Campus surveillance

Oncam, global provider of 360-degree video capture and business intelligence technology, has announced the availability of the Evolution 180 outdoor model to its 180-degree camera portfolio, adding to the indoor version introduced earlier this year. The technology builds upon the experience and heritage of the company's 360-degree video and intelligence solutions to meet the needs of customers in a variety of markets that require an outdoor-ready wall-mounted camera with Panoramic+ views from a single fisheye sensor.  The Evolution 180 outdoor camera boasts an IP68 rating making it fit for submersion, as well as an IP69K rating against water and dust ingress to help protect it from the harshest of environments. The enclosure is also IK10+ rated, ensuring extensive protection against vandalism. The camera’s design combines strength and appeal to form a reliable, pleasing aesthetic that doesn’t compromise on image quality. The robust and attractive outdoor model has been tailor-made for true panoramic views" Ease of installation The Evolution 180 Outdoor offers a 12MP sensor and a 6MP de-warped Panoramic+ image. It is equipped with Oncam’s unique Angle Compensation Technology and Offset Angle Compensation, which provide adaptive de-warping of a 180-degree image in the camera. It is also a true day/night camera, which allows users to get high-quality video in all lighting conditions. Environments that benefit from this unique view include education, hospitality, retail, public spaces and transportation, which demand comprehensive monitoring of large, open spaces without blind spots. The solution is also ONVIF Profile S compliant for added integration flexibility with leading video management systems on the market today. “The Evolution 180 Outdoor makes a great addition to our 180-degree panoramic product range,” said Jon Marsh, Vice President of Product, Oncam. “The robust and attractive outdoor model has been tailor-made for true panoramic views, with both the camera and lens optimised to give customers more pixels on target than any other panoramic camera." "The camera has been designed with ease of installation paramount, aimed at simplifying its set up. We’re proud of the technology used inside this product: the housing it comes in supports and enhances our pride.”

Axis Communications, provider of network video solutions, has announced new products and solutions to be introduced at ISC West. The main areas of development include, small business, seamless panoramic surveillance, and audio. “We are excited to attend ISC West and to showcase our products and solutions there,” said Fredrik Nilsson, VP, Americas, Axis Communications, Inc. “We encourage attendees to come to our booth to experience our newest innovations for a smarter, safer world and to learn more about what Axis will be releasing in the coming months.” AXIS Companion Eye Mini L is a fixed mini dome with a compact design for indoor use Fixed dome and bullet cameras AXIS Companion Eye Mini L is a fixed mini dome with a compact design for indoor use, and AXIS Companion Bullet Mini LE is an outdoor-ready fixed, bullet-style camera. In addition to built-in IR for surveillance in dark conditions, both cameras offer high-quality video in HDTV 1080p and 2 MP resolution, wide dynamic range technology to handle scenes with complex light conditions and require AXIS Companion Recorder for system completion. The cameras, which are designed for the small business market to use with AXIS Companion Video Management Software, are 70% smaller than the existing AXIS Companion cameras, making them ideal for discreet installations in small business environments such as, restaurants, small boutiques shops and office spaces. The panoramic multi-sensor AXIS P3807-PVE Network Camera provides a seamlessly stitched 180° panoramic experience Multi-sensor network camera The panoramic multi-sensor AXIS P3807-PVE Network Camera provides a seamlessly stitched 180° panoramic experience and eliminates blind spots through a 90° vertical field of view. This fixed dome camera provides an easy, reliable, and cost-efficient installation, which reduces installation time, cabling, and VMS license costs. Using top-line image sensors, along with Axis Forensic WDR and Lightfinder technologies, the AXIS P3807-PVE provides great video quality in any light conditions while providing full coverage and forensic video quality. This camera is ideal for covering large open areas such as campuses, public places, and parking lots. AXIS T61 Audio & I/O Interface Series enables two-way audio and I/O connectivity together with compact, cost-efficient Axis cameras that do not have the functionality built in. Installed between the switch and the camera, the AXIS T61 unit provides connectivity where it’s needed. With Axis’ new Portcast technology, the camera can then deliver video and audio through a single stream, requiring no additional IP address - the camera will act as if audio and I/O were built in. Portcast will first be enabled with selected cameras from the AXIS M30 Series and, in coming months, will be available in additional cameras. AXIS Audio Manager C7050 Server enables the configuration and management of larger, more complex audio systems Audio manager AXIS Audio Manager C7050 Server enables the configuration and management of larger, more complex audio systems. The AXIS Audio Manager comes with the management software pre-installed, making the installation process easier. When coupled with Axis C Series products, AXIS Audio Manager enables central management of audio content, zone management, and scheduling in larger, distributed setups, such as retail stores or large school campuses. Axis’ products and solutions will be showcased at ISC West in Axis’ booth #14051.

