SECURITY MONITORING SYSTEM WITH FLEXIBLE MONITORING SEQUENCE

• US 20090322853A1
• Filed: 02/14/2007
• Published: 12/31/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 03/12/1993
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Telebuyer LLC
• Original Assignee: Telebuyer LLC
• Inventors: KATZ, Ronald A.
• Granted Patent: US 8,842,151 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/14.01
• 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

From a monitoring location for monitoring at least two remote locations, each remote location having at least one monitoring device, a scrutiny selection signal is sent to the remote locations to control transmission of selected scrutiny information, from the at least one monitoring device at each of the remote locations, to the monitoring location. Via a temporary communication channel and in accordance with the scrutiny selection signal, the selected scrutiny information is received from the monitoring devices at the remote locations, the selected scrutiny information including video data intended for display to a human and representing the remote location being monitored. The received scrutiny information is displayed. At a monitoring location for monitoring at least one remote location having at least one monitoring device, selected scrutiny information from one of the monitoring devices at the remote location is received, the selected scrutiny information including video data intended for display to a human and representing the remote location being monitored, and the received video data is displayed. The remote location also has at least one manually operated device for indicating that a special situation has been sensed, and the selected scrutiny information is sent to the monitoring location in response to actuation of the manually operated device.

Claims

1-794. -794. (canceled)

795. A system at a monitoring location for monitoring at least two remote locations, each remote location having at least one monitoring device, comprising:

a scrutiny selection signal transmitter for sending a scrutiny selection signal to the remote locations to control transmission of selected scrutiny information, from the at least one monitoring device at each of the remote locations, to the monitoring location,

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

a display for displaying the received scrutiny information.

796. A system at a monitoring location for monitoring at least two remote locations, each remote location having at least one monitoring device, comprising:

a scrutiny selection signal transmitter for sending a scrutiny selection signal to the remote locations to control transmission of the selected scrutiny information, from the at least one monitoring device at each of the remote locations, to the monitoring location,

a communications interface for receiving, via a temporary communication channel and in accordance with the scrutiny selection signal, the selected scrutiny information from the monitoring devices at the remote locations, 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 through an online computer service, and

a display for displaying the received scrutiny information.

797. A system at a monitoring location for monitoring at least two remote locations, each remote location having at least one monitoring device, comprising:

a scrutiny selection signal transmitter for sending a scrutiny selection signal to the remote locations to control transmission of selected scrutiny information, from the at least one monitoring device at each of the remote locations, to the monitoring location,

a communications interface for receiving, via a temporary communication channel and in accordance with the scrutiny selection signal, the selected scrutiny information from the monitoring devices at the remote locations, the selected scrutiny information including video data intended for display to a human and representing the remote location being monitored, and

a display for displaying the received scrutiny information.

798. The system of claim 797, wherein the communications interface communicates via a single communication line facility for the temporary communication channel.

799. The system of claim 797, wherein the selected scrutiny information includes image data representing a scene at the remote location.

800. The system of claim 799, wherein the selected scrutiny information also includes audio information.

801. The system of claim 800, further comprising audio means for audibly playing the audio information.

802. The system of claim 801, wherein the audio means is a speakerphone.

803. The system of claim 799, wherein the selected scrutiny information also includes control data.

804. The system of claim 803, wherein at least part of the control data is indicated by dialed number identification signals (DNIS).

805. The system of claim 803, wherein at least part of the control data is indicated by automatic number identification (ANI).

806. The system of claim 803, wherein the control data indicates a status at the remote location.

807. The system of claim 803, wherein the control data identifies the remote location.

808. The system of claim 803, wherein the control data is identifying data identifying the monitoring device that produced the image data.

809. The system of claim 808, further comprising a memory for providing stored graphic information in accordance with the identifying data identifying which of the monitoring devices provided the image data, a graphic signal generator for generating a graphic signal corresponding to the stored graphic information, and wherein the display is for displaying the received selected scrutiny information and the generated graphic signal.

810. The system of claim 808, wherein the identifying data is the calling telephone number.

811. The system of claim 799, 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.

812. The system of claim 811, 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.

813. The system of claim 797, further comprising a memory for providing stored graphic information in accordance with which of the monitoring devices provided the selected scrutiny information, a graphic signal generator for generating a graphic signal corresponding to the stored graphic information, and wherein the display is for displaying the received selected scrutiny information and the generated graphic signal.

814. The system of claim 813, wherein the stored graphic information is provided from the memory in accordance with the scrutiny selection signal.

815. The system of claim 813, wherein at least part of the graphic signal represents a map of the remote location.

816. The system of claim 815, wherein the map includes streets.

817. The system of claim 815, wherein the map indicates north, south, east and west directions.

818. The system of claim 815, wherein the map includes entry/exit points at the remote location.

819. The system of claim 813, wherein the graphic signal includes text relating to the remote location.

820. The system of claim 819, 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.

821. The system of claim 819, wherein the text represents a nature of the situation at the remote location.

822. The system of claim 819, wherein the text represents a telephone number of a police station associated with the remote location.

823. The system of claim 822, further comprising an autodialer for automatically dialing the telephone number of the police station associated with the remote location.

824. The system of claim 813, 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.

825. The system of claim 797, wherein the scrutiny selection signal is in accordance with a predetermined sequence.

826. The system of claim 797, wherein the scrutiny selection signal is in accordance with a random sequence.

827. The system of claim 797, wherein the scrutiny selection signal is in accordance with a demand from an operator.

828. The system of claim 827, wherein the demand from the operator is in response to awareness of events at the remote location.

829. The system of claim 827, wherein the demand from the operator is in response to a request for a virtual escort at the remote location.

830. The system of claim 797, wherein the scrutiny selection signal is in accordance with a risk assessment at the remote location.

831. The system of claim 797, wherein the scrutiny selection signal is in accordance with an operating schedule at the remote location.

832. The system of claim 797, wherein the scrutiny selection signal is in accordance with a monitoring command signal from the remote location.

833. The system of claim 797, wherein the scrutiny selection signal also specifies a time interval for the selected scrutiny information.

834. The system of claim 797, wherein the scrutiny selection signal is in accordance with a comparison between images at the remote location captured at different times.

835. The system of claim 834, wherein the images are digitized video.

836. The system of claim 834, wherein the at least one of the images is recorded.

837. The system of claim 797, 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.

838. The system of claim 837, 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.

839. The system of claim 797, wherein the selected scrutiny information is selected in response to a special situation sensed at the remote location.

840. The system of claim 839, wherein the remote location includes at least one manually operated switch for indicating that a special situation has been sensed.

841. The system of claim 840, wherein the remote location includes a plurality of switches for indicating different types of special situations.

842. The system of claim 839, wherein the remote location includes a detector for detecting that a lens of one of the monitoring devices has been covered.

843. The system of claim 839, wherein the remote location includes a sensor for sensing a special situation.

844. The system of claim 843, 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.

845. The system of claim 843, wherein the sensor is for sensing a weapon.

846. The system of claim 839, wherein the special situation is indicated by entry, via a keypad, of an identification number at the remote location.

847. The system of claim 839, wherein the remote location includes a communication device for establishing the temporary communication channel to the monitoring location.

848. The system of claim 847, wherein the communication device is an autodialer.

849. The system of claim 839, wherein the special situation is indicated by a change exceeding a predetermined threshold between images of a location captured at different times.

850. The system of claim 849, wherein the images are digitized video.

851. The system of claim 849, wherein the at least one of the images is recorded.

852. The system of claim 839, 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.

853. The system of claim 852, 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.

854. The system of claim 797, wherein at least one of the monitoring devices at the remote location is a videophone.

855. The system of claim 797, wherein at least one of the monitoring devices at the remote location is a camera.

856. The system of claim 797, wherein at least one of the monitoring devices at the remote location is a video signal generator.

857. The system of claim 856, wherein the video data is a full motion video signal generated by the video signal generator at the remote location.

858. The system of claim 797, wherein the temporary communication channel is initiated by the remote location.

859. The system of claim 797, wherein the temporary communication channel is initiated by the monitoring location.

860. The system of claim 797, wherein the temporary communication channel uses a dial-up connection.

861. The system of claim 797, wherein the remote location includes a dedicated line for supporting the temporary communication channel.

862. The system of claim 797, wherein the remote location includes a wireless facility for supporting the temporary communication channel.

863. The system of claim 797, wherein the temporary communication channel is provided, at least in part, via a wireless connection.

864. The system of claim 797, wherein the temporary communication channel is provided at least in part through an online computer service.

865. The system of claim 797, wherein the temporary communication channel uses a public communications network.

866. The system of claim 865, wherein the public communications network is a public switched telephone network.

867. The system of claim 865, wherein the public communications network is a digital network.

868. The system of claim 867, wherein the digital network is according to the ISDN standard.

869. The system of claim 797, wherein the selected scrutiny information includes a full motion video signal.

870. The system of claim 797, wherein the video data represents television quality pictures.

871. The system of claim 797, wherein the video data conforms to NTSC format.

872. The system of claim 797, wherein the scrutiny information is encrypted.

873. The system of claim 797, wherein the display is for providing image enhancement of the received selected scrutiny information.

