Optex reduces false alarms by visual verification

Optex is aiming to reduce false alarms and give operators better awareness with its visual verification offerings.

As a sensor manufacturer, Optex has been providing perimeter security operators with high-quality intrusion alarms. But false alarms can be a problem for perimeter security — that’s why the company is providing visual verification as part of its outdoor intrusion sensor solution.

Providing better visual verification

Last year Optex made upgrades to its 12-meter outdoor intrusion sensor with an app-based visual verification solution by introducing a Wi-Fi 180-degree day and night camera, VXI-CMOD.

“Our concept is that we should bridge between intrusion alarm and video,” said Ryosuke Mima, Officer and Senior GM of the Security Business Division at Optex. 

The VXI-CMOD can send immediate notification of an intrusion to home and business owners when it happens. With its dedicated app users have access to a live view with sound, as well as access to pre- and post-event recorded footage.  

Optex also had another intelligent visual verification solution for monitored alarm systems, for the UK market. The service-based solution consists of a bridge and software package powered by CHeKT, a visual verification technology provider based in the U.S. The bridge hardware then “bridges” separate intruder and ONVIF-compliant video surveillance technologies installed on the same site, but acting independently, and creates one integrated monitored solution.

This solution allows systems where the alarm panel and the video are not running together to still get visual verification. “It’s not easy to see the video from the central monitoring station. That is one of the big headaches in our point of view,” Mima said. “Our solution creates a bridge and then ties it together — integrates the intrusion alarm and video.”

Growing demand for perimeter protection

For Optex, the demand for perimeter protection is growing. One reason for growth is the need to prevent copper wire theft at utilities. 

“We can see that all the utilities need reinforced security to make sure they don’t have the problem of people getting in and stealing the copper wiring, and then also obstructing their operation. If there is no copper wire then there is no network transmission,” explained Mima. 

In terms of technology expansion, Optex plans to include an artificial intelligence (AI) engine on its cloud in the future. The concept in the cloud will make it more commercial for the operator, according to Mima. “So if you know some events, false events, it will make information for the person. Then our AI will support the operator more and more.”