, prevents sensor saturation under direct solar exposure while maintaining operational readiness.

The best mode of operation involves systematic initialisation and calibration upon deployment, continuous dual-stream monitoring with AI-based auto-tracking, periodic background calibration for thermal stability, and controlled shutdown procedures. Specifically, the system should be powered on with PTZ fixed pins unlocked, allowing the PTZ assembly to initialise to its home position. The thermal imaging module’s cooling mechanism must be activated only after completing software boot and background calibration to prevent sensor damage. During operation, the laser range finder should be used under outdoor conditions with clear line of sight to maintain range accuracy. Upon shutdown, the system should return the PTZ assembly to the home position and execute a cooldown sequence for the thermal detector to ensure longevity and optimal performance during subsequent deployments.

Applications, Advantages, Test Standards and Results
The thermal and visual imaging surveillance system (100) described herein finds direct application across multiple real-world scenarios where reliable, long-range, and multi-condition monitoring is critical. In a typical border surveillance deployment, the system (100) may be installed on elevated watch towers or mounted on mobile platforms. In such a configuration, the thermal imaging lens (4) detects human-sized heat signatures at distances up to three kilometres even in total darkness, while the visual light lens (6) with the daylight camera (3) provides high-definition colour imaging during daylight or low-light twilight hours. The integrated laser range finder (1) measures the exact distance of detected intruders with high precision, enabling security personnel to track and assess threats with real-time actionable data. The pan-tilt-zoom assembly (19) continuously adjusts orientation to maintain the intruder within the field of view, while the embedded processing unit (10) executes real-time image stabilisation and tracking using data from integrated gyroscopic sensors and distance feedback.

In critical infrastructure security, such as oil refineries, power generation plants, and remote industrial sites, the system (100) provides constant perimeter monitoring by employing the IP camera unit (2) equipped with the combined thermal imaging lens (4) and visual light lens (6). The anti-sunburn algorithm embedded in the processing unit (10) protects sensitive sensor elements when exposed to sudden glare or direct sunlight. The wiper (5) ensures that the daylight camera (3) remains clear of dust, rain droplets, or snow accumulation. The IP box (8) with its power supply module and control interface (12) guarantees stable operation and communication with central monitoring stations via the RJ45 output (14). Operators log in securely using the software interface (16) and login system (18), configuring pre-set patrol paths for the pan-tilt-zoom assembly (19) to automatically survey multiple critical zones. This configuration enables early detection of unauthorised access attempts and reduces manual patrolling needs.

For military reconnaissance and convoy protection, the system (100) can be mounted on armoured vehicles where the anti-vibration image stabilisation within the embedded processing unit (10) is essential for capturing clear visuals despite terrain-induced vibrations. The laser range finder (1) measures distances to roadside objects or terrain features while the AI-based tracking algorithm locks onto moving targets, adjusting the PTZ assembly (19) smoothly to follow targets without operator intervention. The surge-protected IP box (8) ensures reliable operation under fluctuating power conditions common in field deployments.

Urban security applications benefit from the same architecture, especially for crowd monitoring at large public events. The dual imaging capability of the thermal imaging lens (4) and the visual light lens (6) allows security teams to detect and track individuals in dense crowds, even during night-time or adverse weather. Pre-programmed patrol modes within the PTZ assembly (19) automate surveillance routines across multiple urban entry and exit points. The robust IP box (8) and single RJ45 output (14) facilitate integration with existing city surveillance networks without requiring complex rewiring or multiple cable runs.

One distinct advantage of the system (100) is its capacity to deliver continuous, uninterrupted surveillance under harsh environmental conditions. The ingress protection rating of at least IP66 is verified by test standards involving simulated rain, dust ingress, and humidity exposure tests in accordance with IEC 60529. The thermal imaging module’s NETD is validated under controlled laboratory tests to consistently perform at or below 20 millikelvin, ensuring minimal signal drift. Vibration resistance is tested under MIL-STD-810G profiles to simulate vehicular and tower-mounted vibrations, confirming the effectiveness of the real-time stabilisation algorithms executed by the embedded processing unit (10).

Comparative performance testing demonstrates that the anti-sunburn protection algorithm prolongs sensor life by 25% in continuous day-time operations when compared with conventional unprotected thermal optics. Field tests of the defogging and dehazing algorithms reveal significant improvements in target recognition distance under foggy or smoggy conditions, extending clear visual identification range by over 30% relative to standard unprocessed thermal feeds. Real-world trials of the laser range finder (1) confirm that distance measurement remains within the claimed ±0.5 metre accuracy across the entire specified range.

Routine interoperability checks validate that the single RJ45 output (14) delivers consistent ONVIF and RTSP-compliant streaming, allowing simultaneous dual-stream feeds in H.264 and H.265 formats without frame drops or packet loss under various network loads. Power supply resilience within the IP box (8) is verified through surge and EMI testing, confirming stable operation when exposed to transient voltage spikes and electromagnetic disturbances.

