Avigilon on adaptive IR

Editor / Provider: Avigilon | Updated: 5/24/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Lighting is one of the most important factors in image quality. As it gets darker, a surveillance camera's ability to capture evidentiary detail such as faces and licence plates rapidly decreases. In order to overcome this, artificial sources of light can be added to the scene, the most common of which is IR illumination.

While the human eye can detect visible light in the ranges of 390 to 750 nanometer (nm), IR light is at a higher wavelength (typically 850 nm), making it invisible to the human eye while providing the camera the ability to “see.” Since IR light has a higher wavelength than the color spectrum, the resulting image will be in monochrome (black and white), but can capture crucial detail in complete darkness.

However, using IR as a source of illumination has a few side effects. For example, the IR illumination must be calibrated to the camera's field of view to provide the most effective illumination over the entire imaging area and remove unwanted side effects such as hotspotting and dark edges. This calibration is especially problematic when using a camera with a varifocal lens, as the camera's field of view changes based on the position of the lens' focal length. Another challenge of using IR as a source of illumination is that objects that come close to the source quickly become oversaturated and evidentiary detail can be obscured.

Advances in camera technology, notably adaptive IR technology, can help overcome these challenges and improve the quality of the evidence captured in the image. This paper provides an overview of the adaptive IR technologies currently available, their purpose, and their short comings.

Adaptive IR technology
There are many cameras in the market, both analog and IP, that offer integrated IR.However, almost all of these cameras provide only static IR settings that cannot be changed to meet different environments.

Avigilon's Adaptive IR technology combines multiple adaptive processes:
Content Adaptive – Optimizes camera settings dynamically based on changes in the imaging area to improve the quality of the evidence captured through two methods:

Oversaturation Detection: Removes oversaturation while reducing motion blur and providing more effect license plate illumination.

Ignoring Background Oversaturation: Ignores stationary oversaturated areas to provide the most detail of moving objects, even in the darker regions of the image.

Zoom Adaptive
When a camera comes with a varifocal lens, for example a three-nine mm lens, the user has the ability to change the field of view of the camera, narrowing the size of the area covered as the camera is zoomed in.

When using IR light to illuminate the imaging area, a camera with zoom adaptive IR technology will dynamically focus the IR light to the area covered by the camera. As a result, as we zoom in, the IR beam angle is focused along with the lens, to illuminate an area that is smaller but farther away. Without zoom adaptive technology, the manufacturer sets the camera's IR illumination to a pre-set beam angle, covering a fixed distance and area, generally somewhere between the two ends of the lens' focal length.

When IR settings are fixed, the illumination area cannot be changed based on the camera's field of view. As a result, static IR only provides optimum illumination when the camera is at the same zoom position as the IR illumination area. If the camera's field of view is wider than the illumination area (the camera is zoomed out further), edges of the imaging area will not be illuminated and important detail can be lost. On the other hand, if the camera's field of view is narrower than the illumination area (the camera is zoomed in further), IR light is being wasted on areas not captured by the camera. As a result, less light is available for the imaging area. This creates darker, noisier, and less-detailed images.

Zoom adaptive IR ensures uniform illumination over the entire imaging area at every zoom position, and eliminates wasted IR by focusing all the available IR to the camera's imaging area.

Content Adaptive
While zoom adaptive technology provides the most effective illumination based on the angle of view of the camera, during operations, the camera's imaging area can change dramatically. Changes can come from either subjects moving through the scene or from other sources of illumination. Avigilon's content adaptive technology dynamically adjusts the camera's settings based on the changes within the imaging area to improve the quality of the evidence captured through the two methods of oversaturation detection and ignoring background oversaturation.

Oversaturation Detection
At any given time, a camera can “see” objects within a specific range of lighting conditions. Let's say you have a light source in the corner of the room and three objects at different distances from the light source.

Automatic Settings
The camera's automatic mode will set the camera's settings based on the average scene illumination. The most likely result is that the second object is clearly displayed while the other two objects are either oversaturated or completely dark.

Shortest Exposure
Some camera features, such as backlight compensation and exposure, allow the user to bias that range towards darker or brighter lighting conditions. For example, the camera's shortest exposure will likely display the first object clearly but leave the other two objects completely dark.

