SECURITY MONITORING SYSTEM WITH COMBINED VIDEO AND GRAPHICS DISPLAY

• US 20070132844A1
• Filed: 02/14/2007
• Published: 06/14/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 03/12/1993
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Telebuyer LLC
• Original Assignee: Telebuyer LLC
• Inventors: KATZ, Ronald
• Granted Patent: US 8,836,749 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/140
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/208 Input by product or record sensing, e.g. weighing or scanner processing
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0601 Electronic shopping [e-shopping]
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0613 Third-party assisted
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/08 Auctions
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19645 Multiple cameras, each having view on one of a plurality of scenes, e.g. multiple cameras for multi-room surveillance or for tracking an object by view hand-over
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19658 Telephone systems used to communicate with a camera, e.g. PSTN, GSM, POTS
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19689 Remote control of cameras, e.g. remote orientation or image zooming control for a PTZ camera
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/2281 Call monitoring, e.g. for law enforcement purposes; Call tracing; Detection or prevention of malicious calls
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42 Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers specially adapted for wireless communication networks H04W4/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/432 Arrangements for calling a subscriber at a specific time, e.g. morning call service
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/493 Interactive information services, e.g. directory enquiries ; Arrangements therefor, e.g. interactive voice response [IVR] systems or voice portals
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/51 Centralised call answering arrangements requiring operator intervention , e.g. call or contact centers for telemarketing
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/5125 with remote located operators
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/5158 in combination with automated outdialling systems devices for signalling identity of wanted subscriber H04M1/26
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/564 whereby the feature is a sub-conference
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/565 relating to time schedule aspects
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/567 Multimedia conference systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 7/006 Networks other than PSTN/ISDN providing telephone service, e.g. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) , including next generation networks with a packet-switched transport layer H04L65/00 takes precedence; aspects not specific to the type of network H04M3/00; special services in those networks H04M3/42
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2187 Live feed
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4223 : Cameras H04N23/00 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4334 : Recording operations recording of a television signal H04N5/76; arrangements for recording or accumulating broadcast information or broadcast-related information H04H60/27
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/76 : Television signal recording
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/142 : Constructional details of the terminal equipment, e.g. arrangements of the camera and the display
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/147 : Communication arrangements, e.g. identifying the communication as a video-communication, intermediate storage of the signals selecting H04Q
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/152 : Multipoint control units therefor

Abstract

A remote location having at least one monitoring device is monitored via a temporary communication channel so that an image from the remote location is displayed at a monitoring location along with a graphic signal that depends on the source of the image. Scrutiny information is sent from the remote location to the monitoring location, including the image. The graphic signal may represent a map of the remote location, and may include text providing helpful information relating to the remote location. In some cases, the temporary communication channel is provided at least in part through an online computer service. In some cases, the communications interface is a wireless communications interface.

Claims

1. A system at a monitoring location for monitoring at least one remote location having at least one monitoring device, comprising:

a wireless communications interface for receiving, via a temporary communication channel, selected scrutiny information from one of the monitoring devices at the remote location, the selected scrutiny information including full motion video data intended for display to a human and representing the remote location being monitored,

a memory for providing stored graphic information in accordance with which one of the monitoring devices at the remote location provided the selected scrutiny information,

a graphic signal generator for generating a graphic signal corresponding to the stored graphic information, and

a display for displaying the received full motion video data and the generated graphic signal.

2. A system at a monitoring location for monitoring at least one remote location having at least one monitoring device, comprising:

a communications interface for receiving, via a temporary communication channel, selected scrutiny information from one of the monitoring devices at the remote location, the selected scrutiny information including full motion video data intended for display to a human and representing the remote location being monitored, the temporary communication channel being provided at least in part at least in part through an online computer service,

a memory for providing stored graphic information in accordance with which one of the monitoring devices at the remote location provided the selected scrutiny information,

a graphic signal generator for generating a graphic signal corresponding to the stored graphic information, and

a display for displaying the received full motion video data and the generated graphic signal.

