Security monitoring system with image comparison of monitored location

• US 9,053,485 B2
• Filed: 02/14/2007
• Issued: 06/09/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 03/12/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Telebuyer LLC
• Original Assignee: Telebuyer LLC
• Inventors: Katz, Ronald A.
• Primary Examiner(s): MADAMBA, GLENFORD J
• Application Number:
  US11/675,078
• Publication Number:
  US 20070132836A1
• Time in Patent Office: 3,037 Days
• Field of Search: 348/143, 348/152
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/208 Input by product or record sensing, e.g. weighing or scanner processing
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0601 Electronic shopping [e-shopping]
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0613 Third-party assisted
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/08 Auctions
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19645 Multiple cameras, each having view on one of a plurality of scenes, e.g. multiple cameras for multi-room surveillance or for tracking an object by view hand-over
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19658 Telephone systems used to communicate with a camera, e.g. PSTN, GSM, POTS
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19689 Remote control of cameras, e.g. remote orientation or image zooming control for a PTZ camera
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/2281 Call monitoring, e.g. for law enforcement purposes; Call tracing; Detection or prevention of malicious calls
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42 Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers specially adapted for wireless communication networks H04W4/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/432 Arrangements for calling a subscriber at a specific time, e.g. morning call service
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/493 Interactive information services, e.g. directory enquiries ; Arrangements therefor, e.g. interactive voice response [IVR] systems or voice portals
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/51 Centralised call answering arrangements requiring operator intervention , e.g. call or contact centers for telemarketing
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/5125 with remote located operators
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/5158 in combination with automated outdialling systems devices for signalling identity of wanted subscriber H04M1/26
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/564 whereby the feature is a sub-conference
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/565 relating to time schedule aspects
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/567 Multimedia conference systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 7/006 Networks other than PSTN/ISDN providing telephone service, e.g. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) , including next generation networks with a packet-switched transport layer H04L65/00 takes precedence; aspects not specific to the type of network H04M3/00; special services in those networks H04M3/42
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2187 Live feed
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4223 : Cameras H04N23/00 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4334 : Recording operations recording of a television signal H04N5/76; arrangements for recording or accumulating broadcast information or broadcast-related information H04H60/27
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/76 : Television signal recording
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/142 : Constructional details of the terminal equipment, e.g. arrangements of the camera and the display
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/147 : Communication arrangements, e.g. identifying the communication as a video-communication, intermediate storage of the signals selecting H04Q
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/152 : Multipoint control units therefor

Abstract

A security monitoring system has a monitoring location and a remote location with at least one monitoring device. A first image from one of the monitoring devices is recorded, and then compared with a second image from the same monitoring device. When the amount of change between the first and second images exceeds a predetermined threshold, then a scrutiny situation signal is generated. The video recorder may be located at either the monitoring location or the remote location. In some cases, the first and second video images are sent from the remote location to the monitoring location via a temporary communication channel that has at least one portion that is provided by an online computer service. In some cases, the first and second video images are sent from the remote location to the monitoring location via a temporary communication channel that has at least one wireless portion.

Claims

1. A system for providing video and audio communication between a first electronic device located at a first location and a second electronic device located at a second location, comprising:

a control computer for;

receiving initiation data from the second electronic device, wherein the initiation data originates video and audio communication between the first electronic device and the second electronic device;

accessing a memory associated with the control computer to obtain information identifying the first electronic device based on at least receipt of the initiation data;

using at least certain of the information to facilitate the initiation of video and audio communication between the first electronic device and the second electronic device; and

facilitating a display at the second electronic device that identifies at least one of a location, company, or person associated with the first electronic device;

an image recorder for recording a first video image captured at a first time by the first electronic device at the first location;

an audio sensor for capturing audio at the first location;

a comparison processor for comparing the recorded first video image with a second video image captured at a second time by the first electronic device at the first location; and

an interface for sending data representative of the first video image, the comparison the captured audio and at least one of the first or second video image from the first electronic device at the first location to the second electronic device via digital links facilitating video displays.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the image recorder is located at the first location.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein at least one of the electronic devices includes a user operated input device for controlling operation of at least another of the electronic devices.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the user operated input device controls at least one of pan, zoom, view, tilt, freeze frame, and field of vision change of the at least one of the electronic devices.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the digital links are a temporary communication channel.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the temporary communication channel is initiated by the first location.

