OPTEX

The recent theft of luxury wines from Spanish restaurant, Atrio, highlighted one of the greatest difficulties when it comes to security in the entertainment sector. From museums and art galleries to wineries, hotels, and restaurants, protecting against theft, vandalism and unauthorised handling of goods is a continuous challenge in the tourism industry. Despite the wide variety of issues, there is a key differentiating element, which is that these are places open to the public, where security must coexist with daily business operation and must not deteriorate the visitor experience. Perfect security solution This is a key aspect to consider when designing an effective security strategy, with 2D LiDAR sensors positioned as the perfect security solution. Laser detectors based on LiDAR technology (Laser Imaging, Detection and Ranging) allow users to protect goods very discreetly on display by detecting hands or objects that come too close to them. Laser detectors based on LiDAR technology allow users to protect goods very discreetly The sensor creates an invisible virtual wall or curtain that protects the cabinets or shelves where the items are on display, precisely excluding other areas, thus avoiding the effect on the user experience. Because of their smart and versatile detection, LiDAR sensors are successfully used in a wide variety of applications. Security in warehouses, bars, and restaurants Bars and restaurants often offer diners a selection of fine wines and spirits. Wineries and cellars have also become a tourist attraction, and an important part of the experience is usually to visit areas where high-value products are stored. In these confined spaces, the precise detection of LiDAR technology can alert if a bottle or item is removed from the shelf. For example, in the case of The Londoner luxury hotel in the UK, its six bars and restaurant areas have REDSCAN LiDARs installed to protect their expensive beverages on display. The laser sensor creates an invisible wall and continually scans the detection area; the size of the detection zone can be configured for objects as small as 2.5 cm, so that if any hand or object were to enter the detection area, the alarm would trigger, alerting staff by activating cameras or sound alerts. The precise detection of LiDAR technology can alert if a bottle or item is removed from the shelf Protection in art spaces At the same time, LiDAR allows users to create separate zones within the detection area and link them to arming and disarming alarm systems, or access control credentials to not obstruct day-to-day work. Similarly, in museums, galleries, and art exhibitions, 2D LiDARs are used to create a virtual ‘shield’ that allows customers and visitors to enjoy works of art while protecting them, activating alerts with extreme precision only when someone or something approaches the protected art. Whether intentionally or not, paintings, sculptures, and other pieces of art face a series of threats—it could be a curious hand, a child playing or a real theft attempt. This can occur during opening hours or while the business is closed, but in all cases losses due to stolen or damaged art can be very significant; therefore, adequate protection is required. Complete wall protection LiDARs allow different settings to protect the same space to adapt to security needs Some artistic goods can be protected in a display cabinet, but, in most cases, art is exhibited without any physical protection. So that visitors may connect with the art, it’s important that security should not get in the way nevertheless threats must be identified quickly and accurately and security personnel must be alerted. LiDARs allow different settings to protect the same space to adapt to security needs depending on opening and closing times. For example, only valuables can be protected during opening hours, and complete wall protection can be set up when the exhibition is closed. It’s important that security should not get in the way nevertheless threats must be identified quickly Security at festivals and seasonal events The organisation of festivals requires mobilising large electronic and AV equipment, instruments, costumes, props, and more. The short-term nature of these events can be a significant vulnerability when it comes to protecting all these high-value goods and, to some extent, limits security options. The solution must be quick to implement and not require an existing structure or fixed wiring. The LiDAR sensor can create a virtual wall that alerts if someone enters the warehouse area A LiDAR with a built-in camera, such as the new REDSCAN Pro model, allows the creation of a security system in these environments, offering extremely precise and ultra-fast detection to initiate security events, together with a camera for video verification of alarms and event recording. Mounted on a retractable pole and easy to install and transport, the LiDAR sensor can create a virtual wall that alerts if someone enters the warehouse area or parking areas, where equipment is usually stored. Accurate detection technology In addition, the LiDAR wall can alert if someone or something enters hazardous areas, such as fuel tanks or electrical generators, immediately alerting someone to their approach to these areas and setting off a sound warning or informing the security team. With the use of smart, versatile, and accurate detection technology, security goes from being a reactive process to a proactive, much more agile, and effective security system. LiDARs offer the precision and reliability that high-value goods need, in addition to being aesthetically discreet, both because of the type of protection they offer (a very thin invisible laser curtain) and because the cover can be customised to adapt them to the environment where they are going to be installed.

