Mirasys Surveillance Helps UK Monks Combat Theft and Vandalism

Editor / Provider: Mirasys | Updated: 4/20/2010 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Buckfast Abbey, one of the U.K.'s most famous monasteries, deployed a Mirasys  surveillance system. The Abbey selected Mirasys software for a flexible, easy-to-manage and reliable security system to ensure that its shops, restaurant and conference areas are constantly monitored and protected from theft and vandalism.


Each day, Buckfast Abbey welcomes the public to visit its grounds, totaling more than 20 acres, for both leisure and business. Due to the sheer size of the site, however, security is an issue. After experiencing a series of thefts and vandalism, the Abbey sought to upgrade its analog surveillance system to a networked system for improved crime detection as well as system reliability, performance and simplicity.


"We chose the Mirasys as it offered the best transition from analog to digital and was the most cost-effective and easy to use system on the market," said Leigh Searle, IT Manager at Buckfast Abbey. "Prior to the installation, we operated five separate analog surveillance cameras into single server units across various departments on the site. With Mirasys, we now have a central management and storage system and have been able to maintain some of our analog cameras by converting them to digital with the Axis media converter. The flexibility of the Mirasys solution further allowed us to integrate new network cameras from various vendors, saving costs whilst giving us a system that was specific to our needs."


For additional security on criminal incidents, LPR from Mirasys was incorporated into the Abbey’s surveillance system. Now, a motion sensor triggers license plate image capture whenever cars enter through the service and main entrances. The central server makes access to such footage faster and easier than before, dramatically improving incident response-time and helping police investigations.


The Mirasys server, which supports a variety of cameras at Buckfast Abbey, allows for digital images to be recorded from the Abbey’s existing analog cameras and new network cameras, integrated within the Mirasys solution. Mirasys provides the option of introducing further high resolution network cameras in the future when the IP network infrastructure is complete.


Among the key features of the Mirasys video recording server built at Buckfast Abbey are continuous, motion-based and event recording. Footage can be searched from up to eight channels simultaneously to include time and date, specified events, motion and activity. Media can be exported to CD/DVD with one-click media clip and data watermarking, and media clip authentication with the Mirasys Media Player is also included.

Eutecus Video Analytics Module Optimizes Video Security Devices

Editor / Provider: Eutecus | Updated: 4/20/2010 | Article type: Component

Berkeley, California, Eutecus announced the Bi-i V401X video analytics module, implementing Eutecus' multicore video analytics engine (MVE) on a single FPGA chip.


The Bi-i V401X, a self-contained, small form factor, reference design for rapid incorporation into network cameras and other video security edge devices, can also serve as a standalone video analytics device. Ideal for implementing embedded video analytics capabilities, it combines the power of robust hard-coded image processing capabilities with the flexibility of a fully programmable application development environment.


The basis of the Bi-i V401X, Eutecus' multicore video analytics engine, is an easily configurable, compact, high performance processing architecture enabling a complete video analytics solution on a single low-cost FPGA, the Spartan 3A DSP.


The Bi-i V401X delivers a full complement of video analytics rules ("all the algorithms, all the time") with input resolution up to 720p HD and multiple event detection at 30 fps with analytics performed at full resolution. The VA platform footprint (including video input-output and other interfaces) is 77 by 36 mm with a power consumption of four to five watts.


The system is available for stand-alone testing or for rapid integration with other modules via a choice of standard connectors. For application development, the developer can simply embed MVE commands into their C++ code, or utilize Eutecus' ready-made multicore video analytics evaluation kit V3.0, which requires only configuration, no programming, to demonstrate a wide variety of typical video analytics functions.


MVE evaluation kit V3.0 is a complete low-cost embedded video analytics evaluation and development environment that includes the Bi-i V401X, allowing users to test high-performance video analytics on live or pre-recorded video. The kit includes a selection of video clips. Eutecus is ready to take orders for the MVE evaluation kit V3.0, with expected lead-time of six weeks.


MVE evaluation kit V3.0 also allows users to use MVE's video analytics algorithms on PC, for rapid testing and prototyping, and introduces MVE's feature-based tracking capabilities, along with numerous improvements and simplifications to the provided GUI.

UK Exhibition Center Displays with Secom Surveillance Systems

Editor / Provider: Secom plc | Updated: 4/16/2010 | Article type: Commercial Markets

With key roles scheduled in the 2012 Olympics, 50-percent additional event space and London’s first International Convention Centre coming on stream this year, ExCeL London is stepping up its security systems. Electronic security solutions provider Secom plc has won a major contract to upgrade and integrate the Docklands exhibition centre’s surveillance systems. The three-month project involves installing additional indoor and outdoor cameras, recording equipment and control systems.


ExCeL London is already regarded as a leading UK and European exhibition and conference centre, and in addition to hosting a wide range of major exhibitions and international conventions, it will also provide a venue for seven Olympic and six Paralympic events in 2012. A US$254 million expansion programme will raise its profile even further, with London’s first purpose-built, self-contained International Convention Centre, due to open in May.


Part of the Abu Dhabi based ADNEC Group, ExCeL and the ICC share a 100 acre campus including hotels, restaurants and parking at London’s Royal Victoria Dock. It also enjoys excellent rail access from central London, and is conveniently close to London City Airport.


While retaining the centre’s existing cameras, Secom is installing a substantial number of fixed and fully functional cameras to increase surveillance capability inside and around the ExCeL and the ICC. The cameras are fully IP-linked to the centre’s on-site control suite for monitoring and recording, and to other viewing points, including a disaster recovery suite. Secom is also installing new digital recording equipment and system controls, and will provide ongoing maintenance for the new systems. 


"The installation will be undertaken by a dedicated project manager and a team of engineers, to ensure consistency of work and service throughout the project," said Alan Hazell, Secom Regional Manager. "We are delighted to have won this contract after a five-way tender, during which we demonstrated our commitment to long-term partnerships based on service and delivery," Hazell continued. "Our systems will help to protect ADNEC’s investment in the Docklands regeneration, ensuring that the venues are well secured for the safety of visitors and staff."