874. The system of claim 797, wherein the display is used by one operator at a time at the monitoring location.

875. The system of claim 797, wherein the display is used by multiple operators at the same time at the monitoring location.

876. The system of claim 797, wherein the display comprises multiple screen units.

877. The system of claim 797, wherein the remote location has a video display for displaying video from the monitoring location.

878. The system of claim 797, wherein the remote location has a recording device for recording video from at least one of the monitoring devices.

879. The system of claim 797, 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.

880. The system of claim 879, wherein the generated signal is encrypted.

881. The system of claim 879, wherein the generated signal is for controlling operation of one of the monitoring devices.

882. The system of claim 881, 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.

883. The system of claim 879, wherein the generated signal represents instructions for personnel at the remote location.

884. The system of claim 879, wherein the generated signal represents a prerecorded audio message.

885. The system of claim 879, wherein the generated signal represents a synthesized audio message.

886. The system of claim 879, wherein the generated signal represents a spoken audio message.

887. The system of claim 879, wherein the remote location has a speaker for audibly delivering the generated signal.

888. The system of claim 797, further comprising an autodialer for automatically dialing a telephone number of a police station associated with the remote location.

889. The system of claim 797, further comprising a video recorder for recording the selected scrutiny information.

890. The system of claim 797, wherein the selected scrutiny information is provided from a video recorder at the remote location.

891. The system of claim 890, wherein the video recorder is set to record intermittently.

892. The system of claim 890, wherein the video recorder is set to record continuously.

893. The system of claim 890, wherein the video recorder is set to record a selected frame of video.

894. The system of claim 890, wherein the video recorder is set to record for a specified time interval.

895. The system of claim 797, wherein the selected scrutiny information is also recorded at the remote location.

896. The system of claim 797, wherein the selected scrutiny information is also printed at the remote location.

897. The system of claim 797, wherein the selected scrutiny information is provided from a switching device at the remote location that sequences information from the monitoring devices.

898. The system of claim 797, 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.

899. The system of claim 797, further comprising a distributor for distributing the selected scrutiny information to one of multiple operators.

900. The system of claim 899, wherein the distributing is in accordance with availability of the multiple operators.

901. The system of claim 899, wherein the distributing is in accordance with priority status of the selected scrutiny information.

902. The system of claim 899, 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.

903. The system of claim 797, wherein the remote location is one of a bank, a supermarket, a parking structure and a quality control facility.

904. The system of claim 797, 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.

905. The system of claim 904, wherein the control panel is a keyboard.

906. The system of claim 797, further comprising a billing data memory for recording transactions based on the selected scrutiny information.

907. The system of claim 797, further comprising a communication device for establishing the temporary communication channel to the remote location.

908. The system of claim 907, wherein the communication device is an autodialer.

909. The system of claim 797, further comprising a keyboard for entering an operator'"'"'s observations, and a memory for storing the entered observations.

910. The system of claim 797, further comprising a battery for providing backup power at the monitoring location.

911. The system of claim 797, wherein the remote location has a battery for providing backup power.

912. The system of claim 797, wherein the at least two remote locations are associated with different business entities.

913. The system of claim 797, wherein there are at least two monitoring devices at at least one of the remote locations.

914. 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, and

a display for displaying the received video data,

wherein the remote location also has at least one manually operated device for indicating that a special situation has been sensed, and the selected scrutiny information is sent to the monitoring location in response to actuation of the manually operated device for indicating.

915. 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 through an online computer service, and

a display for displaying the received video data,

wherein the remote location also has at least one manually operated device for indicating that a special situation has been sensed, and the selected scrutiny information is sent to the monitoring location in response to actuation of the manually operated device for indicating.

916. 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, and

a display for displaying the received video data,

wherein the remote location also has at least one manually operated device for indicating that a special situation has been sensed, and the selected scrutiny information is sent to the monitoring location in response to actuation of the manually operated device for indicating.

917. The system of claim 916, wherein the communications interface communicates via a single communication line facility for the temporary communication channel.

918. The system of claim 916, wherein the selected scrutiny information includes image data representing a scene at the remote location.

919. The system of claim 918, wherein the selected scrutiny information also includes audio information.

920. The system of claim 919, further comprising audio means for audibly playing the audio information.

921. The system of claim 920, wherein the audio means is a speakerphone.

922. The system of claim 918, wherein the selected scrutiny information also includes control data.

923. The system of claim 922, wherein at least part of the control data is indicated by dialed number identification signals (DNIS).

924. The system of claim 922, wherein at least part of the control data is indicated by automatic number identification (ANI).

925. The system of claim 922, wherein the control data indicates a status at the remote location.

926. The system of claim 922, wherein the control data identifies the remote location.

927. The system of claim 922, wherein the control data is identifying data identifying the monitoring device that produced the image data.

928. The system of claim 927, further comprising a memory for providing stored graphic information in accordance with the identifying data identifying which of the monitoring devices provided the image data, a graphic signal generator for generating a graphic signal corresponding to the stored graphic information, and wherein the display is for displaying the received selected scrutiny information and the generated graphic signal.

929. The system of claim 927, wherein the identifying data is the calling telephone number.

930. The system of claim 918, 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.

931. The system of claim 930, 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.

932. The system of claim 916, further comprising a memory for providing stored graphic information in accordance with which of the monitoring devices provided the selected scrutiny information, a graphic signal generator for generating a graphic signal corresponding to the stored graphic information, and wherein the display is for displaying the received selected scrutiny information and the generated graphic signal.

933. The system of claim 932, wherein the stored graphic information is provided from the memory in accordance with the scrutiny selection signal.

934. The system of claim 932, wherein at least part of the graphic signal represents a map of the remote location.

935. The system of claim 934, wherein the map includes streets.

936. The system of claim 934, wherein the map indicates north, south, east and west directions.

937. The system of claim 934, wherein the map includes entry/exit points at the remote location.

938. The system of claim 932, wherein the graphic signal includes text relating to the remote location.

939. The system of claim 938, 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.

940. The system of claim 938, wherein the text represents a nature of the situation at the remote location.

941. The system of claim 938, wherein the text represents a telephone number of a police station associated with the remote location.

942. The system of claim 941, further comprising an autodialer for automatically dialing the telephone number of the police station associated with the remote location.

943. The system of claim 932, 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.

944. The system of claim 916, wherein the manually operated device is a switch.

945. The system of claim 944, wherein the remote location includes a plurality of switches for indicating different types of special situations.

946. The system of claim 916, wherein the manually operated device is a keypad.

947. The system of claim 946, wherein the keypad is actuated by entry of an identification number at the remote location.

948. The system of claim 916, wherein the remote location includes a communication device for establishing the temporary communication channel to the monitoring location.

949. The system of claim 948, wherein the communication device is an autodialer.

950. The system of claim 916, 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.

951. The system of claim 950, 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.

952. The system of claim 916, wherein at least one of the monitoring devices at the remote location is a videophone.

953. The system of claim 916, wherein at least one of the monitoring devices at the remote location is a camera.

954. The system of claim 916, wherein at least one of the monitoring devices at the remote location is a video signal generator.

955. The system of claim 954, wherein the video data is a full motion video signal generated by the video signal generator at the remote location.

956. The system of claim 916, wherein the temporary communication channel is initiated by the remote location.

957. The system of claim 916, wherein the temporary communication channel uses a dial-up connection.

958. The system of claim 916, wherein the remote location includes a dedicated line for supporting the temporary communication channel.

959. The system of claim 916, wherein the remote location includes a wireless facility for supporting the temporary communication channel.

960. The system of claim 916, wherein the temporary communication channel is provided, at least in part, through a wireless connection.

961. The system of claim 916, wherein the temporary communication channel is provided at least in part through an online computer service.

962. The system of claim 916, wherein the temporary communication channel uses a public communications network.

963. The system of claim 962, wherein the public communications network is a public switched telephone network.

964. The system of claim 962, wherein the public communications network is a digital network.

965. The system of claim 964, wherein the digital network is according to the ISDN standard.

966. The system of claim 916, wherein the selected scrutiny information includes a full motion video signal.

967. The system of claim 916, wherein the video data represents television quality pictures.

968. The system of claim 916, wherein the video data conforms to NTSC format.

969. The system of claim 916, wherein the scrutiny information is encrypted.

970. The system of claim 916, wherein the display is for providing image enhancement of the received selected scrutiny information.

971. The system of claim 916, wherein the display is used by one operator at a time at the monitoring location.

972. The system of claim 916, wherein the display is used by multiple operators at the same time at the monitoring location.

973. The system of claim 916, wherein the display comprises multiple screen units.

974. The system of claim 916, wherein the remote location has a video display for displaying video from the monitoring location.

975. The system of claim 916, wherein the remote location has a recording device for recording video from at least one of the monitoring devices.

976. The system of claim 916, 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.

977. The system of claim 976, wherein the generated signal is encrypted.

978. The system of claim 976, wherein the generated signal is for controlling operation of one of the monitoring devices.