One of the key problems in airport security is the sheer size of the perimeter and a large number of incidents are in fact linked to unauthorised access onto the airfield, either runways or where aircrafts are being loaded or refuelled posing an extremely high risk. Most airports will combine multiple sensors and technologies to protect the actual perimeter fence and even beyond the perimeter fence, to warn of potential threats. OPTEX LiDAR sensor integration with RSA module Some airports have found the level of information generated by the perimeter security systems quite challenging to deal with and they wanted to decrease the number of events so operators could focus on what was critical. The Airport development team at Genetec integrated the OPTEX LiDAR sensor into their Restricted Security Area (RSA) Surveillance module, an extension of the Genetec Security Center platform with the purpose to unify data from the sensor and camera to present more meaningful information to the operators.  Restricted Security Area Surveillance module The RSA module has been designed specifically with a view to providing wide area protection The RSA module has been designed specifically with a view to providing wide area protection and integrating with wide area surveillance technology, including radar, fibre optic and laser detection devices. The solution allows security staff to determine the level of threat for each area, map them, and utilise OPTEX technologies to identify and locate quickly and precisely the point of intrusion. For instance, with Fibre optic fence sensor, zones can be 100m-200m long and will identify people cutting through a fence, crawling under or climbing over. Newer fibre technologies provide point location. Another way to pin-point exact intruder location is with OPTEX LiDAR technologies or with Radar. ‘Fuse’ data into a single event A particularly intelligent feature of the system is its ability to ‘fuse’ data (known as ‘target fusion’) coming from multiple sources and confirm an event as a single (i.e. the same) activity rather than a multiple threat. For instance, using the X&Y coordinates provided by OPTEX REDSCAN sensors, RSA allows to map exactly the path of the intruders or moving vehicles, fuses the path from one camera to the other and considers it as one event, one target and tracks it precisely on the map. Intelligent tracking and event categorisation This gives a more meaningful picture to the operator and presents events in a unified and intelligent way. This helps support the security team in making the right decisions. The deeper integration of OPTEX’s technologies into Genetec’s RSA platform enables intelligent tracking and event categorisation, making it a very precise security system for airports.

OPTEX, the renowned global sensor manufacturer, has launched the REDSCAN Lite LiDAR sensor, designed to provide extremely precise and ultra-fast, short-range detection across indoor high-security environments.   As the latest addition to OPTEX’s award-winning REDSCAN LiDAR range, the REDSCAN Lite RLS-1010L has been specifically developed to provide total coverage and protect high-risk security zones and vulnerable, narrow indoor spaces that are difficult to protect with traditional sensors. Time-of-flight (TOF) technology The sensor uses TOF technology to accurately and precisely detect intruders within a range The RLS-1010L sensor can, for instance, detect intrusions in the tiny gaps between data centre server racks within cages, or in ventilation shafts.   Developed for short-range applications, the sensor uses time-of-flight (TOF) technology to accurately and precisely detect intruders within a range of 10 m x 10 m in just 100 milliseconds. The sensors perform reliably in any indoor environment. Their ability to detect intrusion is not affected by changes in temperature or lighting and can even perform in total darkness. Range of user-friendly features The sensor can be mounted horizontally to create invisible laser planes to protect skylights and ceilings, or vertically to create invisible laser walls to protect server racks, high-value assets, access control turnstiles, and more.   Installing and configuring the sensor is more efficient and much easier due to a range of user-friendly features. An optional Laser Alignment Tool helps installers visualise the detection area during setup; the sensor’s Automatic Area Correction setting helps prevent overspill outside of the detection zone; and the angle of the LiDAR can be adjusted to match the desired area by simply rotating the side knobs, with no power required. Use of LiDAR technology for security The optional Laser Alignment Tool helps installers visualise the detection area during setup Mac Kokobo, Head of Global Security Business at OPTEX, says REDSCAN Lite has been specifically developed to meet the evolving needs of customers: "In today’s modern environments, such as datacentres, spaces are becoming tighter and tighter filling with racks and processors. This latest REDSCAN Lite has been developed to meet the specific need for rapid detection in tight indoor spaces where high security is crucial." He adds, "It is another example of our continuous focus, since pioneering the use of LiDAR technology for security in 2009, on developing solutions to the real-world problems of customers." REDSCAN Lite sensor "Feedback from customers highlighted a clear need for enhanced protection in small, narrow areas and spaces." continues Mac Kokobo, adding "So the REDSCAN Lite sensor has been designed to fit into the narrow gaps and is engineered to provide highly accurate and fast detection in indoor spaces that other technologies simply cannot reach."   The REDSCAN Lite RLS-1010L is now available. OPTEX will debut the new REDSCAN Lite on-stand number C41 at the International Security Expo 2025, taking place 30th September - 1st October.