Smart Video Versus Real World

Editor / Provider: Submitted by VideoControlRoom | Updated: 4/16/2010 | Article type: Hot Topics

We put video analytics to the test in an effort to sort fact from fiction. A&S partnered with Australian integrator VideoControlRoom for its first Intelligent Video Shootout. Michael Brown, MD of VideoControlRoom, describes installation challenges, environmental factors, and what makes an intelligent video solution stand out.


When VideoControlRoom set out to evaluate intelligent video, we did not budget enough time. Setting up these systems, understanding different algorithms and using tools and terminology from multiple vendors are a huge job.


Only four vendors out of dozens participated in this challenge. After testing these systems, we understand that in the wrong hands, it is easy to botch a deployment and produce poor results.


We applaud the willingness of the participating vendors to take that risk, as well as recognizing the benefits of open testing. The test subjects were Aimetis, IntelliVision, Viasys and VideoIQ.


The lesson learned from this test was intelligent video systems (IVS) are not plug-and-play devices. They take training, testing and commitment to get results. This can be thrown out of balance by getting the programming wrong, throwing in harsh variables or setting up imperfect fields of view (FOV).


VideoControlRoom took a different tack from our previous intrusion detector challenge by producing generalized results. The point of the shootout was to evaluate IVS, seeing how well they performed assigned tasks and at what cost.


Test Setup
We set up two locations with four network cameras each: Three Axis P1344 cameras and the VideoIQ VIQ-CT216 combination camera, NVR and video content analytics (VCA).


The cameras at each test location were set up to have the same FOV. The cameras were tuned with a laptop wirelessly, displaying the cameras' digital streams. All cameras incorporated PoE, so we ran four Cat-5E cables to the mounting locations.


The first location was inside a warehouse to test object removal. This was used for high-value stock items.


Its daytime lighting is bright, with high bay sodium vapor lights and natural light via clear-roof paneling. At night, lighting is dark or well-lit with the high bay illumination.


The second location was outdoors overlooking a loading bay. This would monitor for objects placed, as well as driving the wrong way and intrusion detection. In the day, this location is lit by sunshine, while at night it had no light or good halogen illumination.


For processing, two of the tested systems ran server-side as software on Windows systems. The other two systems ran on the edge in cameras. For server-side processing, we used Dual Core P4 Systems running Windows XP Pro, each with 4 gigabytes of RAM.


System architecture for edge or server is another discussion. Edge processing can provide network optimization, while server deployments offer system management consolidation and other benefits.


Cameras
Axis Communications kindly lent us eight P1344 HDTV network cameras. Supported by our analytics vendors, the Axis cameras were a snap to set up. The PoE cameras patched in, booted up and connected to a DHCP-assigned IP address automatically.


This made locating the cameras a snap, which listed both MAC and IP addresses. Simply run the provided Axis IPUtility and the application lists all Axis cameras discovered on your network.


The Axis cameras were rated 0.05 Lux B/W, making them an excellent platform for VCA, providing clear and crisp pictures around the clock.


Lighting
VideoControlRoom has been monitoring IVS 24/7/365 for remote intrusion detection for more than five years, so we understood the impact of lighting on VCA.


Lighting can potentially wreak havoc on intelligent video. If it is dark and you cannot see what is going on, do not expect your IVS to, either.


With good light and a well-framed camera, it was possible to get on or near 100 percent accurate alarm results from all systems. Lighting is a big hidden cost for using intelligent video as an intrusion detection system.


One alternative is thermal cameras. However, they are more expensive and may not suit other uses.


Perspective
Perspective, or the camera's angle, FOV and plane, is critical. It is easier for VCA to count people with a camera directly over head.


To catch someone breaking in, it is essential to position the camera so the individual is traversing the FOV horizontally. Higher angles work best, as well as designating zones of interest. The smaller the object, the harder it will be to track.


Testing Algorithms
Algorithm: Object Removed
Application: Sensitive stock
Object removed is an ideal algorithm for protecting high value assets. For this application, you can mount the camera to get an perpetually unblocked view of the protected asset.


Our testing showed smart video works and is ready today, with all vendors performing well.

Object removed is not useful for daily stock protection use unless you are targeting specific stationary assets. For tracking frequently moving stock, you might be better off with a free post activity tracking solution based on conventional video motion detection.


Algorithm: Object Placed
Application: Loading bay parking overstay
This is a handy VCA application with numerous real-world uses, such as protecting parking areas for overstay limit — a potential source of revenue. Object placement can make sure containers are stacked in the right place or check for items falling off a production line. Our tests show this application is also commercially viable, with all vendors performing well.

In this test, we used the cameras to cover a loading bay. The test detected whether a vehicle parked for more than 15 minutes. In the real world, parking overstay has a number of applications that could justify its cost.

Accuracy was high for this test. Vehicles, the test object of detection, are probably the easiest thing for VCA to recognize, since the shape is large and differentiated from objects like people and animals.

All the products struggled with bad light for this test. The loading bay was adjacent to a roller door, which cast a bright light on the bay area when opened at night. When the outside lights were off, none of the VCA systems detected parking overstay.


Algorithm: Directional Detection
Application: Driving the wrong way
Based on our testing, this proved to be another mature VCA application. However, installers must pay attention to camera perspective. In our test, we looked down a driveway instead of across it, which didn't produce great results. A horizontal line gets alerts from objects that appear to have crossed the line, but have in fact only appeared to, due to the camera's perspective.


Algorithm: Intrusion Detection
Application: Yard area protection
Intrusion detection appears to be one VCA application that is gaining traction commercially. It can create a virtual fence for video verification of intrusion without outdoor detection. While you might save on outdoor detectors, watch for a blowout during testing, which must be done in daytime and nighttime conditions. With VCA intrusion detection, you are vulnerable to false alarming the second a large spider makes the camera its home. For this reason, do not use IR cameras outdoors, since they are spider magnets.


Bright lights should not be located too close to the camera. Small bugs lit up by ambient light can appear very large and will trigger alarms.


Be prepared for ongoing tuning, camera cleaning and an annual test to keep VCA intrusion detection reliable. Any smart video vendor who tells you otherwise doesn't live in the real world.