3. A system at a monitoring location for monitoring at least one remote location having at least one monitoring device, comprising:

a communications interface for receiving, via a temporary communication channel, selected scrutiny information from one of the monitoring devices at the remote location, the selected scrutiny information including video data intended for display to a human and representing the remote location being monitored,

a memory for providing stored graphic information in accordance with which one of the monitoring devices at the remote location provided the selected scrutiny information,

a graphic signal generator for generating a graphic signal corresponding to the stored graphic information, and

a display for displaying the received video data and the generated graphic signal.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the communications interface communicates via a single communication line facility for the temporary communication channel.

5. The system of claim 3, wherein the selected scrutiny information includes image data representing a scene at the remote location.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the selected scrutiny information also includes audio information.

7. The system of claim 6, further comprising audio means for audibly playing the audio information.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the audio means is a speakerphone.

9. The system of claim 5, wherein the selected scrutiny information also includes control data.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein at least part of the control data is indicated by dialed number identification signals (DNIS).

11. The system of claim 9, wherein at least part of the control data is indicated by automatic number identification (ANI).

12. The system of claim 9, wherein the control data indicates a status at the remote location.

13. The system of claim 9, wherein the control data identifies the remote location.

14. The system of claim 9, wherein the control data is identifying data identifying the monitoring device that produced the image data.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the identifying data is used to select the stored graphic information from the memory.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein the identifying data is the calling telephone number.

17. The system of claim 5, wherein a monitoring device control signal is sent from the monitoring location to the remote location for controlling operation of at least one of the monitoring devices.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the monitoring device control signal controls at least one of pan, zoom, view, tilt, freeze frame, and field of vision change of the at least one of the monitoring devices.

19. The system of claim 3, wherein the selected scrutiny information is selected in response to a scrutiny selection signal sent from the monitoring location to the remote location.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the stored graphic information is provided from the memory in accordance with the scrutiny selection signal.

21. The system of claim 19, wherein the scrutiny selection signal is in accordance with a predetermined sequence.

22. The system of claim 19, wherein the scrutiny selection signal is in accordance with a random sequence.

23. The system of claim 19, wherein the scrutiny selection signal is in accordance with a demand from an operator.

24. The system of claim 23, wherein the demand from an operator is in response to awareness of events at the remote location.

25. The system of claim 23, wherein the demand from operator in response to a request for a virtual escort at the remote location.

26. The system of claim 19, wherein the scrutiny selection signal is in accordance with a risk assessment at the remote location.

27. The system of claim 19, wherein the scrutiny selection signal is in accordance with an operating schedule at the remote location.

28. The system of claim 19, wherein the scrutiny selection signal is in accordance with a monitoring command signal from the remote location.

29. The system of claim 19, wherein the scrutiny selection signal also specifies a time interval for the selected scrutiny information.

30. The system of claim 19, wherein the scrutiny selection signal is in accordance with a comparison between images at the remote location captured at different times.

31. The system of claim 30, wherein the images are digitized video.

32. The system of claim 30, wherein the at least one of the images is recorded.

33. The system of claim 19, wherein a monitoring device control signal is sent from the monitoring location to the remote location for controlling operation of at least one of the monitoring devices.

34. The system of claim 33, wherein the monitoring device control signal controls at least one of pan, zoom, view, tilt, freeze frame, and field of vision change of the at least one of the monitoring devices.

35. The system of claim 3, wherein the selected scrutiny information is selected in response to a special situation sensed at the remote location.

36. The system of claim 35, wherein the remote location includes at least one manually operated switch for indicating that a special situation has been sensed.

37. The system of claim 36, wherein the remote location includes a plurality of switches for indicating different types of special situations.

38. The system of claim 35, wherein the remote location includes a detector for detecting that a lens of one of the monitoring devices has been covered.

39. The system of claim 35, wherein the remote location includes a sensor for sensing a special situation.

40. The system of claim 39, wherein the sensor is at least one of a sonic sensor, an infrared sensor, a visible light sensor, a photoelectric sensor, a motion detector and a metal detector.

41. The system of claim 39, wherein the sensor is for sensing a weapon.

42. The system of claim 35, wherein the special situation is indicated by entry, via a keypad, of a personal identification number at the remote location.

