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.

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.

Idis launches bundled VMS

Editor / Provider: Idis | Updated: 5/21/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Idis has announced, during Ifsec International, that it will bundle Idis Center VMS at no extra cost, as part of its DirectIP HD video surveillance solutions. The bundled offering provides customers with a complete VMS to install, configure, integrate and operate DirectIP solutions without licensing fees or complexity.

“VMS has too often become synonymous with cost and complexity within the industry. By bundling IdisCenter we are offering customers a true one-stop-shop solution without the need for expert IT or network skills, nor the cost involved in buying and renewing software licences,” noted Brian Song, MD of Idis.

Idis Center provides customers with plug-and-play management software to install and operate network cameras, NVRs and servers. Through an intuitive user interface very similar to that of traditional analogue systems, users are able to view live video and playback simultaneously. Idis Center further provides real-time event notification to improve incident response times, as well as a panic recording feature. The system provides easy and fast installation and configuration of up to 1024 devices and enables hassle-free maintenance via remote software upgrades.

Song commented, “This further builds on the Idis commitment to deliver simple, cost effective end-to-end HD video surveillance through our DirectIP solutions, all built on the quality and performance Idis customers the world over have come to expect.”

EverFocus partners with Digiever for better networked solutions

Editor / Provider: EverFocus Electronics | Updated: 5/17/2013 | Article type: Security 50

EverFocus is pleased to announce their new partnership with Digiever. For almost 20 years, EverFocus has been a leading integrated security solution manufacturer of CCTV cameras, DVRs, HDcctv, IP surveillance solutions, access control systems, as well as surveillance and access control peripherals. With Digiever DIGISTOR NVR series' support, EverFocus' network cameras can now satisfy various surveillance scenarios requests, and users can easily adapt the operation under more circumstances.

Established in 1995, EverFocus has been working diligently in the security business for almost 20 years now, with branches in the US, Germany, UK, Japan, India and China, EverFocus provides rapid response with optimal solutions to meet customers' satisfaction. The skilled R&D team works diligently to bring safety to our life through innovative ideas and advanced technology.

"We are pleased to gain an innovative partner in Digiever. This corroboration helps us to provide robust and powerful solutions for a wide range of applications. Digiever's platform is able to maximize benefits of the full lineup of EverFocus cameras, and allows us to bring value to an even wider customer base." said Joe Jen, Manager at EverFocus. The integration of EverFocus and Digiever is exciting, as it is the first cooperation for both parties. It will bring better service and more satisfied solution for more customers.

"We are excited by the integration between Digiever and EverFocus, as the integration has been smooth and successful. The integration with EverFocus provides users of both parties with solid surveillance bundle solution” said Allen Tseng, Product Manager of Digiever. "As the most reliable and ideal provider of Linux-based standalone NVR solution, Digiever keeps working on expanding the compatibility of IP cameras from reputed global brands and continues to support IP camera partners. Digiever devotes to giving users experience of more efficient network surveillance solutions. "

EverFocus works closely with third party technology partners to satisfy customers' needs in vertical markets such as mobile, city surveillance and banking solutions.

Analog cameras remain resilient

Editor / Provider: Memoori Business Intelligence | Updated: 5/16/2013 | Article type: Hot Topics

According to a Memoori Business Intelligence article, just about every angle on the battle between analog and network cameras must now have been covered. Strange then that every time someone proclaims the death of analog, up pops another reason to protect and extend its life. It just doesn't want to lie down and die.

In a recent IPVM investigation the number one cited problem in going to IP cameras (gained from interviews with over 100 integrators in the US), was an emphatic “Price Price Price”. It seems that as fast as IP prices fall, analog prices falls faster. Whilst it is important to continue the drive to reduce manufacturing costs this will not win the battle. The strong growing penetration by IP into the analog market will continue to erode its traditional market.

Analog may have enjoyed a respite, as many heritage estates have held back going to IP because of the poor economic trading conditions in the west and analog systems have seen significant growth in the consumer market. But if you want to see where the profit is being made look to the IP manufacturers. Those realizing poor growth and profitability are the analog manufacturers in the developed markets of the world.

We no longer see any arguments extolling the virtues of analog over IP cameras, unlike a few years ago, there is now no doubt that it is ‘better' than analog because it provides the full solution needed by a surveillance system. Higher pixel counts, panoramic imaging, edge recording, far improved low light performance, the wealth of form factors and manufacturers to choose from all make IP cameras the clear choice for high end surveillance and now the medium sector.

However the benefits of IP have to be sold right throughout the distribution chain down to the end-user. If that chain breaks at any point then the message that IP offers additional benefits will not be heard. The dealers and distributors that are essentially “box shifters” will see the first time cost as critical and will promote such products.

IP systems need to be sold on solution capability and not price. The reasons for this are clearly laid out in the article "Security Systems in the Channel: What will Tomorrow's Distribution Model Look Like.”

