EP2290628A1 - Method for video monitoring areas - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves capturing the images by the cameras (4,5) and examining the images by an authorized operator (B). Different hierarchical access rights are defined on the images for selected operators. The selected operator is logged on an authorization request unit (8), which allocates the hierarchical access rights. An independent claim is also included for a monitoring device, particularly video surveillance of rooms for execution of method.

Description

The invention relates to a method for video surveillance of rooms, in particular of business premises such as retail premises, storage rooms, gas stations, etc., after which images are taken by at least one camera and inspected by an authorized operator.

Such a method is used, for example, in DE 203 16 299 U1 presented. This is about a system for remote video surveillance. In order to be able to view and evaluate images determined in this context, a guard can, for example, log in and out via login / logout in so-called watch rings.

In addition one knows by the DE 699 21 237 T2 an automatic video surveillance system. This is primarily about identifying a moving object. For this, every changed region in which a currently acquired image deviates from a reference image is processed.

The finally to be named DE 699 33 144 T2 deals with a method of detecting motion in a video using a pixel difference counter. For this purpose, a difference value is determined by comparing a value of the pixel of the first incoming video frame with a value of a corresponding pixel of a reference frame.

The prior art may not be satisfactory in all aspects. In fact, the captured images are often sensitive information, be it in terms of personality rights or in terms of possible prosecutions. For this reason is missing so far the possibility to make different images accessible to different operators or not. This is where the invention starts.

The invention is based on the technical problem of further developing such a method for video surveillance of rooms so that the individual recorded images can be made accessible to different operators.

To solve this technical problem, a generic method for video surveillance of rooms in the context of the invention is characterized in that different hierarchical access rights to the images for selected operators are defined.

In the context of the invention, therefore, different hierarchical access rights to the images are initially defined. By this means the invention that, depending on the hierarchical access right, for example, all recorded images or only a part of these images are accessible. So different hierarchy levels are defined. The highest hierarchy level may correspond to the situation that all images are accessible to a selected operator who belongs to this hierarchy level. For example, in a hierarchy level below, only captured images of a particular time period may be accessible to a selected operator with the particular hierarchy level. Finally, it is conceivable in a lower hierarchical level that when using multiple cameras, for example, only images of a single selected camera can be viewed by the associated selected operator of this lower hierarchical level.

The different hierarchical access rights to the images or the associated hierarchy level thus determines which subset of the associated one Monitoring device for video surveillance of rooms taken total pictures taken by the respectively selected operator, so the owner of the hierarchy level, considered and optionally evaluated. For this purpose, it is provided that the selected operator logs on to an authorization query unit. This authorization query unit is part of the monitoring device. Depending on an identification code transmitted by the operator to the authorization query unit, the associated operator is then assigned its associated hierarchical access right.

In principle, the identification code can be any conceivable identification means which serves or may serve to authenticate the selected operator. For example, the identification code may be formed as a number / letter combination. An employee card, a fingerprint, an eye iris scan, etc. are also conceivable. In any case, the selected operator is uniquely identified by means of the identification code on the authorization request unit. For this purpose, associated reference codes of the authorized users are stored in the authorization query unit. The reference code stored in the authorization query unit now includes a specific hierarchical access right or a specific hierarchy level that has been previously defined for the relevant operator.

If the selected operator now inputs his identification code to the authorization query unit, then this identification code is compared with the reference code. If it matches, the selected operator receives the hierarchical access right associated with the reference code and / or is assigned the associated hierarchy level. As a consequence, the selected operator can then access the images of the monitoring device which correspond to his hierarchical level correspond. It is of course possible that a selected operator has access not only to one but also to several hierarchy levels. In addition, the hierarchical access right of course can change. This ultimately depends on which hierarchical access right is linked to the reference code for the selected operator.

For example, in a retail store, it is conceivable that the local store manager can evaluate (at least in real time) and also evaluate (assess) the at least one camera or the several cameras with regard to images taken there on a daily basis. In contrast, it is conceivable that the manager of the store manager, for example, the regional sales manager, not only can evaluate the daily updated images taken, but also images from the past. For this purpose, the images taken by the camera can be stored in a memory unit and are available as stored images for selection by the selected operator. In addition, the images taken by the camera can of course also be examined directly and in real time by the selected operator.

