Infinova Cameras Watch Over Metro Line in Chongqing, China

Editor / Provider: Infinova | Updated: 10/27/2011 | Article type: Infrastructure

Infinova announced that, with the opening of the first phase of a new metro line in Chongqing (southwest China), 750 Infinova fixed cameras and 40 Infinova dome cameras will be covering the 37 km (23 mile) Chongqing Metro Line 1 which includes a grand total of 23 stations. The first section was completed in July (2011) and the second phase completes next year.

“Considering that metro security is considered a main requisite of the Chinese transportation system, the metro authority chose Infinova because of our worldwide experience in providing such solutions, including the 1000-plus camera system that covers the Shanghai metro system in China,” explains Mark S. Wilson, Infinova VP of Marketing. “We also have similar systems in countries from Turkey to the United States.”

In Chongqing, cameras are located at the platforms, station centers and inside the train cars. Both the entrances and exits of metro stations have fixed cameras, each capable of viewing a person from the front as they enter a ticket-check station. In each of the metro halls, an integrated high-speed dome camera surveys the entire facility. Secluded corners also have additional fixed cameras so that these areas are not out of sight to the surveillance system.

Cameras are also on the platforms to give rail system administrators an overview of passenger flow. As a result, the system can monitor passengers entering and leaving the station centers and the cars to prevent and detect crimes, including potential terrorism and kidnapping.

Hikvision Surveillance Solution Keeps French Hospital in Check

Editor / Provider: Hikvision | Updated: 10/27/2011 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Hikvision's network speed dome cameras and IP cameras are being used at the Louis Pasteur Hospital in the city of Chartres in northern France to protect patients, staff and visitors.

This district general hospital, situated to the southwest of Paris, is a 528-bed facility offering general surgery, convalescence and a maternity unit. There is also emergency in-patient accommodation and a specialist respiratory department.

The Hikvision products being used here offer real-time compression, allow network transmission to multiple clients simultaneously and have the flexibility of optical performance - including wide dynamic range (WDR) – required at a site with activity as varied as that of a hospital.

At the Chartres application, Hikvision's technology partner, ARGOS Technologies, has integrated the cameras with its own NVR and multiplexer solutions to enable hospital authorities to monitor visitor activity, alert on possible intruders and assess the efficiency of hospital logistics including patient admission and use of emergency vehicles.

All hospitals present broad video surveillance requirements, with camera footage being used to record interaction between patients and reception staff, monitor flow of people and use of ambulance bays, and protect crucial high-value items such as controlled drugs in pharmacies.

Many of the Hikvision network speed domes are located in foyer and reception areas where extremes of shadow and highlight have presented a major challenge. Similarly, the IP box cameras are being used externally at approach areas, on walkways and in car parks, all on a 24/7 basis and thus with varying illumination. The hospital therefore required cameras offering true day-night functionality which could accommodate IR focus switch, trigger alarms on motion detection in areas prone to loiterers and allow control of saturation, brightness and contrast through client software Problems associated with fluctuating lighting conditions, even during the day, and the hospital's requirements as to the graduation of exterior to interior light levels have been solved by the versatility of the Hikvision speed dome cameras.

Features such as 128x WDR has allowed the integrator to provide hospital management with clear images and filter out the ‘noise' caused by contrast between bright sunlight and muted interior lighting. As with other hospitals, lighting contrast has been increased by the presence of large glazed doors which are crucial to allow surgical teams and wheelchair-users easy access. With 36x zoom and horizontal resolution of up to 540TVL, the speed dome cameras also help to observe interaction between patients and staff - to the point of capturing clear image of people's faces and close analysis of incidents.

The Hikvision network cameras are benefiting hospital security staff. In remote car park areas and the hospital perimeter, the cameras can operate in B/W mode at very low light levels. The camera's IR cut filter ensures the correct focal shift as the transition is made from day to night operation. In addition to motion detection, security officers at the hospital can receive alarms on video loss, network disconnection, IP address conflict and storage exceptions.

The camera footage is recorded on ARGOS'S own network video recorder (NVR) and images are viewed on ARGOS's multiplexer with mouse-driven or joystick control. The recorder is an open-protocol solution which operates with IP and megapixel cameras as well as encoded streams from analogue devices. The ARGOS NVR allows precise PTZ control over IP, and offers high-capacity storage on disk with easy export to removable media including USB devices.

