Precise Biometrics releases 2013 Q1 financials

Editor / Provider: Precise Biometrics | Updated: 5/1/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Precise Biometrics ,Interim report for the period January – March 2013
The group's net sales for the first quarter was US$ 2.56 million (SEK 16.8 million)
The group's operating result for the quarter was $ -0.15 million .
The group's net result for the quarter was -1.3.
Earnings per share for the first quarter was $ -0.00.
Available cash at the end of the quarter amounted to $ 1.17 million.

Important event during the quarter
A global provider of financial information services chooses Precise Biometrics as their new fingerprint algorithm vendor following a thorough test of the market. The customer is aiming to increase the performance of existing and forthcoming fingerprint enabled devices by using Precise Biometrics' technology.

One of the largest mobile Operators in the US has started selling Precise Biometrics' Tactivo The Operator has placed an initial order of 5,000 Tactivo units. The order has been delivered during March.

Precise Biometrics announced that the Company will shortly release Tactivo for Android. Development of Tactivo for Android and further mobile platforms is already in progress and will be launched end of Q2, with prototypes available for selected partners in May.

The credit facility that was obtained during the first quarter 2012 was re-paid in January 2013. The company utilized, before the repayment, $3.05 million of the credit facility of $4.57 million. Within the framework of the credit facility agreement, and until the end of May 2013, the company can obtain order financing.

The Board of Directors of Precise Biometrics has proposed the Annual General Meeting on April 23, 2013 to decide to undertake a rights issue with preferential rights for Precise Biometrics' shareholders of approximately $8.39 million. The rights issue is implemented to finance increased working capital due to new orders, continued development of Tactivo by increasing resources for production, product development and sales and marketing efforts worldwide. The rights issue is guaranteed up to a level of 70% of the rights issue, approximately $ 5.87 million.

Bringing Security 50 to life

Editor / Provider: Hayden Hsu, asmag.com | Updated: 4/30/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Held from April 24 to 26 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center in Taiwan, Secutech International concluded with a resounding success, garnering more than 25,000 visitors and buyers from all corners of the world; one of Secutech's highlights was the Security 50 press conference, bringing the security world's top performers (by product sales revenue) to real life. Four representatives from Bosch Security Systems, Flir Systems, Milestone Systems and Verint Systems were very generous in sharing their respective company's latest developments in product innovations, partner recruitment/training and growth strategies. The event, along with a Q&A session, attracted more than 30 industry media professionals from across the world.

Organized by Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media (formerly known as the A&S Group), Secutech is an annual international trade show for the electronic security, information security, and fire and safety industries. “Secutech is an ideal platform to highlight the Security 50,” said Parson Lee, MD and a&s Publisher. “Many will be interested to know who the top players and growers are, and I believe they can learn a lot from the elite companies in the rankings.”

a&s started the original Security 50 ranking in 2003, two years after 9/11, when security was booming as a business and a fairly high number of new players popped up all over the map by the day. Solution providers, distributors, resellers, integrators and government/MNC end users worldwide were in dire need to keep tabs on who was who. As the industry and market shift from analog and wired to digital/IP and wireless, more new names have surfaced to address new niche market needs, in terms of location, vertical and technology. One annual ranking, based on pure product sales revenues, is no longer enough for us to reflect emerging trends, prospects and best practices in real time. That is why asmag is introducing the all new asmag Rankings microsite and mobile app. asmag and a&s teams are going to great lengths in collecting, processing and presenting the latest news/financial updates, product releases and feature stories, from the security world's movers and shakers: by sales revenue (Security 50), innovation and growth performance (Fast & Furious), Asian prowess (Asia 50) and popular vote/feedback (Customer Satisfaction 50).

At this year's Secutech, 25 companies listed on the 2012 Security 50 ranking were present at the show ground, showcasing their latest solution offerings with special “50” signage. In addition to the four panelists mentioned earlier, other exhibitors included Arecont Vision, Assa Abloy, Axis Communications, C-Pro Electronics, Dahua Technology, Dali Technology, Dynacolor, EverFocus Electronics, Flir Systems, Hdpro, Hi Sharp, Hikvision Digital Technology, Honeywell Security, Infinova, Itx Security, Mobotix, Optex, Tamron, Tkh Group, VIVOTEK, Win4net and Yoko Technology.

More than 2,000 downloads/shares took place at the Security 50 Gallery on-site, where a few from the 2012 ranking, along with asmag staffers, were invited to demonstrate their latest and interact with visitors. A frequent compliment on the Security 50/asmag Rankings app was how practical it is for those who are always traveling or rushing between sites to stay connected to the industry's largest in real time.