Either way, it becomes clear that, for example, the store manager can inspect the pictures taken on a daily basis, whereas his superior regional sales manager can additionally review the pictures taken in the past within a specified time period, for example ten days. This can be controlled by appropriate hierarchical levels or hierarchical access rights to the images that are flanked by the respective reference codes, on the one hand for the selected operator branch manager and on the other hand the selected operator regional sales manager.

In addition, a so-called supervisor or a higher-level body can be defined as a selected operator. For this purpose, the recorded images can be transmitted remotely to the respective selected operator, for example via a data line, wireless, etc. At this point, access to the images may take place locally at the store operator's place of business. Also in this case, a specific hierarchical access right or a corresponding hierarchy level is defined, which belongs to a reference code of said supervisor.

Quite apart from that, it is conceivable to flank the captured images with a filter. This filter can be a removable filter, called a privacy filter. Such a filter is implemented by software technology and does not allow the identification of individual persons or makes them appear unrecognizable. Such filters can be switched on and off. The switched-off state can, for example, be implemented by data protectors or other selected operators in order to nevertheless be able to identify the persons in question. Basically, such a filter can also be realized by separate recording tracks within the camera. In this case, a recording track is suitable for identifying the individual persons and does not use such a filter. The relevant one record track can only be read by a data protector or another authorized person. In contrast, the other recording track works with the filter and is used for the activities to be described below.

In any case, the filter in question, which does not allow the identification of individual persons or privacy filters are usually used to protect the privacy rights of the recorded persons or their privacy. Within the scope of the invention, this filter can now be switched on and off, depending on the hierarchical access right. there In most cases this will be done in such a way that the filter can not generally be switched off, but only for the purpose of prosecution.

For example, it is conceivable that the security service, the police or any other (public prosecutor) investigation authority is equipped with a hierarchical access right to the images, which turns off the aforementioned filter. This means that with the help of the hierarchical access rights to the images, not only a subset of the entire recorded images is selected, but also any filters that lie over the images are switched on and off. Of course, this also applies to comparable alienation measures that change a prototype in terms of software. That is, all (software) made changes to the captured by each camera prototype for generating a viewing image can be hidden or undone if necessary and by the selected operator also taking into account a corresponding hierarchical access right or not.

This approach is of particular importance for law enforcement purposes. Because if the recorded images document an offense, such as a theft, the security service, the police or general investigative authorities are enabled by this instrument to identify the suspect. Compared to the normal employees, ie the examining branch manager, the regional sales manager or the supervisor, however, the privacy of the recorded persons remains explicitly protected. This is only canceled by turning off the filter when it comes to law enforcement in the broadest sense.

There are various possibilities conceivable to filter or select the total taken pictures depending on the access right and to make it available to the respective selected operator. This does not just include the Possibility to differentiate between, for example, daily updated pictures in real time and stored pictures over a certain period of time. Instead, as already explained, and depending on the hierarchy level of the selected operator, the images can also be traced back to the archetype in terms of any changes made between the original image and the viewing image. In addition, the recorded images can be filtered, for example, with regard to a viewing angle of the camera. Likewise, a flanking additional signal to the images can be used as a filter criterion. This flanking additional signal may be an alarm signal, a door signal, etc. For example, the additional signal can come from a supplementary alarm system, so that the flanked with the relevant additional signal images reflect exactly this alarm situation.

In addition, the recorded images can be filtered with respect to a movement pattern in the images and according to the access right. In this way, situations can be mastered, in which, for example, a recorded person to be recognized with the help of the camera and in the images reveals an unusual pattern of movement. Such a movement pattern is present, for example, when the person concerned is looking to leave a shop or the business premises through an entrance or an emergency exit. In any case, such a movement pattern in the images leads to the fact that this movement pattern can be equipped with its own access right. In most cases, this movement pattern is flanked by an additional alarm, so that the recorded images have the additional supplementary signal. In any case, it becomes clear that the recorded images can be filtered out of the total number according to a variety of different criteria. It may belong to each of these criteria own access rights. This is not mandatory. That is, the captured images may be, for example, in terms of a viewing angle of the camera and / or a filter for the images and / or a storage time of the images and / or a flanking additional signal and / or a movement pattern in the images are filtered. That may happen depending on the access right.

In addition to the flanking additional signal already described in the pictures, it is conceivable to equip the recorded pictures with further additional information. This additional information may include the location, date, time, camera data, security features, etc. With the help of the camera data, the receiving camera can be identified in the respective image. The security features ensure that the captured images can not be manipulated. For this purpose, the security features are advantageously digital information which is inseparably incorporated into digital image data of the images. Popularly and in the context of digital technology, such security features are also referred to as watermarks. Due to the additional information in the images, the recorded images can be scoured, taking into account various search functions. For example, only the images made by a particular camera can be filtered out. Or the images that belong to a specific location or a defined time.