7. The system of claim 5, wherein the temporary communication channel is initiated by the second location.

8. The system of claim 5, wherein the temporary communication channel uses a dial-up connection.

9. The system of claim 5, wherein the first location includes a dedicated line for supporting the temporary communication channel.

10. The system of claim 5, wherein the first location includes a wireless facility for supporting the temporary communication channel.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the digital links are provided, at least in part, through a wireless connection.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the digital links are is provided at least in part through an online computer service.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the digital links are provided at least in part through a public communications network.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the public communications network is a public switched telephone network.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein the public communications network is a digital network.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the digital network is according to the ISDN standard.

17. The system of claim 5, wherein the second location has a single communication line facility for the temporary communication channel.

18. The system of claim 5, 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.

19. The system of claim 5, further comprising a communication device for establishing the temporary communication channel to the first location.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the communication device is an autodialer.

21. The system of claim 1, wherein the comparison processor is also for comparing the amount of change between the first and second video images to a predetermined threshold, and wherein a signal is generated when the amount of change exceeds the predetermined threshold.

22. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second video images are in digital format.

23. The system of claim 22, further comprising means for converting the first and second video images to digital format.

24. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second video images represent respective scenes at the first location.

25. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second video images are provided in response to a signal sent from the second location to the first location.

26. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

multiple electronic devices at the first location; and

a memory for providing stored graphic information associated with the electronic device at the first location that provided the first and second video images.

27. The system of claim 26, wherein the stored graphic information is provided from the memory in accordance with a selection signal.

28. The system of claim 25, wherein the signal is in accordance with a predetermined sequence.

29. The system of claim 27, wherein the signal is in accordance with a random sequence.

30. The system of claim 27, wherein the signal is in accordance with a demand from a user.

31. The system of claim 30, wherein the demand from the user is in response to awareness of events at the first location.

32. The system of claim 30, wherein the demand from the user is in response to a request for a virtual escort at the first location.

33. The system of claim 25, wherein the scrutiny selection signal is in accordance with a risk assessment at the first location.

34. The system of claim 27, wherein the signal is in accordance with an operating schedule at the first location.

35. The system of claim 25, wherein the signal is in accordance with a monitoring command from the first location.

36. The system of claim 25, wherein the signal also specifies a time interval for the selected scrutiny information.

37. The system of claim 25, wherein the signal is in accordance with a comparison between images at the first location captured at different times.

38. The system of claim 37, wherein the images are digitized video.

39. The system of claim 37, wherein the at least one of the images is recorded.

40. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second video images are provided in response to a situation sensed at the first location.

41. The system of claim 40, wherein the first location includes at least one manually operated input devices for indicating that a special situation has been sensed.

42. The system of claim 41, wherein the first location includes a plurality of switches for indicating different types of special situations.

43. The system of claim 40, wherein the first location includes a detector for detecting that a lens of one of a plurality of monitoring devices has been covered.

44. The system of claim 40, wherein the first location includes a sensor for sensing a situation.

45. The system of claim 40, 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.

46. The system of claim 44, wherein the sensor is for sensing a weapon.

47. The system of claim 40, wherein the special situation is indicated by entry, via a keypad, of an identification number at the first location.

48. The system of claim 40, wherein the first location includes a communication device for establishing a temporary communication channel to the second location.

49. The system of claim 48, wherein the communication device is an autodialer.

50. The system of claim 1, wherein the first electronic device at the first location is a videophone.

51. The system of claim 1, wherein the first electronic device at the first location is a camera.

52. The system of claim 1, wherein the first electronic device at the first location is a cellular phone.

53. The system of claim 52, wherein a camera is associated with the cellular phone.

54. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second video images represent television quality pictures.

55. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second video images conform to NTSC format.

56. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second video images are encrypted.

57. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

multiple electronic devices at multiple locations; and

a memory for providing stored graphic information associated with the electronic device at the first location that provided the first and second video images.

58. The system of claim 57, further comprising a video processor for combining at least one of the first and second video images, and the graphic information.

59. The system of claim 57, wherein at least part of the graphic information represents a map of the first location.

60. The system of claim 59, wherein the map includes streets.

61. The system of claim 59, wherein the map indicates north, south, east and west directions.

62. The system of claim 59, wherein the map includes entry/exit points at the first location.

63. The system of claim 57, wherein the graphic information includes text relating to the first location.

64. The system of claim 63, wherein the text represents at least one of a telephone number of the first location, a name of the first location, and an address of the first location.

65. The system of claim 63, wherein the text represents a nature of a situation at the first location.

66. The system of claim 63, wherein the text represents a telephone number of a police station associated with the first location.

67. The system of claim 66, further comprising an autodialer for automatically dialing the telephone number of the police station associated with the first location.

68. The system of claim 1, further including a capability to enhance the first video image.

69. The system of claim 57, further including a display for displaying at least one of the first and second video images and the graphic information.

70. The system of claim 69, wherein the display is used by a user at the second location.

71. The system of claim 69, wherein the display comprises multiple screen units.

72. The system of claim 1, wherein the first location has a video display for displaying video from the second location.

73. The system of claim 1, wherein the image recorder is located at the first location.

74. The system of claim 1, wherein the second location has a communications interface for sending a signal to the first location based on information received from the first location.

75. The system of claim 74, wherein the signal is encrypted.

76. The system of claim 74, wherein the signal represents instructions for personnel at the first location.

77. The system of claim 74, wherein the signal represents a prerecorded audio message.

78. The system of claim 74, wherein the signal represents a synthesized audio message.

79. The system of claim 74, wherein the signal represents a spoken audio message.

80. The system of claim 74, wherein the first location has a speaker for audibly delivering the signal.

81. The system of claim 1, further comprising an autodialer for automatically dialing a telephone number of a police station associated with the first location.

82. The system of claim 1, wherein the recorder is set to record intermittently.

83. The system of claim 1, wherein the image recorder is set to record continuously.

84. The system of claim 1, wherein the image recorder is set to record a selected frame of video.

85. The system of claim 1, wherein the image recorder is set to record for a specified time interval.

86. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second video images are provided from a switching device at the first location that sequences information from multiple first electronic devices.

87. The system of claim 1, further comprising a distributor for distributing a signal to one of multiple users.

88. The system of claim 87, wherein the distributing is in accordance with availability of the multiple users.

89. The system of claim 87, wherein the distributing is in accordance with priority status of the signal.

90. The system of claim 87, wherein the distributing is in accordance with situation status of the signal and abilities of the multiple users to handle different types of situations.

91. The system of claim 1, further comprising multiple first electronic devices at the first location, 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 first electronic device at the first location, a display sequence control, a display resolution control, an indicator for indicating that a first electronic device has become inoperative, a keypad for selecting control commands, and an activator for establishing a communications connection to a police station.

92. The system of claim 91, wherein the control panel is a keyboard.

93. The system of claim 1, further comprising a billing data memory for recording transactions based on a signal.

94. The system of claim 1, further comprising a keyboard for entering a user'"'"'s observations.

95. The system of claim 1, wherein the second electronic device has an associated battery.

96. The system of claim 1, wherein the first electronic device has an associated battery.

97. The system of claim 1, wherein there are at least two first locations.

98. The system of claim 1, wherein there are at least two first electronic devices at the first location.

263. The system of claim 1, wherein the information identifying the first electronic device at the first location is a network location.

