The use of Real-Time Networks to design a distributed architecture for large real time surveillance systems

There is a growing interest in large intelligent video surveillance systems arising from the need to make public environments more secure (and feel more secure), exploiting recent advances in telecommunications and video processing. Current research in surveillance system is based on developing systems that are known as third generation surveillance systems which can be categorised as concurrent, distributed, embedded, real-time systems. The paper introduces the fundamental concepts of MASCOT (Modular Approach to Software Construction Operation and Test), as a design and development method based on the principles of Real Time Networks for large complex distributed concurrent real time systems. The essential concepts of MASCOT were originated at the UK Royal Signal and Radar Establishment during the period 1971-75 by Ken Jackson and Hugo Simpson. The scope of the paper is to demonstrate that MASCOT can be an effective design method for large distributed real time video surveillance systems, by presenting the advantages that MASCOT can contribute to this type of systems. Finally, the design of a possible distributed real time surveillance system using this approach is shown.