On the use of agent technology in intelligent, multisensory and distributed surveillance

This article revises the state of the art of the application of agent technology within the scope of surveillance systems. Thus, the potential of the practical use of the concepts and technologies of the agent paradigm can be identified and evaluated in this domain. Current surveillance systems are noted for using several devices, heterogeneous in many instances, distributed along the observed scenario, while incorporating a certain degree of intelligence to alert the operator proactively to what is going on in the observed scenario and prevent the operator from having to observe the monitors continuously. The basic characteristics of the agents (autonomy, reactivity, proactiveness and social ability), along with multiagent systems’ characteristics (distributed data management, low coupling, robustness, communication and coordination between autonomous entities), suggest that the agency is a good choice for solving problems which appear and are dealt with in surveillance systems.