Polo Cai, VP of Hikvision, said: “Few organisations make more complex demands on their security equipment than hospitals or are more aware of social obligations in ensuring that best-of-breed technology protects patients and staff. Installed by one of our trusted technology partners, the Hikvision cameras are forming part of a versatile and robust solution.”

Messoa Cameras Help Ease Traffic Congestion in Colombia

Editor / Provider: Messoa | Updated: 10/25/2011 | Article type: Infrastructure

Located at northern Colombia, the city of Santa Marta is a popular tourist destination due to its colonial past and proximity to the Caribbean Sea. Job opportunities have drawn many Colombians to the city in recent years, but the urban development cannot catch up with the surging population and vehicles, which have led to congested roads and increase in traffic infractions.

To mitigate the problems encountered, Santa Marta's traffic authority decided to apply stricter law enforcement while prohibiting cars with certain license plates from being on the road during rush hours on certain days to stop traffic conditions deteriorating further. To ensure the policies could be effectively enforced, the authority officials decided to deploy surveillance cameras at 10 strategic locations throughout Santa Marta. With an extensive experience in traffic surveillance solution and successful case from the past, MESSOA's local partner recommended the most appropriate MESSOA traffic surveillance cameras to meet the challenging tasks. Each site is then monitored by 1 MESSOA camera and up to 3 cameras depending on the number of the lanes for that particular roadway.

The LPR camera specifically designed to capture close-up snapshots of vehicle information in remarkable clarity, particularly license plates. The camera is powered by MESSOA's advanced CatchAll II and Lumii III intelligent technologies. CatchAll II significantly improves the surveillance capabilities in tracking vehicle information even when cars are travelling at a high speed, whilst Lumii III further enhances camera sensitivity to deliver sharp images in adverse lighting conditions.

The 30M IR vandal-resistant fixed dome camera with mechanical D/N function to provide round-the-clock surveillance of the intersection. The dome camera was selected to provide an overview and panoramic video recordings of the monitored scene.

All the data captured are then sent to a centralized control site, where an LPR system is used to identify whether any vehicle is not supposed to be on the road or violating traffic regulations, such as speeding, running on red light and etc. Should any infraction be detected, the system will then verify the license plate and automatically send a traffic fine notice to that driver with photo evidences attached to it.

With the help of traffic surveillance technology, the restrictive car policy and traffic law can be effectively enforced in Santa Marta. The authority officials are especially impressed with the performance of the MESSOA's surveillance solution as traffic violation and congestion have been notably alleviated since the deployment. Having seen how successful this project has turned out in Santa Marta, city officials from Cali and Bucaramanga, Colombia have also decided to duplicate this model in their respective cities in the near future.

Honeywell Launches Security Cameras Powered by Pixim's Seawolf Chip

Editor / Provider: Pixim | Updated: 10/20/2011 | Article type: Component

Pixim, a leading provider of imaging chips for enterprise security cameras, announced that Honeywell, based in Morris Township, N.J., has released a new dome camera series, the HD4US and HD4USX, integrating Seawolf, Pixim's latest chip technology. The cameras are designed for optimized image quality in locations where low light, high contrast, and variable light conditions exist. The weather-tight housing is engineered for both indoor and outdoor installations. The new vandal domes are available immediately through multiple distribution partners including ADI, the largest camera distributor worldwide which supports over 80,000 security installers.

Based on Seawolf, Honeywell's HD4US camera family has an effective resolution of 690 HTVL as well as the industry's proven best wide dynamic range. In addition, the new dome cameras require just 0.1 lux of illumination to produce usable, color images at a full 30 frames per second.

Security Systems: Controlling Losses and Increasing Profits for Retailers

Editor / Provider: Arecont Vision, Axis Communcations, Envysion and UTC Fire & Security | Updated: 10/18/2011 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Retailers often deal with theft and fraud losses that security systems now help to target.

Megapixel Cameras Protect Mercedes-Benz Dealer's Inventory
Over the years , a Florid a Mercedes-Benz dealership has had several of its luxury vehicles stolen from their facility, as well as thefts of accessories, wheels and tires, according to Michael Brown, owner of Mercedes-Benz of South Orlando. The dealership installed an analog video system, but the system did little to thwart theft due to its limited resolution and inadequate nighttime viewing capabilities. Additionally, Brown wanted to use the video system to help manage operations by keeping track of staff, customers and vehicles throughout the dealership facility and grounds.