Implementation Cost
Examining cost is important, as not all are obvious, and could result in cost overrun. A budget should include:
* Cost of camera channels, including DVRs, NVRs, cameras: This depends on the camera specs server specs and wiring. Budget US$1,000 to $2,000 per channel, depending on cameras and servers.
* Cost of algorithm license: A 16-camera system is not likely to require 16 channels of smart video. The factory floor and loading dock might need it, but not the hallway. If the vendor's licensing model is not flexible, there is the potential to pay for unused smart video channels.
* Cost to program: Programming could be a few dollars up to several hundred per smart video channel, on top of the camera. It is critical you invest in training for your staff to avoid learning curve cost overruns.
* Cost to test: Walk testing is critical. It is easy to assume you have something programmed properly. It is not until you test your setup that you know the programming is spot on. Walk testing is a potentially big hidden cost, which gets larger with more variables in your camera's environment. For example, walk testing at night may require paying technicians overtime.
* Cost of event monitoring: Event monitoring is another consideration. Once you have set up all this technology, who will look at the output and at what cost?


The more false alarms, the more labor will be involved in event management. The ideal scenario would be for the person receiving events to also have programming skills. This way, the system is fine-tuned over time, avoiding “the boy who cried wolf” scenarios.


The costs of VCA need to be added up. Either the asset or risk has to be of greater value than the cost of the implementation, or else you may spend a thousand to save a hundred.


Our experience is the labor involved in initial setup, walk testing and responding to alarms — as well as ongoing tuning and maintenance — has the potential to far outweigh the cost of the algorithm license. Successful IVS are going to be user-friendly.Breaking down licensing costs per channel is not clear cut. VideoIQ bundles the VCA technology license into the cost of a camera, while Aimetis includes VCA in a full Video Management Suite that varies in cost, depending on how many algorithms are needed. Viasys licenses VCA per camera, but has a lower cost for server-side or centralized processing. To get an exact handle on license costs, communicate with each vendor directly.


How does IVS fit?
An end user deploys a video surveillance system for many reasons; VCA could be at the top of that list or somewhere in the middle. This will impact your ability to deploy the technology and get results. Common video tasks include recording and playback; remote viewing; VCA and remote video verification.


There are two types of IVS installations. The first is where VCA is the primary reason for a video installation. Cameras will be rolled out specifically to count people or watch for parking violations. This is ideal, as you can frame the FOV for your IVS application and will get solid results.


The second is where VCA is down the list or not required on initial setup. Users don't know what they want to do with smart video, but understand it may come in handy. Cameras are set up for the primary tasks, with smart video added later.


These installations require a DVR, NVR or a network camera capable of running algorithms. Installers can remotely deploy intelligent video to the existing infrastructure, or drive to the site.


FOV is important. All manufacturers require objects to take up a certain percentage of the FOV for tracking.


For these installations, it will be difficult to get accurate results, especially with a camera that is not ideally located or framed. PTZ cameras can be zoomed in to just the right spot, suiting analytics applications after the initial installation.


Compromise is always a risk with the second type of deployment. The best thing is to be upfront with clients. If they want a camera to read license plates and count vehicles, one or both applications will suffer.


Installers can frame a camera to perform one or more tasks, but it will only outperform on the primary task. Primary tasks could be identification, verification or IVS applications where the camera is specifically framed for video analysis.


Summary
Judging products is subjective, with different answers depending on your background, training and time frame. VideoControlRoom provides remote video services, so we prefer systems that are manageable on a commercial scale and that suit mass deployment. What works for us might not work for you, so we encourage you to perform your own trials before committing to any technology. We hope this article provides a framework for testing.


This challenge has proven "shootout" is the wrong thinking, After our latest technology evaluation, future shootouts should be recast as "technology road tests." It isn't fair to name one a winner, as it is up to the market to weigh performance cost and application suitability.


The reality is we rely on humans to set equipment up, who make mistakes. These real-world factors are where IVS suffers. It will work best in well-lit, indoor, insect-free, dust-free, well-maintained and application-specific camera installation.


IVS needs to be a collaboration between all the players to be successful. Users should make sure there are good lines of communication between all parties. Everyone should be trained, and support should flow freely from the IVS originator to the end user.



A Whole Picture of the Test

Speed Domes: Shrewd Performers

Editor / Provider: a&s International | Updated: 4/15/2010 | Article type: Tech Corner

Slick camera performance requires interoperability of components. While meticulous design assures precise, smooth PTZ movement, robust software engineering puts speed domes to good use.


A speed dome system is a combination of electronic, mechanical, video and software technologies, and what customers get in the end is an integrated performance, said Alec Weingart, President of Actiontop.


With various subsystems working simultaneously, speed domes tend to have higher failure rate compared to other cameras. The procurement process usually takes longer, as buyers require time for a thorough test. "While camera procurement usually takes about a month, it is common to spend two to three months for the testing of speed domes," said James Wang, Overseas Product Manager at Dahua Technology.


Reliable Hardware
A speed dome camera generally consists of a junction box, mechanical unit and camera unit. Each unit is made up of several functional modules or printed circuit boards. For example, power, networking or fiber modules can be found inside the junction box, while the camera unit consists of a lens module and main board. Each unit affects overall performance.


While all speed domes share a strong resemblance, quality is enhanced with attention to detail. Reliability is built on foundations of components, and Actiontop starts with quality control for its video components, said Weingart.


This insistence on using quality components is shared among Asian vendors. "All of our components are sourced from designated suppliers of international brands," said Lora Tsai, Sales Manager at Eyeview Electronics.


Camera Modules
Asian manufacturers, such as Dahua, Eyeview, Hikvision and Merit LILIN, design their own camera modules. The suppliers either outsource the manufacturing process or capitalize on their own manufac?turing abilities.


Higher magnification levels of 22x, 23x, 35x and 36x coupled with auto-focus function are becoming standard. Full firmware and software support are provided for enhanced image stability. "An electronic image stabilizer that digitally adjusts blurring image resulting from external vibrations will be made available this year," Tsai said.


"Speed domes' fast pan-tilt operation require powerful zoom control and proportional focusing capability," said Johnny Chen, PTZ Manager at Merit LILIN. "While maintaining precision and stability, Li-Lin's technology allows fast optical zoom from 1x to 35x within 3.5 seconds and focus adjustment within a second."


PTZ Modules
Stable positional movement depends largely on the motor and belt drive that reside in the PTZ unit. High PTZ speed is engineered with care to reduce the slightest vibration. "Packaged with a nimble 500 degree-per-second pan action, Tiandy's speed domes make sure precision is met," said Francis Jing, Manager of International Department at Tianjin Tiandy Digital Technology.