Taken together, the tested outcomes confirm that each subsystem, ranging from the IP camera unit (2) and embedded processing unit (10) to the laser range finder (1), pan-tilt-zoom assembly (19), IP box (8), and software interface (16), meets rigorous performance benchmarks, ensuring that the claimed system (100) operates as a robust, high-reliability surveillance platform under diverse operational conditions.
,CLAIMS:5. CLAIMS
We claim
1. A thermal and visual imaging surveillance system (100), comprising:
a thermal imaging module (4) configured with a cooled infrared detector having a resolution of at least 640 x 512 pixels and NETD less than 20 mK, operable in the 3–5 µm spectral band;
a visual imaging module (6) comprising a high-definition CCD or CMOS sensor with an optical zoom capability of at least 30x;
a laser range finder module (1) configured to operate at an eye-safe wavelength and measure distances up to 5 km with an accuracy of ±0.5 m;
a Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) assembly (19) comprising servo or stepper motors providing 360° continuous pan and ±90° tilt with a variable speed range from 0.01°/s to 60°/s;
an embedded processing unit (10) configured to execute image processing algorithms;
a software interface (16) configured for secure login, device configuration, real-time preview, playback, and control of the thermal imaging module (4), visual imaging module (6), and PTZ assembly (19);
an IP box (8) comprising an AC220V input and internal DC power conversion, housing control electronics, and providing power and data connectivity to the thermal imaging module (4), visual imaging module (6), PTZ assembly (19), and laser range finder module (1); and
a network communication module configured with a single RJ45 output (14) supporting ONVIF and RTSP streaming protocols for integrated video and control data transmission;
wherein,
the embedded processing unit (10) is configured to integrate distance data from the laser range finder module (1) with the thermal imaging module (4) and visual imaging module (6) for dynamic focus adjustment and AI-based object tracking, wherein the AI-based object tracking algorithm selects between ground-based and aerial tracking modes based on target classification;
the image processing algorithms executed by the embedded processing unit (10) include anti-sunburn protection, temperature compensation, defogging, dehazing, 3D noise reduction, and real-time image stabilization using gyroscopic sensors or electronic compensation algorithms to maintain image clarity under environmental conditions;
the thermal imaging module (4) and visual imaging module (6) are co-aligned within a single housing (2) for simultaneous dual-sensor imaging and continuous operation under temperature ranges from -40°C to +60°C with an ingress protection rating of at least IP66;
the PTZ assembly (19) comprises pre-programmed patrol modes and region-of-interest (ROI) zoom functionality for automated monitoring, and anti-vibration compensation integrated with gyroscopic sensor inputs to stabilize images during movement or external vibrations; and
the IP box (8) comprises surge protection circuits and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding to ensure electrical and electromagnetic compliance in harsh operational environments.

2. The thermal and visual imaging surveillance system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the thermal imaging module (4) comprises a background calibration mechanism with an internal shutter configured to automatically compensate for sensor drift by executing periodic calibration cycles without interrupting continuous surveillance operations.

3. The thermal and visual imaging surveillance system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the visual imaging module (6) comprises an auto-focus and auto-iris control integrated with the optical zoom to dynamically adjust focus and exposure during variable magnification operations for consistent image sharpness.

4. The thermal and visual imaging surveillance system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the PTZ assembly (19) comprises pre-programmed patrol modes with adjustable dwell times at each preset position and region-of-interest (ROI) zoom functionality for focused surveillance of predefined areas.

5. The thermal and visual imaging surveillance system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the embedded processing unit (10) is configured to execute AI-based object tracking algorithms that classify targets and automatically select between ground-based tracking mode for vehicles or personnel, and aerial tracking mode for drones or aircraft.

6. The thermal and visual imaging surveillance system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the image processing algorithms executed by the embedded processing unit (10) include real-time stabilization integrating gyroscopic sensor inputs and electronic compensation algorithms to maintain clear and stable images under vibration or movement conditions.

7. The thermal and visual imaging surveillance system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the IP box (8) comprises integrated surge protection circuits and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding to ensure operational safety and electromagnetic compatibility compliance in harsh environments.

8. The thermal and visual imaging surveillance system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the network communication module is configured to support dual-stream video encoding using H.264 and H.265 codecs simultaneously for optimized bandwidth utilization while maintaining high-resolution streaming.

9. The thermal and visual imaging surveillance system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (2) is constructed with anti-corrosive coatings and environmental sealing achieving an ingress protection rating of at least IP66, enabling continuous operation under rain, dust, and humidity with operational temperatures ranging from -40°C to +60°C.

10. A method of operating the thermal and visual imaging surveillance system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising:
initializing the thermal imaging module (4) with background calibration cycles to stabilize sensor output;
configuring the visual imaging module (6) for auto-focus and optical zoom readiness;
activating the embedded processing unit (10) to enable image processing algorithms including anti-sunburn protection, temperature compensation, defogging, dehazing, 3D noise reduction, and image stabilization;
establishing network communication via the RJ45 output (14) using ONVIF protocol for live streaming and remote control;
operating the PTZ assembly (19) to orient the imaging modules towards target areas under user command or pre-programmed patrol modes;
measuring target distance using the laser range finder module (1) and dynamically adjusting focus settings of the imaging modules based on the range data;
executing AI-based object detection and tracking algorithms to maintain continuous target tracking;
recording and streaming dual-sensor imagery in real time to external servers; and
performing controlled shutdown by returning the PTZ assembly (19) to its home position and deactivating the cooled thermal detector in a safe cooldown sequence.