Longest Exposure
The camera's longest exposure will likely display the last object clearly but leave the other two objects oversaturated.

WDR
Cameras with WDR can see objects within a larger range of lighting conditions. However, this range is still limited as it clearly displays the first two objects, while leaving the last object in the dark.

Content adaptive technology adjusts the image brightness to the part of the image that is of most interest (moving objects) by ignoring the parts that are least interesting (stationary oversaturated objects such as street lamps).

Since WDR cameras can see a wider range of illumination, a larger portion of objects within the scene will have appropriate brightness and therefore adjusting the image brightness for specific objects will have a smaller effect on the overall picture. On the other hand, cameras without WDR have a much smaller range of illumination and adapting the image brightness for specific objects is likely to result in a much bigger difference in the image.

While cameras with WDR feature will still experience the benefits of Content Adaptive technology, those cameras without WDR feature will experience a larger benefit in similar lighting conditions.

Achieving the right level of illumination on objects of interest is particularly important when using IR illumination at night or in dark environments. Since the general environment is extremely dark and the source of illumination is extremely bright, oversaturation can happen quickly when objects come closer to the camera and the camera is trying to balance what it can see.

Oversaturation is further heightened by the fact that different materials have different light reflectivity properties. For example, license plates and safety vests have highly reflective coatings that will oversaturate the object and its surroundings. Cameras without content adaptive technology will set the camera's imaging settings based on the average illumination in the imaging area. Since most of the imaging area is extremely dark, the average will allow important objects to be oversaturated and detail to be missed.

Cameras offering content adaptive IR technology analyze the relative size of the oversaturated area and will adjust the camera to remove the oversaturation when the area occupied by the object is large enough. This technology effectively prevents objects closer to the camera from becoming oversaturated (since the object occupies a larger area in the image) and ignores oversaturation that is caused by a light source (car lights or street lamps in the background). It is a very effective way of ensuring that the objects you care most about have the right level of illumination and detail.

Content Adaptive Technology (Avigilon HD Bullet Camera)
There are two predominant ways to remove oversaturation, each with its own strengths and side effects. The first way is to decrease the brightness of the IR illumination. Since the object is most likely oversaturated as a result of the camera's IR illumination, decreasing the IR illumination is an effective way of removing the oversaturation.

The second way is to reduce the camera's exposure. Exposure controls the amount of time that the sensor is exposed to light. Reducing the exposure reduces the amount of light entering the sensor for any given frame, and as a result effectively removes the oversaturation. The important thing to note is that in both of these cases, the overall image will be darker, as in the first case the amount of light illuminating the scene is reduced, and in the second case, the amount of light entering the sensor is reduced.

However, since you generally care more about objects closer to the camera rather than background objects, this is a very effective trade-off in the surveillance industry. Each of these methods of removing oversaturation, namely decreasing IR illumination and reducing the camera's exposure, has its own advantages. If there are other sources of light brightening the background of your scene, reducing the IR illumination allows the image's background to remain as bright as afforded by your other light sources. On the other hand, when you reduce exposure, the entire image will be darker.

There are also a number of advantages to reducing exposure rather than IR illumination. First, high exposure results in blurriness when objects in the scene are moving; therefore, reducing exposure provides sharper images of moving objects within the scene. In surveillance, the objects you generally care most about are those that are moving; for example a person entering the scene or a car going through it. Lowering exposure can make a large difference in both of these cases as motion blur can hide facial detail and obscure license plates.

Another advantage of reducing exposure rather than IR illumination is evident when capturing a license plate on a car, even if the car is not moving. As shown in the diagram below, a car's license plate is located between two headlights that are very bright sources of illumination. However, since that illumination is shining away from the license plate, the plate itself is not being illuminated. (Figure images courtesy of Avigilon.)
 

Honeywell IP cams now ONVIF Profile S compliant

Editor / Provider: Honeywell Security | Updated: 5/24/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Honeywells newly expanded line of IP cameras gives you unlimited possibilities to choose whats right for every camera installation. Designed with open IP standards, Honeywell ONVIF Profile S network cameras offer superb picture quality and ensure full interoperability through seamless integration with our portfolio of MAXPRO NVRs as well as third-party NVRs.