264. The system of claim 263, wherein the network location is a telephone number.

271. The method of claim 1 wherein the initiation data from the second electronic device is the first transmission in establishing communication between the first electronic device and the second electronic device.

99. A method for providing video and audio communication between a first electronic device at a first location, the first electronic device having video and audio capability, and a second electronic device at a second location, the second electronic device having video and audio capability, comprising:

receiving, at a control computer, initiation data from the second electronic device, wherein the initiation data originates video and audio communication between the first electronic device and the second electronic device;

accessing a memory associated with the control computer to obtain information identifying the first electronic device based on at least receipt of the initiation data;

using at least certain of the information to facilitate the initiation of video and audio communication between the first electronic device and the second electronic device;

facilitating a display at the second electronic device of information that identifies at least one of a person or company associated with the first electronic device;

recording a first video image captured at a first time by the first electronic device;

performing a comparison of the first video image with a second video image captured at a second time by the first electronic device;

capturing audio by the first electronic device; and

transmitting data from the first electronic device to the second electronic device via digital links facilitating video displays, wherein the data comprises information representative of the comparison, the captured audio and at least one of the first or the second video image.

101. The method of claim 99, wherein the at least one of the first or the second video image is recorded at the second location.

102. The method of claim 99, wherein an electronic device control signal is generated by at least one of the electronic devices for controlling operation of at least another of the electronic devices.

103. The method of claim 102, wherein the electronic device control signal controls at least one of pan, zoom, view, tilt, freeze frame, and field of vision change of an electronic device.

104. The method of claim 99, wherein the transmitted data is delivered to the second location via a temporary communication channel.

105. The method of claim 104, wherein the temporary communication channel is initiated by the first electronic device.

106. The method of claim 104, wherein the temporary communication channel is initiated by the second electronic device.

107. The method of claim 104, wherein the temporary communication channel uses a dial-up connection.

108. The method of claim 104, wherein the first location includes a dedicated line for supporting the temporary communication channel.

109. The method of claim 104, wherein the first location includes a wireless facility for supporting the temporary communication channel.

110. The method of claim 99, wherein the transmitted data is delivered, at least in part, through a wireless connection.

111. The method of claim 99, wherein the transmitted data is delivered at least in part through an online computer service.

112. The method of claim 99, wherein the transmitted data is delivered at least in part through a public communications network.

113. The method of claim 112, wherein the public communications network is a public switched telephone network.

114. The method of claim 112, wherein the public communications network is a digital network.

115. The method of claim 114, wherein the digital network is according to the ISDN standard.

116. The method of claim 104, wherein the second location has a single communication line facility for the temporary communication channel.

117. The method of claim 104, 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.

118. The method of claim 104, further comprising establishing the temporary communication channel to the first location.

119. The method of claim 118, wherein the temporary communication channel is established using an autodialer.

137. The method of claim 99, wherein the first and second video images are digitized video.

149. The method of claim 99, wherein the first electronic device is a videophone.

150. The method of claim 99, wherein the first electronic device is a camera.

151. The method of claim 99, wherein the first electronic device is a cellular phone.

152. The method of claim 151, wherein a camera is associated with the cellular phone.

155. The method of claim 99, wherein the first and second video images are encrypted.

156. The method of claim 99, further comprising providing stored graphic information associated with the first electronic device.

157. The method of claim 156, further comprising combining at least one of the first and second video images, and the graphic information, to produce a composite image.

158. The method of claim 156, wherein at least part of the graphic information represents a map of the first location.

159. The method of claim 158, wherein the map includes streets.

160. The method of claim 158, wherein the map indicates north, south, east and west directions.

161. The method of claim 158, wherein the map includes entry/exit points at the first location.

162. The method of claim 156, wherein the graphic information includes text relating to the first location.

163. The method of claim 162, wherein the text represents at least one of a telephone number of the first location, a name of the first location, and an address of the first location.

164. The method of claim 162, wherein the text represents a nature of a situation at the first location.

165. The method of claim 162, wherein the text represents a telephone number of a police station associated with the first location.