Mercedes-Benz of South Orlando turned to United Security Alliance, an integrator of video surveillance and access control systems, to design and install a new video surveillance solution that they could rely on. United Security Alliance installed 35 Arecont Vision cameras inside and outside the facility. The new system provides 24-hour surveillance of the premises with remote monitoring capabilities for surveillance afterhours, according to Terry Ottinger, President of United Security Alliance. The Arecont Vision cameras provide United Security Alliance personnel with high-resolution images capable of capturing minute details like license plate numbers as well as providing reliable operation, which assures continuous surveillance while eliminating most service calls.

The higher resolution and superior picture quality under all lighting conditions provided by Arecont Vision's megapixel cameras enables comprehensive coverage of the entire facility using far fewer cameras compared to conventional or analog cameras.

The Arecont Vision megapixel network cameras were integrated with the VMS from Geutebruck, a German digital video supplier. Video analytics include motion detection which automatically alerts United Security Alliance security personnel in the event anyone enters the dealership's grounds after hours.

Ottinger stated that installation of the system and Arecont Vision megapixel cameras went extremely smoothly. Arecont Vision collaborates with NVR suppliers such as Geutebruck to ensure smooth integration of systems. Arecont Vision also works with technology partners to streamline the integration of complementary systems products such as servers and related edge devices.

Nine Shopping controls and registers access in real time
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the main activity of Nine Shopping Center is commercial; it has approximately 80 tenants distributed in different areas, movie theaters, a food court, and open and underground parking lots. The center operates nearly every day of the year. Monitoring and controlling such spaces during the operating schedule requires an important amount of security staff, which makes this expense difficult to address. Nine Shopping considered it necessary to control and register all vehicle accesses, the parking area and aisles with a video surveillance system.

Cámaras Overnet executed the project, which was developed in 2010, and proposed a solution with Axis Communications IP video products with both fixed and dome cameras. In each parking area and access, they performed a preinstallation study to determine the surveillance points, and analyzed the current network and the required infrastructure. After choosing the equipment, they proceeded with the implementation and commissioning phase, and performed training sessions about the use of the solution.

With the provision and installation of Axis network cameras, the Center achieved visual control of access and parking lots and now, all actions occurring in the parking lot and aisles can be recorded. Nine Shopping can monitor events that affect the security in access, perimeter and parking areas, perform video surveillance from a central monitoring room and have remote access to images from different locations. Also, cameras become an additional dissuasive element that complements other security systems and the system allows access to the recorded image files when necessary for security audits.

Based on an open architecture, the solution installed by Cámaras Overnet supports new improvements and upgrades. In this sense, three extension stages have been outlined for 2011: installation of cameras in storefronts, movie theaters, and the food court. The Center expects to add approximately 60 cameras in the near future. [NextPage]

Garden Fresh Restaurant SAVES TIME AND MONEY WITH HOSTED VIDEO
After rolling out a PoS system, Garden Fresh Restaurant realized they needed the visual context behind the transactions to fully understand the data and guard against shrink. With a significant number of daily cash transactions, Garden Fresh knew that without concerted loss prevention efforts, theft and fraud could diminish profits.

Wanting to capitalize on the benefits of video-PoS integration, Garden Fresh deployed Envysion Insight, a MVaaS solution designed to help customers drive loss prevention efforts and increase profitability. MVaaS was adopted with modest capital investment and minimal IT, and was able to generate exceptionbased reports to highlight suspicious trends across stores and alert management of potentially fraudulent transactions such as voids, returns discounts and coupons. Also, Garden Fresh could now see the visual context behind each PoS transaction. Other benefits included remote access to restaurants nationwide, and increased efficiency due to elimination of tedious manual searching.

Within three months, Garden Fresh saw an increase in average gross profit of more than US$920 per site, per month, partially due to the decrease in customer discounts (an average of 6.8 percent decrease) and a reduction in guest comps (an average of 5.5 percent). In less than six months, Garden Fresh was able recoup initial security costs. “Assuming we see those results as we roll out the Envysion solution across our locations, the impact could add up to millions of dollars per year,” said Jamie Knight, Director of Asset Protection.

German Electronics Retailer Relies on Comprehensive UTC Fire & Security Solution
Media Markt and Saturn, under the roof of Media-Saturn-Holding (MSH), are large retailers for consumer electronics in Germany and the rest of Europe. Driven by the nature of their business but also by their strong and continued international expansion, MSH is always on the lookout for partners that can provide a standardized solution — one that meets their high security demands, but that is flexible enough to adapt to country specific requirements. Bringing an international coverage and high-quality solutions to the table, UTC Fire & Security was a good security partner for MSH to work with — a company that could provide standardized systems in multiple countries while fully complying with all local security regulations. After a series of discussions and defining requirements, the close cooperation between UTC Fire & Security and MSH was confirmed by means of an EMEA-wide cooperation agreement.