979. The system of claim 978, 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.

980. The system of claim 976, wherein the generated signal represents instructions for personnel at the remote location.

981. The system of claim 976, wherein the generated signal represents a prerecorded audio message.

982. The system of claim 976, wherein the generated signal represents a synthesized audio message.

983. The system of claim 976, wherein the generated signal represents a spoken audio message.

984. The system of claim 976, wherein the remote location has a speaker for audibly delivering the generated signal.

985. The system of claim 976, further comprising an autodialer for automatically dialing a telephone number of a police station associated with the remote location.

986. The system of claim 976, further comprising a video recorder for recording the selected scrutiny information.

987. The system of claim 976, wherein the selected scrutiny information is provided from a video recorder at the remote location.

988. The system of claim 987, wherein the video recorder is set to record intermittently.

989. The system of claim 987, wherein the video recorder is set to record continuously.

990. The system of claim 987, wherein the video recorder is set to record a selected frame of video.

991. The system of claim 987, wherein the video recorder is set to record for a specified time interval.

992. The system of claim 916, wherein the selected scrutiny information is also recorded at the remote location.

993. The system of claim 916, wherein the selected scrutiny information is also printed at the remote location.

994. The system of claim 916, wherein the selected scrutiny information is provided from a switching device at the remote location that sequences information from the monitoring devices.

995. The system of claim 916, 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.

996. The system of claim 916, further comprising a distributor for distributing the selected scrutiny information to one of multiple operators.

997. The system of claim 996, wherein the distributing is in accordance with availability of the multiple operators.

998. The system of claim 996, wherein the distributing is in accordance with priority status of the selected scrutiny information.

999. The system of claim 996, 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.

1000. The system of claim 976, wherein the remote location is one of a bank, a supermarket, a parking structure and a quality control facility.

1001. The system of claim 976, 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.

1002. The system of claim 1001, wherein the control panel is a keyboard.

1003. The system of claim 976, further comprising a billing data memory for recording transactions based on the selected scrutiny information.

1004. The system of claim 976, further comprising a keyboard for entering an operator'"'"'s observations and wherein the memory is also for storing the entered observations.

1005. The system of claim 976, further comprising a battery for providing backup power at the monitoring location.

1006. The system of claim 976, wherein the remote location has a battery for providing backup power.

1007. The system of claim 976, wherein there are at least two remote locations.

1008. The system of claim 1007, wherein the at least two remote locations are associated with different business entities.

1009. The system of claim 976, wherein there are at least two monitoring devices at the at least one remote location.

1120. The system of claim 947, wherein the keypad is actuated by entry of an identification number at the remote location.

1294. The method of claim 920, wherein the audibly playing uses a speakerphone.

1010. A system at a remote location being monitored by a monitoring location, comprising:

at least one monitoring device,

a scrutiny selection signal receiver for receiving a scrutiny selection signal sent to the remote location from a monitoring location to control transmission of selected scrutiny information from the at least one monitoring device at the remote location to the monitoring location, and

a wireless communications interface for sending, via a temporary communication channel and in accordance with the scrutiny selection signal, the selected scrutiny information from the at least one monitoring device at the remote location to the monitoring location, the selected scrutiny information including full motion video data intended for display to a human and representing the remote location being monitored.

1011. A system at a remote location being monitored by a monitoring location, comprising:

at least one monitoring device,

a scrutiny selection signal receiver for receiving a scrutiny selection signal sent to the remote location from a monitoring location to control transmission of selected scrutiny information from the at least one monitoring device at the remote location to the monitoring location, and

a communications interface for sending, via a temporary communication channel and in accordance with the scrutiny selection signal, the selected scrutiny information from the at least one monitoring device at the remote location to the monitoring 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 through an online computer service.

1012. A system at a remote location being monitored by a monitoring location, comprising:

at least one monitoring device,

a scrutiny selection signal receiver for receiving a scrutiny selection signal sent to the remote location from a monitoring location to control transmission of selected scrutiny information from the at least one monitoring device at the remote location to the monitoring location, and

a communications interface for sending, via a temporary communication channel and in accordance with the scrutiny selection signal, the selected scrutiny information from the at least one monitoring device at the remote location to the monitoring location, the selected scrutiny information including video data intended for display to a human and representing the remote location being monitored.

1013. The system of claim 1012, wherein the communications interface communicates via a single communication line facility for the temporary communication channel.

1014. The system of claim 1012, wherein the selected scrutiny information includes image data representing a scene at the remote location.

1015. The system of claim 1014, wherein the selected scrutiny information also includes audio information.

1016. The system of claim 1014, wherein the selected scrutiny information also includes control data.

1017. The system of claim 1016, wherein at least part of the control data is indicated by dialed number identification signals (DNIS).

1018. The system of claim 1016, wherein at least part of the control data is indicated by automatic number identification (ANI).

1019. The system of claim 1016, wherein the control data indicates a status at the remote location.

1020. The system of claim 1016, wherein the control data identifies the remote location.

1021. The system of claim 1016, wherein the control data is identifying data identifying the monitoring device that produced the image data.

1022. The system of claim 1021, wherein the identifying data is the calling telephone number.

1023. The system of claim 1012, 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.

1024. The system of claim 1023, 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.

1025. The system of claim 1012, wherein the scrutiny selection signal is in accordance with a predetermined sequence.

1026. The system of claim 1012, wherein the scrutiny selection signal is in accordance with a random sequence.

1027. The system of claim 1012, wherein the scrutiny selection signal is in accordance with a demand from an operator.

1028. The system of claim 1027, wherein the demand from the operator is in response to awareness of events at the remote location.

1029. The system of claim 1027, wherein the demand from the operator is in response to a request for a virtual escort at the remote location.

1030. The system of claim 1012, wherein the scrutiny selection signal is in accordance with a risk assessment at the remote location.

1031. The system of claim 1012, wherein the scrutiny selection signal is in accordance with an operating schedule at the remote location.

1032. The system of claim 1012, wherein the scrutiny selection signal is in accordance with a monitoring command signal from the remote location.

1033. The system of claim 1012, wherein the scrutiny selection signal also specifies a time interval for the selected scrutiny information.

1034. The system of claim 1012, wherein the scrutiny selection signal is in accordance with a comparison between images at the remote location captured at different times.

1035. The system of claim 1034, wherein the images are digitized video.

1036. The system of claim 1034, wherein the at least one of the images is recorded.

1037. The system of claim 1012, wherein the selected scrutiny information is selected in response to a special situation sensed at the remote location.

1038. The system of claim 1037, further comprising at least one manually operated switch for indicating that a special situation has been sensed.

1039. The system of claim 1038, further comprising a plurality of switches for indicating different types of special situations.

1040. The system of claim 1037, further comprising a detector for detecting that a lens of one of the monitoring devices has been covered.

1041. The system of claim 1037, further comprising a sensor for sensing a special situation.

1042. The system of claim 1041, 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.

1043. The system of claim 1041, wherein the sensor is for sensing a weapon.

1044. The system of claim 1037, wherein the special situation is indicated by entry, via a keypad, of an identification number at the remote location.

1045. The system of claim 1037, further comprising a communication device for establishing the temporary communication channel to the monitoring location.

1046. The system of claim 1045, wherein the communication device is an autodialer.

1047. The system of claim 1037, wherein the special situation is indicated by a change exceeding a predetermined threshold between images of a location captured at different times.

1048. The system of claim 1047, wherein the images are digitized video.

1049. The system of claim 1047, wherein the at least one of the images is recorded.

1050. The system of claim 1012, wherein at least one of the monitoring devices at the remote location is a videophone.

1051. The system of claim 1012, wherein at least one of the monitoring devices at the remote location is a camera.

1052. The system of claim 1012, wherein at least one of the monitoring devices at the remote location is a video signal generator.

1053. The system of claim 1052, wherein the video data is a full motion video signal generated by the video signal generator at the remote location.

1054. The system of claim 1012, wherein the temporary communication channel is initiated by the remote location.

1055. The system of claim 1012, wherein the temporary communication channel is initiated by the monitoring location.

1056. The system of claim 1012, wherein the temporary communication channel uses a dial-up connection.

1057. The system of claim 1012, wherein the remote location includes a dedicated line for supporting the temporary communication channel.

1058. The system of claim 1012, wherein the remote location includes a wireless facility for supporting the temporary communication channel.

1059. The system of claim 1012, wherein the temporary communication channel is provided, at least in part, via a wireless connection.

1060. The system of claim 1012, wherein the temporary communication channel is provided at least in part through an online computer service.

1061. The system of claim 1012, wherein the temporary communication channel uses a public communications network.

1062. The system of claim 1061, wherein the public communications network is a public switched telephone network.

1063. The system of claim 1061, wherein the public communications network is a digital network.

1064. The system of claim 1063, wherein the digital network is according to the ISDN standard.

1065. The system of claim 1012, wherein the selected scrutiny information includes a full motion video signal.

1066. The system of claim 1012, wherein the video data represents television quality pictures.

1067. The system of claim 1012, wherein the video data conforms to NTSC format.

1068. The system of claim 1012, wherein the scrutiny information is encrypted.

1069. The system of claim 1012, wherein the remote location has a video display for displaying video from the monitoring location.

