Multi-user control system for multi media sources

#1. Field of Endeavor

#The present invention relates to multi-user control systems and more particularly to a multi-user control system for multi-media sources.

#2. State of Technology

#The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate specific embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description of the invention given above, and the detailed description of the specific embodiments, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

#FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a multi-user control system for multimedia sources incorporating the present invention.

#FIG. 2 shows the basic elements of another embodiment of a multi-user control system for multi-media sources incorporating the present invention.

#Referring now to the drawings, to the following detailed information, and to incorporated materials; a detailed description of the invention, including specific embodiments, is presented. The detailed description serves to explain the principles of the invention. The invention is susceptible to modifications and alternative forms. The invention is not limited to the particular forms disclosed. The invention covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

#Referring now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a multi-user control system for multi-media sources constructed in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. The multi-user control system for multi-media sources is incorporated in a security surveillance system. The system is designated generally by the reference numeral 10. The security surveillance system includes a video surveillance camera system connected to a digital network. The security surveillance system includes a digital camera/computer system 11 that forms part of the digital network. The digital camera/computer system 11 is show focused on a subject 17. The digital network includes or is connected to a computer/monitor 12. The computer 12 that is part of computer/monitor 12 and the computer that in is included in the digital camera/computer system 11 are understood to be a computer in the broad sense in that they are devices capable of performing a series of arithmetic or logical operations. These computers may be general-purpose computers or microprocessors that form a part of the overall system.

#The security surveillance system provides simultaneous viewing and controlling of a single video resource or multiple video resources by multiple viewers. The security surveillance system provides for the sharing of resources on the digital network among multiple users. The surveillance system includes switches 13, 14, and 15 connected to additional video camera/computer systems, monitoring stations, viewers, status monitors, and controllers.