Panasonic CCTV Mounts

  Ergonomics are a critical, but often misunderstood aspect of designing control rooms for security. Ergonomics have a deep impact on the integrity of an operation, and the issue goes beyond the control room furniture. Matko Papic, Chief Technology Officer of Evans Consoles, divides ergonomics into three areas: physical (reach zones, touch points, monitors); cognitive (the individual’s ability to process information without overlooking a critical element) and organisational (how the facility operates in various situations; e.g., is it adequately designed for an emergency event?). He says the Evans approach is to determine the precise placement required for each element an operator needs, and then to design and build console furniture to position it there. Basically, the idea is to tailor the control room to the operation. What tasks must an operator perform? Are they manageable or should they be divided up among several operators? Control room design should accommodate the need to collaborate, and be flexible enough to adapt to various situations. It all begins with understanding the information that needs to be processed, says Papic. Increased productivity in the workplace Because personnel are often stationed at a specific console, desk or workstation for long hours, physical problems and productivity issues can result, says Jim Coleman, National Sales Manager, AFC Industries. Ergonomically designed furniture and related products have been proven to increase productivity and alleviate physical stress in the workplace. Ergonomic furniture solutions are crafted for the ultimate in safety, adaptability, comfort and functionality. Coleman says AFC Industries can tailor furniture to specific needs and environment. For example, a height-adjustable workstation can be combined with adjustable monitor arm mounts to create a relaxed, comfortable environment. Furniture offers modern designs, comfortable ergonomics, and comprehensive features. Rugged materials withstand the 24/7 use of command control centres. Health benefits of ergonomic workstations A sedentary office environment is often an unhealthy one. “For people who sit most of the day, their risk of heart attack is about the same as smoking,” says Martha Grogan, Cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic. Ongoing research and studies have shown that a change in posture (i.e., using ergonomic sit-to-stand workstations) is an effective means to combat these negative health issues. Using sit-to-stand workstations helps to eliminate musculoskeletal disorders caused by long-term sitting. They can also improve productivity and focus from the increased blood flow. Energy levels can rise and employees burn more calories. Control room design should accommodate the need to collaborate and be flexible enough to adapt to various situations “The ergonomic environment we create for control rooms involves considering every need of the staff at each workstation and their equipment, as well as workflow within the entire room,” says Coleman. “From the proper setting of screen focal lengths to sound absorption and glare reduction, each requirement and phase of a control room design is a necessary process to ensure the protection and safety of people and property.” Emergency operations centre “The military has figured out that you are more alert when you are standing,” says Randy Smith, President of Winsted, and the realisation is guiding emergency operations centre (EOC) design toward sit-stand. “As soon as there is an emergency, everybody stands up,” Smith adds. Designing EOC environments also requires systems be integrated with annunciating signal lights to facilitate communication among operators. Winsted’s sit-stand consoles can be combined with a motorised M-View monitor wall mount, enabling a 60-inch wall monitor to be raised and lowered to match the positioning of the sit-stand console. Larger, wall-mounted screens are easier to use for operators, since a larger monitor size can make it easier to read text on a screen, for example. Combining the larger monitor with sit-stand capabilities provides the best of both options. Many operators today stand for 50 percent of their day, says Smith. Ergonomic standards guide the design of Winsted’s control room consoles, including ISO 11064 standards for the design of control centres. The furniture also is designed to accommodate industrial wire management (larger wire bundles), unlike furniture that might be bought in an office supply store. Read part 3 of our Control Rooms series here {##Poll37 - How well do you incorporate ergonomics into your control rooms?##}

