The patent US10796137B2, at the center of the litigation in Kephart Consulting, LLC v. ClearView AI, Inc., outlines a security method to reduce violence in crowded venues. The system leverages facial recognition and license plate scanning. It helps to identify individuals with a history of violence, issuing alerts to law enforcement upon detection. The patent also details ticket data integration and real-time surveillance to identify individuals involved in violent incidents.
In legal disputes involving patents, the existence of prior art can significantly impact the enforceability of a patent’s claims. Prior art consists of earlier technologies or publications that disclose similar concepts, potentially challenging the novelty or obviousness of the patented invention. Identifying such references is crucial in patent litigation, and Global Patent Search (GPS) provides an efficient method to analyze potential prior art through feature mapping and comparative analysis.
This article examines five potential prior art references for US10796137B2, evaluating how they align with its key claims and their implications for the ongoing case.
Understanding Patent US10796137B2
Patent US10796137B2, titled “Technique for Providing Security,” discloses a method for reducing violence within crowded venues such as stadiums and large event spaces. The system integrates facial recognition, license plate scanning, and real-time surveillance to identify individuals with a history of violence before they enter a venue. Additionally, it enables post-incident investigations by linking facial images to ticket data and monitoring security cameras within the venue.
Source: Google Patents
Its four key features are:
#1. License plate recognition for threat detection – Vehicles entering a parking area have their license plates scanned and compared against a database of individuals with past violent histories.
#2. Facial recognition at entry points – Facial images of individuals seeking entry are captured and cross-checked with stored records of known violent offenders or those with outstanding warrants.
#3. Ticket data integration – Information from event tickets is linked with the ticket holder’s facial image to create an identification record for security tracking.
#4. Incident response and post-event identification – Surveillance cameras capture images of individuals involved in violent acts, enabling law enforcement to match them with stored ticket and facial data for identification and apprehension.
The patent’s core claims focus on proactive security measures through automated identification and alert systems. The validity of this patent may hinge on whether similar security and surveillance technologies existed before its filing. Identifying prior art references that disclose comparable facial recognition, license plate scanning, or security monitoring methods could be crucial in evaluating the patent’s strength in this dispute.
Potential prior art references for US10796137B2
#1. US20140337066A1
Filed on July 29, 2014, this patent describes a security method for large venues that utilizes facial recognition technology to identify individuals with a history of violence. The system includes cameras at entry points, a computerized database for facial comparison, and an alert mechanism for law enforcement.
Why this qualifies as potential prior art?
- Facial recognition at entry points – The reference describes a method of capturing photographic images of individuals as they approach an entry port.
- Automated comparison with a database – The system processes facial images and compares them against a database of known individuals.
- Automated alert system – The match triggers an alert to law enforcement officers or venue security.
- Computerized monitoring system – The method relies on a computer circuit to receive, analyze, and transmit data regarding security threats.
Which features of US10796137B2 are disclosed by US20140337066A1?
| Key feature of claim 1 (US10796137B2) | Disclosure status |
| The system includes at least one camera configured to capture a photographic image of a person in view | Fully disclosed |
| A computer circuit receives the captured photographic image from the camera | Fully disclosed |
| The computer circuit transmits the captured photographic image for comparison with facial images of persons of interest in a database | Fully disclosed |
| The computer circuit receives an alert when a likely match is detected between the captured image and a facial image of a person of interest in the database | Fully disclosed |
| The computer circuit controls alerting law enforcement officers or security personnel when a likely match is detected | Fully disclosed |
Key excerpt from US20140337066A1:
“A method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the operation of compiling a computerized database of facial images of persons who are known to have been violent during similar events in the past. A photographic facial image is formed for each person who approaches the entry port, and a computer compares the photographic image of each person seeking entry to the facial images already compiled in the database. If a match is detected, an alert is generated and displayed to a law enforcement officer to facilitate detention or further investigation.”
#2. US20140062651A1
Filed on July 30, 2013, this patent describes a method and system for airport security that utilizes facial recognition and government-issued ID verification to identify and track passengers. The system captures photographic images at check-in, compares them against law enforcement and immigration databases, and issues alerts if a match is found.
Source: GPS
Why this qualifies as potential prior art?
- Facial recognition at check-in – The reference describes a method where passengers have their photographic images captured at the check-in counter.
- Automated comparison with a database – The system transmits captured images for comparison against law enforcement, immigration, and customs databases.
- Automated alert system – If a match is detected, security personnel are notified for further investigation.
- Security personnel notification – The system provides law enforcement officers with alerts when a dangerous individual is identified.
