Council depot decreases false alarms by Optex Redwall laser sensor

Editor / Provider: OPTEX | Updated: 7/31/2014 | Article type: Security 50

A council depot in Dudley experiencing up to 80 false alarms in 45 minutes when opening every morning, has practically eradicated the problem by reviewing the existing sensor locations and deploying OPTEX laser detection technology.

The site stores building materials including paving slabs, electrical cabling and some council vehicles, and is protected by a CCTV system triggered by infrared motion detection sensors, but was suffering numerous false alarms due to staff arriving for work and congregating in front of the building, and from wildlife along the canal footpath that runs along two sides of the perimeter. Historically, intruders have broken through one of the perimeter walls and stolen central heating boilers and piping, and also climbed up on to the roof and entered the building through the skylights. Some 18 REDWALL long range passive infrared detectors (PIRs) were installed throughout the car park and the perimeter of the building to protect the elevation of the storage warehouse a few years ago. The operational needs of the site had changed but the sensors were still in their original location and the false alarms generated when staff is arriving to work were causing a headache for operators at Visual Verification's remote monitoring center in Timperley, Cheshire.

The location of the existing sensors needed a rethink as well as the mix of detection technologies to specify to avoid staff triggering the system.

Replacing the traditional volumetric sensors protecting the building, a REDSCAN laser detector has been installed on top of the building in a vertical application, covering the facade and a one meter area from the wall, working in conjunction with two cameras. Creating a virtual wall, the laser sensor only detected people standing next to the building wall and ignored those further away. This resulted in the false alarm rate falling by 80%.

G4S and ENTERTECH SYSTEMS partner Suprema to provide enterprise-level biometric solution

Editor / Provider: ENTERTECH SYSTEMS | Updated: 7/31/2014 | Article type: Security 50

ENTERTECH SYSTEMS and G4S Technology have announced a technology partnership that combines ENTERTECH SYSTEMS identity management and Suprema biometrics with G4S security solutions, providing a robust offering to UK customers. ENTERTECH SYSTEMS is the official operating partner for Suprema in the United Kingdom, Ireland, United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

G4S Technology is one of the foremost innovators and supplier within the security industry providing fully integrated Access Control, Video Management, Life Safety, Perimeter Protection and Alarm Management Systems. Providing an end to end solution, G4S Technology designs, develops, manufacturers, installs and maintains systems protecting small offices and colleagues through to complex government facilities and high security environments. Symmetry is the advanced Access Control and Video Management system from G4S Technology and is used by millions around the world on a daily basis.

“This new partner relationship fits perfectly with our own focus on excellence in technology and customer service,” says David Ella, VP of Technology and Marketing at G4S Technology. “With UK-based support from ENTERTECH SYSTEMS, our installers and customers can easily tap into the benefits of sophisticated Suprema biometrics.”

The integration of Suprema biometric devices and the ENTERTECH SYSTEMS BioConnect application with Symmetry provides more efficient, user-friendly access control for G4S customers. Instead of having to manage badge records in two different systems (one for the access control panel and another for the biometric templates), BioConnect seamlessly syncs users between the two systems. Using a simple enrollment window, they can search for a user/badge and add biometric templates.

Designed for organisations of any size and suitable for all applications, Symmetry delivers the latest technology in a proven, scalable, fully integrated system which can be managed from one easy to use software application. Unlike some other security systems, Symmetry features a wide range of advanced applications as standard including Visitor Management, Badge Production, interactive Graphical Maps as well as the most comprehensive Access Control solution with Anti-Passback and all the other features that would be expected by large organizations.

“Like us, G4S Technology understands the growing need to maximise efficiencies and reduce costs for customers through leading innovation and truly responsive customer service,” says Rob Douglas, CEO of ENTERTECH SYSTEMS. “We look forward to working with them to deliver next-generation biometric access control to the UK market.”

The Suprema line of biometric devices, which includes fingerprint detection, card and PIN readers and ENTERTECH SYSTEMS' BioConnect application, is now available through G4S Technology. Applicable Suprema biometric readers include BioStation T2, BioStation, BioEntry Plus, BioEntry W, BioLite Net and BioMini.