Prior to the formalized cooperation with MSH, UTC Fire & Security products were already selected to deliver the intrusion detection system for MSH stores in some countries. With this more proactive partnership, MSH will use the UTC Fire & Security solutions for intrusion detection, video surveillance, access control and sometimes fire detection for new sites in all countries. Although each store may be different in architecture and size, the security system based on UTC Fire & Security's product portfolio is easily adaptable, scalable and will be specified according to local requirements, respecting the overall system concept and design and using the same UTC Fire & Security technology platform. It is this approach towards standardization together with the close central and local cooperation with UTC Fire & Security that will continue to drive efficiency and cost-effectiveness for MSH for the future

Korean Manufacturers Respond to Price Competition With Differentiation

Editor / Provider: John Shi | Updated: 10/14/2011 | Article type: Hot Topics

Since 2010, competition among manufacturers in China, Taiwan and Korea has heated up ferociously. The rapid rise of Chinese security is catching up to its overseas counterparts, changing Asian dynamics. Chinese security companies have matured, with more players understanding overseas markets better. Coupled with low labor costs, these factors accelerate the profile of Chinese leading companies. The first competitors hammered by Chinese manufacturers are Korean companies, particularly DVR manufacturers. a&s talked to Korean companies about how they deal with challenges. Their strategies include stronger quality and product differentiation. They also bring new technologies to market sooner and work closely with overseas clients. Most importantly, Korean manufacturers are crystal clear about their future directions. The following companies offer insight into Korean security.

HDPRO
HDPRO was established in 2004 and began to focus on cameras in 2007. While the company is new, its management team is made up of industry veterans. It specializes in mechanical design, making cameras easier to install and adjust, while increasing stability and reliability as well.

In the face of Chinese competition, HDPRO distinguishes itself with high-end cameras, said Yoon-Hwoa Ko, President of HDPRO. It dedicates 10 percent of its revenue to R&D, quickly responding to customer needs through intensive trade show attendance and collecting customer feedback. This is demonstrated through 10 new product launches in three month, adding to a portfolio of more than 500 products.

The company grew more than 50 percent each year, even during the economic recession in 2008 and 2009. Most products are brought to market quickly, making product development this company's strength.

HDPRO's sales are evenly split between OEM and branded sales. Its own-brand sales are carried by distributors in different countries. Sales growth comes with the expansion of local distributors.

With the emphasis on R&D, HDPRO currently holds more than 100 patents. Some new developments include:

● Dome cameras with an air purifier function, ideal for dusty indoor environments, such as basements.
● Dome cameras with wireless transmission and wireless power: Connecters are often the Achilles' heel of IP66-rated cameras. Fewer wires also save installers time for cabling.

For now, HDPRO will not develop network solutions because Ko believes the analog market is still large enough. The energy and strength of HDPRO should be saved for enhancing qualities. Ko's focus is not on beating the competition but overcoming challenges.

MicroDigital
Established in 2007, MicroDigital believes own-brand sales are the only way to survive in a highly competitive market. It works with professional distributors to target the middle and high-end markets. In France, for instance, the company partners with local distributors, who set up an exclusive sales team for MicroDigital.

MicroDigital‘s sales and R&D teams focus on developing distinctive features to set the brand apart and create a market niche. The company produces a complete DVR product line, along with a series of network megapixel cameras and HDcctv cameras.

It also launched an IR bullet camera, which enables focus and focal length control via coaxial cabling. MicroDigital's main market is Europe, with planned expansion into the Middle East. Its sales are evenly distributed between DVR and camera products. The company's distinctive approach puts it in a position that is not threatened by Chinese competition, said Bruce Lee, Director of MicroDigital.

Regarding the potential of HDcctv, Lee said that most 16-channel DVRs support two channels for HD and will be upgraded to four channels of HD. He also believes that HDcctv prices will drop soon. While IP surveillance remains dependent on bandwidth and other networking issues, HDcctv offers a good alternative. Lee is optimistic about the future of HDcctv in the next two to three year, as more products reach the market and become more affordable.
[NextPage]

Pinetron
Pinetron was established in 1999 as an ASIC company, then moved toward HDD storage. In 2006 and 2007, as many SoC companies moved into the DVR business, Pinetron remained strong due to its core competence of SoC programming.