Self-developed PTZ modules are becoming more available. Although similarity is found in the mechanical design, Dahua, Hikvision, Merit LILIN and Minrray Industry have heeded pronounced technical challenges.


In demanding outdoor environments, heaters and cooling fans reduce the effects of extreme weather, such as snow, wind or heat. However, heating and ventilation in a dome system increases the risk of leaks and condensation. "Replacing electric resistance with heating wires allows the heat to be evenly applied to the mechanical unit without creating hot spots," Wang said. "An electrical safety device is also installed for added protection."


Reducing power consumption helps customers save energy and increase reliability, said Jacy Xia, Marketing Manager at Minrray Industry. "Minrray's PTZ technology allows speed domes to operate with lower watt and automatically consume less electricity in static positions," he said.


Transmission and Cover
Power, video and telemetry connections are routed for data transmission. While high cruising speeds has made integration challenging, customized slip ring mechanisms assure effective transmission, Chen said. In addition, network interface and optical transmitters are now provided for an alternative streaming option and network application.


A dome cover needs careful thought from material to manufacturing processes. "Video quality is affected by almost every aspect of the cover it is outfitted with," Chen said. "Evenly shaped surfaces and coating that reduces reflection and increases resistance to erosion are required."

Lower TCO
In addition to the initial product cost, operation- and maintenance-associated costs should be taken into consideration. "Our prime goal is to reduce installation and recurring costs on top of our cost-efficient models," Wang said.


Customization should also be considered. "Production costs have been minimized and leave less room for further reduction, as our products aim to bring down modification costs for specific applications," Weingart said.


Ease of Installation
Installation should be simple and fast. Tools such as three-axis mounting mechanisms or a set of sockets are provided to smooth an installer's job. "Tiandy's patented magnetic fixing allows tool-free installation and brings the benefit of good anti-vibration and increased product lifespan," Jing said.


System integration should be set up easily. "A test on the serial communication runs automatically to inspect compatible protocols, connects to the controller and reports transmission failure," said Ping Hu, Project Manager at Hikvision Digital Technology.


Configuring networked domes should be made flexible. "Speed domes can be assigned with a programmable address, making changes on virtual addresses easy for future expansion," Hu said.


Operating Software
Designed to fit into a video system, a speed dome should feature a multilingual, intuitive onscreen menu. Other optional features that are becoming standard include built-in motion detection, user-definable privacy zones, preset positions and programmable tours.


Video analytics are developed with automatic PTZ tracking. Vendors such as Dahua and Tiandy have engineered algorithms that differentiate humans from objects and enlarge targets for constant visual surveillance if needed.


Selection Criteria
Manufacturer credibility, product reliability and self-explanatory operating software are primary considerations for a quality speed dome. Technical abilities and after-sale services make sure mainte?nance needs are met and allow for customized applications, Jing said.


Although a full range of features and functions is optimal, high reliability is emphasized. Proven quality under extreme weather conditions and maintaining low malfunction rates are important parameters, Wang said.


Last but not the least is the ease of operation. Tailored software makes full use of the camera's intricate hardware. The powerful PTZ functionality of speed domes requires a simple instruction manual to achieve maximum effectiveness.

Speed Domes Provide a Careful Lookout

Editor / Provider: a&s International | Updated: 4/15/2010 | Article type: Tech Corner

Speed domes fulfill challenging security requirements, making them products in demand. Improvements among newer products include not only price/performance, but also more intelligent features.


Packed with powerful optical zoom and continuous 360-degree rotation, speed domes are suited for versatile applica?tions. "Speed dome annual sales, for China alone, reached 900,000 units in 2009," said Ping Hu, Project Manager at Hikvision Digital Technology.


Bolstered by demand from China and India, Asian growth is estimated to reach 20 to 30 percent this year. "In terms of revenue, the Chinese speed dome market was estimated to be worth US$586 to $735 million in 2009," said James Wang, Overseas Product Manager at Dahua Technology. "Speed domes are heavily used in city surveillance projects, where 10,000 units or even 100,000 units are procured for a single project."


Global uptake is projected to grow at a slower rate of 15 to 18 percent in 2010 due to the economic slowdown, said Alec Weingart, President of Actiontop Electronics. "Distributors maintain minimum inventory levels. In the meantime, budget constraints provide no room to increase stock levels."


Priced at a higher range, speed domes account for 15 to 20 percent of overall camera consumption, said Johnny Chen, PTZ Manager at Merit LILIN.
In general, two to three speed domes are used for every 16-channel DVR surveillance system, said Max Chen, Field Application Engineer at Hi Sharp Electronics.


Speed domes suit a wide range of projects, from retail, hospitality to city surveillance. Assisting learning at large educational institutions is a growing application, said Chen of Merit LILIN. "Speed domes can be programmed to follow teachers, providing a clearer view for student at the back of the classroom while recording educational video clips at the same time."


Price-Performance
Flexibility and customized solutions have given Asian vendors an edge. While improving quality and reliability, cost is controlled with care. "Price-performance is a primary concern. It is achieved with attention to component selection, product design and quality control," said Lora Tsai, Sales Manager at Eyeview Electronics.


Providing a spectrum of models to meet various demands and budgets is a long-term strategy. Vertical- and function-specific products allow clear market segmentation and facilitate penetration. Provisions on functions, such as WDR capability, motion detection or action on alarm, are optional additions to standard features.


No-frills packages are standard offerings. Outfitted with popular protocols to be used with a range of controllers and programmable presets, the cost-effective models cater to basic security needs, said Francis Jing, Manager of the International Department at Tianjin Tiandy Digital Technology.


Tailored function for different verticals provides sizable savings. Speed domes are available in different pan/tilt preset speeds to ensure all viewing demands are met. "Nimble pan/tilt action is specified in city surveillance projects for target tracking and immediate action, while stable pan/tilt action monitors factories, industrial facilities and medium-sized sites," Hu said. Price varies about 10 to 20 percent.


Current Development
Speed domes are geared toward higher-end applications due to advances in video technologies, Weingart said. "Demand for subject identification and analysis further drives the development for stronger optical zoom and high-definition image."


