Security system for notification of an undesired condition at a monitored area with minimized false alarms

Abstract

The present invention is a security monitoring system which effectively monitors a large number of areas in a cost effective manner using already existing communications infrastructure. More specifically, the method and apparatus of the present invention warns at least one security post of an undesired condition at a monitored area by sending a fax of an image of the monitored area via a phone line and/or by sending an E-mail of a color image via a global telecommunications network such as the Internet. Generally, the present invention includes a camera for creating a first image of the monitored area at a first time point and for creating a second image of the monitored area at a second time point. In addition, a data storage device stores the first image and the second image, and an image processor, coupled to the data storage device, compares the first image with the second image. A modem, coupled to the image processor, sends a fax of the second image to the at least one security post if the second image is substantially different from the first image. The present invention may further send via the modem a JPEG color image of the second image as an electronic mail to a predetermined security post if the second image is substantially different from the first image.