1070. The system of claim 1012, wherein the remote location has a recording device for recording video from at least one of the monitoring devices.

1071. The system of claim 1012, wherein the communications interface is also for receiving a generated signal from the monitoring location based on the selected scrutiny information received from the remote location.

1072. The system of claim 1071, wherein the generated signal is encrypted.

1073. The system of claim 1071, wherein the generated signal is for controlling operation of one of the monitoring devices.

1074. The system of claim 1073, 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.

1075. The system of claim 1071, wherein the generated signal represents instructions for personnel at the remote location.

1076. The system of claim 1071, wherein the generated signal represents a prerecorded audio message.

1077. The system of claim 1071, wherein the generated signal represents a synthesized audio message.

1078. The system of claim 1071, wherein the generated signal represents a spoken audio message.

1079. The system of claim 1071, wherein the remote location has a speaker for audibly delivering the generated signal.

1080. The system of claim 1012, further comprising an autodialer for automatically dialing a telephone number of a police station associated with the remote location.

1081. The system of claim 1012, further comprising a video recorder for recording the selected scrutiny information.

1082. The system of claim 1081, wherein the video recorder is set to record intermittently.

1083. The system of claim 1081, wherein the video recorder is set to record continuously.

1084. The system of claim 1081, wherein the video recorder is set to record a selected frame of video.

1085. The system of claim 1081, wherein the video recorder is set to record for a specified time interval.

1086. The system of claim 1012, wherein the selected scrutiny information is also recorded at the remote location.

1087. The system of claim 1012, wherein the selected scrutiny information is also printed at the remote location.

1088. The system of claim 1012, wherein the selected scrutiny information is provided from a switching device at the remote location that sequences information from the monitoring devices.

1089. The system of claim 1012, 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.

1090. The system of claim 1012, wherein the selected scrutiny information is distributed to one of multiple operators at the monitoring location.

1091. The system of claim 1090, wherein the distributing is in accordance with availability of the multiple operators.

1092. The system of claim 1090, wherein the distributing is in accordance with priority status of the selected scrutiny information.

1093. The system of claim 1090, 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.

1094. The system of claim 1012, wherein the remote location is one of a bank, a supermarket, a parking structure and a quality control facility.

1095. The system of claim 1012, further comprising a billing data memory for recording transactions based on the selected scrutiny information.

1096. The system of claim 1012, further comprising a communication device for establishing the temporary communication channel to the remote location.

1097. The system of claim 1096, wherein the communication device is an autodialer.

1098. The system of claim 1012, further comprising a battery for providing backup power at the remote location.

1099. The system of claim 1012, wherein the monitoring location has a battery for providing backup power.

1100. The system of claim 1012, wherein the at least two remote locations are associated with different business entities.

1101. The system of claim 1012, wherein there are at least two monitoring devices at least one of the remote locations.

1102. A system at a remote location being monitored by a monitoring location, comprising:

at least one monitoring device,

at least one manually operated device for indicating that a special situation has been sensed, and

a wireless communications interface for sending, via a temporary communication channel and in response to actuation of the manually operated device for indicating, selected scrutiny information from the at least one monitoring device to the monitoring location, the selected scrutiny information including full motion video data intended for display to a human and representing the remote location being monitored.

1103. A system at a remote location being monitored by a monitoring location, comprising:

at least one monitoring device,

at least one manually operated device for indicating that a special situation has been sensed, and

a communications interface for sending, via a temporary communication channel and in response to actuation of the manually operated device for indicating, selected scrutiny information from the at least one monitoring device to the monitoring 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 through an online computer service.

1104. A system at a remote location being monitored by a monitoring location, comprising:

at least one monitoring device,

at least one manually operated device for indicating that a special situation has been sensed, and

a communications interface for sending, via a temporary communication channel and in response to actuation of the manually operated device for indicating, selected scrutiny information from the at least one monitoring device to the monitoring location, the selected scrutiny information including video data intended for display to a human and representing the remote location being monitored.

1105. The system of claim 1104, wherein the communications interface communicates via a single communication line facility for the temporary communication channel.

1106. The system of claim 1104, wherein the selected scrutiny information includes image data representing a scene at the remote location.

1107. The system of claim 1106, wherein the selected scrutiny information also includes audio information.

1108. The system of claim 1106, wherein the selected scrutiny information also includes control data.

1109. The system of claim 1108, wherein at least part of the control data is indicated by dialed number identification signals (DNIS).

1110. The system of claim 1108, wherein at least part of the control data is indicated by automatic number identification (ANI).

1111. The system of claim 1108, wherein the control data indicates a status at the remote location.

1112. The system of claim 1108, wherein the control data identifies the remote location.

1113. The system of claim 1108, wherein the control data is identifying data identifying the monitoring device that produced the image data.

1114. The system of claim 1113, wherein the identifying data is the calling telephone number.

1115. The system of claim 1113, 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.

1116. The system of claim 1115, 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.

1117. The system of claim 1104, wherein the manually operated device is a switch.

1118. The system of claim 1117, wherein the remote location includes a plurality of switches for indicating different types of special situations.

1119. The system of claim 1104, wherein the manually operated device is a keypad.

1121. The system of claim 1104, further comprising a communication device for establishing the temporary communication channel to the monitoring location.

1122. The system of claim 1121, wherein the communication device is an autodialer.

1123. The system of claim 1104, wherein at least one of the monitoring devices at the remote location is a videophone.

1124. The system of claim 1104, wherein at least one of the monitoring devices at the remote location is a camera.

1125. The system of claim 1104, wherein at least one of the monitoring devices at the remote location is a video signal generator.

1126. The system of claim 1125, wherein the video data is a full motion video signal generated by the video signal generator at the remote location.

1127. The system of claim 1104, wherein the temporary communication channel is initiated by the remote location.

1128. The system of claim 1104, wherein the temporary communication channel uses a dial-up connection.

1129. The system of claim 1104, wherein the remote location includes a dedicated line for supporting the temporary communication channel.

1130. The system of claim 1104, wherein the remote location includes a wireless facility for supporting the temporary communication channel.

1131. The system of claim 1104, wherein the temporary communication channel is provided, at least in part, via a wireless connection.

1132. The system of claim 1104, wherein the temporary communication channel is provided at least in part through an online computer service.

1133. The system of claim 1104, wherein the temporary communication channel uses a public communications network.

1134. The system of claim 1133, wherein the public communications network is a public switched telephone network.

1135. The system of claim 1133, wherein the public communications network is a digital network.

1136. The system of claim 1135, wherein the digital network is according to the ISDN standard.

1137. The system of claim 1104, wherein the selected scrutiny information includes a full motion video signal.

1138. The system of claim 1104, wherein the video data represents television quality pictures.

1139. The system of claim 1104, wherein the video data conforms to NTSC format.

1140. The system of claim 1104, wherein the scrutiny information is encrypted.

1141. The system of claim 1104, further comprising a video display for displaying video from the monitoring location.

1142. The system of claim 1104, further comprising a recording device for recording video from at least one of the monitoring devices.

1143. The system of claim 1104, wherein the communications interface is also for receiving a generated signal from the monitoring location based on the selected scrutiny information sent from the remote location.

1144. The system of claim 1143, wherein the generated signal is encrypted.

1145. The system of claim 1143, wherein the generated signal is for controlling operation of one of the monitoring devices.

1146. The system of claim 1145, 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.

1147. The system of claim 1143, wherein the generated signal represents instructions for personnel at the remote location.

1148. The system of claim 1143, wherein the generated signal represents a prerecorded audio message.

1149. The system of claim 1143, wherein the generated signal represents a synthesized audio message.

1150. The system of claim 1143, wherein the generated signal represents a spoken audio message.

1151. The system of claim 1143, wherein the remote location has a speaker for audibly delivering the generated signal.

1152. The system of claim 1104, further comprising an autodialer for automatically dialing a telephone number of a police station associated with the remote location.

1153. The system of claim 1104, further comprising a video recorder for recording the selected scrutiny information.

1154. The system of claim 1153, wherein the video recorder is set to record intermittently.

1155. The system of claim 1153, wherein the video recorder is set to record continuously.

1156. The system of claim 1153, wherein the video recorder is set to record a selected frame of video.

1157. The system of claim 1153, wherein the video recorder is set to record for a specified time interval.

1158. The system of claim 1104, wherein the selected scrutiny information is also printed at the remote location.

1159. The system of claim 1104, wherein the selected scrutiny information is provided from a switching device at the remote location that sequences information from the monitoring devices.

1160. The system of claim 1104, 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.

1161. The system of claim 1104, wherein the remote location is one of a bank, a supermarket, a parking structure and a quality control facility.

1162. The system of claim 1104, further comprising a billing data memory for recording transactions based on the selected scrutiny information.

