Abstract: A system is described that provides a full end to end test of a recorder system to assure that a failure of any one or more channels is quickly detected so that maintenance can be performed. The system causes the recorder to sequence all or some of its outputs so that they appear sequentially on one (or more to increase speed) video signal line. The testing system uses one (or possibly multiple) testing circuits to check the signal from each recorder channel as it appears in the sequence. If one or more channels are inoperative, they are identified and a maintenance needed alarm is generated. The sequence includes a pause or similar discontinuity so that the tester can synchronize to the sequence so that the specific identifier of a channel can be identified with the detected operating status. This identification is also possible from communication between the tester and the recorder.

Abstract: A video switching and control system is described that provides compatibility with conventional analog cameras while also accepting network IP type cameras. The system offers reduced control latency, improved recording efficiency, and more flexible display features with greatly improved performance and update rates. The system offers greatly reduced wiring and installation complexity thus improving reliability. The architecture is scalable and expandable in either the analog camera count or the IP camera count. The system integrates these two camera technologies so that the camera source or recorder is transparent to the user. Each user can control all video sources, analog, IP, or recorded, from one keyboard and one or more monitors at each work station. The unique all digital solution provides digital reliability and broadcast quality performance.

Abstract: A new system is described that integrates real time item location data from electronically tagged items with a video system to allow cameras in proximity to a tagged item to automatically be enabled or recorded and to move and follow the movement of the tagged item. The methodology to implement such a system is described and involves computerized coordinate system scaling and conversion to automatically select and command movement if available of the most appropriate cameras. The system can follow a moving tagged item and hand off the item from one camera to another, and also command other facility assets, such as lights and door locks.