HID Global, a global provider of trusted identity solutions, announced that its cloud-based HID FARGO Connect card issuance offering has won the Campus Security and Life Safety Magazine’s 2018 Secure Campus award in the Cloud Solutions and Services category. As the world’s first cloud-based card personalisation and issuance solution, HID FARGO Connect untethers printers from dedicated computers to offer a new way to create, personalise and securely issue IDs and credentials. Issuance of ID cardsID cards can be issued from anywhere and from any device via a web interface in a trusted environment that leverages the industry’s most secure cloud technologies with end-to-end encryption    “HID FARGO Connect addresses a growing market demand to simplify the management and delivery of IDs, especially for high-volume issuance requirements in environments with large populations. Such efficiency is exemplified in settings such as university card offices issuing thousands of student IDs,” said Craig Sandness, Vice President and Managing Director of Secure Issuance with HID Global. “This recognition underscores yet another solution from HID Global that powers trusted identities through an innovative approach to card personalisation.” HID FARGO Connect creates a new approach for ID issuance that replaces the old paradigm of standalone printers tied to a dedicated PC workstation. For the first time ever, ID cards can be issued from anywhere and from any device via a web interface in a trusted environment that leverages the industry’s most secure cloud technologies with end-to-end encryption. In addition, the solution enables organisations to remotely monitor and manage consumables helping to avoid out of stock issues and better manage replenishment processes.

Galaxy Control Systems, global provider of integrated access control and security solutions, is demonstrating the latest enhancements and integrations for their flagship access control system, System Galaxy, here at ISC West 2018 (booth #5089). New enhancements to System Galaxy v10.5.6 include integrations with LENSEC’s Perspective VMS and Launchpoint App, Invixium biometric readers, and OpenEye’s Apex VMS solutions. The additions of new resident and cloud-based VMS capabilities, enhanced remote capabilities, and advanced biometric authentication solutions further positions System Galaxy as a turnkey solution for centralised physical security management and control applications. These upgrades help ensure that System Galaxy delivers the most comprehensive functionality and compatibility for the most demanding physical security applications" “In addition to continually expanding the performance and functionality of System Galaxy, we work very closely with new and existing technology leaders to integrate the latest physical security solutions,” said Robert Laughlin, President, Galaxy Control Systems. “These upgrades help ensure that System Galaxy delivers the most comprehensive functionality and compatibility for the most demanding physical security applications.” System Galaxy access control system System Galaxy is completely scalable, making it ideal for single or multi-site facilities, remote sites, campus settings, and multi-national organisations System Galaxy is a comprehensive enterprise-level access control and physical security management solution that allows deployment of any combination of access control, alarm/event monitoring, intrusion detection, surveillance, elevator control, identification and credential management, photo imaging and badging, time and attendance, and visitor management along with detailed metrics and reporting. System Galaxy is completely scalable, making it ideal for single or multi-site facilities, remote sites, campus settings, and multi-national organisations, and supports all legacy Galaxy hardware and infrastructure. The latest release of System Galaxy includes integrations with: LENSEC’s Perspective VMS and Launchpoint App, enabling users to view live or recorded video from virtually anywhere via web browser or App; Invixium’s new TITAN multimodal, multifunction biometrics solution, and SENSE, MYCRO, MERGE, and TOUCH series biometric readers; and Open Eye’s cloud-managed Apex VMS solution. Software integrations System Galaxy maintains the highest levels of certification to meet U.S. government requirements Additional recent integrations include: updated support of OnSSI’s Ocularis VMS; ASSA ABLOY’s DSR IP-Enabled Reader which integrate with ASSA ABLOY’s Wi-Fi PoE Access Control Locking Solutions; plus updates for readers from SALTO Systems and Allegion, and Allegion’s NDE/LE lock sets. System Galaxy maintains the highest levels of certification to meet U.S. government requirements including compliance with the United States Department of Defense (DoD) Risk Management Framework (RMF). All Galaxy products and software are developed and made in the USA.