166. The method of claim 165, further comprising automatically dialing the telephone number of the police station associated with the first location.

167. The method of claim 99, further comprising providing image enhancement of the data transmitted from the first electronic device to the second electronic device.

168. The method of claim 156, wherein the at least one of the first and second video images and the graphic information are viewed by one user at a time at the second location.

169. The method of claim 156, wherein the at least one of the first and second video images and the graphic information are viewed by multiple users at the same time at the second location.

170. The method of claim 156, wherein at least one of the first and second video images and the graphic information are displayed on multiple screen units.

171. The method of claim 99, wherein the first location has a video display for displaying video from the second location.

190. The method of claim 99, 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 the first electronic device, a display sequence control, a display resolution control, an indicator for indicating that the first electronic device has become inoperative, a keypad for selecting control commands, and an activator for establishing a communications connection to a police station.

191. The method of claim 190, wherein the control panel is a keyboard.

198. The method of claim 99, wherein face-to-face communications are established between the first electronic device and the second electronic device.

199. The method of claim 198, wherein a user at any one of the electronic devices has a capability to schedule an appointment for a face-to-face communication via electronic mail.

200. The method of claim 99 further comprising, facilitating interactive sharing of other data between the first electronic device and the second electronic device wherein said other data includes other video images.

201. The method of claim 200, wherein the electronic devices have the capability to view at least one of the other video images concurrently.

202. The method of claim 200, wherein the electronic devices have the capability to manipulate at least one of the other video images concurrently.

203. The method of claim 200, wherein a user of at least one of the electronic devices has a capability to zoom in on at least one of the other video images.

204. The method of claim 200, wherein a user of at least one of the electronic devices has a capability to tilt at least one of the other video images.

205. The method of claim 200, wherein a user of at least one of the electronic devices has a capability to pan at least one of the other video images.

206. The method of claim 200, wherein a user of at least one of the electronic devices has a capability to highlight at least one of the other video images with a cursor.

207. The method of claim 99, wherein each of the electronic devices has multiple video codec capabilities, via which one or more video images are continuously transmitted.

208. The method of claim 207, wherein the continuous transmission of the one or more video images is initiated by an electronic mail message.

209. The method of claim 99, further comprising registering a user with the control computer by obtaining personal identification information from the user.

210. The method of claim 209, wherein the personal identification information includes an electronic mail address.

212. The method of claim 198, wherein the face-to-face communications are established between the first electronic device and the second electronic device via an online service.

213. The method of claim 212, wherein a user at any one of the electronic devices has a capability to schedule an appointment for a face-to-face communication via electronic mail.

265. The method of claim 99, wherein the information identifying the first electronic device is a network location.

266. The method of claim 265, wherein the network location is a telephone number.

272. The method of claim 99 wherein the initiation data from the second electronic device is the first transmission in establishing communication between the first electronic device and the second electronic device.

100. A method for providing video and audio communication between a first electronic device at a first location, the first electronic device having video and audio capability, and a second electronic device at a second location, the second electronic device having video and audio capability, comprising:

receiving, at a control computer, initiation data from the second electronic device via an electronic message, wherein the initiation data originates video and audio communication between the first electronic device and the second electronic device;

accessing a memory associated with the control computer to obtain information identifying the first electronic device based on at least receipt of the initiation data;

using at least certain of the information to facilitate the initiation of video and audio communication between the first electronic device and the second electronic device;

facilitating a display at the second electronic device of information that identifies at least one of a person or company associated with the first electronic device;

recording a first video image captured at a first time by the first electronic device;

performing a comparison of the first video image with a second video image captured at a second time by the first electronic device;

capturing audio by the first electronic device;

transmitting data from the first electronic device to the second electronic device via digital links facilitating video displays, wherein the data comprises information representative of the comparison, the captured audio and at least one of the first or the second video image.