Clearer Image
"Although high-resolution images are a prerequisite for content analysis, current solutions fail to provide such services," said Michael Shin, Manager of Overseas Sales and Marketing at Truen. "More often, speed domes are procured through projects where quality is the first priority. As they are often positioned in the mid- to high-price range, megapixel resolution helps generate cost savings."


However, megapixel images add complexity to the speed dome system, from overall design to data transmission. Other than protection against environmental factors, the dome cover plays a crucial role in light penetration. The smaller pixels get, the more light they require, said Chen at Merit LILIN. "As images are affected by ambient light, covers should be made to allow true color. One of the critical problems today is minimizing the effect covers have on image color."


Another challenge is preventing loss of data. While digital signals travel quickly, high bandwidth consumption of megapixel video makes transmission a demanding task, said Chen of Merit LILIN.


Improvements in video compression formats and transmission help minimize data loss. "H.264 video servers and decoders designed to transmit megapixel images are available solutions," Shin said.


Technically, megapixel has achieved a certain maturity, but the commercial value of megapixel speed domes requires further evaluation. "Multimegapixel hemispheric and panorama cameras — with 360-degree video surveillance — coupled with digital pan-tilt-zoom have been in use and driven down the market share of megapixel speed domes," said Chen of Merit LILIN. "However, digital zoom has limita?tions and optical zoom provides flexibility for distant tracking."


Distributed Intelligence
The powerful zoom and revolving capabilities of speed domes suit edge analytics applications, bringing distributed intelligence a step forward.


"In the speed dome system, image process technology is often outsourced," said Jacy Xia, Marketing Manager at Minrray Industry. "Difficulties arise from system compatibility and real-life obstacles, as integration and customization often involve complicated algorithm adjustments." Asian vendors like Minrray have developed in-house video content analysis for customized solutions.


Intelligence at the edge is effective only when supported by an integrated surveillance system, said Wang. To this end, intelligent models generally target the international market, where interoperable systems and high-capacity transmission lines are available. "It takes time for technology to mature and for it to adapt to real-world applications," he said.


Speed domes have been widely adopted across verticals expecting sizable growth this year. Intelligent applications have room to grow, once software engineering is ready, said Chen at Merit LILIN. Auto-tracking with facial recognition and action on alarms will gain traction.


Seeing in the Dark
Monitoring in low-light environ?ments is becoming a must-have feature for speed domes. IR speed domes fulfill market demand from small venues to large-area surveil?lance.


Overcoming refraction and overheating problems, Tiandy's IR speed domes allow 100 to 120 meters IR illumination. As 100-meter IR ranges become standard, vendors are developing models with laser beams. "Equipped with an industrial lens, laser speed domes featuring illumi?nation ranges in the hundreds of meters will be introduced in the first half of 2010," Jing said.


Outlook
As speed domes mature, more similarity and unification will be found in product functions, said Wang. Price competition at the lower end of the market is becoming fierce.


User education remains a major obstacle. "Security requirements are best addressed when the right technology is applied," Shin said. "Considering speed domes vary in price and function, any procurement should start with understanding and analyzing customer needs."

Defining Different Formats

Editor / Provider: a&s International | Updated: 4/12/2010 | Article type: Tech Corner

Different high-resolution formats among analog, digital, megapixel and HD have created some confusion on the market, making it difficult for users to choose the right solution. A&S looks into the classification system.


Megapixel cameras, including HD, have more than 1,000,000 pixels compared to analog and standard network cameras, which have less than 400,000 pixels, said Mark Wilson, VP of Marketing at Infinova.


From the broadcast industry come HD formats and specifications. Technically, an HD camera is a megapixel camera at a specific resolution, compression (H.264) and aspect ratio. Frame rates and scanning techniques can vary and are specified after the resolution. For example, a camera that is H.264 1080p25 uses H.264 compression, is roughly 2-megapixel, uses progressive scanning and transfers video at 25 fps.


Megapixel cameras in the security industry are beginning to appear under the label "HD," which attracts attention because many end users are already familiar with HDTV formats. Clear distinctions among the different types of megapixel cameras and systems deployed must be made to further industry growth.


Analog Infrastructure
HDcctv utilizes the broadcast standard, serial digital interface, as the basic transport mechanism, said Todd Rockoff, Executive Director of HDcctv Alliance. Digital signals are transmitted uncompressed over 100 meters of coaxial cable. As a result, video can be displayed without latency, a problem that megapixel network cameras often face, Wilson said. Existing analog installations, such as those used in retail, can be upgraded with one to two HD cameras and a DVR capture card (for PC-based only), without uprooting the entire system.


Network cameras have to compress images before sending them over sometimes unreliable networks, which means that signals are often delayed before live view. "Before anyone can see a frame of video, many frames of video have already happened," Rockoff said. "If you try to monitor public areas with PTZ cameras, tracking is fundamentally difficult because video lags and can be badly distorted when compression drops or loses packets. This is not a problem with HDcctv."


Distance and storage, however, are two areas that have come under scrutiny for HDcctv. With analog infrastructure, scalability has always been an issue. Upgrading and expanding the system demands more cables inlaid, which is time-consuming and costly. Most proponents for IP-based systems use scalability as their winning argument against analog systems, and HD is no different. However, analog systems still account for the majority of the video surveillance market, and those who do not wish to uproot their systems but require high resolution will be able to take advantage of this structure.


Looking at storage, traditional DVRs must be switched out in favor of an HD DVR. These are more expensive than regular DVRs, but if manufacturers are clever about design, they can share compression chips, rather than add a chip to every HD channel, Rockoff said.


"With IP, you have to get onto the network and put it throughout the building. Not everyone has technicians who can do this. Everyone has technicians who can plug in a camera and run a wire. Using an RG-6, I can run a camera 800 feet with an HD signal," said Sonny Roberts, VP of Sales at Gnisec, in a prepared statement.


High-Resolution Digital Systems
Moving into the IP space, megapixel and HD are becoming two distinct categories, with increasingly separate markets, although HD cameras are essentially megapixel. "HD cameras are megapixel cameras with a specific format; therefore, there is no great difference except that HD has the advantage of synchronized camera and monitor resolutions," said Hardy Mehl, Director of IP Business at Basler Vision Technologies.