In addition, the invention opens up the possibility of being able to subject the recorded images to motion detection and / or motion tracking. In this way, movement patterns of, for example, individuals can be detected and / or checked. Such motion detection and / or motion tracking is used, for example, to track theft attempts or actual thefts via several cameras placed in the shop, and thus to obtain a comprehensive picture of the possible offense. The movement tracking respectively Motion detection can in principle be performed using a pixel difference counter, as in the introductory already referenced DE 699 35144 T2 will be described in detail.

In addition, the invention proposes that the one or more cameras only take pictures and transfer them to the storage unit if certain conditions are fulfilled. These conditions may be the date, the time of day, an alarm signal, a particular movement pattern of an observed person, etc. That is, the images taken by the associated camera are stored only if an additional condition or signal is observed. In this way, the existing storage capacity of a storage device can be optimally utilized, for example in the event that the respective business premises are closed for a longer period of time and must be monitored.

In addition, the invention makes it possible that the recorded images - after any removal or after switching off the privacy filter - can be used for personal identification. The images available in this way may be compared with stored reference images. This person identification can be used, among other things, as access control or access control. That is to say, the monitoring device is capable of recognizing, for example, employees of the business premises or of the associated company on the basis of their reference images stored, inter alia, in the memory device and by comparison with the images recorded, for example, in the entrance area. These images are usually the archetypes, ie the images that have been taken directly by the camera and have not yet undergone any (software-related) possible change in the sense of a viewing image.

Within the scope of this access control, the individual employees can be identified automatically and can also be divided into authorization groups. In this case, access to certain rooms may be granted or denied depending on the entrance thus monitored. New users or even employees can be easily defined by defining the respective access right and the corresponding stored reference image in the storage device.

In addition, the invention makes it possible to evaluate the recorded images in terms of deviating from the normal image optical signals. These deviating optical signals may, for example, be smoke, fire, etc. The normal image generally represents the image averaged over a multiplicity of previously recorded images, against which such deviating optical signals can be recognized. As a rule, the images in question are recorded during shop closing times, so that the normal picture represents an averaged still picture.

In this way, for example, fires can be detected automatically and the monitoring device can be used for fire protection. The same applies to any smoke. These aberrant optical signals may also be flanked with an output signal to alert, for example, a security guard. The subject matter of the invention is also a monitoring device as referred to in claim 13 and the subsequent claims.

As a result, a method for video surveillance of rooms and an associated monitoring device are described. These are characterized in that the total recorded by the monitoring device Pictures from different operators can be viewed and evaluated. Access to a subset or all of these images is controlled using different hierarchical access rights, taking into account the particular operator selected. That is, each operator is equipped with its own hierarchical access right, which regulates access to a previously defined subset of the entire images.

In this way, not only the privacy of employees is protected, but comprehensive surveillance and even law enforcement actions can be carried out. Because the individual recorded persons are usually made unrecognizable to protect their privacy with the help of a filter or so-called Prvacy-Fitters. Only after committing an offense can this filter - by an authorized person - off.

Furthermore, the monitoring device can advantageously be used for access control and also access control of the employees or authorized persons to the thus monitored business premises. In addition, the tracking of the movement allows any attempted or actual offenses to be fully documented.

In addition, the monitoring device can be used in total for object monitoring, for example in the sense of fire protection. Because the recorded images can be evaluated in terms of deviating optical signals. That may happen automatically and software technically. As soon as such a deviating optical signal occurs, an alarm can be triggered and / or, for example, a security service receive a corresponding alarm message.

In addition to the motion detection or the use of the monitoring device according to the invention as at least Bewegungsmeider, it is also conceivable, especially during business hours, to check the goods located in the respective business premises in terms of their consistency. For example, the one or more cameras of the monitoring device can check the temperature of individual objects. Such a temperature check is also conceivable in order to detect any smoke developments or fires.

In any case, with the help of temperature monitoring of individual objects, for example, it can be ensured and understood that the cooling of these objects works. It is conceivable in detail, with the help of one or more infrared cameras to record frozen products in terms of their heat radiation. If the heat radiation and the temperature detected in this way deviate from predetermined desired values, this regularly leads to an alarm signal being emitted.

