DEVELOPMENT OF AN IMAGE COMPRESSION AND AUTHENTICATION MODULE FOR VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS

An Image Compression and Authentication Module (ICAM) has been designed to perform the digitization, compression, and authentication of video images in a camera enclosure. The ICAM makes it possible to build video surveillance systems that protect the transmission and storage of video images. The ICAM functions with both NTSC 525 line and PAL 625 line cameras and contains a neuron chip (integrated circuit) permitting it to be interfaced with a local operating network, which is part of the Modular Integrated Monitor System (MIMS). The MIMS can be used to send commands to the ICAM from a central controller or any sensor on the network. The ICAM is capable of working as a stand alone unit, or it can be integrated into a network of other cameras. As a stand alone unit it sends its video images directly over a high speed serial digital link to a central controller for storage. A number of ICAMs can be multiplexed on a single coaxial cable. In this case, images are captured by each ICAM and held until the MIMS delivers commands for an individual image to be transmitted for review or storage. The ICAM can capture images on a time interval basis or upon receipt of a trigger signal from another sensor on the network. An ICAM which collects images based on other sensor signals forms the basis of an intelligent \"front end\" image collection system. The burden of image review associated with present video systems is reduced by only recording the images with significant action. The cards used in the ICAM can also be used to decompress and display the compressed images on a NTSC/PAL monitor.