Digital Multi-Channel Optical Surveillance System (DMOS)

The Digital Multi-channel Optical Surveillance (DMOS) system has been designed to replace the analog multi-channel system used for safeguards, bringing digital processing capabilities to analog systems currently in use. The system is designed for unattended safeguards operations, but can easily be adapted for remote monitoring operations. The DMOS system offers authentication and encryption and can be used with other monitoring devices, such as radiation monitoring and electronic seals.

The DMOS system has a simple user interface and is made of an Intel-based PC running under Windows NT^® Server 4.0, which utilizes the Remote Access Service (RAS) capabilities of NT for remote communications and download of data. It also consists of a TFT display (1024 x 768 pixels), a keyboard, a Digital Linear Tape (DLT) drive, and a custom-built digital camera module (DCM-14) consisting of a low power consumption CCD camera. A modem or ISDN adapter are optional components which allow for remote monitoring access.

The DMOS system offers built in redundancy via SCSI Disk Array (RAID 5) and an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) with an additional battery pack. Through the M3 interface, each camera has its own power supply and is optically isolated. The system also comes with a DC/DC converter suitable for worldwide application, an optical isolated video amplifier DCM-OJP, and the DMOS software package, which consists of custom-made software modules.

The DMOS system collects and saves images from up to 32 cameras simultaneously. The images are stored on the server and can be reviewed locally at the facility or remotely. The camera component uses the digital camera module DCM-14 as the core component to perform image capture, compression, authentication, encryption, power management, battery backup, and local image storage to overcome power outages. The camera uses one Sony lithium-ion battery as a backup battery so that the camera can operate for ten days at ten minute intervals in the event of a power loss.

Housed in a 19 inch tamper-resistant/tamper-indicating rack, the DMOS system contains a keyboard with an integrated pointing device, which is suitable for field use and easy to maintain. Based on a rather strong modular design, the DMOS system is easy to service and works well with commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) equipment, lowering costs and allowing for manufacturer support. The DMOS uses a standard safeguards approved VDIS camera system with the same camera components used in all surveillance systems, eliminating the need for retraining of personnel.