Watch this space and stay tuned for exclusive video interviews!

Lapis releases low-power, low-cost microcontrollers for embedded system control

Editor / Provider: Lapis Semiconductor | Updated: 4/30/2013 | Article type: Component

Lapis Semiconductor, a Rohm Group Company, is pleased to introduce the ML610Q100 series of low-cost, feature-rich, low-power microcontrollers. The new Mini Low Power Microcontrollers are especially well suited for embedded applications requiring a very small microcontroller that provides high computational performance and dedicated control functions, yet consumes a minimal amount of power. Applications include motor control, energy harvesting sensors and nodes, audio and speech control, smoke and fire detection, security and access control, battery management, home appliances, lighting control, power monitoring and metering, and many other embedded designs.

The Mini LP architecture is made up of a processing core, non-volatile memory and RAM plus several embedded peripheral functions including: GPIO, PWMs, counter/timer blocks, ADCs and comparators. The devices exhibit very low power consumption in both sleep (1uA typical) and operating modes (3.7mA typical), while executing one instruction per clock cycle at up to 8 MHz clock rates. The microcontrollers are unique in having their timing reference circuit completely integrated within the devices, meaning no external crystal or any other components are required. Some of the devices in the Mini LP Micro series have internal writable Flash ROM, which eliminates the need for external EEPROM for data storage. Their wide supply voltage range (2.7V dc to 5.5Vdc) and temperature range (-40 C to 85 C) allow the Mini LP Micros to be used in battery-powered and energy-harvesting applications located in harsh environments.

The Mini LP Micros are based on LAPIS Semiconductor's proprietary 8 bit RISC U8 core, which has been used within LAPIS Semiconductor's products for over 15 years. The U8 core's low-cost code creation and debugging tools are available for program development. LAPIS Semiconductor also offers a very flexible and expandable Mini LP Micro Development Kit with expansion sockets that enable easy access to all of the IOs available on the devices.

German luxury jeweler ensures security and customer experience with discretion

Editor / Provider: Dallmeier electronic | Updated: 4/30/2013 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Located at the heart of the historic district of Regensburg, Germany, the century-old court jeweler, Muhlbacher, recently deployed a modern and discreet surveillance system consisting of 20 Dallmeier electronic HD domes and a hybrid video appliance with integrated storage system to monitor its remodelled and expanded retail shop.

For more than 100 years, the prestigious family-owned jeweller has been a supplier of sophisticated timepieces and top-class jewellery. Its showrooms recently underwent a six month renovation to present customers with a sleek and elegant interior, relaxing lounge area, and separate sitting areas for discreet sales discussions. The jeweller now displays timepieces from renowned manufacturers, such as Bulgari, Breitling, and luxury brand Rolex on a spacious 400 square meter display area. In addition, treasures by Cartier, Chopard and others are offered together with original jewellery creations from its in-house workshop.

Brothers Andreas and Markus Muhlbacher, who are the fourth-generation operators of the family business, demanded a high quality and inconspicuous surveillance system to monitor the shop."The cameras are supposed to blend in discreetly with our showroom concept,” said Andreas Muhlbacher. "At the same time, naturally the video system must be reliable at all times."

Vandal-resistant HD domes were installed throughout the shop and surrounding areas. The cameras covered the entrance, sales areas, lounge, cashier counter, consulting area, packaging station, manager's office, workshop, and also surrounding streets and inner courtyard. The surveillance equipments not only protect the retailer from theft and break-ins, it also helps optimize customer care. This was achieved with the deployment of monitors and computers at strategic points, including the reception area, cashier counter, office or workshop, where surveillance camera images were displayed on screen in a six window format. "Our rooms are very expansive, for which reason it is not possible to keep an eye on the entire shop at once,” explained Andreas Muhlbacher. “But with the video images our employees immediately see where the customers are.” This helps cut down waiting time for customers that require assistance.

The images are stored on a hybrid video appliance with integrated storage system. The recording is controlled by motion detection, for example recordings are only made when there is actual movement. This enables efficient use of the storage capacity of the hard drives. Moreover, the Muhlbachers have remote access to live and recorded image material via an iPhone. "The Dallmeier iPhone app is really very practical and easy to operate,” said Markus Mühlbacher. “This lets me keep an eye on things at all times, even when I am away."