Bank SinoPac adopts integrated IP solutions from VIVOTEK

Editor / Provider: VIVOTEK | Updated: 7/31/2014 | Article type: Security 50

Bank SinoPac, a wholly owned subsidiary of SinoPac Holdings, aims at providing the best financial services and innovative product line to customers through its intensive branch networks. The Bank realizes its vision of building a company that embraces “content shareholder, proud employees, happy customers, and public respect.” Statistics at the end of 2013 showed that Bank SinoPac accommodates approximately 5,500 employees, and possesses NT$59.6 billion in paid-in capital and NT$1,357 billion in assets. The bank has already established 129 branches in Taiwan alone, and further expanded operations into Hong Kong, the United States, Vietnam, and China. With such an immense operations network, the security of each and every branch has become an increasing challenge for Bank SinoPac.

Move from analog to IP
The previous surveillance solution adopted by SinoPac was primary based on an analog surveillance framework. Following the advancement in surveillance technology, the demand for video clarity and recognition capabilities have become increasingly apparent, especially around the teller area in banks where the bulk of transactions are handled. For SinoPac, a new solution was required that could seamlessly integrate with its extant analog framework. VIVOTEK surveillance products, with outstanding image quality were therefore adopted. In this project, Seventy-five VIVOTEK's IP8362 Network Bullet Cameras were suggested and installed. The project was comprehensively implemented in April and May 2014, and is now set up in 15 Bank SinoPac branches.

Bullet Network Camera – IP8362
IP8362 bullet network cameras were installed in the teller area of each Bank SinoPac branch to achieve a comprehensive coverage of the designated area. Both money transaction and the legal document process can be recorded precisely and clearly. The camera comprises a 2-megapixel CMOS sensor capable of producing a video resolution of 1080p Full HD at 30 fps. Designed with a removable IR-cut filter and built-in IR illuminators, the camera can adapt to constantly changing lighting conditions, making it a true Day & Night camera. Moreover, VIVOTEK's IP8362, with WDR enhancement, can clearly capture detailed features when an object of interest appears in locations like bank entrances where there is intense backlight.

The adoption of IP solution is on the rise in banking industry
William Ku, Vice President of VIVOTEK's International Business Division, stated, “Because of the nature of legality and huge bulk of money transaction, the banking industry spares no expenses in its security system to reduce security risks. Taking into account the increasing demand for clear and detailed video footage, centralized security management of branches in various locations, intelligent video analysis for strengthening daily operation or suspicious object detection, and governments' regulations, the investment and deployment of IP-based security solutions is on the rise. In the past years, we have accomplished several IP surveillance system implementations for banks in several countries in Asia and Middle East. We are pleased that Bank SinoPac adopted VIVOTEK's network cameras for enhancing the security in its 15 branches. We look forward to extending the installation to other branches of Bank SinoPac around the globe in the future. ”

MOBOTIX introduces new thermal sensor modules for S15D

Editor / Provider: MOBOTIX | Updated: 7/28/2014 | Article type: Security 50

MOBOTIX introduced the new thermal sensor modules for the S15D, being the first thermal devices to use MOBOTIX' revolutionary dual flexmount video cable technology. This is available with all S15D upgraded to software version MX-V4.2.1.43.

The flexible video cabling, weatherproof design and tiny footprint allows the two S15D thermal sensor modules to be installed into any location up to two meters away from a single S15D core unit. The advantage of using thermal sensor modules is that they can visualize heat radiating from vehicles and persons, for the purpose of accurate movement detection up to 400 meters away from the camera, even under the most challenging lighting and environmental conditions.

Another world first innovation, available in the MOBOTIX M15D and S15D, is the ability to combine both thermal and optical sensor modules in the one camera. While the thermal sensor provides movement detection, the optical sensor provides crisp clear object identification. This enables the M15D and S15D to deliver accurate detection of motion in all lighting conditions and visual verification of who or what triggered the motion event. ??The MOBOTIX M15D and S15D dual lens cameras come as standard with MxActivitySensor, a state of the art intelligent motion detection software. When enabled in the thermal camera, MxActivitySensor registers movement without artificial lighting in pitch black conditions and during the day time, with stunning accuracy “MOBOTIX has re-engineered conventional thermal camera technology so that you can do more in a wider range of applications,” said Dr. Ralf Hinkel, MOBOTIX founder, “As with all of our products, we are committed to quality and this is why we can guarantee an average MTBF of 9 years on all of our thermal sensors.”