120. The method of claim 100, further comprising comparing the amount of change between the first and second video images to a predetermined threshold, and wherein data is transmitted from the first electronic device to the second electronic device when the amount of change exceeds the predetermined threshold.

121. The method of claim 100, wherein the first and second video images are in digital format.

122. The method of claim 121, further comprising converting the first and second video images to digital format.

123. The method of claim 100, wherein the first and second video images represent respective scenes at the first location.

124. The method of claim 100, wherein the first and second video images are provided in response to a selection signal sent from the second location to the first location.

125. The method of claim 100, further comprising providing stored graphic information associated with the first electronic device.

126. The method of claim 125, wherein the stored graphic information is provided from a memory in accordance with a selection signal.

127. The method of claim 126, wherein the selection signal is in accordance with a predetermined sequence.

128. The method of claim 126, wherein the selection signal is in accordance with a random sequence.

129. The method of claim 126, wherein the selection signal is in accordance with a demand from a user.

130. The method of claim 129, wherein the demand from a user is in response to awareness of events at the first location.

131. The method of claim 129, wherein the demand from a user is in response to a request for a virtual escort at the first location.

132. The method of claim 126, wherein the selection signal is in accordance with a risk assessment at the first location.

133. The method of claim 126, wherein the selection signal is in accordance with an operating schedule at the first location.

134. The method of claim 126, wherein the selection signal is in accordance with a monitoring command signal from the first location.

135. The method of claim 126, wherein the selection signal also specifies a time interval for selected information.

136. The method of claim 126, wherein the selection signal is in accordance with the comparison of the first video image and the second video image.

138. The method of claim 126, wherein the selection signal is recorded.

139. The method of claim 100, wherein the first and second video images are provided in response to a situation sensed at the first location.

140. The method of claim 139, wherein the first location includes at least one manually operated input device for indicating that a situation has been sensed.

141. The method of claim 140, wherein the first location includes a plurality of switches for indicating different types of situations.

142. The method of claim 139, wherein the first location includes a detector for detecting that a lens of the first electronic device has been covered.

143. The method of claim 139, wherein the first location includes a sensor for sensing a situation.

144. The method of claim 143, 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.

145. The method of claim 143, wherein the sensor is for sensing a weapon.

146. The method of claim 139, wherein the special situation is indicated by entry, via a keypad, of a personal identification number at the first location.

147. The method of claim 139, wherein the first location includes a communication device for establishing a temporary communication channel to the second location.

148. The method of claim 147, wherein the communication device is an autodialer.

153. The method of claim 100, wherein the first and second video images represent television quality pictures.

154. The method of claim 100, wherein the first and second video images conform to NTSC format.

172. The method of claim 100, wherein the first location has a video display for displaying video from the second location.

173. The method of claim 100, wherein the second location sends a signal to the first location based on information received from the first location.

174. The method of claim 173, wherein the generated signal is encrypted.

175. The method of claim 173, wherein the signal represents instructions for personnel at the first location.

176. The method of claim 173, wherein the signal represents a prerecorded audio message.

177. The method of claim 173, wherein the signal represents a synthesized audio message.

178. The method of claim 173, wherein the signal represents a spoken audio message.

179. The method of claim 173, wherein the first location has a speaker for audibly delivering the generated signal.

180. The method of claim 100, further comprising automatically dialing a telephone number of a police station associated with the first location.

181. The method of claim 100, wherein the first video image is recorded intermittently.

182. The method of claim 100, wherein the first video image is recorded continuously.

183. The method of claim 100, wherein the first video image is recorded as a selected frame of video.

184. The method of claim 100, wherein the first video image is recorded for a specified time interval.

185. The method of claim 100, wherein the first and second video images are provided from a switching device at the first location.

186. The method of claim 100, further comprising distributing the data transmitted from the first electronic device to the second electronic device to one of multiple users.

187. The method of claim 186, wherein the distributing is in accordance with availability of the multiple users.

188. The method of claim 186, wherein the distributing is in accordance with a priority status of the data transmitted from the first electronic device to the second electronic device.