43. The system of claim 35, wherein the remote location includes a communication device for establishing the temporary communication channel to the monitoring location.

44. The system of claim 43, wherein the communication device is an autodialer.

45. The system of claim 35, wherein the special situation is indicated by a change exceeding a predetermined threshold between images of a location captured at different times.

46. The system of claim 45, wherein the images are digitized video.

47. The system of claim 45, wherein the at least one of the images is recorded.

48. The system of claim 35, wherein a monitoring device control signal is sent from the monitoring location to the remote location for controlling operation of at least one of the monitoring devices.

49. The system of claim 48, wherein the monitoring device control signal controls at least one of pan, zoom, view, tilt, freeze frame, and field of vision change of the at least one of the monitoring devices.

50. The system of claim 3, wherein at least one of the monitoring devices at the remote location is a videophone.

51. The system of claim 3, wherein at least one of the monitoring devices at the remote location is a camera.

52. The system of claim 3, wherein at least one of the monitoring devices at the remote location is a television signal generator.

53. The system of claim 52, wherein the video data is a full motion video signal generated by the television signal generator at the remote location.

54. The system of claim 3, wherein the temporary communication channel is initiated by the remote location.

55. The system of claim 3, wherein the temporary communication channel is initiated by the monitoring location.

56. The system of claim 3, wherein the temporary communication channel uses a dial-up connection.

57. The system of claim 3, wherein the remote location includes a dedicated line for supporting the temporary communication channel.

58. The system of claim 3, wherein the remote location includes a wireless facility for supporting the temporary communication channel.

59. The system of claim 3, wherein the temporary communication channel is provided, at least in part, via a wireless connection.

60. The system of claim 3, wherein the temporary communication channel is provided at least in part at least in part through an online computer service.

61. The system of claim 3, wherein the temporary communication channel uses a public communications network.

62. The system of claim 61, wherein the public communications network is a public switched telephone network.

63. The system of claim 61, wherein the public communications network is a digital network.

64. The system of claim 63, wherein the digital network is according to the ISDN standard.

65. The system of claim 3, wherein the selected scrutiny information includes a full motion video signal.

66. The system of claim 3, wherein the video data represents television quality pictures.

67. The system of claim 3, wherein the video data conforms to NTSC format.

68. The system of claim 3, wherein the scrutiny information is encrypted.

69. The system of claim 3, wherein at least part of the graphic signal represents a map of the remote location.

70. The system of claim 69, wherein the map includes streets.

71. The system of claim 69, wherein the map indicates north, south, east and west directions.

72. The system of claim 69, wherein the map includes entry/exit points at the remote location.

73. The system of claim 3, wherein the graphic signal includes text relating to the remote location.

74. The system of claim 73, wherein the text represents at least one of a telephone number of the remote location, a name of the remote location, an address of the remote location, and a name of a person at the remote location.

75. The system of claim 73, wherein the text represents a nature of the situation at the remote location.

76. The system of claim 73, wherein the text represents a telephone number of a police station associated with the remote location.

77. The system of claim 76, further comprising an autodialer for automatically dialing the telephone number of the police station associated with the remote location.

78. The system of claim 3, wherein the display is for providing image enhancement of the received selected scrutiny information.

79. The system of claim 3, wherein the display is used by one operator at a time at the monitoring location.

80. The system of claim 3, wherein the display is used by multiple operators at the same time at the monitoring location.

81. The system of claim 3, wherein the display comprises multiple screen units.

82. The system of claim 3, wherein the remote location has a video display for displaying video from the monitoring location.

83. The system of claim 3, wherein the remote location has a recording device for recording video from at least one of the monitoring devices.

84. The system of claim 3, wherein the communications interface is also for sending a generated signal to the remote location based on the selected scrutiny information received from the remote location.

85. The system of claim 84, wherein the generated signal is encrypted.

86. The system of claim 84, wherein the generated signal is for controlling operation of one of the monitoring devices.

87. The system of claim 86, wherein the generated signal controls at least one of pan, zoom, view, tilt, freeze frame, and field of vision change of the at least one of the monitoring devices.