There is some confusion in the marketplace now, since manufacturers of megapixel cameras have begun marketing products as "HD," in order to capitalize on the familiarity of HDTV in the consumer marketplace, said James Mihaychuk, Product Manager for Surveillance and IP Cameras, Lumenera.


HD
By definition, HD means anything higher than a D1 resolution, said Paul Bodell, CMO of IQinVision. "By this measure, every megapixel camera is also, in fact, an HD camera. There are different formats of HD that exist, like 720p, 720i, 1080p and 1080i, as well as different frame rates, but not one of these is 'the HD standard.'"


HD has specified dimensions for video format and aspect ratio, but its market reach is still limited due to cost and storage limitations, said Patrick Lim, Director of Sales and Marketing at Ademco. Only a few big players currently drive HD cameras, which means that they are among the most expensive cameras in the market.


The HD format specification is well-documented; so even when cameras are manufactured by different brands, the products are still very similar. "This is a plus. It allows customers to get the same output from all HD cameras," Lim said.


However, in terms of projects, there is still little demand for HDTV. "It's very new, and we only have one or two projects that use it, with less than 20 units installed. Demand from customers to integrate HD cameras into their systems is low, and many VMS providers are in no hurry to integrate HDTV capabilities," Lim continued.


In a nutshell, HD has two video formats — 720 and 1080. Both can use progressive or interlaced scanning, though progressive is superior. The aspect ratio is fixed — 16:9, compared to 5:4 or 4:3 in other surveillance cameras, said John Honovich, founder of IPVideoMarket.info , in a prepared statement.
Frame rate is usually 25 or 30, which is high and used for real-time surveillance.


With specifications come more requirements. HD cameras are only part of an HD video surveillance system; users need to be able to capture and playback high-quality images. Therefore NVRs, and 16:9 HD monitors are also necessary.


Megapixel
While HD is generally viewed as adhering to fixed formats, megapixel cameras have been criticized for lack of uniformity. "Manufacturers tend to use different resolutions, compression techniques, video codecs, frame rates, aspect ratios and so on; so, you have mixed quality among the cameras available," Lim said.


These cameras have been marketed as suitable for niche applications demanding more resolution and higher quality images. "Units can range from 1.3- to 5-megapixel and even higher," Wilson said. Ultrahighresolution megapixel cameras — 10, 12, 16 and even 21 — are aimed at special applications, for scientific research or wide-area surveillance such as border control, which require more bandwidth, storage and do not operate at high frame rates.


For most applications, however, the work horse is the 1.3-megapixel camera. There are more of these than any others installed, Wilson said.


Low frame rate is still a major concern. While users can actually send up to 15 megabits for a megapixel camera, experts have said that 6 to 8 megabits are optimum.


As with HD, when megapixel cameras are added to the equation, other components of the system are strained. "You need high-performance processors and encoders, and every link in the system requires higher bitrate and additional hardware to decode the footage," said Neeraj Purandare, Product Manager for Physical Security Business Unit at Cisco Systems.


Because of these constraints, applications that need more than 2 megapixels and do not need high frame rates (25 to 30 fps) should consider non-HD megapixel cameras, where as those that require high frame rates and HD output should choose HD cameras, Honovich said.


Essentially, megapixel and HD cameras are moving toward two different markets. HD formats are poised to become mainstream network cameras in the short term, whereas higher megapixel resolution cameras will be used for niche applications and can gain more importance in the long run, Mehl said.

Italian National Park Deploys Videotec Rugged Video Solution

Editor / Provider: Videotec | Updated: 4/9/2010 | Article type: Government & Public Services

The Maddalena archipelago is a group of islands northeast of Sardinia, off the Emerald Coast, a popular destination for pleasure sailors for its natural beauty and unspoiled emerald waters. Established in 1996, the National Park is strictly protected by environmental heritage laws. The archipelago is famous for the amazing rock carved by the wind. La Maddalena is the main island.


The ambitious total IP video system which aims to protect the marine and coastal environment of La Maddalena distinguishes itself for its charming locations and the singularity of the challenges it has faced and the relevance of current issues at stake.


The Ministry of Transport and Harbour Office requested action on two different fronts; video surveillance of a vast area that includes sea, houses, wharves and surrounding docks plus the monitoring of maritime traffic in the Park area. The first case, the tender's specifications required an IP video system, installed on the La Maddalena island consisting of a control room located in the ancient tower in the Guardia Vecchia suburb, and a remote system installed at Punta Chiara. To control the traffic on the sea areas which are not visible from the island it was essential to install mobile network cameras in various spots.


The Rome security distribution company Italtec and the Make Security installation company were called up to design and build the system using Panasonic and Videotec products, while the software was developed by the Milan company Essai. The technologies used are all cutting edge latest generation and the works were completed in full compliance with all applicable standards and regulations.


Since the natural location is so impervious, a considerable number of difficulties were encountered in the implementation phase, such as the transportation of site equipment or the lack of electricity, a problem resolved by using photovoltaic panels, capable of guaranteeing a week of independent power even without the sun. This service was ensured by using low consumption products only, along with Videotec pan-tilt systems which have zero consumption levels when inactive.


The video system installed on the La Maddalena island is composed of two network video recorders and about a dozen Panasonic video cameras. Videotec IP68 housings and pan-tilt systems were installed to protect and handle the cameras; the latter are made from polished stainless steel designed to withstand the most severe environments and developed specifically for the offshore market, industrial use and any type of environment where external agents are highly corrosive and aggressive as at sea. Furthermore, the accurate mechanical construction and reliable motors reduce the need for maintenance even in situations of intense mechanical stress. This is an essential condition in sites which are difficult to reach like the Maddalena archipelago. Moreover, these devices are equipped with wipers to ensure clear viewing in all weather conditions.


Given the need for accurate sea patrol systems, the pan-tilt systems were equipped with "two-way telemetry," an ad hoc application developed by Italtec which displays not only the video recording on the monitor but also the geographic reference coordinates. 


Only a few months have passed since the work was completed but it is already possible to draw a positive balance. There is not a small stretch of coastline or a portion of sea that escapes the widespread patrol systems which are capable of transmitting images that are so clear and precise that it is possible to read the license plate of a ship two miles away.


The anomalous events detected by the system so far have mainly referred to distress calls by boats in difficulty. In such cases, the accuracy of the shots is so high that the operator was able to aim the camera exactly in the direction where the call was being made and watch what was actually happening. But illegal situations that may occur are numerous: from encroachment by ships to the passage of oil tankers discharging pollutants into the environment.