When starting its stand-alone DVR business, Pintron won orders from Japanese clients and learned about their exacting demands for product design and manufacturing.

Since OEM constitutes 70 percent of Pinetron's business, its brand is less well-known. Pinetron promotes its own brand by having one distributor per country. Chinese brands did not come to the attention of Pinetron's customers until 2010. However, current Chinese products do not directly threaten Pinetron. To accentuate its brand position and company values, Pinetron came up with a new slogan: “Our passion is your safety.”

To distinguish itself, the company focuses on its technological proficiency. Pinetron targets middle and high-end markets, such as military projects, retail stores, casinos and prisons.

Banks are an especially important target for the company. For gaming, casinos demand HD resolution but not necessarily IP.

Sales growth for 2010 to 2011 is expected to double due to the company's complete product line for storage. Its lineup includes five DVR models ranging from entrylevel to high-end and DVRs supporting IP transmission over analog cables through Intersil's security link over coaxial (SLOC). Pinetron has also developed and IP lineup of network cameras, NVRs and hybrid DVRs.

The company is an early adopter of SLOC cameras, as HDcctv's bottlenecks include limited transmission distances and one-way transmission. Pinetron wants to offer an alternative with SLOC video surveillance, befitting its guiding principles of innovation.

Comart SYSTEM
Comart started with PC - based DVRs. To avoid price competition, Comart began its HD-SDI development in 2009. The results were well-received, as its solutions have been deployed along Korean highways and pachinko parlors in Japan.

As the market grows, more players have entered and have shrunk Comart's profit. For example, Comart's 1,080p DVRs with four channels were undercut by 720p models from competitors at half the price. To overcome this price war, Comart plans to launch products with higher price-performance by the end of this year. Beside DVR price wars, camera prices have also dropped precipitously. An analog camera that retailed for US$600 in 2008 is now worth $150 and could plummet to $100 by next year. The bright side of this price drop is that market share for HD-SDI may reach 1 percent next year and could pick up fast.

HD-SDI's compatibility is one of the urgent issues to be solved. HD-SDI selections are limited and not interoperable between vendors.

Chang Hoon Seol, CEO of Comart, felt that insufficient R&D know-how is the main reason why cameras failed to meet SMPTE standards. As a result, when various HD-SDI cameras are connected to third-party DVRs, compatibility bugs occurs. To make it worse, valid transmission distances varied between companies as well.

Currently, HD-SDI cannot handle PTZ camera controls, audio or bidirectional transmissions. While establishing related standards is important, Soel felt that reaching a consensus between manufactures would take too long. Soel said SLOC is most relevant for network cameras, as it presents a transmission alternative.

KT&C
KT & C acquired a machine vision and traffic management camera company three years ago, expanding its portfolio. It focuses on developing and launching new products, such as megapixel cameras, HDcctv cameras and DVRs.

KT&C's target verticals for HD-SDI are mainly government and police projects, prisons and royal palaces. The maximum resolution for traditional surveillance cameras is 600 to 700 TVL. Once the distance between objects and cameras reaches certain distance, it is difficult to identify, which is overcome with HD-SDI. KT&C's main oversea markets include Russia, the U.S. and Europe. Sales in the Middle East and South America have also done well. It entered the China market in 2004, which is now one of its top five markets. Zoom cameras are among its bestselling product in China, resulting in KT&C establishing Chinese factories to meet local demand.

This year, KT&C will launch HD PTZ cameras,2-megapixel HD-SDI cameras and compact HDcctv cameras. The HDcctv cameras are small, but are easy to integrate and withstand high temperature. KT&C's major competitors are CNB and HDPRO, while several Taiwanese companies are co-petitors. Its revenue has yet return to prerecession levels, particularly in the Russian market, but the company expects a strong recovery in 2010 and 2011. [NextPage]

Kocom
Established in 1976, Kocom got its start in audio phones. It branched out into home automation, surveillance, LED lighting and eventually solar power — positioning itself as a provider of home automation and energy solutions. Kocom's CEO once said, “Anyone who purchases Kocom products has to be rich.” Besides clear strategies, Kocom emphasizes product quality and partner relationships.