High Quality Construction
The new S15D thermal sensor modules are encased in a special housing made of aluminium and stainless steel, allowing the module to be securely fastened to surfaces without additional mounts. As with all MOBOTIX products, the thermal devices are made in Germany. The thermal sensor modules are built for continuous operation in extreme conditions, with an impressive *MTBF of 80,000 hours.

MOBOTIX thermal sensor modules have a sensor value of 50 mK, which places them in the premium range of thermal cameras currently available for commercial use. The devices are all weatherproof – M15D (IP66), S15D (IP65) and S15D thermal sensors (IP65).

Lens Options – L43, L65, L135?The MOBOTIX S15D thermal sensor modules are sold separately and available in three different focal lengths:?
* MX-SM-Thermal-L43 with a horizontal image angle of 45°
* MX-SM-Thermal-L65 with a horizontal image angle of 25°
* MX-SM-Thermal-L135 with a horizontal image angle of 17°

The MOBOTIX M15D thermal sensors are factory fitted in the following camera models and also available in three different focal lengths:
* MX-M15D-Thermal-L43 with a horizontal image angle of 45°
* MX- M15D -Thermal-L65 with a horizontal image angle of 25°
* MX- M15D -Thermal-L135 with a horizontal image angle of 17°

The S15D thermal sensor modules cannot be fitted to the M15D.

Energy Efficient
MOBOTIX, known for producing low power IP video devices, has brought unprecedented energy efficiency to its thermal camera range. For example the S15D, when fitted with two thermal sensor modules uses an incredibly low 7 watts of power and can be easily powered via a standard (IEEE 802.3af) Power over Ethernet power supply. This is outstanding energy efficiency. By comparison other competing brands of thermal cameras are 30 times less energy efficient than MOBOTIX!

Hikvision receives Lenel Factory certification

Editor / Provider: Hikvision | Updated: 7/25/2014 | Article type: Security 50

Hikvision Digital Technology has been recertified by Lenel Systems International for the interface of its latest Internet protocol (IP) camera series and high-definition (HD) speed domes with the most recent versions of the Lenel OnGuard access control system.

This expanded certification provides live video viewing, motion detection, tampering detection, audio input and alarm input/output from Hikvision IP cameras and speed domes available with OnGuard systems.

“Hikvision has completed required factory testing at Lenel to validate the functionality of its interface to the OnGuard system. This integration benefits our customers to combine their access control and Hikvision video surveillance systems,” said Gidon Lissai, director of strategic alliances, Lenel. “We look forward to their continued involvement in the Lenel OpenAccess Alliance Program.”

“The certification allows customers to access a bevy of advanced features from various Hikvision camera models that interface with an OnGuard system,” said Keen Yao, international marketing director, Hikvision. “Therefore, we are able to offer them more enhanced and value-added IP video surveillance solutions to help grow their business.”

Hikvision IP cameras and HD speed domes include the easy-to-use two-line HD IP series, 4-line professional Smart IPC series and 30x Smart Tracking PTZ domes, providing users versatile solutions for different surveillance application needs.

Suprema launches fingerprint scanner SDK for Android

Editor / Provider: Suprema | Updated: 7/24/2014 | Article type: Security 50

Suprema, one of the global providers of technology in biometrics and identification, announced the launch of a fingerprint scanner software development kit (SDK) for Android operating system (OS).

The new SDK is specially designed for use with Suprema's latest fingerprint scanner, the BioMini Slim. It assures the same powerful performance as the test-proven SDK for desktop computers. For instance, like the SDK for desktop computers, the SDK for Android also enables mobile devices to capture fingerprints under harsh environmental conditions as well as direct sunlight of up to 100,000 LUX.