Seamless Integration
- Integrate with the full line of MAXPRO NVRs: XE, SE and PE
- Ensure full interoperability by using Honeywell IP cameras with ONVIF-compliant vendor NVRs like Exacq Technologies, Milestone, Genetec and more
- Easily manage devices with fully ONVIF-compliant Profile S protocol cameras

Increased Flexibility
- See more detail when viewing moving objects with progressive scan video - Get significant storage savings without sacrificing image quality through Digital Noise Reduction (DNR)
- Reduce installation time with quick and easy setup through a Web client or NVR

Expanded IP Camera Offering
- Meet exact application needs through a complete IP line of equIP Series and Performance Series cameras
- Enjoy exceptional picture quality with true day/night cameras available in 1080p and 720p wide
- IP/IR Bullet and dome cameras allow you to see in complete darkness

HID Global earns security printer certification from global standards body Instergraf

Editor / Provider: HID Global | Updated: 5/24/2013 | Article type: Security 50

HID Global announced that its card manufacturing operation in Rastede, Germany has earned the Security Management System for Secure Printing certification from Intergraf, the global standards body for the security printing industry. The certification validates the achievement of a strict security standard for security printers based on data security, print quality and processes as well as on-site facility security. HID Global is one of only a few card manufacturers producing identity credentials for the government-to-citizen market to hold this distinctive status in the world.

“Global security concerns are driving nations to invest in ultra-secure ID systems, which require dedicated security at every step of development and deployment, including the complex high-security printing phase,” said Rob Haslam, vice president of Government ID Solutions with HID Global. “While our highly skilled and experienced team has been delivering state-of-the-art printing at this facility for decades, this certification means that our customers can trust their ID credentials and equipment are built to the highest standards of printing within the card manufacturing market.”

The Rastede facility was accredited after a certification process that included screening, risk inventory and a security audit by an accredited certification body. The certification applies to Rastede's entire product line, including plastic cards, ID badges, ePassport datapages and chip cards (including RFID). Additionally, the auditors certified HID Global Rastede's ID production, access control and loyalty systems as well as its card production equipment and all related services.

“Our dedication to achieving maximum security in the manufacturing and printing of secure documents is evident in major Government ID programs worldwide, including the U.S. Green Card, Angola National ID Card, Italian Federal Police Card, Saudi Arabia National ID Card and Costa Rica Foreign Resident Card,” said Haslam.

HID Global's European manufacturing and R&D operations also includes a facility in Galway, Ireland that designs and produces electronic passport inlays and datapages as well as electronic ID components. The high-security facility is independently certified through the Common Criteria Standard EAL 5+ by the BSI and it complies with Quality Assurance System ISO9001: 2008 Certificate issued by SGS.

Safran names senior executives

Editor / Provider: Safran | Updated: 5/24/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Safran has made several management appointments, effective July 1, 2013.

Yves Leclere named Advisor to the Safran Chairman, Jean-Paul Herteman. He started his career with the Group in 1974, joining Messier as head of international partnerships, then economic affairs in 1978. He was head of purchasing at Messier from 1983 to 1988. At that point he was named CEO of Eram, a Snecma subsidiary specialized in landing gear, with responsibility for restructuring this business.

Jean-Pierre Cojan named Executive VP of Safran, in charge of Strategy and Transformation. He joined Snecma in 1977 as structural design engineer. Starting in 1981 he moved to CFM International (a joint venture with GE) as CFM56 customer manager for military applications. He then returned to Paris in 1985 to take charge of preparations for CFM56 service entry for new customers. In 1988 he was named head of customer support for several major airlines.

Eric Dalbies named VP of Strategy of Safran. He joined Societe Europeenne de Propulsion (SEP, now part of Snecma) in 1992, starting as system design engineer with the advanced engines department, then chief engineer for the HM7 and Vinci.