189. The method of claim 186, wherein the distributing is in accordance with a situation status of the data transmitted from the first electronic device to the second electronic device and abilities of the multiple users to handle different types of situations.

192. The method of claim 100, further comprising recording transactions based on the data transmitted from the first electronic device to the second electronic device.

193. The method of claim 100, further comprising entering a user'"'"'s observations and storing the entered observations.

194. The method of claim 100, wherein the second electronic device has an associated battery.

195. The method of claim 100, wherein the first electronic device has an associated battery.

196. The method of claim 100, wherein there are at least two first locations.

197. The method of claim 100, wherein there are at least two electronic devices at the at least one first location.

214. The method of claim 100, further comprising:

facilitating interactive sharing of other video images between the first electronic device and the second electronic device.

215. The method of claim 214, wherein the electronic devices have the capability to view at least one of the other video images concurrently.

216. The method of claim 214, wherein the electronic devices have the capability to manipulate at least one of the other video images concurrently.

217. The method of claim 214, wherein a user of at least one of the electronic devices has a capability to zoom in on at least one of the other video images.

218. The method of claim 214, wherein a user of at least one of the electronic devices has a capability to tilt at least one of the other video images.

219. The method of claim 214, wherein a user of at least one of the electronic devices has a capability to pan at least one of the other video images.

220. The method of claim 214, wherein a user of at least one of the electronic devices has a capability to highlight at least one of the other video images with a cursor.

221. The method of claim 100, wherein each of the electronic devices has multiple video codec capabilities, via which one or more video images are continuously transmitted.

222. The method of claim 221, wherein the continuous transmission of the one or more video images is initiated by an electronic mail message.

223. The method of claim 100, further comprising registering a user with the control computer by obtaining personal identification information.

224. The method of claim 223 wherein the personal identification information includes an electronic mail address.

225. The method of claim 100, wherein at least certain of the communication between the control computer and one or more of the electronic devices is via electronic mail.

273. The method of claim 100 wherein the initiation data from the second electronic device via an electronic message is the first transmission in establishing communication between the first electronic device and the second electronic device.

211. The method of 100, wherein the electronic message is an electronic mail message.

226. A method comprising:

receiving, at a control computer, initiation data from a second electronic device, wherein the initiation data originates video and audio communication between a first electronic device and the second electronic device;

accessing a memory associated with the control computer to obtain information identifying the first electronic device based on at least receipt of the initiation data;

using at least certain of the information to facilitate the initiation of video and audio communication between the first electronic device and the second electronic device;

facilitating a display at the second electronic device of information that identifies at least one of a person or company associated with the first electronic device;

capturing a first video image at a first time by the first electronic device;

capturing a second video image at a second time by the first electronic device, the second time being later than the first time;

comparing the first video image and the second video image at the first electronic device; and

transmitting, via a network, video data from the first electronic device to the second electronic device based on a difference between the first video image and the second video image detected during the comparing.

227. The method of claim 226, wherein the network comprises digital links.

228. The method of claim 226, further comprising:

capturing audio by the first electronic device; and

transmitting, via the network, audio data from the first electronic device to the second electronic device.

229. The method of claim 228, wherein certain of the audio data is associated with the second video image.

230. The method of claim 226, wherein face-to-face communications are established between the first electronic device and the second electronic device.

231. The method of claim 230, wherein a user at any one of the electronic devices has a capability to schedule an appointment for a face-to-face communication via electronic mail.

232. The method of claim 226, further comprising transmitting other video images.

233. The method of claim 232, wherein the electronic devices have the capability to view at least one of the other video images concurrently.

234. The method of claim 232, wherein the electronic devices have the capability to manipulate at least one of the other video images concurrently.

235. The method of claim 232, wherein a user of at least one of the electronic devices has a capability to zoom in on at least one of the other video images.

236. The method of claim 232, wherein a user of at least one of the electronic devices has a capability to tilt at least one of the other video images.