Wisconsin public buildings centralize security feeds on fiber

Editor / Provider: Milestone Systems | Updated: 4/30/2013 | Article type: Government & Public Services

Brown County in Wisconsin, U.S, has upgraded disparate, time consuming and unreliable DVR systems to an improved system designed to keep workers and public property safe with streamlined efficiency. The county installed a fiber communications network with an IP-based surveillance system. Network cameras from Axis Communications are interconnected through Milestone Systems' VMS. Brown County now efficiently monitors public buildings including the museum, library, courthouse, jail, community treatment center – even the solid waste facilities. At the county's Austin Straubel International Airport, Agent Vi analytics was integrated with the VMS platform for critical alerts. Technology Resource Advisors (TRA) installed and designed the future-proofed VMS with multi-phase scalability, and could be integrated with third-party systems.

The county covers 1,372 square kilometers (530 square miles) and is home to the Green Bay Packers, 13 townships, nine villages and two cities. With departments scattered throughout, the new surveillance system had to be centrally administrated and controlled with restricted access from specific areas, enabling all departments to share video, with fast and efficient views of security related events.

“When the information came from TRA about Milestone's IP open platform allowing analytics integrations and other security systems for access control, we were very impressed,” said Kevin Raye, Network Support Manager, Brown County. The Milestone technologies pricing, compatibility with a large variety of cameras were the main reasons why the county chose the surveillance solution.

For users logging in from multiple sites, the central administrators securely and rapidly allow or deny access to views as needed. For example, the community treatment center is a state-licensed psychiatric facility where surveillance may be used for medical instances. Patient privacy concerns are considered, so the assigned roles set up in the system mean that unauthorized users are blocked.

The system's storage capabilities give the flexibility to determine video backup on a camera-by-camera basis. A minimum of 30 days of full video backup is kept for the entire county and can be adjusted if archived images are required for longer periods.

"We were able to develop a solution that combined multiple aspects including Milestone federated architecture and Agent Vi analytics to fit the large-scale needs of Brown County,” stated Tom Reminga, CTO, TRA.

Throughout the international airport, an analytics system from Milestone Solutions Partner Agent Vi has been integrated with the VMS. Rather than stationing TSA agents or security guards at additional checkpoints in the airport, Agent Vi's real-time detection and alert software monitors the video footage for predefined security scenarios. When an event is detected, an alert is sent to the VMS, which triggers various actions including live video pop up from the relevant camera.

Agent Vi's analytics are used in other applications at the airport, including ‘sterile zone' monitoring where the analytics system alerts security personnel of movement by people in restricted areas. This enables an immediate response in line with the level of threat associated with the event.

The runways also use Axis thermal IP cameras to monitor the movement of airplanes, service vehicles and personnel. The analytics system analyzes the images provided by the thermal cameras to differentiate between people, vehicles and static objects. Here the system has been predefined to detect and alert when there are people present in a vehicle-only lane, while disregarding the movement of vehicles in that area.

Tyco Security redefining security experience

Editor / Provider: Tyco Security Products | Updated: 4/30/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Tyco Security Products, part of Tyco,  will introduce several new innovations at IFSEC 2013 that extend the company's commitment to creating intuitive ways for customers to instinctively manage their holistic security environments.

Leading the innovation charge for the company is a new feature-rich hybrid intrusion platform from DSC. The new hybrid system, PowerSeries Neo, redefines intrusion security by combining the flexibility of a modular, hardwired system with the simplicity of wireless devices, resulting in the most comprehensive hybrid system available in the market today.

American Dynamics also has big news. It is introducing a new suite of VideoEdge recording platforms, including a powerful Hybrid, along with client management systems that dispel the “big business only” mentality, and provide a refreshing way for customers to interact with and manage their video. Married with the vastly growing portfolio of Illustra IP cameras, American Dynamics now offers IP solutions for a wide variety of applications.

Kantech, well-known for its fresh, ultra-easy approach to security, will showcase its latest version of EntraPass which includes support for the EntraPass Go mobile app and EntraPass Web, an intuitive web browser interface – providing the ultimate in security portability and flexibility.

CEM Systems will showcase emerald, the industry's most advanced multifunctional intelligent access terminal. As an innovative touch screen reader and controller in one, emerald provides built-in VoIP intercom functionality and intuitive remote applications that uniquely provide information tools and security intelligence at the door.

Many of the other brands of Tyco Security Products are introducing important new technologies, all developed with intuitive management in mind:

Software House will showcase its new single-reader version of the popular iSTAR Edge Controller. This new controller utilises PoE to leverage existing network infrastructure, which dramatically reduces installation costs – costs that can quickly get exorbitant for a company looking for an enterprise solution.