1163. The system of claim 1104, further comprising a battery for providing backup power at the remote location.

1164. The system of claim 1104, wherein the monitoring location has a battery for providing backup power.

1165. The system of claim 1104, wherein there are at least two remote locations.

1166. The system of claim 1165, wherein the at least two remote locations are associated with different business entities.

1167. The system of claim 1104, wherein there are at least two monitoring devices at the at least one remote location.

1168. A method for monitoring at least two remote locations at a monitoring location, each remote location having at least one monitoring device, comprising:

sending a scrutiny selection signal to the remote locations to control transmission of selected scrutiny information, from the at least one monitoring device at each of the remote locations, to the monitoring location,

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

displaying the received scrutiny information.

1169. A method for monitoring at least two remote locations at a monitoring location, each remote location having at least one monitoring device, comprising:

sending a scrutiny selection signal to the remote locations to control transmission of selected scrutiny information, from the at least one monitoring device at each of the remote locations, to the monitoring location,

receiving, via a temporary communication channel and in accordance with the scrutiny selection signal, the selected scrutiny information from the monitoring devices at the remote locations, 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 through an online computer service, and

displaying the received scrutiny information.

1170. A method for monitoring at least two remote locations at a monitoring location, each remote location having at least one monitoring device, comprising:

sending a scrutiny selection signal to the remote locations to control transmission of selected scrutiny information, from the at least one monitoring device at each of the remote locations, to the monitoring location,

receiving, via a temporary communication channel and in accordance with the scrutiny selection signal, the selected scrutiny information from the monitoring devices at the remote locations, the selected scrutiny information including video data intended for display to a human and representing the remote location being monitored, and

displaying the received scrutiny information.

1171. The method of claim 1170, wherein the communications interface communicates via a single communication line facility for the temporary communication channel.

1172. The method of claim 1170, wherein the selected scrutiny information includes image data representing a scene at the remote location.

1173. The method of claim 1172, wherein the selected scrutiny information also includes audio information.

1174. The method of claim 1173, further comprising audibly playing the audio information.

1175. The method of claim 1174, wherein the audibly playing uses a speakerphone.

1176. The method of claim 1172, wherein the selected scrutiny information also includes control data.

1177. The method of claim 1176, wherein at least part of the control data is indicated by dialed number identification signals (DNIS).

1178. The method of claim 1176, wherein at least part of the control data is indicated by automatic number identification (ANI).

1179. The method of claim 1176, wherein the control data indicates a status at the remote location.

1180. The method of claim 1176, wherein the control data identifies the remote location.

1181. The method of claim 1176, wherein the control data is identifying data identifying the monitoring device that produced the image data.

1182. The method of claim 1181, further comprising providing stored graphic information in accordance with the identifying data identifying which of the monitoring devices provided the image data, generating a graphic signal corresponding to the stored graphic information, and displaying the received selected scrutiny information and the generated graphic signal.

1183. The method of claim 1181, wherein the identifying data is the calling telephone number.

1184. The method of claim 1172, 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.

1185. The method of claim 1184, 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.

1186. The method of claim 1170, further comprising providing stored graphic information in accordance with which of the monitoring devices provided the selected scrutiny information, generating a graphic signal corresponding to the stored graphic information, and displaying the received selected scrutiny information and the generated graphic signal.

1187. The method of claim 1186, wherein the stored graphic information is provided in accordance with the scrutiny selection signal.

1188. The method of claim 1186, wherein at least part of the graphic signal represents a map of the remote location.

1189. The method of claim 1188, wherein the map includes streets.

1190. The method of claim 1188, wherein the map indicates north, south, east and west directions.

1191. The method of claim 1188, wherein the map includes entry/exit points at the remote location.

1192. The method of claim 1186, wherein the graphic signal includes text relating to the remote location.

1193. The method of claim 1192, 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.

1194. The method of claim 1192, wherein the text represents a nature of the situation at the remote location.

1195. The method of claim 1192, wherein the text represents a telephone number of a police station associated with the remote location.

1196. The method of claim 1185, further comprising automatically dialing the telephone number of the police station associated with the remote location.

1197. The method of claim 1186, further comprising combining the received selected scrutiny information and the generated graphic signal to produce a composite signal for display.

1198. The method of claim 1170, wherein the scrutiny selection signal is in accordance with a predetermined sequence.

1199. The method of claim 1170, wherein the scrutiny selection signal is in accordance with a random sequence.

1200. The method of claim 1170, wherein the scrutiny selection signal is in accordance with a demand from an operator.

1201. The method of claim 1200, wherein the demand from the operator is in response to awareness of events at the remote location.

1202. The method of claim 1200, wherein the demand from the operator is in response to a request for a virtual escort at the remote location.

1203. The method of claim 1170, wherein the scrutiny selection signal is in accordance with a risk assessment at the remote location.

1204. The method of claim 1170, wherein the scrutiny selection signal is in accordance with an operating schedule at the remote location.

1205. The method of claim 1170, wherein the scrutiny selection signal is in accordance with a monitoring command signal from the remote location.

1206. The method of claim 1170, wherein the scrutiny selection signal also specifies a time interval for the selected scrutiny information.

1207. The method of claim 1170, wherein the scrutiny selection signal is in accordance with a comparison between images at the remote location captured at different times.

1208. The method of claim 1207, wherein the images are digitized video.

1209. The method of claim 1207, wherein the at least one of the images is recorded.

1210. The method of claim 1170, 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.

1211. The method of claim 1210, 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.

1212. The method of claim 1170, wherein the selected scrutiny information is selected in response to a special situation sensed at the remote location.

1213. The method of claim 1212, wherein the remote location includes at least one manually operated switch for indicating that a special situation has been sensed.

1214. The method of claim 1213, wherein the remote location includes a plurality of switches for indicating different types of special situations.

1215. The method of claim 1212, wherein the remote location detects that a lens of one of the monitoring devices has been covered.

1216. The method of claim 1212, wherein the remote location senses a special situation.

1217. The method of claim 1216, wherein the remote location senses using at least one of a sonic sensor, an infrared sensor, a visible light sensor, a photoelectric sensor, a motion detector and a metal detector.

1218. The method of claim 1216, wherein the remote location senses for a weapon.

1219. The method of claim 1212, wherein the special situation is indicated by entry, via a keypad, of an identification number at the remote location.

1220. The method of claim 1212, wherein the remote location establishes the temporary communication channel to the monitoring location.

1221. The method of claim 1220, wherein the establishing uses an autodialer.

1222. The method of claim 1212, wherein the special situation is indicated by a change exceeding a predetermined threshold between images of a location captured at different times.

1223. The method of claim 1222, wherein the images are digitized video.

1224. The method of claim 1222, wherein the at least one of the images is recorded.

1225. The method of claim 1212, 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.

1226. The method of claim 1225, 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.

1227. The method of claim 1170, wherein at least one of the monitoring devices at the remote location is a videophone.

1228. The method of claim 1170, wherein at least one of the monitoring devices at the remote location is a camera.

1229. The method of claim 1170, wherein at least one of the monitoring devices at the remote location is a video signal generator.

1230. The method of claim 1229, wherein the video data is a full motion video signal generated by the video signal generator at the remote location.

1231. The method of claim 1170, wherein the temporary communication channel is initiated by the remote location.

1232. The method of claim 1170, wherein the temporary communication channel is initiated by the monitoring location.

1233. The method of claim 1170, wherein the temporary communication channel uses a dial-up connection.

1234. The method of claim 1170, wherein the remote location includes a dedicated line for supporting the temporary communication channel.

1235. The method of claim 1170, wherein the remote location includes a wireless facility for supporting the temporary communication channel.

1236. The method of claim 1170, wherein the temporary communication channel is provided, at least in part, via a wireless connection.

1237. The method of claim 1170, wherein the temporary communication channel is provided at least in part through an online computer service.

1238. The method of claim 1170, wherein the temporary communication channel uses a public communications network.

1239. The method of claim 1238, wherein the public communications network is a public switched telephone network.

1240. The method of claim 1238, wherein the public communications network is a digital network.

1241. The method of claim 1240, wherein the digital network is according to the ISDN standard.

1242. The method of claim 1170, wherein the selected scrutiny information includes a full motion video signal.

1243. The method of claim 1170, wherein the video data represents television quality pictures.

1244. The method of claim 1170, wherein the video data conforms to NTSC format.

1245. The method of claim 1170, wherein the scrutiny information is encrypted.

1246. The method of claim 1170, wherein the displaying includes providing image enhancement of the received selected scrutiny information.

1247. The method of claim 1170, wherein the displaying is seen by one operator at a time at the monitoring location.

1248. The method of claim 1170, wherein the displaying is seen by multiple operators at the same time at the monitoring location.

1250. The method of claim 1170, wherein the remote location has a video display for displaying video from the monitoring location.

1251. The method of claim 1170, wherein the remote location has a recording device for recording video from at least one of the monitoring devices.

1252. The method of claim 1170, further comprising sending a generated signal to the remote location based on the selected scrutiny information received from the remote location.