237. The method of claim 232, wherein a user of at least one of the electronic devices has a capability to pan at least one of the other video images.

238. The method of claim 232, wherein a user of at least one of the electronic devices has a capability to highlight at least one of the other video images with a cursor.

239. The method of claim 226, wherein each of the electronic devices has multiple video codec capabilities, via which one or more video images are continuously transmitted.

240. The method of claim 239, wherein the continuous transmission of the one or more video images is initiated by an electronic mail message.

241. The method of claim 226, further comprising registering a user with the control computer by obtaining at least personal identification information from the user.

242. The method of claim 241, wherein the personal identification information includes an electronic mail address.

243. The method of claim 226, wherein at least certain of the communication between the control computer and one or more of the electronic devices is via electronic mail.

267. The method of claim 226, wherein the information identifying the first electronic device is a network location.

268. The method of claim 267, wherein the network location is a telephone number.

274. The method of claim 226 wherein the initiation data from the second electronic device is the first transmission in establishing communication between the first electronic device and the second electronic device.

244. A method comprising:

receiving, at a control computer, initiation data from a second electronic device via an electronic message, wherein the initiation data originates video and audio communication between a first electronic device and the second electronic device;

accessing a memory associated with the control computer to obtain information identifying the first electronic device based on at least receipt of the initiation data;

using at least certain of the information to facilitate the initiation of video and audio communication between the first electronic device and the second electronic device;

facilitating a display at the second electronic device of information that identifies at least one of a person or company associated with the first electronic device;

capturing a first video image at a first time by the first electronic device;

capturing a second video image at a second time by the first electronic device, the second time being later than the first time;

comparing the first video image and the second video image at the first electronic device; and

transmitting, via a network, video data from the first electronic device to a the second electronic device based on a difference between the first video image and the second video image detected during the comparing.

245. The method of claim 244, wherein the network comprises digital links.

246. The method of claim 244, further comprising:

capturing audio by the first electronic device; and

transmitting, via the network, audio data from the first electronic device to the second electronic device.

247. The method of claim 246, wherein certain of the audio data is associated with the second video image.

248. The method of claim 244, wherein the electronic message is an electronic mail message.

249. The method of claim 244, wherein face-to-face communications are established between the first electronic device and the second electronic device.

250. The method of claim 249, wherein a user at any one of the electronic devices has a capability to schedule an appointment for a face-to-face communication via electronic mail.

251. The method of claim 244, further comprising:

providing, via the network, interactive sharing of other video images between the first electronic device and the second electronic device.

252. The method of claim 251, wherein the electronic devices have the capability to view at least one of the other video images concurrently.

253. The method of claim 251, wherein the electronic devices have the capability to manipulate at least one of the other video images concurrently.

254. The method of claim 251, wherein a user of at least one of the electronic devices has a capability to zoom in on at least one of the other video images.

255. The method of claim 251, wherein a user of at least one of the electronic devices has a capability to tilt at least one of the other video images.

256. The method of claim 251, wherein a user of at least one of the electronic devices has a capability to pan at least one of the other video images.

257. The method of claim 251, wherein a user of at least one of the electronic devices has a capability to highlight at least one of the other video images with a cursor.

258. The method of claim 244, wherein each of the electronic devices has multiple video codec capabilities, via which one or more video images are continuously transmitted.

259. The method of claim 258, wherein the continuous transmission of the one or more video images is initiated by an electronic mail message.

260. The method of claim 244, further comprising registering a user with the control computer by obtaining personal identification information from the user.

261. The method of claim 260, wherein the personal identification information includes an electronic mail address.

262. The method of claim 244, wherein at least certain of the communication between the control computer and one or more of the electronic devices is via electronic mail.

269. The method of claim 244, wherein the information identifying the first electronic device is a network location.

270. The method of claim 269, wherein the network location is a telephone number.

275. The method of claim 244 wherein the initiation data from the second electronic device via an electronic message is the first transmission in establishing communication between the first electronic device and the second electronic device.