88. The system of claim 84, wherein the generated signal represents instructions for personnel at the remote location.

89. The system of claim 84, wherein the generated signal represents a prerecorded audio message.

90. The system of claim 84, wherein the generated signal represents a synthesized audio message.

91. The system of claim 84, wherein the generated signal represents a spoken audio message.

92. The system of claim 84, wherein the remote location has a speaker for audibly delivering the generated signal.

93. The system of claim 3, further comprising an autodialer for automatically dialing a telephone number of a police station associated with the remote location.

94. The system of claim 3, further comprising a video recorder for recording the selected scrutiny information.

95. The system of claim 3, wherein the selected scrutiny information is provided from a video recorder at the remote location.

96. The system of claim 95, wherein the video recorder is set to record intermittently.

97. The system of claim 95, wherein the video recorder is set to record continuously.

98. The system of claim 95, wherein the video recorder is set to record a selected frame of video.

99. The system of claim 95, wherein the video recorder is set to record for a specified time interval.

100. The system of claim 3, wherein the selected scrutiny information is also recorded at the remote location.

101. The system of claim 3, wherein the selected scrutiny information is also printed at the remote location.

102. The system of claim 3, wherein the selected scrutiny information is provided from a switching device at the remote location that sequences information from the monitoring devices.

103. The system of claim 3, wherein the temporary communication channel uses a primary communication facility, and further comprising a backup communication interface for providing a backup communication facility when the primary communication facility is malfunctioning.

104. The system of claim 3, further comprising a distributor for distributing the selected scrutiny information to one of multiple operators.

105. The system of claim 104, wherein the distributing is in accordance with availability of the multiple operators.

106. The system of claim 104, wherein the distributing is in accordance with priority status of the selected scrutiny information.

107. The system of claim 104, wherein the distributing is in accordance with situation status of the selected scrutiny information and abilities of the multiple operators to handle different types of situations.

108. The system of claim 3, wherein the remote location is one of a bank, a supermarket, a parking structure and a quality control facility.

109. The system of claim 3, further comprising a control panel including at least one of an outgoing audio control, an incoming audio control, an outgoing video control, an incoming video control, an operations control for a selected monitoring device at the remote location, a display sequence control, a display resolution control, an indicator for indicating that a monitoring device has become inoperative, a keypad for selecting control commands, and an activator for establishing a communications connection to a police station.

110. The system of claim 109, wherein the control panel is a keyboard.

111. The system of claim 3, further comprising a video mixer for combining the received selected scrutiny information and the generated graphic signal to produce a composite signal supplied to the display.

112. The system of claim 3, further comprising a billing data memory for recording transactions based on the selected scrutiny information.

113. The system of claim 3, further comprising a communication device for establishing the temporary communication channel to the remote location.

114. The system of claim 113, wherein the communication device is an autodialer.

115. The system of claim 3, further comprising a keyboard for entering an operator'"'"'s observations and wherein the memory is also for storing the entered observations.

116. The system of claim 3, further comprising a battery for providing backup power at the monitoring location.

117. The system of claim 3, wherein the remote location has a battery for providing backup power.

118. The system of claim 3, wherein there are at least two remote locations.

119. The system of claim 118, wherein the at least two remote locations are associated with different business entities.

120. The system of claim 3, wherein there are at least two monitoring devices at the at least one remote location.

121. A method of monitoring at least one remote location having at least one monitoring device, comprising:

receiving, via a wireless temporary communication channel, selected scrutiny information from one of the monitoring devices at the remote location, the selected scrutiny information including full motion video data intended for display to a human and representing the remote location being monitored,

providing, from the monitoring location, stored graphic information in accordance with which of the monitoring devices at the remote location provided the selected scrutiny information,

generating a graphic signal corresponding to the stored graphic information, and displaying the received video data and the generated graphic signal.