With a high speed of 15fps (Frames Per Second), the new SDK supports a ‘Live Preview' in the verification process, designed to make BioMini Slim apply to an even wider range of applications. Suprema is the first to provide a ‘Live Preview' function on mobile devices in the ID solutions market.

Alongside the launch of the new SDK, Suprema revealed a free of charge mobile Android app for product demonstration to BioMini Slim users. The app provides a rich and intuitive user experience in Suprema ID solutions, including product and technology information, as well as the product demo. Anyone using an Android device can download the app on Google Play Store by searching for ‘Suprema' or ‘Suprema Fingerprint Solution'.

“As is the case with other applications, tablets and smartphones are replacing desktops or notebooks as a platform to collect and verify biometric identity. In the near future, we expect to see even more integration of biometrics and mobility.” Said Young S. Moon, Vice President of Suprema. “Suprema expects the new SDK for Android will offer strong support in growing the biometrics and ID solutions markets.”

BioMini Slim maintains the highest standards by receiving both FBI-PIV and mobile ID FAP 20 certifications. It has a rugged IP65 rated dust and waterproof form factor while maintaining a sleek ergonomic design, and is equipped with Suprema's latest 500dpi slim optical sensor and large platen for easy and reliable fingerprinting, as well as Suprema's advanced LFD (Live Finger Detection) technology.

Bosch MIC IP 7000 HD family goes IP

Editor / Provider: Bosch Security | Updated: 7/24/2014 | Article type: Security 50

Bosch Security Systems offers the MIC family of ruggedized pan-tilt-zoom cameras for reliable surveillance in the most difficult outdoor locations and other challenging environments, combining high-quality HD imaging with an IP68/NEMA 6P-rated IP architecture. The new MIC IP 7000 HD family delivers the highest quality of IP video surveillance images everywhere, even in areas with extreme conditions like roads or highways, transportation facilities, city surveillance and critical infrastructure sites. The cameras withstand a wide range of harsh conditions – from -60 to +60 degrees Celsius with up to 100 percent humidity, as well as rain and snow, high wind gusts and significant vibration.

The new MIC IP starlight 7000 HD camera delivers HD video images in extreme low light situations and captures moving objects in 720p HD resolution at up to 60 frames per second. It delivers video images where others fail, even down to 0.01 lux. Clear HD images are captured in color down to 0.05 lux – when others switch to monochrome – to reveal accurate color details that support significantly in security event identification. Its ability to capture fast moving objects and excellent performance in extreme low light situations make the MIC IP starlight 7000 HD ideal for securing, for example, areas along highways.

The MIC IP dynamic 7000 HD offers 1080p resolution and captures multiple exposures of the same scene to provide maximum detail in areas with both bright and dark lighting conditions. The wide dynamic range and intelligent backlight compensation ensure that moving objects or specific objects of interest are enhanced and can be easily identified in scenes with simultaneously bright and dark areas, which typically challenge standard cameras.

Both cameras also feature intelligent de-fog technology to dynamically adjust camera contrast settings to deliver the best quality in scenes affected by fog, smog, mist or other low contrast scenes.

Detection of objects of interest in complete darkness is ensured by the optional MIC illuminators. These illuminators consist of both IR and white light LEDs, and operators can switch between the two light sources with a single click. This enables detection of objects up to a distance of 175 meters.

Intelligent Video Analysis
Another differentiating feature of the MIC IP 7000 HD family is built-in Intelligent Video Analysis (IVA). It helps to focus on relevant situations by alerting you when needed, or automatically tracking objects of interest. IVA also adds sense and structure to video data by adding metadata already in the camera. This allows the quick retrieval of the relevant images from hours of stored video. Metadata can also be used to deliver irrefutable forensic evidence or to optimize business processes based on, for example, people counting or crowd density information. By smartly using the camera's ability to simultaneously combine 8 of the 15 available IVA rules, complex tasks are made easy and false alarms are reduced to a minimum.

Among other uses, IVA can assist in monitoring unmanned stations or pipelines where people are not expected during normal operations, and since security guards cannot be everywhere all the time or watch everything at the same time, IVA alerts can also be sent to mobile devices when needed.

