Fully integrated digital imaging in an access control and security system

Traditional analogue Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) systems provide an effective means of monitoring and alarm verification. However, for some facilities the cost of both equipment and installation for these systems is prohibitive. These systems also suffer from "information overload"-an operator cannot watch every CCTV monitor all the time, and finding the exact frames you want on videotape can take a considerable amount of time. Recent developments in Digital Signal Processors (DSPs) and "camera on a chip" image sensors mean that it is now possible to develop a totally digital intelligent camera that overcomes some of the deficiencies of standard analogue CCTV systems. This paper describes a camera under development (patents pending) which takes advantage of these technology developments to provide a digital imaging system that is fully integrated with an access control and security monitoring system.