122. A method of monitoring at least one remote location having at least one monitoring device, comprising:

receiving, via a temporary communication channel, selected scrutiny information from one of the monitoring devices at the remote location, the selected scrutiny information including full motion video data intended for display to a human and representing the remote location being monitored, the temporary communication channel being provided at least in part at least in part through an online computer service,

providing, from the monitoring location, stored graphic information in accordance with which of the monitoring devices at the remote location provided the selected scrutiny information,

generating a graphic signal corresponding to the stored graphic information, and displaying the received video data and the generated graphic signal.

123. A method of monitoring at least one remote location having at least one monitoring device, comprising:

receiving, via a temporary communication channel, selected scrutiny information from one of the monitoring devices at the remote location, the selected scrutiny information including video data intended for display to a human and representing the remote location being monitored,

providing, from the monitoring location, stored graphic information in accordance with which of the monitoring devices at the remote location provided the selected scrutiny information,

generating a graphic signal corresponding to the stored graphic information, and displaying the received video data and the generated graphic signal.

124. The method of claim 123, wherein the temporary communication channel uses a single communication line facility.

125. The method of claim 123, wherein the selected scrutiny information includes image data representing a scene at the remote location.

126. The method of claim 125, wherein the selected scrutiny information also includes audio information.

127. The method of claim 126, further comprising audibly playing the audio information.

128. The method of claim 127, wherein the audio information is played on a speakerphone.

129. The method of claim 125, wherein the selected scrutiny information also includes control data.

130. The method of claim 129, wherein at least part of the control data is indicated by dialed number identification signals (DNIS).

131. The method of claim 129, wherein at least part of the control data is indicated by automatic number identification (ANI).

132. The method of claim 129, wherein the control data indicates a status at the remote location.

133. The method of claim 129, wherein the control data identifies the remote location.

134. The method of claim 129, wherein the control data is identifying data identifying the monitoring device that produced the image data.

135. The method of claim 134, wherein the identifying data is used to select the stored graphic information from the memory.

136. The method of claim 134, wherein the identifying data is the calling telephone number.

137. The method of claim 125, wherein a monitoring device control signal is sent from the monitoring location to the remote location for controlling operation of at least one of the monitoring devices.

138. The method of claim 137, wherein the monitoring device control signal controls at least one of pan, zoom, view, tilt, freeze frame, and field of vision change of the at least one of the monitoring devices.

139. The method of claim 123, wherein the selected scrutiny information is selected in response to a scrutiny selection signal sent from the monitoring location to the remote location.

140. The method of claim 139, wherein the stored graphic information is provided in accordance with the scrutiny selection signal.

141. The method of claim 139, wherein the scrutiny selection signal is in accordance with a predetermined sequence.

142. The method of claim 139, wherein the scrutiny selection signal is in accordance with a random sequence.

143. The method of claim 139, wherein the scrutiny selection signal is in accordance with a demand from an operator.

144. The method of claim 143, wherein the demand from an operator is in response to awareness of events at the remote location.

145. The method of claim 143, wherein the demand from operator in response to a request for a virtual escort at the remote location.

146. The method of claim 139, wherein the scrutiny selection signal is in accordance with a risk assessment at the remote location.

147. The method of claim 139, wherein the scrutiny selection signal is in accordance with an operating schedule at the remote location.

148. The method of claim 139, wherein the scrutiny selection signal is in accordance with a monitoring command signal from the remote location.

149. The method of claim 139, wherein the scrutiny selection signal also specifies a time interval for the selected scrutiny information.

150. The method of claim 139, wherein the scrutiny selection signal is in accordance with a comparison between images at the remote location captured at different times.

151. The method of claim 150, wherein the images are digitized video.

152. The method of claim 150, wherein the at least one of the images is recorded.

153. The method of claim 139, wherein a monitoring device control signal is sent from the monitoring location to the remote location for controlling operation of at least one of the monitoring devices.

154. The method of claim 153, wherein the monitoring device control signal controls at least one of pan, zoom, view, tilt, freeze frame, and field of vision change of the at least one of the monitoring devices.

155. The method of claim 123, wherein the selected scrutiny information is selected in response to a special situation sensed at the remote location.

156. The method of claim 155, wherein the remote location includes at least one manually operated switch for indicating that a special situation has been sensed.

