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Question

Security measure using only a camera and laptop

Oct 23, 2013 7:15AM PDT

Hi,

Because every now and then an armed robbery occurs, I was thinking of a measure to be able to take a picture with a camera set outside the office yet controlled by a laptop/desktop of a prospective customer standing at the front door, to then sent it to an online image storage service, so that afterwards the door can be opened.

This is how I picture being able to do it:

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/841/6rsk.jpg/

1.-What kind of camera with what specs should I look for to be able to take pictures from inside the office using the laptop despite having the camera placed outside?
2.-Will I need any additional software?
3.-Any recommendations on the online image storage service?

I don't have questions regarding the door or being able to open it using a computer as that is already quite common over here. Thank you and please let me know if you need additional details.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Rarely done anymore.
Oct 23, 2013 8:30AM PDT

With too many wifi/ip cameras that can snap pics and upload them automatically to the a cloud it's rarely required to involve a laptop except to view.

I'm guessing you were unaware there were such things today.
Bob

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Here's a starting article for you.
Oct 23, 2013 8:38AM PDT
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Answer
Search away
Oct 24, 2013 12:55AM PDT

What I've seen is using a desktop with a video capture card that allows several from 1-4 cameras or more if you get that type of card to attach cameras. In other words its a home-based security system. Desktop PC because you use a spare slot to install the new video card(security camera card). Depending on what you get, you could have one that allows you to call-in via the WWW and do a security scan or it notifies you if so activated. I'm sure if you do a google search or similar for security wifi cameras or cable type cameras, many hits are bound to appear. You can use "spy cams" as keywords or similar. Heck, even DIY outlets like Home Deport or Menard's, etc. may offer some simple setup. Take my suggestion, if you have a laptop in plain view that's bound to be stolen, so security is naught.

tada -----Willy Happy

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Answer
Thank you
Oct 24, 2013 10:14AM PDT

Thank you both, you have definitely pointed me in the right direction. I'll have in mind both the desktop idea and the one mentioned in the link (there seems to be issues about image quality for this latter one, but I think I can come up with something through additional research). These are both great starting points.