ENHANCING SURVEILLANCE CAPABILITIES: A LOW-COST, MOBILE PHONE-BASED SOLUTION WITH MOVING OBJECT RECOGNITION

Abstract

This study introduces a cost-effective, mobile phone-based surveillance system utilizing moving
object recognition technology. The system, designed for both security and environmental monitoring,
incorporates a background subtraction algorithm optimized for mobile phone capacities. A self-adaptive
background model enhances environmental adaptability. The systems effectiveness is demonstrated through a
prototype developed using J2ME technology, highlighting its potential for widespread application in mobile
security. Firstly, the basic principles of moving object detection are presented. Limited by the memory
consuming and computing capacity of a mobile phone, a background subtraction algorithm is presented for
adaptation. Then, a self-adaptive background model that can update automatically and timely to adapt to the
slow and slight changes of natural environment is detailed. When the subtraction of the current captured image
and the background reaches a certain threshold, a moving object is considered to be in the current view, and the
mobile phone will automatically notify the central control unit or the user through phone call, SMS (Short
Message System) or other means. The proposed algorithm can be implemented in an embedded system with
little memory consumption and storage space, so it’s feasible for mobile phones and other embedded platforms,
and the proposed solution can be used in constructing mobile security monitoring system with low-cost
hardware and equipments. Based on J2ME (Java2 Micro Edition) technology, a prototype system was developed
using JSR135 (Java Specification Requests 135: Mobile Media API) andJSR120 (Java Specification Requests
120: Wireless Messaging API) and the test results show the effectiveness of proposed solution.
The moving object recognition technology led to the development of autonomous systems, which also
minimize the network traffic. With good mobile ability, the system can be deployed rapidly in emergency. And
can be a useful supplement of traditional monitoring system. With the help of J2ME technology, the differences
of various hardware platforms are minimized. All embedded platforms with camera equipped and
JSR135/JSR120 supported can install this system without making any changes to the application.
Also, the system can be extended to a distributed wireless network system. Many terminals work
together, reporting to a control center and receiving commands from the center. Thus, a low-cost wide-area
intelligent video surveillance system can be built. Furthermore, with the development of embedded hardware,
more complex digital image process algorithms can be used to give more kinds of applications in the future.