Furthermore, a check of cashiers is possible. For example, in such a way that the individual bookings made there are compared with the actual bookings from the accounting based on the information in the display and / or on printed documents.

All these checks eliminate the need for additional sensors within the business premises and provide extended protection for employees, customers and suppliers. In addition, the theft prevention and a comprehensive evidence of crime after crime succeed. Finally, internal processes can be optimized on the basis of the evaluated images. In addition, there is the possibility of standardizing surveillance and providing it congruently in a large number of equally designed business premises.

In each case different levels are used in the review, which view and evaluate the recorded images with different emphases. Thus, a branch manager will usually focus only on any unusual patterns of movement. By contrast, superordinate persons, such as a regional sales manager, for example, can use and also use the images to analyze and optimize business processes. Here are the main benefits.

Figur 1

die erfindungsgemäße Überwachungseinrichtung installiert in einem Geschäftsraum und

Figur 2

die aufgenommenen Bilder schematisch.

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing showing only one exemplary embodiment; show it:

FIG. 1

the monitoring device according to the invention installed in a business premises and

FIG. 2

the pictures taken schematically.

In the figures, a monitoring device is shown, by means of which a room 1 is subjected to video surveillance. In the present case, this room 1 is a business premises 1, in the example a retail bar. It can be seen in the business premises or retail premises 1 different shelves 2 and several cashiers 3. For monitoring the business premises or shop 1 several cameras 4, 5 are provided. The cameras 4 may be all-round cameras, while the cameras 5 are used to hold only a specific recording area. Of course this is not mandatory.

With the help of all-around cameras 4, the interior of the business premises or the shop 1 is generally examined, whereas the cameras 5 targeted on the one hand, the individual cashiers 3 and on the other an input and output area 6 are directed. All cameras 4, 5 are connected to a memory device 7. This memory device 7 also acts as a control system 7, thus representing a combined control / memory device 7. An authorization interrogation unit 8 is connected to the control / memory device 7. To the authorization query unit 8 different evaluation stations 9 are connected.

It can be seen that two evaluation stations 9 are arranged locally in the vicinity of the combined control / storage device 7. In contrast, there is the third and only dashed connected to the authorization query unit 8 evaluation station 9 locally removed. In this way, the images F ₁ to F _i taken by the individual cameras 4, 5 can be transmitted remotely to a selected operator B there, wherein the dashed line represents a data line, but could also represent a wireless transmission path.

At the evaluation station 9 or with the aid of the evaluation station 9, the operator B transmits his identification code to the authorization query unit 8. In the authorization query unit 8 or the associated combined control / storage device 7, this identification code is compared with a reference code stored there. The reference code includes a hierarchical access right or a hierarchy level H ₁ , H ₂ , as they are exemplary and in principle in the FIG. 2 is shown. On the basis of this hierarchy level or the hierarchical access right H ₁ , H ₂ , the selected operator is granted access to a subset of the total pictures F ₁ to F _i taken with the aid of the cameras 4, 5.

In effect, the cameras 4, 5 record a plurality of images F ₁ to F _l , which can be viewed either directly and in real time by the respectively selected operator B or only after their storage in the control / storage device 7 will be subjected to a closer analysis. Of course, of course, a simultaneous procedure in the sense that both the images F ₁ to F _i are considered in real time as well as the stored images F ₁ to F _l .

The images taken by the cameras 4, 5 connected to the control / storage device 7 represent the so-called archetypes. These archetypes are either all or only selected cameras 4, 5 and / or the control / storage device 7 software changed. Within the scope of the exemplary embodiment, the archetypes recorded by the all-around cameras 4 do not undergo any change, because the persons thus taken in are sufficiently protected by the distance to the respective camera 4 with respect to their privacy. By contrast, the images taken by the cameras 5 in the immediate vicinity of the respective cashiers 3 or the input / output area 6 undergo a software-related change. With the help of this change, the faces of the recorded persons are blurred to protect their privacy. In this way the archetypes are transformed into viewing images. In this case, software works with a so-called privacy filter, as it has already been described in the introduction.

All recorded images F ₁ to F _l in the control / storage device 7 are there in principle, as the FIG. 2 only partially and only as an example suggests. In this case, the individual images F ₁ to F _{i may} each be present in the memory as digital files or digital files F ₁ to F _i . Depending on the recording date, the recorded images F ₁ to F _{i are located} in different memory areas. Likewise, the images F ₁ to F _i can be sorted according to the associated camera 4, 5, which is responsible for their recording. In the context of the simplified example according to FIG. 2 are only schematically the images recorded by the camera 4 F ₁ to F _i on day 1 to day 10 in a matrix.