Olivier Horaist named Deputy Director for European and International Relations (the former International division is now known as the European and International Relations division). He started his career with Snecma, and has held various positions in processes and manufacturing. In 1992 he was named head of the production support department, then head of the sheet-metal and welded-assemblies unit in 1997.

Within this same division, Jean-Paul Jainsky is named VP, reporting to the Executive VP for European and International Relations. He will be in charge of new Group-wide projects, especially in Africa.

Jean-Paul Jainsky started his career with SAT (Societe Anonyme de Telecommunications), where he held several positions in the mechanical manufacturing division, before being named head of production at the Poitiers plant in 1988. He joined the Group in 1994, , being named director of Sagem's Montluson and Poitiers plants. In 1998 he was named VP, in charge of the Security business, then VP, Production and Operations in the Automobile division in 2001.

Philippe Petitcolin will be nominated as Chairman and CEO of Morpho during a meeting of the company's Board of Directors, to be held shortly. Karen Bomba will be in charge of the United States operations for Morpho and her job function will be specified in the coming weeks. Petitcolin retains his position as Chairman of the Board of Sagem.

Bomba began her career at Northrop Corporation's Advanced Systems Division facilities in California as Manufacturing Engineering Manager, She then spent seven years as Business Line Manager for Aircraft Structures, Insulation Products and Carbon-Carbon brakes at Hitco Carbon Composites in Gardena, California. In 2000 she was named Chairman and CEO of Messier-Bugatti USA, a subsidiary of Messier-Bugatti (Safran). In 2008. Karen Bomba joined Zoltek Companies as COO, before retuning to Safran in 2010 as Chairman and CEO of Labinal.

Bruno Even named CEO of Sagem during a meeting of the company's Board of Directors, to be held shortly. Even first engine development project manager, then project manager for deployment of the company's new management information system. In January 2006 he was named VP of Programs at Turbomeca. From 2009 to this latest appointment he was Executive VP for Operator Customers.

Vincent Mascre will be nominated as Chairman and CEO of Messier-Bugatti-Dowty during a meeting of the company's Board of Directors, to be held shortly. Mascre  joined the Group in 1981 as advanced projects engineer with Snecma. After holding several positions in production and management control, Mascre was named deputy director of purchasing. He was then appointed general manager of the Gennevilliers plant in 2002, becoming head of Snecma's rotating parts center of industrial excellence in 2006. He held this position until 2008, when he joined Aircelle (Safran) as Executive VP. He was named Chairman and CEO of Aircelle in 2009.

Helene Moreau-Leroy will be nominated as Chairman and CEO of Hispano-Suiza during a meeting of the company's Board of Directors, to be held shortly. She started her career by holding various management positions in a design department and as international procurement and production manager with major companies such as Thomson and Alstom. In 2003, she joined the Safran Purchasing department as coordinator for forged parts and raw materials. She then moved to Messier-Dowty in 2005 as head of international development of the Supply Chain, before being named Director of the Airbus Business Unit and European Programs in 2008, then VP for Programs at Messier-Bugatti-Dowty in 2011.

Alain Sauret will be nominated as Chairman and CEO of Labinal during a meeting of the company's Board of Directors, to be held shortly. Within the scope of the consolidation of the Group's electrical businesses in a single entity, Alain Sauret will be in charge of the planned merger of Labinal and Safran Power. From 2001 to 2005 he was Chief Executive of the Wiring Europe division. In 2006 he was named Executive Vice President of Labinal, also heading the Engineering, Technology and Strategy division. He moved to Safran as VP, Production in September 2007, and was then named Chairman and CEO of Messier-Bugatti in 2010, then Chairman and CEO of Messier-Bugatti-Dowty in 2011.

Martin Sion will be nominated as Chairman and CEO of Aircelle during a meeting of the company's Board of Directors, to be held shortly. He started his career that year with the Societe Europeenne de Propulsion (SEP, now part of Snecma), where he held the positions of design engineer, combustion department manager, HM7 chief engineer, and head of the combustion component design department. In early 2005 he was named head of engineering for the Snecma Space Engines division, then head of improvement initiatives at Snecma in 2006.