In addition, intelligent Tracking (iTracking) automatically tracks moving objects based on predefined alarm rules or a simple click. By intelligently distinguishing between single and multiple reference points, iTracking will provide uninterrupted tracking. Optimal capture of the object of interest is assured by dynamically adjusting the field of view. With intelligent tracking, it becomes easier never to lose track of objects of interest.

24/7 remote access and camera control
Limited bandwidth makes it impossible to stream HD video on mobile devices whereas Dynamic Transcoding delivers both smooth live video streaming and instant access to HD (1080p) images when needed, regardless of available bandwidth. Combined with the Video Security app, users are allowed access to camera controls, live video streams and HD images via a mobile device anytime and from anywhere. It also enables you to instantly retrieve the correct video data from hours of recorded material. The new MIC IP 7000 HD family is fully supported by Dynamic Transcoding in combination with either one of the Bosch DIVAR IP recording solutions or a Bosch VIDEOJET transcoder.

Lower storage costs and network strain
To reduce storage costs and network strain the new MIC IP starlight 7000 HD and MIC IP dynamic 7000 HD cameras feature intelligent Dynamic Noise Reduction (iDNR). The benefit of this intelligent technology is that it leads to bandwidth only being used when needed. When there is little or no movement in the scene, less bitrates is required. Therefore, iDNR actively analyses the scene distinguishing between relevant information such as moving objects and image noise artefacts. The degree of noise reduction is adjusted accordingly so that important objects are captured and image noise artefacts suppressed, optimizing the camera's bitrates. Thus, iDNR saves up to 50% on bitrates and hence storage and network strain without compromising video quality. Local storage on the camera further enhances network performance by compensating for short network outages, so ensuring that video data is continuously available in VRM systems without breaks.

Dependable operation and easy installation
Using the VIDEOJET connect 7000 with MIC and other Bosch IP cameras provides high Power over Ethernet support and added flexibility in network configuration and remote video access. Its built-in network switch supports connections to multiple IP cameras, which makes it an ideal configuration for installations along perimeters or highways. Smooth live video streaming and instant access to HD (1080p) images within limited bandwidth connections and full access and control of HD video images from anywhere at any time is made possible through its built-in transcoder which supports the Dynamic Transcoding technology.

Bosch IP standard-definition and high-definition cameras, encoders and analytics work seamlessly with a wide range of security software and recording solutions from Bosch and many other industry providers. This is backed by ONVIF conformance (Open Network Video Interface Forum) and the Integration Partner Program (IPP), which gives developers immediate access to software development tools to easily integrate Bosch products with third-party systems.

The cameras will be available in July 2014.

Arecont Vision megapixel cameras pass with flying colors at Texas school district

Editor / Provider: Arecont Vision | Updated: 7/22/2014 | Article type: Education

Mission Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) is a recognized leader in college and career readiness in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas, offering a comprehensive curriculum to meet the needs of every student. The District consists of roughly 41 square miles tucked along the Texas/Mexico border and serves almost 16,000 students in four high schools, four junior high schools, fourteen elementary schools and two special needs schools. Administrative offices and warehouses are also part of the facilities belonging to Mission CISD.

Challenge
For school districts across the country, video surveillance and security systems are no longer an option – they are must-haves. Mission CISD had an analog surveillance system in place, but found that its effectiveness was hampered by many limitations. First, the resolution of the images produced by the analog cameras was too low for identification. Next, after-the-fact forensic investigations were more difficult, if not impossible, to conduct due to the poor quality of the video that was captured. Finally, because the pan/tilt units were often facing the wrong direction at critical times, there was always a strong possibility that they would not capture video of an event that would be helpful in an investigation. For these reasons, the analog system was deemed unable to meet the district's current and future security needs without a significant upgrade. As a result, Mission CISD made the decision to deploy a new digital video system.

Megapixel Solution
After conducting research over the course of five years, school administrators concluded that the best solution for their application was a megapixel video system. Once this had been decided, they set out to find the cameras that would provide the performance necessary to deliver the level of image quality Mission CISD required. Working with the project integrator, American Surveillance Company Inc., located in Brownsville, Texas, the district selected Arecont Vision as their provider based on the company's wide selection of high-quality megapixel cameras that include 180- and 360-degree panoramics and audio-enabled models. The many additional features standard in the company's megapixel cameras, such as motion detection, day/night functionality, vandal-resistant housings, and remote focus/remote zoom, made the decision to use Arecont Vision's products even easier.