Which features of US10796137B2 are disclosed by US20140062651A1?
| Key feature of claim 1 (US10796137B2) | Disclosure status |
| The system includes at least one camera configured to capture a photographic image of a person in view | Fully disclosed |
| A computer circuit receives the captured photographic image from the camera | Fully disclosed |
| The computer circuit transmits the captured photographic image for comparison with facial images of persons of interest in a database | Fully disclosed |
| The computer circuit receives an alert when a likely match is detected between the captured image and a facial image of a person of interest in the database | Fully disclosed |
| The computer circuit controls alerting law enforcement officers or security personnel when a likely match is detected | Fully disclosed |
Key excerpt from US20140062651A1:
“The present invention is a method and system for airport or building security where a passenger or other person presents him/herself at the check-in counter in the normal way. A government-generated picture ID is also presented, and a new photo is taken and entered into the PASS database. The captured data is transmitted for comparison against law enforcement, immigration, or customs databases. If a match is found, an alert is generated, and security personnel are notified.”
#3. CN102298801A
Filed on August 23, 2011, this patent describes an intelligent exchange safety control device designed for visitor identity verification and security control. The system captures facial images using a camera, processes them through a face identification operation processor, and compares them against a crime database. If a match is detected, the system generates an indication or alert and can control access to restricted areas.
Why this qualifies as potential prior art?
- Face image data collection – The reference describes a security system with a camera explicitly stated as a face image data collecting device.
- Automated comparison with a crime database – The system transmits captured face image data for comparison against a crime database.
- Automated alert generation – Upon detecting a match, the system generates an indication or alert for further action.
- Remote security control – The system includes a remote control device that can issue commands to control access.
Which features of US10796137B2 are disclosed by CN102298801A?
| Key feature of claim 1 (US10796137B2) | Disclosure status |
| The system includes at least one camera configured to capture a photographic image of a person in view | Fully disclosed |
| A computer circuit receives the captured photographic image from the camera | Partially disclosed |
| The computer circuit transmits the captured photographic image for comparison with facial images of persons of interest in a database | Fully disclosed |
| The computer circuit receives an alert when a likely match is detected between the captured image and a facial image of a person of interest in the database | Fully disclosed |
| The computer circuit controls alerting law enforcement officers or security personnel when a likely match is detected | Partially disclosed |
| The system includes at least one camera configured to capture a photographic image of a person in view | Fully disclosed |
| A computer circuit receives the captured photographic image from the camera | Partially disclosed |
| The computer circuit transmits the captured photographic image for comparison with facial images of persons of interest in a database | Fully disclosed |
| The computer circuit receives an alert when a likely match is detected between the captured image and a facial image of a person of interest in the database | Fully disclosed |
| The computer circuit controls alerting law enforcement officers or security personnel when a likely match is detected | Partially disclosed |
Key excerpt from CN102298801A:
“An intelligent visitor safety control device includes a face image data collecting device, which is a camera, and a face identifying operation processor. The captured face image data is transmitted to a crime database for comparison. If a match is found, the system generates an alert and can issue commands to control access. The remote control unit interface allows security personnel to monitor and manage access permissions.”
#4. CN202205248U
Filed on August 23, 2011, this patent describes an intelligent visitor safety management device that integrates facial recognition technology with an automated identity verification system. The system captures photographic images of visitors, compares them against a crime database, and generates an alert if a match is found. The system is designed to enhance security monitoring and access control in visitor management applications.
Why this qualifies as potential prior art?
- Facial recognition for visitor screening – The reference describes a face image data collecting device that captures visitor images using a camera.
- Automated database comparison – The system transmits captured images to a crime database for identity verification.
- Automated alert system – If a match is detected, the system generates an alert or warning.
- Security personnel monitoring – The collected data can be accessed by security officers to evaluate potential threats.
Here’s what the mapping from the tool for this particular patent looks like:
Source: GPS
Which features of US10796137B2 are disclosed by CN202205248U?
| Key feature of claim 1 (US10796137B2) | Disclosure status |
| The system includes at least one camera configured to capture a photographic image of a person in view | Fully disclosed |
| A computer circuit receives the captured photographic image from the camera | Fully disclosed |
| The computer circuit transmits the captured photographic image for comparison with facial images of persons of interest in a database | Fully disclosed |
| The computer circuit receives an alert when a likely match is detected between the captured image and a facial image of a person of interest in the database | Fully disclosed |
| The computer circuit controls alerting law enforcement officers or security personnel when a likely match is detected | Partially disclosed |
Key excerpt from CN202205248U:
“The visitor intelligent safety control device is capable of performing real-time collection of visitor identity information, capturing facial images, and comparing them to a crime database. If a match is detected, the system issues an alert and may allow or deny access accordingly. Security personnel can monitor and review alerts to manage visitor access.”
#5. JP2006209585A
Filed on January 31, 2005, this patent describes a security system that employs multiple cameras inside and outside buildings to capture and analyze facial images. The system extracts facial features, compares them with stored data, and determines whether a person should be granted access or flagged as suspicious. If a match is detected, an alarm is triggered, and security personnel are alerted.