The new reality here is that it is time to start focusing on ‘services' and ‘data', not on hardware costs. It's no longer about how clear the picture is, that's taken for granted, but about the data and information in that picture, and how to share this information with the right people.

Indiana police deter criminal activity and vandalism with IP eyes

Editor / Provider: Avigilon | Updated: 5/16/2013 | Article type: Government & Public Services

The Pittsboro Police Department (PPD) in Pittsboro, Indiana has deployed a HD surveillance system with remote monitoring capabilities to monitor key areas across town to reduce the threat of criminal mischief, vandalism and boost community safety. The comprehensive system consists of an Avigilon panoramic dome, VMS, and analog video encoders.

“We have had a few incidents of vandalism and even assault in the past that we were unable to successfully investigate because of the lack of coverage and poor image quality of our previous analog-based surveillance system,” explained Lieutenant Scott King of the Pittsboro Police Department. The new HD surveillance system has helped the department save time and boosted investigation success.

All police officers and the chief of police manage the surveillance system from their desktops using VMS. The PPD installed a 180 degree HD panoramic dome in the town's main intersection to monitor vehicular and pedestrian traffic. They also deployed several analog video encoders to improve image quality and manageability of existing analog cameras to cover the parking lot, entrances, exits, and other high-traffic areas in Scamahorn Park. An Avigilon NVR stores 30 days of continuous video. PPD officers also use mobile VMS to monitor the cameras remotely from their Android phones. Pittsboro plans to expand the HD surveillance system to other key areas across town in the future.

The PPD can investigate incidents much quicker than before, freeing up police officers to focus on other aspects of community safety. The PPD has achieved higher identification success and conviction rates because officers can identify suspects and incidents with greater accuracy and are more likely to recoup costs for the time and materials needed to clean up vandalism or repair damaged property.

“Dedicated to ensuring the safety of its residents, the PPD faces the same security challenges of any big city, including the growing threat of vandalism and criminal mischief,” said Bryan Schmode, Executive VP of Global Sales at Avigilon. “The Avigilon HD surveillance system enables the PPD to identify incidents with greater success, achieve higher conviction rates, and save costs to ultimately enhance community safety.”

Mediterranean leisure port secures luxury lifestyle with style

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 5/15/2013 | Article type: Infrastructure

To protect customer assets, leading Mediterranean leisure port, Port Adriano in Spain, recently replaced its analog video surveillance system with an IP-based system consisting a total of 45 Axis Communications network and thermal cameras during port expansions and refurbishment. Axis partner and installer for the project Estel Ingeniería y Obras installed the surveillance system, and deployed a fiber optics infrastructure which, apart from serving as a network for marina services, extends to the moorings, the new surveillance system at the port. The port originally built in 1974 was refurbished by prestigious French designer Philippe Starck, and includes a 6.17 acre (25,000 square meter) service area for moorings, 800 parking spaces, a 4,000 square meter shopping area and a 2.47 acre dry dock area.

Thanks to this project, backed by investments of over US$116.4 million (90 million Euros), Port Adriano leads the way in Mediterranean leisure ports. The marina boasts a shopping area featuring prestigious world-class nautical, lifestyle, fashion brands and services. Services include a gym, diving school and a dry dock are also provided. The management company for the marina, Ocibar, proposed upgrading the physical security elements of the marina in order to protect facilities, personnel, client's vessels and their crews.

The new video surveillance system at the port comprises 38 outdoor vandal resistant domes, 4 PTZ domes and 3 thermal network cameras. All these products are outdoor ready and IP66-rated, which guarantees resistance in the demanding atmospheric and meteorological conditions faced in port areas. The outdoor vandal resistant domes offer HD resolution images of all the main areas of the port, delivering significant image quality improvements in comparison with previous analog cameras. Port Adriano is one of the first Mediterranean ports to use thermal network cameras to control the arrival and departure of boats. Strategic placement of these devices ensures that, even on the darkest nights, in dense fog or on stormy days, it is possible to detect any movement of vessels in the area of influence of the marina.

Another security system innovation at the port is the deployment of an ALPR system at its new underground car park to control vehicle access. This system automatizes tasks such as automatically opening the barrier for vehicles with a registration plate number already stored in the database because the owner is either a client of the marina or regular supplier of one of the shops there.

NATO Defense College in Italy enlists IP sentries

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 5/10/2013 | Article type: Education

The NATO Defense College (NDC), a NATO military academy headquartered in Rome, decided to install a modern, high-quality video surveillance system consisting of 20 network cameras, NVR, and VMS for perimeter security of its facility. The system was installed and designed by Augen Telematica & Automazione.

Officially established in Paris in 1951, the NDC was moved to the Italian capital in 1966, becoming one of the most important sites in Europe for training military and diplomatic staff within and outside the NATO region. It has been housed in its current facility since 1999, with a vast floor space that has necessitated increased security equipment.