Precise Biometrics names Sales Head for N. America

Editor / Provider: Precise Biometrics | Updated: 5/24/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Precise Biometrics have appointed Jeff Scott as our new Head of Sales North America. Scott will replace our current North America Sales responsible Michael Harris with effect as of today. Scott has a strong background within government and enterprise sales in the US as well as internationally.

Precise Biometrics expect to hire more sales resources in the US in the near future to further support and strengthen our North America sales operations.

The changes furthermore reflect the fact that the US is the largest market for Tactivo sales, and we therefore consider relocating the function Global Head of Tactivo Sales to the US later this year.

Precise Biometrics AB (publ) may be required to disclose the information provided herein pursuant to the Securities Markets Act.

Safran/Morpho strengthens position in bank card sector

Editor / Provider: Safran/Morpho | Updated: 5/24/2013 | Article type: Security 50

By completing the acquisition of American Banknote Corporation's French and Czech subsidiaries last December, Morpho is now playing in the same league as its major competitors in the bank card manufacturing and personalization domain.

“It was vital for us to reinforce our payment card personalization centers network,” analyzed Franck Herault, Senior VP Supply Chain & Manufacturing, Morpho. “Our objective with this acquisition is clear: we aim to secure our strong position in the French market, and also be in a position to compete in the EMEA marketplace.” The objective has been achieved with the acquisition of CPS Technologies, American Banknote Corporation's French subsidiary, Morpho now has the stature required to credibly address the biggest banks in France. Morpho will also offer them new products and a new range of services integrating additional features. Meanwhile, with the acquisition of ABnote Czech, Morpho will benefit from the 12% growth per year in the banking market in Eastern Europe.

“Our customers are strongly pushing us to have an active back-up like our main competitors. It is a key point for them to select the right partner,” emphasized Herault. “The acquisition of ABnote Europe is definitively a key milestone in our industrial strategy to move from ‘industrial centers' to ‘service centers'.”

Long-standing partnership
If this acquisition is an eminently strategic move, it also makes sense on a human level. “Morpho has very strong ties with these two companies because our partnership actually stretches back to 1998,” explained Philippe Delanoue, former CEO of ABnote Europe and currently Senior VP, France Banking, Morpho. A complementary relationship was forged by working on both sides of the plastic cards supply chain: Morpho manufactured the cards and CPS Technologies personalized them. Moreover, the CPS Technologies site had become the biggest and most state-of-the-art personalization bureau in Europe, a true asset for the two partners.

“During all these years our teams have learned how to better understand their common market and how to provide appropriate solutions. This period also allowed our management teams to stretch strong links based on fair trust,” Delanoue continued. “In view of our backgrounds and the changes in the market, the timing was right to strike this deal to enable Morpho to ride this new wave of growth in the banking sector. It is obvious that the perfect match of the skills and knowledge that we now have in common will bring a new dynamic that will benefit to our customers. We are now ready to support them to build a smart future.”

Telling industrial IP cams apart

Editor / Provider: Basler | Updated: 5/23/2013 | Article type: Tech Corner

Industrial (machine vision) cameras are used for a variety of industrial quality assurance and process control applications, according to a recent white paper written by Bjorn Webe, PM of IP Cameras at Basler. They give machines the power of sight, which is a major enabling factor for quality assurance in production processes. What many industrial camera users don't know: network cameras, also known as IP cameras, are also an effective tool for monitoring production processes.

Typical Characteristics of a Network Camera
With network cameras, the reproduced images are inherently optimized for human viewing as well as for long-term storage of the data. To ensure this last aspect, the image data is compressed while still in the camera. This is beneficial on the one hand because it cuts down on the amount of storage space needed to archive the videos. On the other hand it also reduces the necessary bandwidth overhead for video transmission and allows the cameras to be used even in budget-minded networks built around low levels of capacity. For this reason various cameras can run parallel to one another.

Network cameras compress the image data within the camera.
Advantage: requires less bandwidth and less storage space.
Network cameras have another major benefit: uncomplicated operation. Once the IP camera is connected to a network, any computer on that network can then access its images by entering the camera's IP address into a browser. This makes it easy for an electrician to mount and activate the cameras. While industrial cameras offer a very broad spectrum of configurations and are often more complicated, network cameras are relatively simple, with a viewing angle and focus factor all that's needed for immediate use.