High-Resolution Cameras Move the Market

Editor / Provider: a&s International | Updated: 4/9/2010 | Article type: Tech Corner

As image resolution improves, users can enjoy greater clarity and more image detail from today's growing range of megapixel cameras. Although the technology is becoming more sophisticated, market adoption is slower than anticipated. a&s explores the phenomenon.


Where detailed images are required, cameras can now provide ultrahigh resolution for the accurate recognition of faces, license plates and other indicators. Compared to traditional analog cameras, megapixel and HD cameras have at least three times the resolution, said Nafis Jasmani, Sales Manager for ASEAN at Axis Communications.


These cameras change the way video surveillance systems are designed and deployed. More resolution indicates greater coverage, meaning that fewer cameras are needed to survey a given area. "In the past, designing a surveillance system for an outdoor parking lot, for example, required roughly 15 to 20 standard network cameras. With megapixel, we use only seven or eight cameras, reducing the camera count by up to 50 percent," said Patrick Lim, Director of Sales and Marketing at Ademco.


In countries where the penetration of network video surveillance equipment is high, the adoption of megapixel and HD cameras is generally also high, said Gary Wong, Market Analyst at IMS Research. "By sales revenue, megapixel and HD cameras accounted for more than 20 percent of total network camera sales in 2008."


This year, the market for network cameras is forecast to be US$1.1 billion, with worldwide adoption of megapixel and HD cameras accounting for $354 million, said Steve Collen, Director of Marketing at Cisco Systems.


Within purchases, an increasing number of retrofit projects are specifying higher resolution. "Three years ago, megapixel cameras were deployed mainly in Greenfield projects. Today, projects are 70 percent greenfield and 30 percent existing installations," said Paul Bodell, CMO of IQinVision. "Next year, we expect these numbers to even out."


Ellen Cargill, Director of Product Development for Scallop Imaging agreed, adding that analog systems will exist for many more years as users will be reluctant to replace anything that still works. For new systems, network cameras will comprise the majority of sales.


Efforts to Standardize
Some best practices have emerged, regarding the number of pixels required for certain applications. For an overview image, for example, it is generally considered that 20 to 30 pixels are sufficient to represent one big section of a scene, Jasmani said. For applications that demand detailed images such as facial identification, requirements can rise to as much as 150 pixels per foot. This is slightly more than 1 megapixel.


Organizations such as the ONVIF and PSIA are in the works of promoting "open" network video surveillance solutions, among which include standards to increase awareness and adoption of high-resolution network cameras. However, protocol-level compatibility for network cameras does not address codec compatibility, which presents an ongoing challenge to wider adoption, said Gary Perlin, VP of Video Products at Speco Technologies.


On the other side batting for existing analog installations, the HDcctv Alliance promotes specifications for HD video over coaxial cable. "As all of the standards bodies are currently in the early stages of specification design, it's still difficult to assess the effectiveness of their promotion of megapixel and HD technology," Wong said. Many manufacturers agreed.


Real Life
Geographically, the fastest growth for megapixel and HD adoption can be found where there is strong economic activity, pressing security issues and greenfield installations, said James Mihaychuk, Product Manager of Surveillance and IP Cameras, Lumenera. Recently, the Middle East and Asia attest to this finding.


Hot Verticals
Wide-area coverage like city surveillance and transportation proves to be the fastest growing segment for megapixel and HD cameras, as identification and verification are critical requirements, said Peter Norman, Senior Product Manager, Security Solutions Asia Pacific, Sony Electronics.


Citywide traffic monitoring systems take advantage of existing metropolitan wide-area networks, which makes sense for deploying megapixel and HD cameras, Perlin said.


Projects with state, local and federal funding, such as critical infrastructure, education and defense, are employing more megapixel and HD cameras, Collen said.


In the entertainment industry, the re has been some dispute over the adoption of megapixel cameras at casinos. Casinos are unique in the sense that they have a great need for the clarity of images that megapixel cameras can deliver, but the environment of constant light change from slot machines and digital signage make designing the system difficult. "Casinos today have challenging lighting conditions that aren't optimum for megapixel cameras," Collen said. "This is a prime example of needing to run tests to optimize placement and performance of cameras."


System integrators have an optimistic view. "Most megapixel cameras used in the gaming industry have features that control for flickering light. Others have a proprietary DSP," Lim said. "Also, lighting design is now done in consideration of video surveillance requirements."


Banks and commercial buildings also deploy megapixel and HD cameras at critical areas, such as entrances, to identify those entering and exiting the premises. For these applications, facial recognition and license plate recognition algorithms help alert for blacklists, Lim said.


Slow-Moving Verticals
Slowest to adopt are industries that use their surveillance systems as deterrents, such as residential areas, small-to-medium businesses and small retailers. "These sectors are extremely cost-sensitive and have existing analog systems; crossing over to IP-based systems is considered a luxury, not a necessity," Mihaychuk said.


Small retailers, such as convenience stores, see the added cost of replacing present analog cameras, as not being worth the added resolution, said Mark Wilson, VP of Marketing at Infinova.


If retrofitting existing systems to support higher resolution is needed, users can now choose HDcctv. "It will also be the choice for installers needing better resolution but not wanting to learn the language of networking," Perlin said.


Software and Integration
Frequent questions from users and installers about third-party software compatibility and integration are high among the list of concerns. "For megapixel cameras to integrate, every camera must have an API that allows you to talk to the management server," said Neeraj Purandare, Product Manager for the Physical Security Business Unit at Cisco Systems. "Currently, every manufacturer has to customize an API for each new management server their cameras link to. There is little uniformity or standard. In the future, however, with the ONVIF and PSIA working toward standards, the number of APIs needed will dwindle to two. All cameras can then become normalized for one or both of the standards, to overcome the age-old integration problem."


Customers usually want to know if they replace one or two cameras now, and are considering replacing other units in the future, how many separate APIs are needed. "Generally, if one camera is integrated, the rest of the offered line can be supported as well," said Robert Gailing, National Sales Manager, Security Products Group (Consumer Solutions Division), North America, Sanyo.


