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

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.

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.

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.

Mobotix releases three new 5-megapixel models

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

Mobotix has launched three new camera models with higher frame rate, better light sensitivity, better zoom capability utilizing 5 Megapixel technology.

The new camera models S15, D15 and V15 are developed from the already successful predecessor series. By using 5 Megapixel sensors in these new camera models, the users will be able to experience clear advantages. "The most visible changes that we have made for the users are that they will experience a clearly better light sensitivity in low light conditions or at night," says Dr. Ralf Hinkel, founder of Mobotix. "The light sensitivity of the overall image quality is up to four times better, which enhances the overall image quality in for instance bad weather conditions and in the dark."

The maximum QXGA resolution is therefore more than 2.5 times higher than full HD. Another major advantage is that the new sensor technology in combination with preprocessing the image data directly in the camera delivers a video stream frame rate of up to 30 frames per second. An increased zoom capability of the S15, D15 and V15 enhances the possibilities even further. "We have increased the zoom option in color by 27% by using the new sensor technology, and by more than 200% in black-and-white," continued Hinkel. This results in more detailed images and allows for the camera to be positioned further away from the monitored areas. This allows users to benefit from increased flexibility when it comes to planning and installation.

The new S15, D15 and V15 camera models are equipped with the new, unique MxActivitySensor for camera-integrated video motion analysis. Once configured, the free-of-charge software can distinguish between relevant and irrelevant movements, drastically reducing the number of false alarms.

The new models equipped with 5 Megapixel sensors are all available as of immediately over authorized MOBOTIX distributors and partners.

Asia Update: Keda bringing vertical solutions to global security theater

Editor / Provider: Hayden Hsu, asmag.com | Updated: 5/22/2013 | Article type: Hot Topics

There is no better “test bed” than China. With its land mass, population and security focus and budget, the country is a perfect breeding ground for security solution developers and providers, especially with large-scale networked systems. Here is one success story in the making.

Headquartered in Suzhou, China as a subsidiary of Keda Communications, Keda Technology has come a long way since its establishment in 1995 as a telecommunication and video conferencing system specialist and 2005 IPO in Singapore. With its 2012 revenue exceeding US$160 million and work force of 3,000+, the company is chomping at the bit to take its fine-tuned vertical solutions abroad, for government and MNC users that are looking for tried-and-tested quality HD surveillance video to tackle their security and management headaches.

Thanks to its decade-long cultivation and experience between 1995 and 2004, Keda had honed its network communication capability through its countless video conferencing projects at government agencies and business entities across the country. According to John Xue, Executive Director for Keda Technology, it was also during that period that the company realized the significance of easy-to-use software interfaces and seamless technical support. “Owing to our earlier partnership with Philips, we have exceled at hardware manufacturing, video imaging processing, and frame/bit rate control and management. But it was through these domestic but nationwide projects that we learned to be especially mindful of the unique implementation and day-to-day requirements of system integrators and government/enterprise end users.”

After the “Safe City” initiative swept across and started to take root in China in 2007/2008, Keda got to demonstrate how its intelligent, interconnected IP cameras, NVRs and management platforms could help end users better react to constantly evolving site conditions at many more multisite projects. “We were fortunate to be given the many opportunities to evolve as well, to grow to be application-specific in how analytics and automated alerts can be deployed in various environments,” Xue shared. To date, 14 to 16 percent of Keda's annual turnover is earmarked for R&D endeavors.

Open Arms
To continue to drive innovation and scale new heights, Keda is eyeing the cloud and global market. “We have an open-door, open-arms policy. With cloud-based applications growing exponentially, we want to collaborate with as many technology partners as possible because we can't do it all alone. We will also continue to work on optimizing image processing and bandwidth allocation management so that better and sooner preventive and preemptive measures can be taken.”

Keda is now active throughout Asia (from Japan and Korea all the way to Southeast Asia), the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Africa, and continues to look for capable and compatible distribution partners. “The security market is highly dynamic yet with a much longer selling cycle, so there is a lot more unpredictability. We are taking the time to groom our partners, grow our development and distribution networks, and hone our branding and sales management efforts,” Xue expressed.

Keda is ready and open for business — are you?

Dutch supermarket chain tackles losses with HD system

Editor / Provider: Idis | Updated: 5/22/2013 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Albert Heijn Veldhoven, part of the Ahold group of international supermarkets, has rolled out an IP-based HD video surveillance solution comprising of 16-HD cameras and 32-channel NVR, and VMS at its store in Veldhoven, Netherlands, to reduce and prevent shrinkage while improving the overall retail experience. The system installed by technical integrator, Hollander Techniek, within two days is the first Idis plug-and-play HD video surveillance system to be implemented in Netherlands. Like many retailers, Albert Heijn wanted to use video surveillance and recording to limit the impact of shoplifting, deliver on their promise to prevent crime and improve the shopping experience for customers by analysing pedestrian routes and footfall, key factors in the selection of the video surveillance solution.

With 227 franchise stores in the Netherlands, Albert Heijn is renowned for quality and affordable everyday groceries. For over 10 years, Albert Heijn Veldhoven has relied on Idis OEM systems, and when the time came for an upgrade the supermarket security team decided to look into Idis plug-and-play HD video surveillance system.
 
The store surveillance system utilizes multi-spot monitors and a client PC with Idis VMS. The security team is now benefiting from full HD quality that is crucial in the recognition and detection of suspicious behaviour to drive down shrinkage. The security manager and cafeteria is equipped with 42 inch monitors displaying live camera views simultaneously and in real-time to provide a 360-degree view of the entire store.

“The Albert Heijn Veldhoven security team has quickly adjusted with little training, while benefitting from HD picture quality and simultaneous live view and record across multiple cameras,” said Carlo Kuijer, CEO, Benelux, Idis. “This allows the team to support their objectives to prevent and detect crime while improving the overall shopping experience for customers.” The initial reactions from the end-users and the installer was positive and Idis looks forward to working with Albert Heijn to further roll-out the HD video surveillance system across Benelux.