Patent ID: 8199195

Claim:
A method for activating communication in a surveillance system, comprising the steps of: providing a base system for digital video surveillance of a target environment, including visual input and recording; the base system comprising at least one wireless input capture device ICD(s) that each directly cross-control each other's surveillance settings and directly cross-communicate with a corresponding digital input recorder (DIR) or another ICD; each ICD encased by a housing and each ICD includes at least one sensor and at least one input component for detecting and recording inputs, a processor, a memory, a power source, a power converter; and a transmitter/receiver, all constructed and configured in electronic connection; providing a security key and connecting it to at least one of the system components; at least one user accessing the DIR via a user interface either directly or remotely; the DIR searching for signal from the ICD(s) and establishing direct communication with them; and activating direct cross-communication between at least one of the cross-communicating ICD(s) that provides for data exchange including input data relating to the environment under surveillance and direct communication between any of the ICD(s) and the DIR that includes data exchange including input data relating to the environment under surveillance, settings, and inputs captured by the ICD(s) for providing a network of ICD(s) that directly exchange video information relating to the target environment and for providing an extended range of surveillance, thereby providing a secure surveillance system for a target environment.