1253. The method of claim 1252, wherein the generated signal is encrypted.

1254. The method of claim 1252, wherein the generated signal is for controlling operation of one of the monitoring devices.

1255. The method of claim 1254, 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.

1256. The method of claim 1252, wherein the generated signal represents instructions for personnel at the remote location.

1257. The method of claim 1252, wherein the generated signal represents a prerecorded audio message.

1258. The method of claim 1252, wherein the generated signal represents a synthesized audio message.

1259. The method of claim 1252, wherein the generated signal represents a spoken audio message.

1260. The method of claim 1252, wherein the remote location has a speaker for audibly delivering the generated signal.

1261. The method of claim 1170, further comprising automatically dialing a telephone number of a police station associated with the remote location.

1262. The method of claim 1170, further comprising recording the selected scrutiny information.

1263. The method of claim 1170, wherein the selected scrutiny information is provided from a video recorder at the remote location.

1264. The method of claim 1263, wherein the video recorder is set to record intermittently.

1265. The method of claim 1263, wherein the video recorder is set to record continuously.

1266. The method of claim 1263, wherein the video recorder is set to record a selected frame of video.

1267. The method of claim 1263, wherein the video recorder is set to record for a specified time interval.

1268. The method of claim 1170, wherein the selected scrutiny information is also recorded at the remote location.

1269. The method of claim 1170, wherein the selected scrutiny information is also printed at the remote location.

1270. The method of claim 1170, wherein the selected scrutiny information is provided from a switching device at the remote location that sequences information from the monitoring devices.

1271. The method of claim 1170, 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.

1272. The method of claim 1170, further comprising distributing the selected scrutiny information to one of multiple operators.

1273. The method of claim 1272, wherein the distributing is in accordance with availability of the multiple operators.

1274. The method of claim 1272, wherein the distributing is in accordance with priority status of the selected scrutiny information.

1275. The method of claim 1272, 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.

1276. The method of claim 1170, wherein the remote location is one of a bank, a supermarket, a parking structure and a quality control facility.

1277. The method of claim 1170, further comprising providing 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.

1278. The method of claim 1277, wherein the control panel is a keyboard.

1279. The method of claim 1170, further comprising recording transactions based on the selected scrutiny information.

1280. The method of claim 1170, further comprising establishing the temporary communication channel to the remote location.

1281. The method of claim 1280, wherein the establishing uses an autodialer.

1282. The method of claim 1170, further comprising entering an operator'"'"'s observations, and a memory for storing the entered observations.

1283. The method of claim 1170, further comprising providing backup power at the monitoring location.

1284. The method of claim 1170, wherein the remote location has a battery for providing backup power.

1285. The method of claim 1170, wherein the at least two remote locations are associated with different business entities.

1286. The method of claim 1170, wherein there are at least two monitoring devices at least one of the remote locations.

1248-1. The method of claim 1170, wherein the displaying uses multiple screen units.

1287. A method for monitoring, at a monitoring location, 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, and

displaying the received video data,

wherein the remote location also has at least one manually operated device for indicating that a special situation has been sensed, and the selected scrutiny information is sent to the monitoring location in response to actuation of the manually operated device for indicating.

1288. A method for monitoring, at a monitoring location, 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 through an online computer service, and

displaying the received video data,

wherein the remote location also has at least one manually operated device for indicating that a special situation has been sensed, and the selected scrutiny information is sent to the monitoring location in response to actuation of the manually operated device for indicating.

1289. A method for monitoring, at a monitoring location, 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, and

displaying the received video data,

wherein the remote location also has at least one manually operated device for indicating that a special situation has been sensed, and the selected scrutiny information is sent to the monitoring location in response to actuation of the manually operated device for indicating.

1290. The method of claim 1289, wherein the communications interface communicates via a single communication line facility for the temporary communication channel.

1291. The method of claim 1289, wherein the selected scrutiny information includes image data representing a scene at the remote location.

1292. The method of claim 1291, wherein the selected scrutiny information also includes audio information.

1293. The method of claim 1292, further comprising audibly playing the audio information.

1295. The method of claim 1291, wherein the selected scrutiny information also includes control data.

1296. The method of claim 1295, wherein at least part of the control data is indicated by dialed number identification signals (DNIS).

1297. The method of claim 1295, wherein at least part of the control data is indicated by automatic number identification (ANI).

1298. The method of claim 1295, wherein the control data indicates a status at the remote location.

1299. The method of claim 1295, wherein the control data identifies the remote location.

1300. The method of claim 1295, wherein the control data is identifying data identifying the monitoring device that produced the image data.

1301. The method of claim 1300, further comprising providing stored graphic information in accordance with the identifying data identifying which of the monitoring devices provided the image data, generating a graphic signal corresponding to the stored graphic information, and displaying the received selected scrutiny information and the generated graphic signal.

1302. The method of claim 1300, wherein the identifying data is the calling telephone number.

1303. The method of claim 1291, 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.

1304. The method of claim 1303, 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.

1305. The method of claim 1289, further comprising providing stored graphic information in accordance with which of the monitoring devices provided the selected scrutiny information, generating a graphic signal corresponding to the stored graphic information, and displaying the received selected scrutiny information and the generated graphic signal.

1306. The method of claim 1305, wherein the stored graphic information is provided from the memory in accordance with the scrutiny selection signal.

1307. The method of claim 1305, wherein at least part of the graphic signal represents a map of the remote location.

1308. The method of claim 1307, wherein the map includes streets.

1309. The method of claim 1307, wherein the map indicates north, south, east and west directions.

1310. The method of claim 1307, wherein the map includes entry/exit points at the remote location.

1311. The method of claim 1305, wherein the graphic signal includes text relating to the remote location.

1312. The method of claim 1311, 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.

1313. The method of claim 1311, wherein the text represents a nature of the situation at the remote location.

1314. The method of claim 1311, wherein the text represents a telephone number of a police station associated with the remote location.

1315. The method of claim 1314, further comprising automatically dialing the telephone number of the police station associated with the remote location.

1316. The method of claim 1305, further comprising combining the received selected scrutiny information and the generated graphic signal to produce a composite signal for display.

1317. The method of claim 1289, wherein the manually operated device is a switch.

1318. The method of claim 1317, wherein the remote location includes a plurality of switches for indicating different types of special situations.

1319. The method of claim 1289, wherein the manually operated device is a keypad.

1320. The method of claim 1319, wherein the keypad is actuated by entry of an identification number at the remote location.

1321. The method of claim 1289, wherein the remote location includes a communication device for establishing the temporary communication channel to the monitoring location.

1322. The method of claim 1321, wherein the communication device is an autodialer.

1323. The method of claim 1289, 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.

1324. The method of claim 1323, 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.

1325. The method of claim 1289, wherein at least one of the monitoring devices at the remote location is a videophone.

1326. The method of claim 1289, wherein at least one of the monitoring devices at the remote location is a camera.

1327. The method of claim 1289, wherein at least one of the monitoring devices at the remote location is a video signal generator.

1328. The method of claim 1327, wherein the video data is a full motion video signal generated by the video signal generator at the remote location.

1329. The method of claim 1289, wherein the temporary communication channel is initiated by the remote location.

1330. The method of claim 1289, wherein the temporary communication channel uses a dial-up connection.

1331. The method of claim 1289, wherein the remote location includes a dedicated line for supporting the temporary communication channel.

1332. The method of claim 1289, wherein the remote location includes a wireless facility for supporting the temporary communication channel.

1333. The method of claim 1289, wherein the temporary communication channel is provided, at least in part, via a wireless connection.

1334. The method of claim 1289, wherein the temporary communication channel is provided at least in part through an online computer service.

1335. The method of claim 1289, wherein the temporary communication channel uses a public communications network.

1336. The method of claim 1335, wherein the public communications network is a public switched telephone network.

1337. The method of claim 1335, wherein the public communications network is a digital network.

1338. The method of claim 1337, wherein the digital network is according to the ISDN standard.

1339. The method of claim 1289, wherein the selected scrutiny information includes a full motion video signal.

1340. The method of claim 1289, wherein the video data represents television quality pictures.

1341. The method of claim 1289, wherein the video data conforms to NTSC format.

1342. The method of claim 1289, wherein the scrutiny information is encrypted.

1343. The method of claim 1289, wherein the display is for providing image enhancement of the received selected scrutiny information.

1344. The method of claim 1289, wherein the display is used by one operator at a time at the monitoring location.

1345. The method of claim 1289, wherein the display is used by multiple operators at the same time at the monitoring location.

1346. The method of claim 1289, wherein the display comprises multiple screen units.

1347. The method of claim 1289, wherein the remote location has a video display for displaying video from the monitoring location.

1348. The method of claim 1289, wherein the remote location has a recording device for recording video from at least one of the monitoring devices.

1349. The method of claim 1289, further comprising sending a generated signal to the remote location based on the selected scrutiny information received from the remote location.

1350. The method of claim 1349, wherein the generated signal is encrypted.

1351. The method of claim 1349, wherein the generated signal is for controlling operation of one of the monitoring devices.