American Surveillance Company installed more than 700 Arecont Vision cameras and a storage system in a two-phase implementation across 28 Mission CISD locations, which are connected via fiber optic cable. The cameras transmit video to a central command center for storage and monitoring. The center is equipped with a video wall that allows operators to view live images or archived video of any of the installed cameras.

Megapixel Benefit
It was immediately apparent that the Arecont Vision cameras were able to capture greater detail in higher resolution than from the analog system, making facial recognition a reality. Post-incident investigations had been difficult using the analog system, and the remote zoom feature of the Arecont Vision cameras made that process much more effective and efficient. Operators can zoom in on any area of live or recorded video for better situational awareness and identification of individuals involved, along with the small details of an incident. Since the 180- and 360-degree cameras continuously capture a much wider field than the previous analog cameras, there was no need for pan/tilt cameras and the associated field-of-view challenges.

Another benefit of megapixel cameras from Arecont Vision is that fewer cameras are needed to provide the significantly improved surveillance coverage the new system provides. “Having a complete field of view 100 percent of the time allowed Mission CISD to go back and have an important digital zoom capability for investigation needs. With one Arecont Vision camera, Mission CISD can now cover the same area as six or seven analog cameras,” said Jaime Escobedo, President and CEO of American Surveillance Company Inc. “The resolution of the video is so high that you can easily see all the details that you need to help resolve disputes or handle situations, both live and after the fact.”

Using H.264 compression technology to dramatically reduce bandwidth and storage requirements, the Arecont Vision cameras can capture full motion video at 30 frames per second at full resolution without compromising image quality at any point in the process. Among the Arecont Vision megapixel cameras selected for installation at the Mission CISD were the AV2155DN and AV5155DN MegaDome cameras, the AV1125 MegaView camera and the AV20185DN and AV20365DN SurroundVideo panoramic cameras.

FLIR and Aimetis provide solar plant in Spain with perimeter security solutions

Editor / Provider: Sponsored by FLIR | Updated: 7/22/2014 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Solarpack is a multinational integrated management company focusing on electricity generation projects in the field of solar photovoltaic energy and is specialized in the development, financing, construction, operation and management of these projects. Controlling a large area where high valuable equipment is deployed all over the site, is not an easy task and it usually requires investing a great amount of money to keep the facility well protected.

For one of the most important solar plants in the West of Spain, Solarpack is now protecting its perimeter of 41 acres with an intelligent analytics solution of Valencia based company CCTV CENTER, combining FLIR thermal imaging cameras and Aimetis Symphony powerful analytics software.

Business challenge
Solarpack is continuously investigating new security solutions to have a pragmatic security system to protect its installations, considering the complexity that involves a solar plant. In this project, the challenge was saving investment costs and maintenance costs, as well as improving the security system towards a more effective and reliable solution, offering automatic notification of alerts and events. Quick search and review of video images was also an essential requirement. A number of tests made with other security systems lead Solarpack to determine that thermal imaging cameras were the best solution and, specially, FLIR thermal imaging cameras. It was then when Solar Pack contacted CCTV CENTER, FLIR's official distributor and integrator in Spain.

Solution
CCTV CENTER's presented a solution combining FLIR thermal imaging camera and Aimetis Symphony analytics software. Aimetis Symphony is award-winning intelligent video surveillance software that offers a single, innovative, open IP video platform for video management, video analytics, system integration and alarm management. The superior quality images from the FLIR thermal imaging cameras together with Aimetis Symphony analytics were a really great solution for the whole system. The end user had a previous experience in projects with thermal imaging cameras and a good image quality was always a main requirement.

Due to the high contrast of their images, thermal imaging cameras are specially recommended for analytics and perimeter applications. Thermal imaging cameras can detect a human target at a distance of up to 2,000 m and produce clear and crisp images in total darkness, light fog and rain where color CCTV cameras can't. Thermal imaging cameras provide an ideal solution for 24/7 surveillance, saving costs in IR illuminators or any other additional illumination system.