Chun-Ho Ko, Overseas Business Manager, Kocom, points out smartphones and the emergence of a middle class with more education, income and familiarity with technology allow more end users to embrace home automation. While this group represents a fraction of the market, they can attract a large following. However, due to the dominance of single-unit homes in the U.S., widespread deployments will take longer.

Kocom's broad product portfolio targets real estate developers, so it goes to market with the same channel partners for intercoms, home automation, video surveillance, LED lighting and solar products. Its newly launched network camera line is carried through existing partners, but not all of them are able to support network video solutions. To promote its network line, Kocom is open to recruiting new distributors.

When asked about future IP application for security, Ko pointed out that market adoption for network solutions is still in its early stages. Most customers are considering IP but not yet purchasing related solutions. However, it is clear that market is moving toward IP.

Pixelplus
Pixelplus was established in 2000 as a maker of consumer image sensors, formed by a team of semiconductor and CCD experts. It initially targeted the mobile phone market, but the returns were small in a saturated market.

The company now focuses on security, automobile and medical applications. Its new production process has won business worldwide, creating a market niche. SK Lee, CEO of Pixelplus said the company is among the few component suppliers developing sensors for professional security users. About 60 to 70 percent of sales come from security business.

Unlike mobile phone sensors, which try to cram as many pixels onto a sensor, smaller pixels are unacceptable for security's sensitivity demands. For clear images, pixels on the sensor must be sufficiently large to improve light sensitivity.

Chip design also affects image quality, as analog and digital components can create noise. Noise reduction is crucial for sensitivity and WDR, as automatic gain control will increase image noise as well.

The company develops CMOS image sensors for their low cost with fewer accessories and ease of integration, Lee said. This results in increased reliability. As labor costs increase in China, more production will shift to countries such as India and Brazil. Lee is considering opportunities in these emerging markets for the future.

Young Kook
Starting in 1979, Young Kook is a leading system integrator in Korea. It specializes in thermal imaging for industrial applications, such as metal production, nuclear plants and military projects.

The company developed a 360-degree fisheye dome, which won a product excellence award from the Korean government. It holds patents in more than 20 countries. An outdoor night vision camera can monitor objects from a distance of 70 meters. This solution is suited for education and traffic monitoring.

The Korean market has strong demand for HD, as analog solutions are being replaced. Young Kook also plans to expand overseas, with its specialized product know-how. It is partnering with system integrators for government projects in emerging South Asian countries and China.

HT
HT provides high-end image sensor processors (ISP). It is a fairly young company, established by semiconductor experts with more than 20 years of experience.

To increase its market share, HT plans to launch midrange and budget solutions. It understands security imaging need for quality footage, regardless of the application or time of day.

HT believes that a good camera should deliver WDR for daytime imaging, along with high resolution with low noise, stable AE, AWB and superb color accuracy. At night, the camera should include DNR, 2-D and 3-D filters and clear low-light capability. HT strives to produce solutions that have strong performance.

Sejin Kang, CEO of HT, explains the differences between WDR solutions. One way is to put WDR on an ISP, while another way is to include it on the image sensor. However, the latter method is not recommended. As higher sensitivity is required for nighttime surveillance, WDR image sensors require more processing resources and could sacrifice sensitivity.

Two of HT's future developments for ISPs include intelligent video analysis and full HD imaging, requiring H.264 encoding with low power consumption, Kang said.

Resort for Terminally Ill Children Selects Panasonic Cameras for Multimedia Experience

Editor / Provider: Panasonic System Networks | Updated: 10/6/2011 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Children battling a life-threatening illness are given a magical multimedia experience at Give Kids The World Village (GKTW) with the participation of Panasonic video surveillance solutions. Panasonic high-definition pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras deliver a high-definition video element for the exciting experience, which is built around the positioning and unveiling of a commemorative “star” personalized by each child as a permanent reminder of his or her visit.

The “stars”, about an inch and a half in diameter, adorn the ceiling of the Star Tower, a new venue at Give Kids The World Village, a non-profit resort located in Kissimmee, Florida that provides cost-free, weeklong vacations for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.

Children decorate and sign their commemorative stars, close their eyes, make a wish, and place each star into the Star Fairy's chest. The next day, they return to find that their personalized star has joined the thousands of stars of other children on the Star Tower ceiling. But where is their star amid all the stars displayed up to 32 feet above them on the ceiling? Finding the star becomes a colorful interactive video game adventure and multi-media experience in which an iPad directs the child to point in the direction of his or her star. When the iPad is positioned correctly, a graphic image icon confirms the star has been found. Touching the icon enables the child to see a live video close-up of his or her star displayed on the iPad, provided by one of nine Panasonic PTZ megapixel cameras located within the walls of the Star Tower.