The selection of the Axis Communications camera models employed was dictated by the need to monitor the NDC grounds 24 hours, in particular at the new Defense College site. The specific network cameras installed are 19 fixed PTZ network cameras that offer HD video and 18x zoom, adapted for surveillance of large areas, providing considerable image detail when enlarged.

The video surveillance system installed by Augen has a three-tier design, consisting specifically of two workstations that video record with back-up, and a NVR to carry out recording, providing simultaneous rendering for the  network cameras on the perimeter, and able to ensure complete, precise coverage of the Defense College grounds; its strong points include device redundancy, network camera independence and ease of use. VMS and NVR synchronization is achieved using REDIS (advanced key-value store), a system that ensures system functionality and video recording capability even in the event of disasters that might damage one of the two workstations or render them inaccessible. The Ubuntu Linux-based VMS is developed and manufactured by Augen.

The solution adopted has made it possible to achieve video surveillance that is extremely reliable due to physical redundancy of the simultaneously active, independently operating workstations, and which is excellent from a qualitative perspective due to the exceptional image rendering and streaming obtained with the Axis network cameras even at night. The reliability and quality of the Axis network cameras is combined with an HP server that incorporates the Intel processor and the Ubuntu Linux operating system ensuring high performance, and at the same time guaranteeing immunity to hacker attacks and viruses.

What's trending in 2013?

Editor / Provider: Judy Lin, asmag.com | Updated: 5/8/2013 | Article type: Hot Topics

Secutech International 2013, one of the largest trade shows in the security world, successfully concluded on April 26. Here are some of the key findings from the show floor interviews.

1. IP Rocks
IP-based video surveillance products accounted for the majority of items displayed at the exhibition, while HD-SDI products remained a minority. Of the 23 video surveillance manufacturers sampled, 16 companies featured IP products at the show, including Dynacolor, Dahua Technology, Itx, Mobotix and others. Hikvision Digital Technology and four other companies were promoting analog cameras, while Hi Sharp and Win4net were the only companies highlighting HD-SDI products. Most manufacturers are still promoting IP cameras, due to a smaller demand for HD-SDI cameras, and few related products and accessories, said Ray Chan, Director of Sales for APAC, Infinova. HD-SDI also requires larger storage, and the required frame rate is still playing catch-up, Chan continued. A technician from Fuho Technology echoed the sentiment, stating while HD-SDI products offer better image quality than analog cameras, market demand has remained low because of the lack of supporting appliances and hardware compared to analog or IP systems. Some manufacturers are trying to compensate this by promoting new HD-SDI cabling products, such as Win4net's Clebo HD-SDI PoC solution that can extend HD-SDI data transmission for more than 2 kilometers.

2. Light Sensitivity
The majority of low-light network cameras displayed at the show came with 1.3-megapixel resolution; only a few were 3-megapixel models. Shany's SNC-WD2131MSA and Yoko Technology's RYK-IPBX010 featured 1.3-megapixel low-light cameras, while Zavio's D7320 was a 3-megapixel camera. The limitations of network bandwidth and market demand are driving the sales of 1.3-megapixel low-light cameras, said Steven Mao, PM for Digital Surveillance Product Planning, Yoko Technology. Two trends in WDR network cameras were also observed, with some manufacturers such as Brickcom using software to enhance images and others, including Zavio, developing their own WDR sensors.

3. High and Low
Of the analog cameras displayed, a large number were of 700 TVLs and above. For instance, Hikvision's Picadis Exir Camera and Pishion's BRX-99P84WR were 720-TVL cameras, while Fuho's Vacron-P was a 1,000-TVL camera. The cameras target cost-conscious consumers that want better image quality close to IP cameras, but at a much lower price point, said Ian Ma, Overseas Technical Support Engineer, Hikvision. The cameras offer better images than traditional analog, and ideal for clients who are reluctant to say goodbye to their coaxial cables.

4. Easy to Install
Four- to 8-channel NVRs for SMB and home applications are mostly designed with easy setup procedures that are user-friendly. Whether its Nuuo's 8-channel NVR, that enables setup to be completed in six minutes with a click of a mouse, or Dynacolor's 4-channel NVR that automatically detects the company's cameras, the idea is to make installation hassle-free. Manufacturers are trying to make their products appealing and adoptable to the average home owner or shop keeper, who may not be tech-savvy or have the resources to hire IT specialists. Another interesting find was iCatch's latest NVR that enables consumers to use QR scanners to connect their IP cameras to the NVR.