Significant technological advancements have created endless possibilities in how security is not only deployed, but also leveraged by the end user – the customer. For example, customers can now view surveillance at eight different offices in eight different states from a single, central location. A security director can manage an enterprise-wide access control system, including revoking or granting access control privileges, for 10,000 global employees from a company’s headquarters. However, with that increased level of system sophistication comes an added level of complexity. After successfully completing the installation of a security system, integrators are now expected to formally and contractually prove that the system works as outlined in the project specification document. Tom Feilen, Director of National Accounts for Koorsen Security Technology explains that this formal checks and balance process is gaining momentum in the security industry. The step-by-step process of Acceptance Testing is more commonly being written into bid specifications, especially for projects that require the expertise of an engineer and/or architect. Simply put, it is a way for the end user to make sure the system they paid for works properly and is delivered by the integrator as outlined in the project’s request for proposal. While Acceptance Testing can be a time consuming process, it is a valuable industry tool. It is estimated that at least 95 per cent of integrated security systems today have been brought through the Acceptance Testing process. Security systems have become more complicated in recent years. The introduction of IP-based, enterprise-wide and integrated solutions have all opened the door to more sophisticated access control and surveillance systems than ever thought possible. This process can vary depending upon the size of the project, but for a larger scale project, it is not uncommon for Acceptance Testing to take several weeks from start to finish. This timeline can be especially lengthy when the project involves hundreds of devices, such as access control readers, surveillance cameras, video recorders, intrusion sensors, and intercom systems. Most integrated security systems today have been brought through the Acceptance Testing process What is involved in the Acceptance Testing process? While the specific process can vary from integrator to integrator, many follow a similar process with their customer to ensure the system works accurately and that the customer has the proper certification documentation. The initial part of the process typically involves generating a report of each device installed as part of the system. This list enables the systems integrator to systematically test each device ensuring that individual devices are not specific points of failure for the overall system. For example, in a building equipped with a system that automatically releases the egress doors upon the fire alarm activation, it is important to make sure each door’s electro-magnetic locking system is operating properly. The systems integrator would not only test that a door releases when the fire alarm sounds, but also to make sure the access control system is notified if the door is propped open or held open longer than in normal usage parameters. For a door that is also monitored by a surveillance camera, part of the testing would also involve making sure that an image being transmitted to a video monitor is coming from the correct surveillance camera and that the actual angle of the image is what the customer has requested and is correctly labelled as such. If a device does not function as it should, it is then added to a punch list that would require the systems integrator to repair that device within a certain period of time. Once repairs are made, the system integrator would then submit a letter to the client stating that every device has been tested and works properly. It is also important for the integrator that once the testing process is complete to obtain a customer sign off (Certificate of Acceptance) on all systems tested and documentation provided. This limits liability once the system is turned over. From a safety perspective, Acceptance Testing is also used to verify that T-bars and safety chains are installed on cameras that are mounted in drop ceilings. It can confirm that panels are mounted in a room that is properly heated and cooled to avoid major temperature swings. Also, as part of the Acceptance Testing checklist, it can insure that power supplies that drive all the security systems are properly rated with the recommended batteries for back-up. And, that emergency exist devices or card readers are not mounted more than 48-inches above ground. An Acceptance Testing process serves to protect the end user's investment After the project is complete, Acceptance Testing protects both parties involved against liability issues. One example is if the building has a fire and the functionality of the life safety system comes into question. Acceptance Testing can be used to prove that the system was able to function as specified and dispel any concerns about its performance. At that time, all close out sheets are turned in, along with as-built drawings and a manual providing a complete listing of each device and system installed. Today, these manuals not only come in paper form as part of a large binder, but also digital files saved to a disc. The benefit of providing the customer with a binder or documentation of the system is that should the end user/customer replace the person who manages security at the company, valuable information will not leave with that former employee. While this checklist to close out a project may appear trivial at first, it is an important part of the security project process. By implementing an Acceptance Testing program, it serves to protect the end user’s investment, ensuring that the systems integrators hired for the project is knowledgeable and provides quality work. For the integrator, it helps towards the end goal of a satisfied customer.

The Danish Superliga football club Brøndby IF were aware that family attendance had fallen at some of the more high-profile games, such as the local derby with F.C. Copenhagen, due to concerns over hooliganism and safety. With an average attendance of 14,000 people per game, and up to 100 registered persons on the stadium blacklist for causing trouble, the football club wanted to find a way to make genuine fans feel safer by preventing problems before they could occur. Improving security With the use of cameras and facial recognition, blacklisted offenders can now be automatically identified in the crowd before they attempt to enter the stadium. This system identifies any individuals registered on the offenders list and alerts security staff to prevent them from entering. The automated procedure at the stadium entrance also decreases congestion at the gates, so genuine fans can get into the stadium faster. As well as improving security outside, the system allows staff more time to focus their attention on creating a safe and entertaining environment for those inside the stadium. The technology can identify faces that are difficult to recognise with conventional techniques Facial recognition server The Panasonic facial recognition software ensures high levels of accuracy. The technology can identify faces that are difficult to recognise with conventional techniques, such as those taken from an acute angle and even when part of the face is concealed or hidden by sunglasses or scarves. In fact, the National Institute of Standards of Technology (NIST) in independent testing identified the system as the most accurate facial recognition server on the market. And the system is already working. One blacklisted offender was prevented from entering the stadium at the very first home game of the season in mid-July and he will receive a fine and extended ban. Protection of personal data However, some fans were initially sceptical about the scheme. They were worried about the Big Brother concerns of privacy and personal data protection. These fears quickly faded once the club explained the sensitive way that the scheme had been implemented. Security personnel remain in control of the process at every stage. The technology flags potential blacklisted offenders and the security advisers then take over and investigate further before taking action. People-led and technology supported The solution is people-led and technology supported. Personal data privacy is also protected because the facial recognition technology does not store the images or data of any supporters, other than those registered on the blacklist. In addition, all personal data is stored on an internal server, not connected to the internet or to any other system, significantly reducing any cyber risk of data breach. After seeing the results of the technology and receiving reassurances about data protection, both Brøndby management and fans alike have welcomed the new technology. Moving forward there is also the potential to utilise a national hooligan register with the system to help spot travelling troublemakers within Denmark.