Network cameras can be used effectively anywhere where production processes or movement sequences (of any kind) are to be filmed and monitored by a human observer. They are especially well suited for applications that require good image quality despite changing light, weather or temperature conditions. IP cameras are especially crucial if the image data is to be stored.

Ideal Uses for Network Cameras
Given their technical properties, network cameras are the perfect choice for use in monitoring tasks. These range from classical video surveillance to anti-theft and anti-vandalism applications, as well as controlling of production processes and workflows and traffic monitoring. IP cameras are also well suited for remote control of machinery, cars and robots. The different characteristics are decisive for achieving optimal results with the different applications:

• For video surveillance it is especially important that the cameras deliver good images despite changeable or poor lighting conditions. Casinos, for example, are typically set up with dim lighting yet have strict quality standards to ensure safety.
• Cameras for traffic monitoring and video surveillance are frequently subjected to outdoor conditions, which means that the cameras must be able to adjust automatically for a wide range of light conditions. They must also be robust enough to handle both moisture and large fluctuations in temperature.
• In the surveillance field it's a benefit to have multiple network cameras running simultaneously. An observer in a central location can use the cameras to gain an overview of the different areas — from building and traffic management to monitoring of production workflows, such as for the printing and courier industries.
• Network cameras are especially well suited for use in the logistics and transport fields, since they are easy to integrate into existing video management systems.
• No local PC is required to examine the image data from a network camera, allowing them to be used in difficult-to-access spots (such as tunnels), locations subjected to extreme conditions (heat, cold, hazards), or far away from the control center (traffic hubs, etc.).. Because network cameras compress their image data for better storage, they are an excellent choice for a wide variety of areas where “documented proof” must be stored for extended periods. This is particularly true for traffic violation cameras, events such as soccer matches and surveillance videos.

Gainspan unveils development kit for wireless surveillance

Editor / Provider: GainSpan | Updated: 5/23/2013 | Article type: Component

GainSpan Corporation, a supplier in ultra-low power Wi-Fi connectivity for the Internet of Things, introduced a complete reference design for wireless video streaming applications such as remote security/surveillance cameras, car back-up cameras and video baby monitors. The new Video Application Development Kit (ADK) speeds and simplifies design and integration of video streaming services into end products based on GainSpan Wi-Fi modules.

GainSpan's Video ADK includes hardware and software that help reduce the time needed to develop products that deliver live video over Wi-Fi. With the development kit, users can stream the video feed from a Wi-Fi enabled camera to an iOS or Android based smartphone.

Included in the Video ADK is a video application board, complete hardware design package and software suite with reference source code for the embedded video application, and iOS and Android based mobile applications. An Application Evaluation Kit (AEK) is also available that provides a binary version of the software and video mobile application.

The Video application board features the GainSpan GS1011M Wi-Fi module that communicates with an H.264 video compression chip (VGA resolution at 30 frames per second) over the SPI bus, a VGA camera and imaging sensor module, a motion detector, a single snapshot trigger button, a WPS/Provisioning button for easy set-up of the wireless network and mode indicator LEDs. The GainSpan embedded software running on the Wi-Fi module offers complete Wi-Fi functionality including the networking stack and services and wireless security. It supports mDNS/DNS-SD based device and service discovery that allows users to automatically discover and connect to the embedded video profile. In addition, it includes provisioning software that allows configuration of the Wi-Fi module in Limited AP or Client modes, and supports over-the-air firmware upgrades.

Offering flexibility of design and customization, the new kit provides hardware and software building blocks that provide a starting point for product development while allowing the developer to add application software and services, and customize the end product's user interface. With the reference source code included in the kit, customers can rapidly build custom features suited to their video applications.

"IP video surveillance cameras will soon represent over 50% of the video surveillance market and the demand for Wi-Fi based cameras has increased significantly due to ease of installation. With our Video ADK we've made it simple for customers to develop battery operated or line powered Wi-Fi cameras that can be activated through motion control" said Bernard Aboussouan , vice president of marketing at GainSpan. "This is the latest ADK featuring a complete end application that we've brought to market and, like our other ADKs, is designed to help customers get their products and services to market quickly and reliably."