157. The method of claim 156, wherein the remote location includes a plurality of switches for indicating different types of special situations.

158. The method of claim 155, wherein the remote location includes a detector for detecting that a lens of one of the monitoring devices has been covered.

159. The method of claim 155, wherein the remote location includes a sensor for sensing a special situation.

160. The method of claim 159, wherein the sensor is at least one of a sonic sensor, an infrared sensor, a visible light sensor, a photoelectric sensor, a motion detector and a metal detector.

161. The method of claim 159, wherein the sensor is for sensing a weapon.

162. The method of claim 155, wherein the special situation is indicated by entry, via a keypad, of a personal identification number at the remote location.

163. The method of claim 155, wherein the remote location includes a communication device for establishing the temporary communication channel to the monitoring location.

164. The method of claim 163, wherein the communication device is an autodialer.

165. The method of claim 155, wherein the special situation is indicated by a change exceeding a predetermined threshold between images of a location captured at different times.

166. The method of claim 165, wherein the images are digitized video.

167. The method of claim 165, wherein the at least one of the images is recorded.

168. The method of claim 155, wherein a monitoring device control signal is sent from the monitoring location to the remote location for controlling operation of at least one of the monitoring devices.

169. The method of claim 168, wherein the monitoring device control signal controls at least one of pan, zoom, view, tilt, freeze frame, and field of vision change of the at least one of the monitoring devices.

170. The method of claim 123, wherein at least one of the monitoring devices at the remote location is a videophone.

171. The method of claim 123, wherein at least one of the monitoring devices at the remote location is a camera.

172. The method of claim 123, wherein at least one of the monitoring devices at the remote location is a television signal generator.

173. The method of claim 172, wherein the video data is a full motion video signal generated by the television signal generator at the remote location.

174. The method of claim 123, wherein the temporary communication channel is initiated by the remote location.

175. The method of claim 123, wherein the temporary communication channel is initiated by the monitoring location.

176. The method of claim 123, wherein the temporary communication channel uses a dial-up connection.

177. The method of claim 123, wherein the remote location includes a dedicated line for supporting the temporary communication channel.

178. The method of claim 123, wherein the remote location includes a wireless facility for supporting the temporary communication channel.

179. The method of claim 123, wherein the temporary communication channel is provided, at least in part, via a wireless connection.

180. The method of claim 123, wherein the temporary communication channel is provided at least in part at least in part through an online computer service.

181. The method of claim 123, wherein the temporary communication channel uses a public communications network.

182. The method of claim 181, wherein the public communications network is a public switched telephone network.

183. The method of claim 181, wherein the public communications network is a digital network.

184. The method of claim 183, wherein the digital network is according to the ISDN standard.

185. The method of claim 123, wherein the selected scrutiny information includes a full motion video signal.

186. The method of claim 123, wherein the video data represents television quality pictures.

187. The method of claim 123, wherein the video data conforms to NTSC format.

188. The method of claim 123, wherein the scrutiny information is encrypted.

189. The method of claim 123, wherein at least part of the graphic signal represents a map of the remote location.

190. The method of claim 189, wherein the map includes streets.

191. The method of claim 189, wherein the map indicates north, south, east and west directions.

192. The method of claim 189, wherein the map includes entry/exit points at the remote location.

193. The method of claim 123, wherein the graphic signal includes text relating to the remote location.

194. The method of claim 193, wherein the text represents at least one of a telephone number of the remote location, a name of the remote location, an address of the remote location, and a name of a person at the remote location.

195. The method of claim 193, wherein the text represents a nature of the situation at the remote location.

196. The method of claim 193, wherein the text represents a telephone number of a police station associated with the remote location.

197. The method of claim 196, further comprising automatically dialing the telephone number of the police station associated with the remote location when the received video data indicates a situation meriting police notification.

198. The method of claim 123, further comprising providing image enhancement of the received selected scrutiny information.

199. The method of claim 123, wherein the received video data and the generated graphic signal are viewed by one operator at a time at the monitoring location.