The iPad application uses the Panasonic i-PRO Smart HD WV-SC385, a Super Dynamic network dome camera that provides feature-rich pan-tilt-zoom control, 720p high-definition (HD) images, and superior low-light performance. Most importantly, the camera has the ability to repeatedly “map” the locations of its PTZ views based on internal software and a coordinate system relative to the camera's “home” position, which is calibrated at installation. Panasonic worked with developers of the Star Tower to make the coordinates available as part of a database that directs the iPad video game to each star's location. As each new star is attached to the ceiling in preparation for the unveiling, one of the nine cameras is directed manually to the position of the star, and the coordinates are recorded and saved.

Over the last 25 years, GKTW has partnered with wish granting organizations across the world to help fulfill the wishes of more than 110,000 children whose one desire was to visit the theme parks of Central Florida. GKTW provides accommodations for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families at its whimsical “storybook” resort, along with donated attraction tickets, meals, entertainment, transportation and much more.

“There is no better application for Panasonic cameras than to make wishes come true for children who are dealing with serious illness on a daily basis,” said Bill Taylor, President, Panasonic System Networks Company of America. “This unique application also helps to emphasize the versatility, reliability and higher resolution of Panasonic's SmartHD camera line.”

College students from the Entertainment Technology Center (ETC) of Carnegie Mellon University designed the video game application, which included creating a virtual world inside the Star Tower that is calibrated to the exact physical position in which the iPad is being held. The game includes animated figures and interactive graphics and features the Star Fairy, who offers to show the child where their star is located. Children can also use the iPad to bring the inside of the tower to life with special effects, lighting changes and lively sounds including the bangs and whistles of fireworks. Carnegie Mellon's ETC was conceived by Randy Pausch, author of “The Last Lecture,” and co-founder Don Marinelli, with a goal of blending left brain (logical) and right brain (artistic) skills to prepare students for careers as artists, graphic designers, programmers and engineers.

ITEC Entertainment designed and supervised the creation of the Star Tower. An entertainment design company that has been involved in the design, installation and construction of theme park attractions all over the world, ITEC enthusiastically undertook this project as part of a 20-year history of work with Give Kids The World.

“The star program provides one of the most cherished memories for the families that stay with us at Give Kids The World,” said GKTW President Pam Landwirth. “This simple, yet poignant moment in a child's visit has become a symbol of hope for so many. We are deeply grateful to our friends at Panasonic for helping us create this magical experience.”

German Ferry Service Monitors Traffic and Queues Using IP Solution from Basler and HeiTel

Editor / Provider: HeiTel | Updated: 10/3/2011 | Article type: Infrastructure

The Gluckstadt-based ferry line has installed an IP solution featuring Basler IP cameras and video gateways from HeiTel, to monitor traffic volumes waiting at the dock for ferry service. The link between Wischhafen (Lower Saxony) and Gluckstadt (Schleswig-Holstein) is the most northwesterly crossing of the Elbe, and a favorite alternative to Hamburg's frequently traffic plagued Elbtunnel.

Thiele Hauselectronic installed eight Basler BIP-D1300c-dn IP cameras with one megapixel resolution and vandal-resistant dome housings along the dock's access road. The dome cameras were mounted on a series of poles in pairs, facing in opposite directions to cover as much of the street as possible. The cameras' integrated day/night functionality delivers outstanding image quality even in poor lighting conditions, and ensures precise, around-the-clock analysis of traffic flow.

With the "CamServer 2c" video gateway from HeiTel, an operator for Elbfahre Gluckstadt Wischhafen can call up the camera images directly using a mobile phone whenever they want a manual estimation of traffic volumes.

"The 'Made in Germany' quality of the Basler and HeiTel products was simply convincing to me," says Torsten Faasch, a sales consultant at Thiele Hauselectronic. "Installation went completely smoothly and they're available with competent support any time I have questions."

Hildegard Both-Walberg, MD at Elbfahre Gluckstadt Wischhafen, adds "The solution we put together with Mr. Faasch has more than fulfilled our expectations, especially in terms of image quality. The installation of the IP cameras now allows us to keep an eye on current traffic conditions. We can react quickly when traffic volumes spike and even issue regular traffic notifications."