The different hierarchical access rights or hierarchy levels H ₁ and H ₂ now correspond, for example, to the fact that the hierarchical access right H _{1 can be used} to access all the images F ₁ to F _{l recorded} by the camera 4 in the period from day 1 to day 10 Has. In contrast, the access right H ₂ or the hierarchy H ₂ allows access to the recorded images F ₁ to F _{i of} the camera 4 only on day 1. Depending on the access right of the reference code of each selected operator B is now equipped for these selected operator B, the associated and recorded images F ₁ to F _{i released} for viewing and transmitted from the control / storage device 7 to the evaluation station 9. Of course, the respective images F ₁ to F _i are copies because, as far as the memory content of the control / memory device 7 is not changed and should not be changed. It is understood that the total existing in the control / storage device 7 images can be archived in terms of tumbling, for example, on DVDs or other storage media.

After the selected operator B has now registered with the aid of the identification code transmitted from the evaluation station 9 to the authorization query unit 8 and the match of this identification code with the reference code in the control / storage device 7 has been checked for conformity, the hierarchy level H ₁ , H _{2 of} the selected operator B associated images F ₁ to F _{i transferred} to the evaluation station 9 as described. Here, the selected operator B can now view and evaluate the images F ₁ to F _i corresponding to his hierarchy level H ₁ , H ₂ .

In this way, for example, a manager of the retail store 1 as a selected operator B can examine the images F ₁ to F _i recorded by the individual cameras 4, 5 directly and in real time. As a result, any irregularities in business operations can be immediately recognized and flanking measures taken.

Outside of the opening hours of the retail restaurant 1 or in hindsight, the recorded images F ₁ to F _i can now also be examined by another selected operator B, for example a regional sales manager, or also by investigators for prosecution. The latter have for this purpose, for example, a hierarchical access right H ₁ , H ₂ , which allows them access to the original images of all cameras 4, 5. In other words, the software-related changes between the original image and the viewing image of the images F ₁ to F _i taken at the cameras 4, 5 can be reversed or switched off by the investigator in question in this case. In detail, the hierarchical access right H ₁ , H ₂ allows the previously mentioned privacy filter to be removed.

This makes it possible, for example, to identify thieves in the thus monitored area of the cashiers 3 also in retrospect on the basis of the images taken with the aid of the cameras 5. However, such identification can only be made by the selected operator B involved in the prosecution. All other operators, with their hierarchical access rights H ₁ , H _{2, are} unable to switch off these software-technical changes or a filter of the recorded images or the so-called privacy filter. In this way, the monitoring device shown can be used for shop monitoring and also for the identification of delinquent persons.

In addition, an access control can be accomplished with the aid of the monitoring device. For this purpose, the control / storage device 7 interacts with an access control device 10, which is assigned to the input / output area 6. This access control device 10 grants only authorized operators B or general persons access to the shop 1, for example, outside the shop opening hours. For this purpose, the camera 5 assigned to the input / output area 6 is used to identify the respectively entering or accessing person on the basis of (reference) images stored in the control / storage device 7.

In addition, the control / storage device 7 is coupled or equipped with an integrated movement tracking device. In this way, movement patterns of individual persons can be detected and / or checked. In this case, abnormal movement patterns are particularly important, for example such that a person tries to leave the retail outlet 1 via the entrance of the entry / exit area 6.

Finally, the control / storage device 7 is connected to an alarm device 11. This alarm device 11 is acted upon by the control / storage device 7, for example, when one of the cameras 4, 5 shows a different optical signal, as has already been described in the introduction. This deviating optical signal may be, for example, smoke, fire, etc. In addition, an abnormal movement pattern of a person within the retail premises 1 may also correspond to an action of the alarm device 11.

The FIG. 2 makes it finally clear that the individual recorded images F ₁ to F _l are flanked with additional information 12. This additional information 12 may be the recording location, the recording date, the recording time, etc. In addition, the additional information includes 12 as a rule also the associated camera 4, 5 or their camera number, with the help of which each recorded image F ₁ to F _{l was} obtained. In addition, the additional information 12 may be security features. These security features represent digital information that is inseparably incorporated into the digital image data of the captured images, similar to a watermark. In this way it is ensured that the recorded images F ₁ to F _i in the control / storage device 7 can not be subsequently manipulated.

