Patent ID: 7907753

Claim:
An access control system, comprising: (a) a plurality of identity badges including symbols located on each identity badge; (b) a computer network for exchanging information between devices connected to said computer network; (c) a video camera coupled to said computer network and operative to record digital images and send said digital images over said computer network; (d) a badge reading computer connected to said computer network, said badge reading computer having access to said digital images and operative to execute symbol recognition software to identify said symbols on said identity badges from said digital images; (e) a database coupled to said badge reading computer containing identity information and access control information associated with said symbols on each said identity badge; and (f) an access control computer connected to said computer network, operative to receive badge identity data from said badge reading computer and control access to a secure area, wherein said database further comprises camera control information associated with said symbols on each said identity badge for initiating reprogramming of said camera and said access control computer is operative to reprogram said camera based on the cameral control information.