In addition to the new Video ADK, GainSpan offers six other application development kits: a Smartplug ADK, Audio ADK, Temperature and Light Sensors ADK, Renesas Wi-Fi Sensor ADK, and functional ADKs such as Provisioning and Over-the-Air Firmware Update.

Tracking European karting championship tracks

Editor / Provider: Dallmeier electronic | Updated: 5/23/2013 | Article type: Government & Public Services

Noted for its size and professional chicanes, the ProKart Raceland karting circuit at Wackersdorf, Germany recently deployed five multisensor camera system to cover its 9.88 acres racing circuit (40,000 square meters) ahead of the FIA-CIK European Championship for the KZ class from 17 to 20 May 2013. The system was installed by Elektro-Kunz, a German company responsible for network and building engineering systems on the track for years.

The Raceland karting circuit is a “multipurpose” track. It is one of the largest karting circuits in Germany, and is regularly used to host international race meetings. With an impressive length of 1,222 metres and a width that varies between nine and 12 metres, the professional track challenges drivers with eight right-handed and six left-handed curves, requiring total concentration and stamina.

But apart from an exciting racing experience, the considerable size of the track also presents a major challenge for the video cameras. “We are operating a professional racing circuit here, and naturally this means that we also implement only the latest technology and the highest quality when it comes to security,” said Stephan Fritsch, the owner of ProKart Raceland.

Instead of setting up multiple cameras at various locations all over the premises, Fritsch settled on Dallmeier electronic's multisensor camera system in a cascade arrangement to deliver a panoramic overview through more than 180 degrees, thus covering the entire racing circuit from a single installation position.

"Cooperation with Dallmeier was excellent, especially when you realise that the entire project from initial discussions to the actual installation of the panoramic cameras was completed in the space of just a few weeks,” said Michael Karl, a representative of Elektro-Kunz. “This meant that we succeeded in commissioning the new video system, including the recording servers, in time for the European Championship meeting, despite the tight deadline.”

One of the great advantages of the new cameras is the ease which they are installed, and since only one installation site is required it saves not only wiring costs but amount of work involved, said Karl. So the stage was set for an exciting weekend of racing without a hitch. For a summary of this case study, please see video.

Hikvision launches IR network series for up to 50 meters

Editor / Provider: Hikvision | Updated: 5/23/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Hikvision expanded its low-light camera portfolio with the unveil of a new series of state-of-the-art surveillance cameras – the DS-2CD855-EI3 and DS-2CD855-EI5 2MP IR Bullet Camera – which are specifically designed as the perfect low-light, night-time, and completely dark monitoring solution, featuring IR range of 30m and 50m respectively.

This series is engineered to provide smooth, full HD 1080p video streaming with a 1/2.8 inch progressive scan CMOS. Combined with Super Low-light Technology and an IR cut filter with auto switch, this camera series is capable of delivering sharp images even in the absence of lighting. A valuable assurance that no detail is left undetected. The DS-2CD855-EI3 offers an IR range of up-to 30m, while the DS-2CD855-EI5 has a 50m IR range, with both offering a minimum illumination of 0.05 Lux @F.12 and 0 Lux with IR. Images are further enhanced by Hikvision's 3D DNR (Digital Noise Reduction) functionality, greatly reducing both noise and motion blur.

These two cameras deliver multiple, individually configurable video streams in H.264 compression, greatly optimizing bandwidth and storage without compromising on image quality. MPEG4 and MJPEG are supported for increased flexibility. ONVIF, CGI, and PSIA protocols are also supported for the integration of other equipment and to meet differing surveillance requirements.

Both models are suited for detail-specific environments, such as finance and air transportation sectors that require precise video information. Additionally, with both cameras sporting an IP66 rating, outdoor environments suffering from rain, dust, and other challenging elements (such as ports, car parks, and other similarly exposed environments) are not a concern for either the DS-2CD855-EI3 2MP IR Bullet Camera or the DS-2CD855-EI5 2MP IR Bullet Camera.