The individual images F ₁ to F _i can also be used for the quick representation of individual customers. That is to say, a customer or generally a person identified on the respective image F ₁ to F _l can be combined on the basis of his presentation or his appearance with, for example, a video sequence recorded beforehand or subsequently. That is, after identification of the person concerned can be pointed to a video sequence in which the person concerned is also shown. This is again ensured by the control / storage device 7, which undertakes a corresponding image comparison between the person in question and the individual persons represented in the video sequences. Based on the image comparison can then be the image of the customer or the general Peron associated with the associated video sequence.

Independently of this, an operator or, more precisely, a data protector is likewise equipped with a hierarchical access right H ₁ , H _2, for example for prosecution. This data protector or investigator for prosecution may receive the access right H ₁ , H ₂ in question just before access. In addition, the interpretation can be made such that the hierarchical access right H ₁ , H _{2 in} question is transmitted to the authorized operator by an external transmitting unit, for example a pager or the like. This is generally true for all operators. This allows access rights H ₁ , H ₂ as needed change centrally and as often as you like. As long as the operator in question has a receiving unit which is able to receive and evaluate the associated information from the sender or the transmission unit for the access rights H ₁ , H ₂ , a practically arbitrarily adjustable setting and modification of the access rights succeed H ₁ , H ₂ . At the same time, it must be ensured that the access rights in question or the hierarchy level H ₁ , H _{2 are} also tracked in parallel in the control / storage device 7. In other words, at least the control / storage device 7 is informed of the change in the access rights or hierarchy levels H ₁ , H ₂ on the part of the sending unit in terms of tumble.

Similarly, each operator can also be equipped with a password or a comparable key code. This key code or the password may also be stored in the control / storage device 7. A change of the password or key code is also possible with the transmitting unit or the pager. This ensures that only users in the possession of the password or the key codes of the applicable hierarchy level H ₁ , H _{2 can} actually access the data or the images or digital files F ₁ to F _i .

Claims (15)

Method for video surveillance of rooms (1), according to which at least one camera (4, 5) takes pictures (F ₁ to F _i ) and inspects them by an authorized operator (B), characterized in that different hierarchical access rights (H ₁ , H ₂ ) to the images (F ₁ to F _l ) for selected operators (B). A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the selected operator (B) logs on to an authorization request unit (8), which assigns him his hierarchical access right (H ₁ , H ₂ ). Method according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the images (F ₁ to F _i ) recorded by the camera (4, 5) are examined directly and in real time by the selected operator (B). Method according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the images (F ₁ to F _l ) recorded by the camera (4, 5) are stored in a memory unit (7) and stored as stored images (F ₁ to F _l ). from the selected operator (B). Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the recorded images (F ₁ to F _l ), for example, with regard to a viewing angle of the camera (4, 5) and / or a filter for the images (F ₁ to F _l ) and / or a storage time of the images (F ₁ to F _i ) and / or a flanking additional signal and / or a movement pattern in the images (F ₁ to F _i ) are selected. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the recorded images (F ₁ to F _l ) with additional information (12) such For example, location, date, time, camera number, security features, etc. are flanked. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the images (F ₁ to F _i ) are subjected to motion detection and / or movement tracking in order to determine and / or check movement patterns of, for example, individual persons. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the camera (4, 5) only takes pictures and optionally transmits them to the memory unit (7) if certain conditions are met, for example with regard to the date, time, an alarm signal, movement pattern etc. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the recorded images (F ₁ to F _l ) are used for personal identification based on stored reference images. Method according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the recorded images (F ₁ to F _i ) with respect to deviating optical signals, such as smoke, fire, etc., are evaluated. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the recorded images (F ₁ to F _l ) are transmitted remotely to the selected operator (B), for example via a data line, wirelessly, etc. Monitoring device, in particular for video surveillance of rooms, preferably for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 11, with at least one camera (4, 5) which takes pictures (F ₁ to F _l ) and with an authorization query unit (8) for a legitimate Operator (B), as well as with a control system (7), characterized in that in the authorization query unit (8) different hierarchical access rights (H ₁ , H ₂ ) to the recorded images (F ₁ to F _i ) are stored and with inputs of the Operator (B) for compliance. Monitoring device according to claim 12, characterized in that the control system (7) with an access control device (10) interacts to allow only authorized operators (B) access. Monitoring device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the control system (7) is coupled to a movement tracking device to determine movement patterns of individual persons and / or to check. Monitoring device according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the control system (7) is connected to an alarm device (11).

Images