Rail-based closed circuit T.V. surveillance system with automatic target acquisition

In a rail-based closed-circuit TV surveillance system, initialization is performed by positioning the surveillance camera at two different positions along the rail from which a target image is acquired. Camera direction parameters for each of the positions are stored. From the stored parameters there is calculated an optimum position for target acquisition. A normal surveillance routine is interrupted in response to an alarm signal. If the camera is within a range for viewing the target, target acquisition occurs immediately while the camera is moved toward the optimum position. If the camera is not within the range for viewing the target, the camera is moved toward the viewing range, while camera direction and focus are adjusted so that target acquisition occurs as soon as the camera reaches the viewing range. Camera direction and focus continue to be adjusted so that a target acquisition is maintained while the camera is moved within the viewing range toward the optimum position.