Presently, however, integration still poses a challenge. There is such a wide range of megapixel and HD cameras, meaning that demands vary greatly on the network video management software (VMS) used. Megapixel cameras with fewer features may be easier to integrate. However, using cameras manufactured by multiple vendors on one VMS platform may diminish the end result, said Michael Hodor, Senior Sales Director of Western North America, Latin America and Asia Pacific, Avigilon. "Sophisticated features of cameras may not be supported by third-party software that is not designed especially to support megapixel cameras."


Megapixel and HD cameras are perfect tools to take advantage of video analytics, but there are few analytics providers that make full use of their capabilities. "One camera is capable of running multiple algorithms in one video stream, but very few analytics providers can do this," Lim said. For example: With a megapixel or HD camera, two events in a parking lot, such as loitering and illegal parking, can be detected simultaneously. The analytics can zoom in to capture the face of the person loitering and pick up the illegal parking vehicle's license plate. This is a much more efficient use of the camera.


Pricing Issues
The current high prices of megapixel and HD cameras are still market barriers, but prices are forecast to decline for three reasons: Megapixel sensors are declining in cost; more manufacturers are releasing these cameras; and more open standards will lower the barriers of entry for new vendors, Wong said.


Compared to standard network cameras, megapixel cameras are sometimes two to three times more expensive, depending on frame rate and resolution, Collen said. "However, you should not make a choice based on price. Rather, you make a choice based on application."


In practice, more users are requesting for megapixel and HD cameras, but asking for them and being able to afford them are two very different things. "There is definitely an explosive growth in inquiries, and the awareness for the technology is certainly growing," Lim said. "The problem is price point. Today, network cameras account for nearly 50 percent of our video surveillance revenue, but actual deployments of megapixel and HD cameras are still only 10 percent of this revenue."


Developments in cost-saving features such as PoE and automatic focus and zoom have given megapixel cameras more appeal; however, market adoption is still lagging. As price comes down, requests shall eventually turn to purchases.


Brands
In general, larger brands invest more in R&D and compliance requirements set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), which means that product quality is generally higher, Lim said. Smaller players are less concerned with the quality and continuity of products, and are more concerned with selling volume.


Megapixel and HD cameras manufactured by Asian vendors have been known to deliver resolution and sensitivity that do not meet the quoted specifications, Perlin said. "Furthermore, poor documentation, nonexistent technical support and failure to honor warranties are also problems we have encountered.
However, there are many lesser known Asian brands with excellent quality if you know where to look."


Education is Key
There is a learning curve involved. Optimal results can only be achieved when customers are properly educated, as to what to expect from a price-performance viewpoint. Market adoption will then follow. Manufacturers should demonstrate their equipment to customers and work with them to determine what resolution is needed, Perlin said.


Both the advantages, such as increased image resolution, and disadvantages, such as increased storage and bandwidth, must be highlighted for users to gain a realistic understanding of the technology, Wong said.


As such, the technology is poised for widespread deployment, but user awareness and knowledge prohibit rapid growth. Customers need to learn the differentiations among types, formats and specifications, as well as how this technology changes or affects other parts of the surveillance or even IT system. Without clear comprehension, users cannot make the right decision or be fully satisfied with a purchase.


Most manufacturers agree that megapixel and HD cameras are the future of video surveillance, but that future can only be realized if steps to overcome these current market barriers are properly addressed.

Initsys Merlin Provides Secure Environment for UK University

Editor / Provider: Initsys Merlin | Updated: 4/9/2010 | Article type: Education

The University of Portsmouth is providing a safer and more secure learning environment for its students as a result of installing Initsys Merlin software. This alarm receiving room software solution was developed by Initsys, Europe's provider of verified alarm technology, and has enabled the university to cost-effectively integrate new and existing intruder and fire alarms with surveillance cameras and DVRs installed at two campuses across the city. It is enabling control room operators to deliver a faster, more efficient response to all alarm activations, as well as helping to achieve significant cost savings.


The new Merlin software has been integrated with all existing surveillance, intruder and fire alarm systems despite the fact that they are based on a wide range of different analogue, digital and IP technologies. It has eliminated the need for each type of alarm system to have a dedicated monitoring screen and instead provides control room operator with all necessary information from a variety of sources on a single screen making it easy to efficiently monitor and manage incidents.


"The Initsys Merlin system connects to the camera closest to the location where an intruder alarm activation has taken place and automatically operates the PTZ functions enabling events to be quickly reviewed and recorded. It has enabled us to enhance the operational capability of existing security networks without having to upgrade the whole system to ensure that the campus provides a safe and secure learning environment for every student and staff member," said Chris Beaman, Control Room Manager at the University of Portsmouth.


In addition to selecting the camera closest to where an activation has taken place, the Initsys Merlin system automatically shows views of the nearest fire exits, doors and windows with live streaming of images from these locations as well as pre and post event images. This information can also be used by emergency services to tailor their response according to the specific circumstances of the incident as well as enabling the precise cause and effect of every incident to be accurately logged and analyzed. 


The Merlin system has also been integrated with a new digital radio system used by security guards that patrol both campuses. It automatically transmits details of incidents that require rapid verification direct to these radios along with updates in real-time to ensure the most appropriate response is delivered.


Initsys has also provided the University of Portsmouth with a solution that enables visually or hearing impaired students to interact with the central security control room and receive audible and visual alerts. Students can reply to these messages to confirm they are safe or whether they need priority assistance. The solution is currently being trialled and is expected to be rolled out to around fifty students during the first half of 2010. The same technology is being deployed for WASP, an innovative solution developed by SOS Response in partnership with the University and Hampshire Constabulary that is being used to reduce the incidence of bicycle theft from campuses across the city. 


The Initsys Merlin system has enabled the University of Portsmouth to make significant savings by eliminating the need to immediately replace existing installed equipment. It has also reduced the amount of equipment installed in the control room which is leading to lower running costs. Further major cost savings in terms of phone line rentals will also be realized once all systems have fully migrated to IP. What is more, the enhanced security levels that can be achieved are expected to result in reduced insurance premiums.


"Merlin is at the core of our strategic emergency plans enabling all systems to be monitored and controlled from anywhere on the University's network in the event of the control room being out of action. It is certainly helping to make the university an even safer place to be, at a fraction of the cost of deploying a completely new system," concluded Chris Beaman.