1352. The method of claim 1351, 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.

1353. The method of claim 1349, wherein the generated signal represents instructions for personnel at the remote location.

1354. The method of claim 1349, wherein the generated signal represents a prerecorded audio message.

1355. The method of claim 1349, wherein the generated signal represents a synthesized audio message.

1356. The method of claim 1349, wherein the generated signal represents a spoken audio message.

1357. The method of claim 1349, wherein the remote location has a speaker for audibly delivering the generated signal.

1358. The method of claim 1289, further comprising automatically dialing a telephone number of a police station associated with the remote location.

1359. The method of claim 1289, further comprising recording the selected scrutiny information.

1360. The method of claim 1289, wherein the selected scrutiny information is provided from a video recorder at the remote location.

1361. The method of claim 1360, wherein the video recorder is set to record intermittently.

1362. The method of claim 1360, wherein the video recorder is set to record continuously.

1363. The method of claim 1360, wherein the video recorder is set to record a selected frame of video.

1364. The method of claim 1360, wherein the video recorder is set to record for a specified time interval.

1365. The method of claim 1289, wherein the selected scrutiny information is also recorded at the remote location.

1366. The method of claim 1289, wherein the selected scrutiny information is also printed at the remote location.

1367. The method of claim 1289, wherein the selected scrutiny information is provided from a switching device at the remote location that sequences information from the monitoring devices.

1368. The method of claim 1289, 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.

1369. The method of claim 1289, further comprising distributing the selected scrutiny information to one of multiple operators.

1370. The method of claim 1369, wherein the distributing is in accordance with availability of the multiple operators.

1371. The method of claim 1369, wherein the distributing is in accordance with priority status of the selected scrutiny information.

1372. The method of claim 1369, 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.

1373. The method of claim 1289, wherein the remote location is one of a bank, a supermarket, a parking structure and a quality control facility.

1374. The method of claim 1289, further comprising providing 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.

1375. The method of claim 1374, wherein the control panel is a keyboard.

1376. The method of claim 1289, further comprising recording transactions based on the selected scrutiny information.

1377. The method of claim 1289, further comprising entering an operator'"'"'s observations and wherein the memory is also for storing the entered observations.

1378. The method of claim 1289, further comprising providing backup power at the monitoring location.

1379. The method of claim 1289, wherein the remote location has a battery for providing backup power.

1380. The method of claim 1289, wherein there are at least two remote locations.

1381. The method of claim 1380, wherein the at least two remote locations are associated with different business entities.

1382. The method of claim 1289, wherein there are at least two monitoring devices at the at least one remote location.

1383. A method for monitoring of a remote location having at least one monitoring device, comprising:

receiving a scrutiny selection signal sent to the remote location from a monitoring location to control transmission of selected scrutiny information from the at least one monitoring device at the remote location to the monitoring location, and

sending, via a wireless temporary communication channel and in accordance with the scrutiny selection signal, the selected scrutiny information from the at least one monitoring device at the remote location to the monitoring location, the selected scrutiny information including full motion video data intended for display to a human and representing the remote location being monitored.

1384. A method for monitoring of a remote location having at least one monitoring device, comprising:

receiving a scrutiny selection signal sent to the remote location from a monitoring location to control transmission of selected scrutiny information from the at least one monitoring device at the remote location to the monitoring location, and

sending, via a temporary communication channel and in accordance with the scrutiny selection signal, the selected scrutiny information from the at least one monitoring device at the remote location to the monitoring 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 through an online computer service.

1385. A method for monitoring of a remote location having at least one monitoring device, comprising:

receiving a scrutiny selection signal sent to the remote location from a monitoring location to control transmission of selected scrutiny information from the at least one monitoring device at the remote location to the monitoring location, and

sending, via a temporary communication channel and in accordance with the scrutiny selection signal, the selected scrutiny information from the at least one monitoring device at the remote location to the monitoring location, the selected scrutiny information including video data intended for display to a human and representing the remote location being monitored.

1386. The method of claim 1385, wherein the communications interface communicates via a single communication line facility for the temporary communication channel.

1387. The method of claim 1385, wherein the selected scrutiny information includes image data representing a scene at the remote location.

1388. The method of claim 1387, wherein the selected scrutiny information also includes audio information.

1389. The method of claim 1387, wherein the selected scrutiny information also includes control data.

1390. The method of claim 1389, wherein at least part of the control data is indicated by dialed number identification signals (DNIS).

1391. The method of claim 1389, wherein at least part of the control data is indicated by automatic number identification (ANI).

1392. The method of claim 1389, wherein the control data indicates a status at the remote location.

1393. The method of claim 1389, wherein the control data identifies the remote location.

1394. The method of claim 1389, wherein the control data is identifying data identifying the monitoring device that produced the image data.

1395. The method of claim 1394, wherein the identifying data is the calling telephone number.

1396. The method of claim 1385, 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.

1397. The method of claim 1396, 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.

1398. The method of claim 1385, wherein the scrutiny selection signal is in accordance with a predetermined sequence.

1399. The method of claim 1385, wherein the scrutiny selection signal is in accordance with a random sequence.

1400. The method of claim 1385, wherein the scrutiny selection signal is in accordance with a demand from an operator.

1401. The method of claim 1400, wherein the demand from the operator is in response to awareness of events at the remote location.

1402. The method of claim 1400, wherein the demand from the operator is in response to a request for a virtual escort at the remote location.

1403. The method of claim 1385, wherein the scrutiny selection signal is in accordance with a risk assessment at the remote location.

1404. The method of claim 1385, wherein the scrutiny selection signal is in accordance with an operating schedule at the remote location.

1405. The method of claim 1385, wherein the scrutiny selection signal is in accordance with a monitoring command signal from the remote location.

1406. The method of claim 1385, wherein the scrutiny selection signal also specifies a time interval for the selected scrutiny information.

1407. The method of claim 1385, wherein the scrutiny selection signal is in accordance with a comparison between images at the remote location captured at different times.

1408. The method of claim 1407, wherein the images are digitized video.

1409. The method of claim 1407, wherein the at least one of the images is recorded.

1410. The method of claim 1385, wherein the selected scrutiny information is selected in response to a special situation sensed at the remote location.

1411. The method of claim 1410, further comprising receiving a manual indication that a special situation has been sensed.

1412. The method of claim 1411, wherein a plurality of switches are provided for manually indicating different types of special situations.

1413. The method of claim 1410, further comprising detecting that a lens of one of the monitoring devices has been covered.

1414. The method of claim 1410, further comprising sensing a special situation.

1415. The method of claim 1414, wherein the sensing uses at least one of a sonic sensor, an infrared sensor, a visible light sensor, a photoelectric sensor, a motion detector and a metal detector.

1416. The method of claim 1414, wherein the sensing is for a weapon.

1417. The method of claim 1410, wherein the special situation is indicated by entry, via a keypad, of an identification number at the remote location.

1418. The method of claim 1410, further comprising establishing the temporary communication channel to the monitoring location.

1419. The method of claim 1418, wherein the establishing uses an autodialer.

1420. The method of claim 1410, wherein the special situation is indicated by a change exceeding a predetermined threshold between images of a location captured at different times.

1421. The method of claim 1420, wherein the images are digitized video.

1422. The method of claim 1420, wherein the at least one of the images is recorded.

1423. The method of claim 1385, wherein at least one of the monitoring devices at the remote location is a videophone.

1424. The method of claim 1385, wherein at least one of the monitoring devices at the remote location is a camera.

1425. The method of claim 1385, wherein at least one of the monitoring devices at the remote location is a video signal generator.

1426. The method of claim 1425, wherein the video data is a full motion video signal generated by the video signal generator at the remote location.

1427. The method of claim 1385, wherein the temporary communication channel is initiated by the remote location.

1428. The method of claim 1385, wherein the temporary communication channel is initiated by the monitoring location.

1429. The method of claim 1385, wherein the temporary communication channel uses a dial-up connection.

1430. The method of claim 1385, wherein the remote location includes a dedicated line for supporting the temporary communication channel.

1431. The method of claim 1385, wherein the remote location includes a wireless facility for supporting the temporary communication channel.

1432. The method of claim 1385, wherein the temporary communication channel is provided, at least in part, via a wireless connection.

1433. The method of claim 1385, wherein the temporary communication channel is provided at least in part through an online computer service.

1434. The method of claim 1385, wherein the temporary communication channel uses a public communications network.

1435. The method of claim 1434, wherein the public communications network is a public switched telephone network.

1436. The method of claim 1434, wherein the public communications network is a digital network.

1437. The method of claim 1436, wherein the digital network is according to the ISDN standard.

1438. The method of claim 1385, wherein the selected scrutiny information includes a full motion video signal.

1439. The method of claim 1385, wherein the video data represents television quality pictures.

1440. The method of claim 1385, wherein the video data conforms to NTSC format.

1441. The method of claim 1385, wherein the scrutiny information is encrypted.

1442. The method of claim 1385, wherein the remote location has a video display for displaying video from the monitoring location.