FLIR F-series--Thermal imaging cameras for Security & Surveillance applications

F-Series thermal security cameras let you see intruders and other threats to your facility clearly in total darkness and in bad weather. Fully enabled for control and operation over digital and analog networks, F-Series thermal imaging cameras are available in 160 × 120 pixels, 320 × 240 pixels, and high-resolution 640 × 480 pixels formats, providing up to sixteen times the image clarity and longer threat detection range performance than lower resolution cameras.

Installation
For the perimeter protection of this solar plant 21 FLIR F-Series thermal imaging cameras with a resolution of 320x240 pixels are installed on 2 to 3 meter high poles, alongside a wired fence. The F-series are fully enabled for control and operation over digital and analog networks. The F-Series provide high contrast imagery optimized to get the most out of video analytics software. Digital Detail Enhancement ensures clear, properly contrasted thermal images in all weather conditions. The thermal imaging cameras are working together with an intruder detection system, both connected to a CSA (Central Station Alarm). All the thermal imaging cameras are integrated with Aimetis Sym+phony software so they can be controlled from a server PC placed at a remote workstation. "Integrating the FLIR F-Series cameras with Aimetis software was a great solution", says Pablo Campos from CCTV CENTER, in charge of this project. "We used FLIR thermal imaging cameras before with Aimetis Symphony and the FLIR F-Series are included in the list of compatible devices. Once calibrated, analytics performance is outstanding."

Target detection
Aimetis Symphony software is configured with a virtual fence, so when an intruder crosses the virtual line, determined by the operator, an alarm is triggered. The alarm is then sent to the CSA, where the operator receives the signal. The operator then connects with Aimetis Symphony client and checks the video stream associated to verify if it's a false alarm or a real threat. The system can make distinction between humans and animals. When the system identifies the target as a human, it will start tracking the target. The software doesn't trigger any alarm unless the target crosses the virtual line configured by the operator. When the system identifies a target as an animal or unknown object, it will not send an alarm at all, even when an animal crosses the virtual fence. This is because “animals” are considered as authorized intruders in the system. The high quality of the thermal imaging cameras and the reliability of the analytics makes it possible to make this distinction, resulting in a drastically drop in the number of false alarms.

Cost savings
Before the new installation 10 to 15 security guards were hired to protect the premises. Now there are no security guards patrolling or controlling the access to the solar park anymore. Everything can now be managed from a remote workstation by only one or two operators. “The new installation is saving a lot of money and is far more effective than having a team of security guards viewing daylight cameras that can't display images at night or in bad weather conditions. Furthermore, the use of thermal imaging technology saves costs of deploying and keeping an illuminating system running. Also not a lot of electricity is consumed, using thermal imaging cameras instead of other solutions, and maintenance costs are low as well”, concludes Pablo Campos.

 

Top 3 myths of physical access control technology

Editor / Provider: Ola Jonsson, Business Development Manager, Axis Communications | Updated: 7/21/2014 | Article type: Hot Topics

It is no exaggeration to say that network video has revolutionized the video surveillance market. Now the access control industry is on the verge of a similar development. Once again, it is the transition from analog to IP-based systems and with it the adoption of open standards which provides new opportunities and stimulates market growth.

Since the introduction of the first network camera in 1996, the market share of IP-based video surveillance systems has increased year by year. Today, network video solutions offer a host of benefits and advanced functionalities that cannot be provided by analog video surveillance technology.

There are a number of common misconceptions as the physical access control industry undergoes a similar transition from analog to IP-based technology. In the following, I will address the top 3 of these myths.

Myth #1 - It's not worth upgrading existing analog systems to IP-based technology
A typical analog access control system is dependent on having each device – card reader, handle, door lock, door position switch, etc. – hard wired with RS-485 cable into one central unit or central server. Besides being proprietary systems, which confines the end user to one single provider of hardware and software, these solutions often tend to be very complex and require expert personnel to handle installation and configuration.