5. Scalability Reincarnated
Installer-friendly products were not easy to miss. For example, Etherwan's ED3638 PoE switch can transmit data and electricity up to 1.8 kilometers, said Alvin Hsu, PM; Planet's BSP-300 solar-power switch is particularly suited for integrators struggling with outdoor cabling. Brickcom's FocusEasy makes life easier for installers, by beeping loudly when the camera is correctly focused; it is aimed at the hotel industry or large-scale projects that require many installations, said Anchi Chen, Marketing Administrator. All these products are designed with convenience in mind, by saving installers or system integrators valuable resources. These products are also ideal for large-scale projects and applications.

6. Value Adds
More camera and NVR manufacturers are teaming up with VCA companies to increase the added value of their products. To target the retail sector, Nuuo teamed up with Vit to add on people-counting features onto its NVR, while VIVOTEK has been cooperating with Cognimatics to add on similar people-counting features onto its IP cameras. Other common VCA features include people counting, item removal detection, and virtual fences that are targeted for retail market applications.

7. Mobility
From remotely monitoring video surveillance cameras to opening doors via NFC technology, mobile applications are increasingly prevalent. The popularity of smartphones and tablets is pushing this trend in the security sector. The majority of NVR manufacturers, such as iCatch and Nuuo, have matching mobile apps to enable remote monitoring, while newer access control systems from WFE Technology allow smartphones to open doors using NFC. Nearly all NFC access control systems are RFID-based at the show, with the exception of Hundure Technology that has promoted a Bluetooth NFC reader.

8. Hot Access
Access control manufacturers such as Pongee and WFE were promoting multicredential readers with four to five credentials targeting the banking or hotel sector. End users can choose which credentials they want to use. According to Johnson Wu, PM of Waferlock at WFE, markets that require high security, such as the banking sector, are more likely to use a combination of credentials or utilize all credentials offered.

9. Gaze Downward
Manufacturers are aiming for the mid- to low-end market with hopes of tapping into retail, home, hotel and banking applications. This was reflected with the promotion of affordable retail solutions with fewer functions, but easy installation, such as VIVOTEK's Counter Cam, a small 180-degree panoramic camera with very basic functions. Even Flir, which had traditionally manufactured high-end thermal imaging cameras, was promoting its first commercial camera, the VT602, at the show (which still costs US$190,000).

10. Emerging Opportunities
Most video surveillance manufacturers agreed that sales are particularly well in emerging markets. Dali Technology and Merit  LILIN both responded sales were particularly well in Middle East, while NVR manufacturer Qnap noted sales were particularly well in Central and South America.

Australian pharmacy cures surveillance ailments with networked video

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 5/7/2013 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Australia's largest pharmacy retailer, Chemist Warehouse, rolled out an IP-based video surveillance system consisting of 5,500 Axis Communications network cameras and Milestone Systems enterprise VMS at its 240 stores nationwide to monitor prescription drugs. The retailer had used the cameras and VMS for more than five years. Camera models deployed include fixed domes, outdoor vandal resistant HD domes, HD network cameras, 3-megapixel HD cameras.

The Australian pharmaceutical industry is heavily regulated, with a raft of stringent compliance criteria that must be satisfied on an ongoing basis. The security of prescribed medication is paramount and maintaining a reliable security network is an industry regulation. In order to remain at the forefront of pharmacy services in Australia, Chemist Warehouse, needed to work with a solution that was reliable as well as scalable to keep up with their expansion.

“As with all Australian pharmacies, we stock a large variety of sought-after prescription and over-the-counter medications,” said Ryan Calvert, IT Operations Manager, Chemist Warehouse. “Because of this, we cannot afford to have even one camera down.”

“Our blind testing revealed that Axis' cameras have a less than a one per cent failure rate, compared to cameras from other vendors which generally had a failure rate of between four and five per cent,” explained Calvert. Chemist Warehouse chose an IP-based system because of its open platform, infrastructure to support evolving software applications and network integration, such as adding software applications onto its existing network as they develop. In addition, the system's scalability could provide for future surveillance needs in a way analog solutions could not, thus investments could be futureproofed, hence reducing total cost of ownership and increasing long-term ROI.

Axis cameras' compatibility with Milestone software was also a bonus for Chemist Warehouse, according to Angelo Salvatore, Manager, Australia, Milestone. “Milestone enterprise VMS enables Chemist Warehouse to manage, control, view, search and export the live or recorded image feed from the latest Axis new generation network cameras, over hundreds of sites without complex networking and design considerations,” said Salvatore. “By choosing the non-propriety, open platform Milestone IP video management solution, Chemist Warehouse has the ability to customize the system to ensure it fits both the current and future needs of the organization's security and business goals.”

“With so many different stores and thus so many different layouts and traffic figures to contend with, it was important that we used software that could be tailored according to the demands of each store,” said Calvert. Calvert pointed out the company did not have to hire additional IT specialist to view recorded footage over the network. Summing up the Axis solution, Calvert said he has been extremely happy with the reliability and scalability of the Axis Network cameras for many years.