CEM Systems will also exhibit version 6.7 software release of the powerful AC2000 integrated security management system, offering a host of integrations and enhanced AC2000 WEB functionality. CEM's industry leading Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) access control solution will also be on display along with CEM's intelligent reader range, including the S3030 portable hand-held reader.

Elpas is introducing new Intrusion Detection Transmitters as well as Asset Protection Tags for laptops that provide real-time monitoring and tracking of high value mobile assets.

Visonic will debut PowerMaster interactive, offering enhanced interactive capabilities that allow simple and intuitive control of the Visonic PowerMaster system. Relying on the Visonic's unique PowerManage platform, PowerMaster interactive provides a complete suite of remote mobile devices, enabling service providers to manage their customer base efficiently and cost effectively, whilst allowing end users convenient and remote interaction with their smart home devices.

Bentel Security will introduce, among its wide range of intrusion systems and devices, the new ABSOLUTA M-TOUCH touchscreen keypad that provides a 7” full colour display with easily customised, intuitive menu driven screens. The new ABSOLUTA App, available in free and PRO versions, enables users to quickly and efficiently control their ABSOLUTA control panels remotely from anywhere through their smartphone.

Geutebruck NVR gets a hot-swap mount

Editor / Provider: Geutebruck | Updated: 4/30/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Geutebruck's new re_porter-IP/XRdB is designed as an attractive solution for situations where it is necessary or desirable to review image data outside the network. Its two 2TB hard disks are configured for RAID level 1 so they store identical data. One disk is built in, but the other sits in a sturdy hot swap mount which can be removed with the system still running. This hot swap facility enables you to evaluate the whole database at another station, completely separately, away from the CCTV system and the network. The GSCSpeedView-XRdB evaluation and playback station has been specially conceived for this purpose. - With one hard disk removed, the re_porter-IP/XRdB continues to operate storing all video data on its fixed disk until a new HDD is inserted and it can automatically mirror the data onto the new HDD.

This system was developed to meet the particular needs of a video surveillance operator with remote sites where there is no network or where the video is to be reviewed by police or other third parties who have no access rights to the operator's network.

If an incident is reported at a remote location monitored by the re_porter_XRdB then the video surveillance operator informs the police or other security service provider. An officer goes to the site, taking along an empty hard disk unit. To swap the hard disks over, he presses the button on the front, waits a second or two until the flashing light goes out, then uses a special key to release the disk unit, which can then be pulled out and replaced with the empty one. When the key is turned again and the button depressed, the system automatically mirrors the recorded video onto the new disk. The officer takes the recorded disk to the reviewing station where he just inserts the disk, turns the activation key and the recorded video material can be displayed.

Hungarian telco beefs up security with networked solution

Editor / Provider: Hikvision Digital Technology | Updated: 4/29/2013 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Hungary's telecommunication services provider Magyar Telekom (akin to AT&T in the U.S.) recently improved security at its shops in Budapest, with the deployment of an IP-based security system. Local system integrator Riel Elektronikai implemented the system consisting of Hikvision cameras and NVRs.

Magyar's T-Pont stores throughout Hungary provided a special security challenge, due to its function as a retail outlet, and the nature of the product, IT intensive facilities that required separate security systems. A unique NVR was needed to address the telecom's needs of separating its surveillance system network from its IT network.

Bernat Solyom, Technical PM at Riel chose an embedded NVR to achieve the goal. “There were a number of important requirements, but the NVR's dual Ethernet ports allowed us to utilize two networks – one for T-Pont's video surveillance system and one for its IT needs,” said Solyom. Another challenge presented was storage and live streaming, due to the many cameras connected to the NVR. Solyom also noted the NVR's internal storage capabilities offered cost-savings and increased efficiency.

"This NVR allows management and security staff at Magya's headquarters to access the live video stream and view/save/download all of their Hikvision-integrated T-Pont stores throughout the country,” explained Solyom. “This streaming capability is critical to this particular solution and Magyar needs.”

For monitoring of the retail shops, the integrator chose 2.0-megapixel anti-vandal IR domes and 2.0 megapixel CMOS-based network cameras. The anti-vandal domes were used primarily for overall surveillance at the stores and installed on the main floor, entrances and cashier areas. Since each T-Pont store had multiple cashier locations, the domes were deployed adjacent of the areas to provide coverage of these vulnerable areas. “The anti-vandal domes work well with our chosen NVR unit and the two-megapixel resolution is very important for the cash area,” explained Solyom. “Not only can we can we monitor the actual transaction in great resolution, we can also identify individuals, should any future problems arise.”

