Dynamic and automatic configuration of distributed heterogeneous surveillance systems

A concept for an automatic dynamic configuration of hierarchical heterogeneous surveillance systems is described. The configuration is based on a central information module (IM) which has access to data describing the characteristics and capabilities of all relevant system components. The description proposed is modular and based on XML standard. Every component must have at least one description file that contains capabilities of the component and their relevant technical characteristics. For complex components containing sub-components, these descriptions are set up hierarchically and contain references to descriptions of sub-parts. Data conversion, separation and fusion modules ensure easy configuration and adaptation to hardware peculiarities. Between the system components direct communication links are normally used to make the system more robust. External systems (for example, command centers) can get information about available capabilities from the IM and can request needed services directly from the components.