200. The method of claim 123, wherein the received video data and the generated graphic signal are viewed by multiple operators at the same time at the monitoring location.

201. The method of claim 123, wherein the received video data and the generated graphic signal are displayed on multiple screen units.

202. The method of claim 123, wherein the remote location has a video display for displaying video from the monitoring location.

203. The method of claim 123, wherein the remote location has a recording device for recording video from at least one of the monitoring devices.

204. The method of claim 123, wherein the communications interface is also for sending a generated signal to the remote location based on the selected scrutiny information received from the remote location.

205. The method of claim 204, wherein the generated signal is encrypted.

206. The method of claim 204, wherein the generated signal is for controlling operation of one of the monitoring devices.

207. The method of claim 204, wherein the generated signal controls at least one of pan, zoom, view, tilt, freeze frame, and field of vision change of the at least one of the monitoring devices.

208. The method of claim 204, wherein the generated signal represents instructions for personnel at the remote location.

209. The method of claim 204, wherein the generated signal represents a prerecorded audio message.

210. The method of claim 204, wherein the generated signal represents a synthesized audio message.

211. The method of claim 204, wherein the generated signal represents a spoken audio message.

212. The method of claim 204, wherein the remote location has a speaker for audibly delivering the generated signal.

213. The method of claim 123, further comprising automatically dialing a telephone number of a police station associated with the remote location when the received video data indicates a situation meriting police notification.

214. The method of claim 123, further comprising recording the selected scrutiny information.

215. The method of claim 123, wherein the selected scrutiny information is provided from a video recorder at the remote location.

216. The method of claim 215, wherein the video recorder is set to record intermittently.

217. The method of claim 215, wherein the video recorder is set to record continuously.

218. The method of claim 215, wherein the video recorder is set to record a selected frame of video.

219. The method of claim 215, wherein the video recorder is set to record for a specified time interval.

220. The method of claim 123, wherein the selected scrutiny information is also recorded at the remote location.

221. The method of claim 123, wherein the selected scrutiny information is also printed at the remote location.

222. The method of claim 123, wherein the selected scrutiny information is provided from a switching device at the remote location that sequences information from the monitoring devices.

223. The method of claim 123, wherein the temporary communication channel uses a primary communication facility, and further comprising providing a backup communication facility when the primary communication facility is malfunctioning.

224. The method of claim 123, further comprising distributing the selected scrutiny information to one of multiple operators.

225. The method of claim 224, wherein the distributing is in accordance with availability of the multiple operators.

226. The method of claim 224, wherein the distributing is in accordance with priority status of the selected scrutiny information.

227. The method of claim 224, wherein the distributing is in accordance with situation status of the selected scrutiny information and abilities of the multiple operators to handle different types of situations.

228. The method of claim 123, wherein the remote location is one of a bank, a supermarket, a parking structure and a quality control facility.

229. The method of claim 123, further comprising using a control panel including at least one of an outgoing audio control, an incoming audio control, an outgoing video control, an incoming video control, an operations control for a selected monitoring device at the remote location, a display sequence control, a display resolution control, an indicator for indicating that a monitoring device has become inoperative, a keypad for selecting control commands, and an activator for establishing a communications connection to a police station.

230. The method of claim 229, wherein the control panel is a keyboard.

231. The method of claim 123, further comprising combining the received selected scrutiny information and the generated graphic signal to produce a composite signal that is displayed.

232. The method of claim 123, further comprising recording transactions based on the selected scrutiny information in a billing data memory.

233. The method of claim 123, further comprising establishing the temporary communication channel to the remote location.

234. The method of claim 233, wherein the temporary communication channel is established using an autodialer.

235. The method of claim 123, further comprising entering an operator'"'"'s observations using a keyboard and storing the entered observations.

236. The method of claim 123, further comprising providing backup power at the monitoring location.

237. The method of claim 123, wherein the remote location has a battery for providing backup power.

238. The method of claim 123, wherein there are at least two remote locations.

239. The method of claim 238, wherein the at least two remote locations are associated with different business entities.

240. The method of claim 123, wherein there are at least two monitoring devices at the at least one remote location.