Zara Stores Across China Watched Over by Messoa Cameras

Editor / Provider: Messoa | Updated: 9/30/2011 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Over 100 Zara fashion stores across China have installed 800 MESSOA cameras. Zara is expanding across China and chose the MESSOA cameras because it is an easy to install and operate camera. Not to mention the camera matches the interior of Zara stores.

Zara is a Spanish clothing store that is quickly expanding worldwide. China currently has over 200 Zara stores and counting. Several of these new stores needed interior surveillance. They had to provide safe shopping while monitoring the crowds and goods. Also, they had to keep an eye out for thefts, break-ins, accidents and emergency health matters that may arise. To date, over 800MESSOA cameras are being used in over 100 Zara stores.

The MESSOA cameras were typically installed at key places such as entrances, in store, corners and near the cashier. Between 4 and 15 cameras were installed per store depending on the size.

The camera is a fixed dome camera that uses a super high-resolution high-density Sony IT module for true color daylight images. A 3.7~12mm high optical quality auto Iris varifocal lens allows a wealth of viewing angles. The conventional BNC video output facilitates installation and increases their flexibility. Ceiling or Wall mount is easy with the true 3-Axis rotation gimbal. It features compact mechanical designs, vandal-proof 1,000-kg impact resistance, and IP67 rating. All of these make it an ideal camera for retail surveillance.

Zara cares about the look and atmosphere of their stores. They needed a sleek and stylish camera to match their fashion. The sleek and shiny Ever since the MESSOA cameras started being utilized, security personal cost and pick pocketing and theft have been greatly reduced. If an incident should happen, then evidence captured on the cameras can be provided to the police to help capture criminals and secure a conviction.

So satisfied is Zara, that they plan to install even more MESSOA cameras cameras in the rest of their China stores.

Geutebruck Video Provides Security and Automation in Unmanned Luxury Hotel

Editor / Provider: Geutebruck | Updated: 9/29/2011 | Article type: Commercial Markets

With the opening in 2010 of his Vasano Abito Suite Hotel in the centre of the German city of Leipzig, hotelier and entrepreneur Gregor Gerlach has introduced a new concept to the German hotel scene: five star quality but without the frills, at a modest price. The Vasano boasts 18 spacious, one and two-storey suites with high quality fixtures and fittings and Italian designer luxury. However, unlike other hotels in its class it has no receptionist, no restaurant, no room service and certainly no pool or gym. Essential services such as security and customer care rely on the video security and communication systems from Geutebruck and ELCOM which link the hotel with two of Mr Gerlach's other business interests - the Vapiano pizza and pasta restaurant below it on street level and the Seaside Park Hotel a few streets away.

In the absence of a receptionist, video cameras keep a watchful eye on comings and goings in the entrance hall at the Vasano. You check in using a self-service terminal which looks rather like an ATM machine. It takes payment by credit card and issues a room card which also operates the lift. - When you swipe the card in its reader, the lift automatically takes you to the right floor. There is no manual control.

If you need human assistance checking in, then the terminal's two-way video and audio intercom puts you in touch with the restaurant downstairs or with the Seaside Park Hotel reception where help is available round the clock.

If there is ever a problem getting the room card to open a door, help is only a video-call away. Video intercoms and dome cameras are mounted in the corridors on all three floors. Staff at the remote sites can call up video to see both the guest and the door and assess the situation. Besides providing security and peace of mind for guests, the dome cameras in the corridors also provide management with a means of confirming that newspapers and fresh breakfast items have been left outside guestroom doors each morning. — The Vasano has dispensed with a breakfast room and breakfast staff too; everyone takes breakfast in their own room. Each suite has its own mini-kitchen with a coffee machine, mini-bar and fridge ready stocked with other breakfast ingredients.

Like the Vasano Abito, the Vapiano restaurant and the Seaside Park Hotel also have Geutebruck CCTV equipment. Each has a reporter-16 platform with dome cameras. All three video systems were installed by Leipzig company, Cherier Elektrohandel Elektromontage GmbH. The proprietor, Mr Cherier is a keen advocate of Geutebruck equipment. “We have every confidence in the brand. — We know that it always works!” In his view, being easy to use and with high end, real-time performance, the reporter was an obvious choice for this project and this client: “Mr Gerlach is well-known for his use of high quality materials and equipment so Geutebruck's reputation is a perfect fit.” You can see what he means: ‘five star quality, without the frills at a modest price is pretty well how Geutebruck sums up its reporter.