Year
1997
Abstract
Video surveillance is a key tool for safeguards and security applications. Typically, to reduce storage and review requirements, video images are only recorded intermittently, using a time- lapse cycle, an event-triggered strategy, or some combination of the two. The distributed control network used by the DOE Cooperative Monitoring and International Remote Monitoring projects makes available many new event combinations for such systems. The INEEL has implemented a powerful new network capability: control of a pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera platform. This paper will describe how networked cameras can provide in-depth coverage of a moderately active work area. At the area entrance, monitors can trigger a “snapshot” recording. Supplemental PTZ cameras cover otherwisehidden areas and respond to various devices: proximity or motion sensors for sensitive locations, tamper indicating devices on selected items, equipment usage monitors, and others. The primary intent is to automatically record images for later review. Yet this system could clearly be used in a real-time mode: Comparing live versus stored images for access authorization, and perhaps alerting the guard force to unusual conditions.