1700 IP network cameras from Sony are being installed in Riyadh’s brand-new metro. Especially designed for transport applications, the compact mini dome camera copes effortlessly with rapidly-changing lighting conditions underground.
The Challenge
Scheduled to open in 2019, Riyadh’s metro system will serve over five million people. With a total route length of 175 km, it’s one of the world’s largest contemporary rapid transit projects. Fast changing light levels are a challenge for ordinary security cameras as trains move between tunnels and brightly-lit stations. In addition, forward-facing cameras are needed to provide video evidence in the event of accidents.
Solution
Train provider Siemens has subcontracted the integration of video security cameras to Swiss-based integrator Ruf Telematik – a leading developer of passenger information and video surveillance solutions. Inside each carriage,
Sony minidome IP cameras are integrated into the train’s ceiling mounted Passenger Information System (PIS) displays. Further external cameras are mounted at the front and sides of each trainset, with video captured by a custom solid-state data recorder.
Benefits
The compact camera’s high resolution Exmor CMOS sensor is teamed with IPELA ENGINE EX signal processing and View-DR technology for crisp, clear Full HD video images – even in challenging lowlight conditions or with harsh backlighting. Built-in image stabilisation makes it easier for personnel to see clearly what’s happening on board a moving train. Blending neatly into each carriage, the rugged camera resists dust, water and interference by vandals.
The Challenge
As a large and rapidly-expanding city of over five million inhabitants, the city of Riyadh is seeking a sustainable solution to its local traffic problems.
In common with all underground mass transit systems, Riyadh metro’s developers faced the challenge of rapidly changing light levels as trains move rapidly between dark tunnels and brightly-lit stations. This can pose a big problem for round-the-clock video monitoring inside each carriage, where sudden changes in illumination can overwhelm ordinary security cameras.
To support security and compliance requirements, the system’s constructors also specified forward-facing cameras at the front of each trainset. This provides essential video evidence in the event of unexpected incidents – like passengers accidentally falling or people jumping in front of a train.
Sony Solution
Inside each carriage, Ruf Telematik has discreetly integrated minidome IP cameras into the train’s ceiling-mounted Passenger Information System (PIS) information displays. Further external cameras are mounted at the front and sides of each trainset. Video from each Sony camera is captured by a custom solidstate data recording solution developed and manufactured by Ruf Telematik.
Why was Sony selected?
The rugged mini dome IP camera has been specifically designed, in cooperation with Ruf Telematik, for transportation applications such as on board trains and buses, where its compact form and flat finish help the camera blend neatly into its surroundings. It’s an ideal choice for cost-effective video monitoring solutions, with excellent image quality and high sensitivity to accommodate rapid lighting changes underground.
The high-resolution Exmor CMOS sensor is teamed with Sony’s IPELA ENGINE EX signal processing system that delivers wide dynamic range and cuts noise for crisp, clear Full HD video images. View-DR technology ensures that scenes are clear and sharply detailed, even in challenging low-light conditions or with harsh backlighting. Extra intelligence is added by DEPA Advanced Intelligent Video Analytics that can intelligently trigger alarms based on user-defined rules. Built-in image stabilisation makes it easier for train staff and security personnel to see clearly what’s happening on board a moving train.
Carrying an IP66 Ingress Protection rating against dust and water, the vandal-resistant camera meets EN50155 and EN45545 safety standards for use in train environments.