My IP camera is not working. Can you come over to fix it?” This is a common request that security installers get. If end users can’t quickly identify their problems, installers will have to travel all the way to diagnose the problem.
My IP camera is not working. Can you come over to fix it?” This is a common request that security installers get. If end users can’t quickly identify their problems, installers will have to travel all the way to diagnose the problem. Just because of this, installers usually face problems in scheduling and prioritizing their work, not to mention the traveling costs these ensue.
Merit LILIN, a video surveillance solution and equipment provider, now has a solution ready and in place — the Device Hub — which can help installers quickly diagnose end-user problems from the very start. Cheng Chung Hsu, President of Merit LILIN, said, “It is LILIN’s latest mission to develop solutions that can help solve problems for installers and end users and fulfill their needs. In addition, we are ensuring that these solutions will bring about more business opportunities, such as recurring monthly revenue (RMR), for installers.”
To demonstrate LILIN’s capabilities in these solutions, the company pointed out its latest developments in four systems — the Device Hub,
Alexa integration, edge LPR cameras and facial recognition system — which leverage its latest technological advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and the Cloud. Hsu highlighted, “The systems can also be integrated with other systems or components to create extra value, such as in customer service, law enforcement and convenience of daily life.”
Cloud service adds extra value for installers
The Device Hub, which showcases LILIN’s latest developments in cloud technologies, is a device health check service designed for installers. Armed with its own PoE switch, the device operational cloud enables remote site monitoring, which includes the recording and online status of deployed cameras. Security installers are now able to monitor device health status and reboot the devices as needed via an app.
With this, they no longer need to rush to a client site to do maintenance, enabling them to schedule visits properly. For added convenience, installers can embed Google Map navigation into the cloud solution for better route planning.
According to Hsu, this will be especially good for use with client sites in remote or special hard-to-reach locations like tall towers. “This is where the Device Hub can offer the most benefit. Installers can remotely reboot and further access the video, to save lives or mitigate potentially huge property damage,” said Hsu.
In addition to security installers, security guarding service companies, telecoms and home users have all expressed interest in the Device Hub, added Hsu.
Alexa integration elevates convenience and security in homes
Users should never have to compromise on security and safety for want of better convenience and comfort in their connected homes. This belief has motivated LILIN to further expand the applications of its cloud technology — the Device Operation Cloud.
Its recent development has enabled the integration of LILIN cameras and NVRs with Amazon’s Alexa Echo. Now, users can use the voice-controlled Echo to control linked NVRs and cameras, check and operate garage doors, turn the garden lights on and off as well as monitor the health status of devices.
Speaking of the major benefits that this system architecture can bring, Hsu said it can add extra data security. “In cases of unstable power supply or non-functioning cameras, our system provides cloud mirroring and redundancy on the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Cloud. Database encryption offers another layer of protection.”
Compared to other connected home system architectures, the LILIN Device Operation Cloud can also act as a main control hub that will provide homeowners a high level of security on top of convenience.
Additionally, the LILIN Device Hub can also be used by the system to remotely configure and maintain cameras and NVRs, a highly recommended step for VIP residential clients who need extra privacy. Therefore, for installers involved in residential security services, the LILIN Device Hub can open up more opportunities for them to grow their RMR.
LPR enhances customer service
License plate recognition (LPR) has been used in many scenarios in our lives. The integration of LPR cameras with other devices provide end users with multiple benefits. From this perspective, LILIN further developed its stand-alone edge LPR cameras, which can work without PCs for gate control in building garages or around the premises.
The integration of
LILIN LPR cameras with other components can add extra value for end users to improve their services for customers and operational efficiency in the facility.
An LED display is integrated with LILIN’s LPR cameras to notify building tenants of deliveries requiring pick up. Parking guidance at the gate will also be provided when the cameras identify guest cars driving into the building garage.
A similar scenario can also be applied for law enforcement. Hsu said “Cars blocking public bus lanes are a headache for our city government. In order to solve this problem, our LPR cameras were installed at bus stops to capture the license plates of the cars blocking the way. City officials will then issue a ticket to the car owners afterwards.”
The LED displays integrated with the LPR cameras can be used to give the drivers a “reminder” or “warning” on the spot to drive away from the bus stop to avoid being issued tickets.
Facial recognition improves access and visitor management
Many of us might have encountered the same problem of losing corporate RFID cards, which would make us unable to access the office building. For security managers, managing tailgating at factory or office gates remains a big problem. LILIN aims to improve access control for buildings by adding facial recognition technology to cameras for these areas.
With this, visitor management improves in addition to access control. Hsu said, “With facial recognition, the camera can identify if the person is a VIP, a regular visitor or an intruder. The camera can trigger events for VIP greetings. If it detects intruders, denial access alarms or visitor alarm to LILIN NAV and LILINViewer App will also be triggered.”
Facial recognition camera can also be used for monitoring garage parking. Whenever the LED display is integrated with facial recognition, automated parking guidance and delivery message can be offered to the driver.
AI drives future development
Next, LILIN would like to apply its recent developments in AI to develop video analytics for multiple purposes. Age and gender detection, and shoplifting detection for retail; and object detection, behavior detection and prevention in healthcare institutes are what they are working on.
Solving problems and adding extra value via systems integration for end users and installers are what LILIN is mainly focusing on right now. The company understands very well that ensuring business for installers will in turn encourage continued growth of their own product sales.