Danish Superliga football club Brøndby IF’s stadium is the first in Denmark to utilise facial recognition technology, provided by Panasonic, to ensure a safer stadium experience and alleviate the strain placed on staff during high profile matches. Panasonic security cameras The system is being deployed to automate the process of identifying blacklisted persons and prevent them from entering the stadium, a task which was previously undertaken manually by security personnel. Panasonic’s security cameras and FacePRO facial recognition software, automatically identify any individuals registered on the list, and sends a message to staff to take the appropriate action. The automated procedure at the stadium entrance will decrease congestion at the gatesThe system will enhance security measures and fan safety, which will prove especially important during high profile matches such as the derby against F.C. Copenhagen. Furthermore, the automated procedure at the stadium entrance will decrease congestion at the gates, resulting in a faster entrance process for fans. Stadium security Expecting an average attendance of 14,000 people per game, and up to 100 registered persons on the stadium blacklist, it allows staff to focus their attention on better assistance and service towards fans entering the stadium.  Jesper Jørgensen, Managing Director of Brøndby IF commented, “The system will significantly increase our efficiency in identifying blacklisted persons at our entrance gates, so we can ensure they do not enter the stadium. We are always trying to optimise our stadium experience for our fans, and ultimately create the best possible fan experience. This is another step into the right direction.” FacePRO facial recognition software To maintain personal privacy, the facial recognition technology does not store the images or data of those who are not registered on the blacklist. Also, the data of those who are registered on the internal Brøndby server is not connected to the internet or to any other system. Panasonic’s facial recognition system contributes to a safer stadium environment by alleviating security pressure" “Panasonic’s facial recognition system contributes to a safer stadium environment by alleviating security pressure on the ground, while ensuring that all data is protected from unauthorised external access” said Gerard Figols, head of the European security business at Panasonic. “In turn, we can offer peace of mind to football fans and Brøndby IF that our technology will improve the standard of safety even during high profile matches, something that fans have already complimented the system for.” High-performance facial recognition Recognised by the National Institute of Standards of Technology (NIST) as having the world’s highest level of facial recognition performance in independent testing. The technology can identify faces that are difficult to recognise with conventional techniques, such as those taken from an angle of up to 45 degrees to the left or right or 30 degrees up or down, and even when part of the face is concealed or hidden by sunglasses. The system also recognises faces from photographs that are up to 10 years old.

Panasonic Business has announced the latest addition to its PTZ camera range at InfoComm 2019, with the brand new AW-UE4 set to enhance the flexibility and usability of filming solutions for AV professionals. AW-UE4 PTZ camera In celebration of the ten year anniversary of Panasonic’s PTZ camera range, the AW-UE4WG/KG has been revealed as the successor to the popular AW-HE2 remote camera, offering upgraded features which include 4K resolution and an ultra-wide viewing angle of 111 degrees. This is set to improve the flexibility of filming across a variety of applications, with corner to corner wide-angle videos improving the quality of filming, even in the most limited of installation spaces. 4K imaging The camera offers a 1/2.5-type 8M pixels single sensor to capture ultra-high quality 4K 3840 x 2160 resolution images In addition, the camera offers a 1/2.5-type 8M pixels single sensor to capture ultra-high quality 4K 3840 x 2160 resolution images and supports a variety of video formats with 30p/29.97p/25p. Equally it provides a high level of connectivity with three video output terminals of HDMI, LAN and USB connectivity, alongside RTSP/RTMP support for direct live streaming to major platforms such as YouTube. The camera can also be powered via USB cable, enabling a single cable solution for video transmission, camera control and power supply over a LAN or USB. Professional AV The compact design and high quality feature set makes this camera well suited for application in small classrooms, meeting rooms and live events. “The AW-UE4 was designed with professional AV in mind, featuring an ultra-wide viewing angle for flexible installation in a variety of spaces,” said Andre Meterian, Director Professional Video Systems Business Unit EMEA at Panasonic. “With the addition of 4K content, high-quality connectivity, and the option to directly upload videos to live streaming services, we feel the AW-UE4 is testament to our continuous innovation that secures our market leading position in the PTZ sector.” The AK-UE4 is set for release in October 2019.