Additionally, the domes design provides discreet monitoring, as its white appearance blends in well with the shop's ceilings. The dome is installed in the ceilings making it less visible, and providing an overall friendlier customer shopping experience. Complimenting this dome is the CMOS-based network camera that has a primary objective of deterring shoplifting. Due to these differing goals, this network camera is prominently placed in areas that historically have had high theft issues.

Since most T-Pont stores are located in large Budapest shopping malls, surveillance of back doors becomes extra important. Not only is this the main entrance or exit for employees, it also serves a variety of logistical needs. On top of this, the server room also plays a vital role at these stores. To cover these areas, another 2.0-megapixel anti-vandal dome with low light sensitivity was deployed to cover surveillance for these areas. The camera is capable of functioning in zero-light environments and provides is fit for outdoor or dark room environments.

Australian shopping mall operator locks down back-of-house operations with high tech

Editor / Provider: Morse Watchmans | Updated: 4/29/2013 | Article type: Commercial Markets

At Westfield Shopping Centers throughout Australia, the organization has implemented a key control and management solution with fingerprint biometrics that allows pre-approved personnel streamlined access to and from authorized center locations with comprehensive monitoring and report functionality. The solution is based on Morse Watchmans' key control and management system integrated with the National Work Authorization and Induction Training (NoWAIT) fingerprint recognition system, and was rolled out in shopping centers throughout Australia since late 2012.

Developed for Westfield by Blue Glue, an Australian system integrator, and their technology partner Morse Australia, the biometric security system known as contractor and visitor validation system seamlessly integrates with existing key control and management system for secure issuance of keys to pre-authorized individuals while touchscreen video technology provides for safety messaging to staff.
 
"Key control and management is an essential element in administering the security aspects of a large retail property,” said Alan Jones, Director, Blue Glue. The integrated solution at Westfield puts together Morse's key control with biometric technology and real time, centralized remote monitoring for an optimized system to enhance the security of back-of-house and operational areas.
 
With the new system, contractors, consultants and others will no longer have to sign in and wait for a key to be issued. Emergencies that occur during off hours can be more readily acted upon because contractors can access keys without having to wait for property management to arrive on scene. Enrollment in the system is through fingerprint identification and a one-time registration allows access at any site in the program. The system additionally issues a durable identification wristband with the name, date and time stamp and all access activity is recorded for auditing purposes.
 
According to Jones, a range of Westfield properties had been using Morse key control cabinets for the past 10 years to store, release and track keys used throughout a property. With the Morse's key control and management system, each key is locked into place inside the key cabinet using a locking device which has an integrated chip, so a user can only remove a key which he or she has permission to use. The other keys stored in the cabinet remain locked in place when the user enters his or her access code or scans their card or fingerprint. In doing so, the Morse system automatically controls who is able to use which keys.
 
Because the key control and management system was designed for interoperability with other systems, Blue Glue was able to seamlessly integrate the NoWAIT biometric system and have control through their Blue Glue net enterprise. “Key control and management system is a quality product with an RS-232 communications port and the assistance provided by Morse Australia for the protocols made the integration process very easy,” Jones added.
 
Proof of concept trials were performed at four shopping centers in the Sydney area and, based on their success, the program was rolled out on a national basis in late 2012.

Samsung Techwin updates VMS

Editor / Provider: Samsung Techwin | Updated: 4/29/2013 | Article type: Security 50

A recently introduced updated version of Samsung Techwin's SmartViewer Central Management Software is able to support the company's IP network video surveillance devices, as well as its analogue cameras, domes and DVRs

SmartViewer V4.0 is designed for video surveillance systems with up to 36 cameras and enables any authorised user with access to the Internet to view live or search for recorded video captured by connected cameras via a Samsung DVR or NVR.

Users can choose to simultaneously display images from up to 16 cameras in various split-screen modes and can save a ‘favourite' configuration for future use.

A key feature of SmartViewer V4.0 is a device manager which automatically scans for connected IP cameras, encoders and NVRs and enables the importing/exporting of device settings. It also facilitates the remote updating of a device's firmware and can therefore save time and money by negating the need for an installer to carry out a site visit. Other user-friendly features include drag & drop camera selection, H.264, MPEG-4 and MJPEG support, a real-time event list and a 24 language display.

"Customers will find SmartViewer V4.0 very easy to use,” said Peter Ainsworth, Senior Product Manager for Samsung Techwin Europe. “Our software engineers have given it the look and feel, and in many respects it is a simplified version of, our SSM (Samsung Security Manager) software which we know from customer feedback is helping users worldwide achieve maximum benefit from their video surveillance systems.”