Cell Phone-Controlled Security Surveillance System Unveiled

A security surveillance system that utilizes mobile phones for viewing real-time videos of homes and businesses has been developed by M2M Solution, a French company, using Texas Instruments' OMAP3503 processor as the heart of the system.

M2M reported Tuesday that it developed the system -- housed in a compact unit it calls the Homebox -- in nine months. Various devices based on the versatile system can read data ranging from motion and smoke detectors to doors and windows. It can determine the presence of intruders in many cases. M2M and TI believe the system represents a breakthrough on price that will be achievable when the product hits the market.

"TI provided a complete system-level solution with the OMAP3 applications processor, RF transceivers, audio codec’s, and power-management devices," M2M CEO Arnaud Declap said in a statement. "Additionally, the TI development tools and Linux board-support package allowed us to save time and money using open source codecs for MPEG-4 and H.263, so we were able to modify our base concept to meet unique customer requirements."

The unit, measuring about the size of a mini-pizza box and featuring a 600-MHz ARM, has a built-in 5-megapixel camera capable of accepting signals from Wi-Fi cameras. Camera data is processed so users are able to watch real-time images on their mobile phones or PCs.

The Homebox typically needs a single-power cable connection. Noting the importance of low power capability, M2M said a backup battery operates the Homebox for four hours if an intruder should cut off the power supply. In such a case, the unit can transmit a message via e-mail, text message, MMS, or even voice-recorded call.

MYXYTY, a French company, is introducing a system for the consumer market, TI said, adding that the MYSYTY system can also monitor vehicles, as well as children, seniors, and pets wearing special collars.