Furthermore, when expanding analog systems the process is complicated by the need to consider that a typical central controller is built to accommodate a certain maximum number of doors, normally 4, 8, 16 or 32. Not only does this limitation make the system inflexible but also makes it difficult for the end user to match his requirements with products available, e. g. if there is a need for access control at for example 9 or 17 doors. This lack of flexibility also brings high marginal costs, which can make the addition of one extra door unjustifiably expensive.

Upgrading an analog access control system to IP-based technology therefore allows for more flexibility while lowering costs as the system needs to be expanded to include additional doors. IP networks can be used for more than one application. This way different security systems can use the same infrastructure and can be integrated with each other. Often remote monitoring and management of security systems is a key requirement. This can be easily implemented with IP-based solutions which feature web-based console access.

Myth #2 - Access control systems are only for large installations
Analog access control products and systems are normally designed and optimized for large installations with a lot of doors and maybe thousands of credentials (cardholders). The actual market looks very different. According to the Security Sales & Integrator Gold Book 2013, the average installation consists of 7 doors with less than 130 credentials. Only about 20% of the installations have more than 10 doors.

Without the need for hard wiring to a central control unit or central server, IP-based access control systems enable installations that are very flexible and scalable. This means not only a more versatile solution, but also a more cost efficient one. Freed from the constraints of enlarging the system in certain multiples, a network-based solution can – should it be necessary – be enlarged by one door, and one reader, at a time.

Additionally, IP-based technology enables “edge” solutions. An edge solution has one controller for each door, which is then connected to the existing local Ethernet through a regular network switch without the need for a central server for management. Since IP networks now are ubiquitous in offices, stores, factory plants and similar facilities the cost of adding an IP-based door controller would be minimal, as opposed to multiple serial connections wired back to a central server. Cabling work can be even further facilitated. By employing a PoE (Power over Ethernet) supported controller at each door the need for a separate power cable is eliminated, thereby reducing the total installation cost and time compared to that of an analog access control solution.

Myth #3 - Access control systems are proprietary solutions that can't be integrated with other security systems
Very much like in the video surveillance market the shift from analog to IP-based technology in the access control industry will cause a transition from proprietary systems to open solutions. And these solutions will most likely be based on international industry standards.

Open solutions and standardized interfaces are a prerequisite in any industry that wants to establish its own equivalent of "plug-and-play". There are many gains from such a development also in access control. It will allow end users to freely pick and choose between components – reader, door controller and software – that best satisfy their needs and preferences. This freedom of choice makes the system future-proof and means the end user no longer has to rely on a single brand or supplier. Equally important, it can also enable integration with other security related systems and third party applications, without the need for costly hardware boxes to provide the “bridge” between the different systems. For example, a very common request is to integrate physical access control with video. People entering a building will automatically trigger a camera; the live images can then be used for investigation of incidents or identity control.

In the network security systems market there is already a clear trend to develop open or standardized application platform interfaces (APIs), which can be used by all competing market participants on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms. Naturally, this will increase supply and promote competition and bring a new level of innovation to the industry, while simultaneously making it even easier for end users, system integrators, consultants and others to take advantage of the different possibilities offered by IP-based solutions.

For example, the Open Network Video Interface Forum (ONVIF), which is a global and open industry standards body with the goal to facilitate the development and use of IP-based security products, announced in 2010 an extension of the organization's scope of standardization to cover physical access control. Ideally, access control devices from manufacturers that comply with the ONVIF standards will in the near future interoperate effortlessly and seamlessly with each other, as well as with other video surveillance products and systems conformant with the standard.

Future outlook
According to a market forecast by analyst firm ARC Advisory Group, IP-based access control systems will comprise more than 35% of the market in terms of shipments by 2016. A key factor will be that new buildings are increasingly being equipped with IP-based building control systems. This provides the basis for integration of previously often separate systems such as access control, intrusion detection, fire alarms or video surveillance.

Open standards and the ability to base different security systems on the same IP network architecture allows installers to build solutions based on products from various manufacturers. This way they can better meet customer demand, price projects more competitively and offer custom solutions to particular installation challenges and requirements. End users benefit from a future-proof and adaptable technology that can easily scale to their growing needs without being locked into any one manufacturer.