Why this qualifies as potential prior art?
- Facial recognition for security monitoring – The reference describes cameras installed inside and outside a building to capture face images of visitors and occupants.
- Automated image processing – The system transmits captured facial images to a server for feature extraction and identity verification.
- Suspicious person detection – A determination unit analyzes facial features to detect and flag potential security threats.
- Automated alert generation – If a match is found, the system triggers an alarm and displays the image on a monitor.
Which features of US10796137B2 are disclosed by JP2006209585A?
| Key feature of claim 1 (US10796137B2) | Disclosure status |
| The system includes at least one camera configured to capture a photographic image of a person in view | Fully disclosed |
| A computer circuit receives the captured photographic image from the camera | Fully disclosed |
| The computer circuit transmits the captured photographic image for comparison with facial images of persons of interest in a database | Partially disclosed |
| The computer circuit receives an alert when a likely match is detected between the captured image and a facial image of a person of interest in the database | Partially disclosed |
| The computer circuit controls alerting law enforcement officers or security personnel when a likely match is detected | Partially disclosed |
Key excerpt from JP2006209585A:
“The security system of the present invention is installed inside and outside a building and has a plurality of cameras that capture a face image of a visitor. A feature extraction unit extracts a feature amount from each face image and compares it to identify individuals. If a suspicious person is detected, an alarm is triggered, and the face image is displayed on a monitor for security personnel.”
Feature Comparison Table
| Key feature of claim 1 | US20140337066A1 | US20140062651A1 | CN102298801A | CN202205248U | JP2006209585A |
| The system includes at least one camera configured to capture a photographic image of a person in view | Fully disclosed | Fully disclosed | Fully disclosed | Fully disclosed | Fully disclosed |
| A computer circuit receives the captured photographic image from the camera | Fully disclosed | Fully disclosed | Partially disclosed | Fully disclosed | Fully disclosed |
| The computer circuit transmits the captured photographic image for comparison with facial images of persons of interest in a database | Fully disclosed | Fully disclosed | Fully disclosed | Fully disclosed | Partially disclosed |
| The computer circuit receives an alert when a likely match is detected between the captured image and a facial image of a person of interest in the database | Fully disclosed | Fully disclosed | Fully disclosed | Fully disclosed | Partially disclosed |
| The computer circuit controls alerting law enforcement officers or security personnel when a likely match is detected | Fully disclosed | Fully disclosed | Partially disclosed | Partially disclosed | Partially disclosed |
| The system is controlled by a first party while the database is controlled by a second party | Not disclosed | Not disclosed | Not disclosed | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| The system includes at least one camera configured to capture a photographic image of a person in view | Fully disclosed | Fully disclosed | Fully disclosed | Fully disclosed | Fully disclosed |
| A computer circuit receives the captured photographic image from the camera | Fully disclosed | Fully disclosed | Partially disclosed | Fully disclosed | Fully disclosed |
| The computer circuit transmits the captured photographic image for comparison with facial images of persons of interest in a database | Fully disclosed | Fully disclosed | Fully disclosed | Fully disclosed | Partially disclosed |
| The computer circuit receives an alert when a likely match is detected between the captured image and a facial image of a person of interest in the database | Fully disclosed | Fully disclosed | Fully disclosed | Fully disclosed | Partially disclosed |
| The computer circuit controls alerting law enforcement officers or security personnel when a likely match is detected | Fully disclosed | Fully disclosed | Partially disclosed | Partially disclosed | Partially disclosed |
| The system is controlled by a first party while the database is controlled by a second party | Not disclosed | Not disclosed | Not disclosed | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
How to Find Prior Art Using Global Patent Search?
Finding prior art is essential for assessing the validity of a patent. The Global Patent Search (GPS) tool simplifies this process by offering:
Search by patent number or description – Retrieve relevant prior art references instantly.
Source: GPS
Leverage feature mapping – Compare key features of a patent with existing technologies.
Review matching results – Access a curated list of potential prior art references.
Analyze detailed reports – Evaluate the extent of feature disclosures in prior patents.
Make confident decisions – Use data-driven insights to refine legal strategies.
The GPS tool ensures that patent professionals and legal teams can efficiently identify prior art, reducing the risk of litigation surprises.
Take the Uncertainty out of Prior Art Research
When it comes to patent disputes, the right prior art can make all the difference. Stop relying on guesswork. Get the facts with Global Patent Search (GPS).
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. The prior art references mentioned are preliminary results from the Global Patent Search (GPS) tool and do not guarantee legal significance. For a comprehensive prior art analysis, we recommend conducting a detailed search using GPS or consulting a patent attorney.
