Video surveillance has been deployed in stadiums to monitor large crowds and areas, as well as zero in on incidents according to needs. In recent years, advances in imaging are allowing megapixel cameras to be deployed in stadiums.
Megapixel is attractive because large crowds can be monitored with fewer cameras. The high definition (HD) means fine details can be captured. Additionally, megapixel cameras can investigate small events without losing sight of the overall crowd at the same time. “HD surveillance is extremely effective at large stadiums with large crowds and areas of coverage,” said Keith Marett, VP of Marketing and Communications, Avigilon.
- Megapixel is attractive because large crowds can be monitored with fewer cameras.
- Response time is important for a stadium or sports events
Video surveillance has been deployed in stadiums to monitor large crowds and areas, as well as zero in on incidents according to needs. In recent years, advances in imaging are allowing megapixel cameras to be deployed in stadiums.
Megapixel is attractive because large crowds can be monitored with fewer cameras. The high definition (HD) means fine details can be captured. Additionally, megapixel cameras can investigate small events without losing sight of the overall crowd at the same time. “HD surveillance is extremely effective at large stadiums with large crowds and areas of coverage,” said Keith Marett, VP of Marketing and Communications, Avigilon. “We can achieve complete coverage of these large areas with fewer cameras and fewer staff, which means lower installation and management costs. In fact, we can cover 50,000 spectator seats with facial detail using only 14 of our cameras.”
Cameras watch for fan disturbances, such as fights and disorderly conduct in the stands, or unusual activity in the hallways and parking lots. It can be used to monitor concession stands and service staff to ensure they are complying with health and safety regulations. Surveillance can also be used to settle disputes or complaints that have been filed against staff, or to catch employee theft. Deployment of video surveillance should consider the various environments in and around stadiums and how to deploy cameras effectively.
A stadium in Peru deployed cameras for identification. PTZ cameras were installed at the entrances to capture attendee faces with facial recognition. Cameras had to be installed properly and lighting had to be controlled so that faces would be captured clearly across different entrances. Combined with a facial database of previous stadium offenders, this allowed operators to respond when troublemakers entered the stadium. “If a guy comes into the stadium and causes a fight, you book him,” said Aluisio Figueiredo, COO, Intelligent Security Systems. “The next time, there's a very good chance that he will be detected at the entrance. Once he is in, the police are going to be dispatched.”
Response time is important for a stadium or sports events. The purpose of security in stadiums is twofold: first, security does all it can to prevent dangers and threats from entering the stadium, or subduing threats within the stadium. Second, if an event has occurred, security must deploy resources to respond to the threat and control the situation. This requires immediate response. Many VMS platforms now incorporate features that will help catch perceived threats.
“A typical challenge in the stadium setting is having security personnel react fast enough to an event,” said Marett. “With video surveillance software, security personnel can use many search options that will tell them instantly if something has happened or changed and be able to react to it in seconds. For instance, if a child wanders away from his or her seat, security personnel can conduct an object-change search and see in seconds where the child is.”
Some stadiums may choose to use hybrid systems, to maximize analog security investments. PTZ dome cameras can be controlled with matrix switches for use of existing equipment. “By using direct control, integrators can guarantee video quality and real-time PTZ control of the cameras with no noticeable delay between the time operators move their joystick and the time the camera responds,” said Nathan Needel, North American VP of Sales, Infinova.
When connecting separate buildings in a sports venue, a central matrix in the control center can link independent surveillance system matrices found in each facility. “Thus, using a regional networked surveillance schema, the system can work independently at each noncentral matrix location yet cooperate with other subsystems to create a complete surveillance system,” Needel said.