1443. The method of claim 1385, wherein the remote location has a recording device for recording video from at least one of the monitoring devices.

1444. The method of claim 1385, further comprising receiving a generated signal from the monitoring location based on the selected scrutiny information received from the remote location.

1445. The method of claim 1444, wherein the generated signal is encrypted.

1446. The method of claim 1444, wherein the generated signal is for controlling operation of one of the monitoring devices.

1447. The method of claim 1446, 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.

1448. The method of claim 1444, wherein the generated signal represents instructions for personnel at the remote location.

1449. The method of claim 1444, wherein the generated signal represents a prerecorded audio message.

1450. The method of claim 1444, wherein the generated signal represents a synthesized audio message.

1451. The method of claim 1444, wherein the generated signal represents a spoken audio message.

1452. The method of claim 1444, wherein the remote location has a speaker for audibly delivering the generated signal.

1453. The method of claim 1385, further comprising automatically dialing a telephone number of a police station associated with the remote location.

1454. The method of claim 1385, further comprising recording the selected scrutiny information using a video recorder.

1455. The method of claim 1454, wherein the video recorder is set to record intermittently.

1456. The method of claim 1454, wherein the video recorder is set to record continuously.

1457. The method of claim 1454, wherein the video recorder is set to record a selected frame of video.

1458. The method of claim 1454, wherein the video recorder is set to record for a specified time interval.

1459. The method of claim 1385, wherein the selected scrutiny information is also recorded at the remote location.

1460. The method of claim 1385, wherein the selected scrutiny information is also printed at the remote location.

1461. The method of claim 1385, wherein the selected scrutiny information is provided from a switching device at the remote location that sequences information from the monitoring devices.

1462. The method of claim 1385, 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.

1463. The method of claim 1385, wherein the selected scrutiny information is distributed to one of multiple operators at the monitoring location.

1464. The method of claim 1463, wherein the distributing is in accordance with availability of the multiple operators.

1465. The method of claim 1463, wherein the distributing is in accordance with priority status of the selected scrutiny information.

1466. The method of claim 1463, 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.

1467. The method of claim 1385, wherein the remote location is one of a bank, a supermarket, a parking structure and a quality control facility.

1468. The method of claim 1385, further comprising recording transactions based on the selected scrutiny information.

1469. The method of claim 1385, further comprising establishing the temporary communication channel to the remote location.

1470. The method of claim 1469, wherein the establishing uses an autodialer.

1471. The method of claim 1385, further comprising providing backup power at the remote location.

1472. The method of claim 1385, wherein the monitoring location has a battery for providing backup power.

1473. The method of claim 1385, wherein the at least two remote locations are associated with different business entities.

1474. The method of claim 1385, wherein there are at least two monitoring devices at least one of the remote locations.

1475. A method for monitoring of a remote location having at least one monitoring device, comprising:

receiving an actuation of a manually operated device for indicating that a special situation has been sensed, and

sending, via a wireless temporary communication channel and in response to actuation of the manually operated device for indicating, selected scrutiny information from the at least one monitoring device to a monitoring location, the selected scrutiny information including full motion video data intended for display to a human and representing the remote location being monitored.

1476. A method for monitoring of a remote location having at least one monitoring device, comprising:

receiving an actuation of a manually operated device for indicating that a special situation has been sensed, and

sending, via a temporary communication channel and in response to actuation of the manually operated device for indicating, selected scrutiny information from the at least one monitoring device to a monitoring 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 through an online computer service.

1477. A method for monitoring of a remote location having at least one monitoring device, comprising:

receiving an actuation of a manually operated device for indicating that a special situation has been sensed, and

sending, via a temporary communication channel and in response to actuation of the manually operated device for indicating, selected scrutiny information from the at least one monitoring device to a monitoring location, the selected scrutiny information including video data intended for display to a human and representing the remote location being monitored.

1478. The method of claim 1477, wherein the communications interface communicates via a single communication line facility for the temporary communication channel.

1479. The method of claim 1477, wherein the selected scrutiny information includes image data representing a scene at the remote location.

1480. The method of claim 1479, wherein the selected scrutiny information also includes audio information.

1481. The method of claim 1479, wherein the selected scrutiny information also includes control data.

1482. The method of claim 1481, wherein at least part of the control data is indicated by dialed number identification signals (DNIS).

1483. The method of claim 1481, wherein at least part of the control data is indicated by automatic number identification (ANI).

1484. The method of claim 1481, wherein the control data indicates a status at the remote location.

1485. The method of claim 1481, wherein the control data identifies the remote location.

1486. The method of claim 1481, wherein the control data is identifying data identifying the monitoring device that produced the image data.

1487. The method of claim 1486, wherein the identifying data is the calling telephone number.

1488. The method of claim 1477, 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.

1489. The method of claim 1488, 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.

1490. The method of claim 1477, wherein the manually operated device is a switch.

1491. The method of claim 1490, wherein the remote location includes a plurality of switches for indicating different types of special situations.

1492. The method of claim 1477, wherein the manually operated device is a keypad.

1493. The method of claim 1492, wherein the keypad is actuated by entry of an identification number at the remote location.

1494. The method of claim 1492, further comprising establishing the temporary communication channel to the monitoring location.

1495. The method of claim 1494, wherein the establishing uses an autodialer.

1496. The method of claim 1477, wherein at least one of the monitoring devices at the remote location is a videophone.

1497. The method of claim 1477, wherein at least one of the monitoring devices at the remote location is a camera.

1498. The method of claim 1477, wherein at least one of the monitoring devices at the remote location is a video signal generator.

1499. The method of claim 1498, wherein the video data is a full motion video signal generated by the video signal generator at the remote location.

1500. The method of claim 1477, wherein the temporary communication channel is initiated by the remote location.

1501. The method of claim 1477, wherein the temporary communication channel uses a dial-up connection.

1502. The method of claim 1477, wherein the remote location includes a dedicated line for supporting the temporary communication channel.

1503. The method of claim 1477, wherein the remote location includes a wireless facility for supporting the temporary communication channel.

1504. The method of claim 1477, wherein the temporary communication channel is provided, at least in part, via a wireless connection.

1505. The method of claim 1477, wherein the temporary communication channel is provided at least in part through an online computer service.

1506. The method of claim 1477, wherein the temporary communication channel uses a public communications network.

1507. The method of claim 1506, wherein the public communications network is a public switched telephone network.

1508. The method of claim 1506, wherein the public communications network is a digital network.

1509. The method of claim 1508, wherein the digital network is according to the ISDN standard.

1510. The method of claim 1477, wherein the selected scrutiny information includes a full motion video signal.

1511. The method of claim 1477, wherein the video data represents television quality pictures.

1512. The method of claim 1477, wherein the video data conforms to NTSC format.

1513. The method of claim 1477, wherein the scrutiny information is encrypted.

1514. The method of claim 1477, further comprising a video display for displaying video from the monitoring location.

1515. The method of claim 1477, further comprising recording video from at least one of the monitoring devices.

1516. The method of claim 1477, further comprising receiving a generated signal from the monitoring location based on the selected scrutiny information sent from the remote location.

1517. The method of claim 1516, wherein the generated signal is encrypted.

1518. The method of claim 1516, wherein the generated signal is for controlling operation of one of the monitoring devices.

1519. The method of claim 1518, 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.

1520. The method of claim 1516, wherein the generated signal represents instructions for personnel at the remote location.

1521. The method of claim 1516, wherein the generated signal represents a prerecorded audio message.

1522. The method of claim 1516, wherein the generated signal represents a synthesized audio message.

1523. The method of claim 1516, wherein the generated signal represents a spoken audio message.

1524. The method of claim 1516, wherein the remote location has a speaker for audibly delivering the generated signal.

1525. The method of claim 1477, further comprising automatically dialing a telephone number of a police station associated with the remote location.

1526. The method of claim 1477, further comprising recording the selected scrutiny information using a video recorder.

1527. The method of claim 1526, wherein the video recorder is set to record intermittently.

1528. The method of claim 1526, wherein the video recorder is set to record continuously.

1529. The method of claim 1526, wherein the video recorder is set to record a selected frame of video.

1530. The method of claim 1526, wherein the video recorder is set to record for a specified time interval.

1531. The method of claim 1477, wherein the selected scrutiny information is also printed at the remote location.

1532. The method of claim 1477, wherein the selected scrutiny information is provided from a switching device at the remote location that sequences information from the monitoring devices.

1533. The method of claim 1477, 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.

1534. The method of claim 1477, wherein the remote location is one of a bank, a supermarket, a parking structure and a quality control facility.

1535. The method of claim 1477, further comprising recording transactions based on the selected scrutiny information.

1536. The method of claim 1477, further comprising providing backup power at the remote location.

1537. The method of claim 1477, wherein the monitoring location has a battery for providing backup power.

1538. The method of claim 1477, wherein there are at least two remote locations.

1539. The method of claim 1538, wherein the at least two remote locations are associated with different business entities.

1540. The method of claim 1477, wherein there are at least two monitoring devices at the at least one remote location.