Panasonic System Solutions Company of North America will showcase its latest innovations and a diversified technology portfolio of end-to-end security and evidence management solutions at ISC West 2018 Booth 10037, April 11-13, at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas. Expanding upon the broad collection of fixed, mobile and body-worn hardware and software surveillance platforms unveiled late last year, Panasonic will exhibit a collection of highly-integrated products and services to easily connect and manage the fast-changing security industry. New products include FacePRO facial recognition software with deep learning technology; the new Video Insight VI 7.2 VMS; the i-PRO EXTREME 33MP (4x4K) Multi-Sensor camera; the i-PRO EXTREME 9 Megapixel 360 degree dome camera series; and the i-PRO EXTREME 5 Megapixel Fixed camera series. ISC West serves as an important platform to show the significant investment Panasonic has made in security technology" Unified Security Management Solutions “ISC West serves as an important platform to show the significant investment Panasonic has made in security technology to provide integrated solutions that are easy to use across numerous key vertical markets including education, public safety, and transportation,” said M. Faisal Pandit, SVP and Chief Digital Officer, Panasonic System Solutions Company of North America. “We are committed to delivering comprehensive, turnkey, video surveillance hardware and software solutions that work together to keep cities, schools, and our communities safe.” This year the new Unified Security Management Solutions exhibit demonstrates Panasonic’s VI 7 VMS Solution, MonitorCast Access Control, Transportation Solution and Advidia Cameras. The Unified Public Safety area demos body-worn-cameras, UEMS (Unified Evidence Management System) and the new FacePRO high-precision facial recognition software with deep learning technology. The new I-PRO Extreme Products display showcases FacePRO facial recognition software and its integration with the new i-PRO EXTREME line of cameras (Multi-Sensor, 9 Megapixel 360, and 5 Megapixel camera series), as well as the cameras themselves, and a new NVR. The Strategic Partner Zone includes v5 systems a portable outdoor security solution, Optex an intrusion detection security demo and integration between Genetec / FacePRO. FacePRO high-precision facial recognition software can identify faces that are difficult to recognise with conventional technologies Showcase details Details on the Panasonic technology and solutions to be showcased in ISC West Booth 10037 include: New FacePRO Facial Recognition – Featuring a “deep learning” core engine that boasts the world’s highest face recognition performance, FacePRO high-precision facial recognition software can identify faces that are difficult to recognise with conventional technologies, including faces at an angle of up to 45 degrees to the left or right or 30 degrees up or down, and those partially hidden by sunglasses. FacePRO even works better with the feature "iA (intelligent Auto) mode" that camera automatically adjusts settings to shoot optimal images best suited for facial recognition. When used with Panasonic's i-PRO EXTREME series network cameras installed with “Best Shot feature,” only the “best shots” will be sent to the server for face recognition. Using FacePRO with cameras equipped with the iA function enables image analysis to be performed on the camera instead of the server. As a result, only the best images are sent, reducing server and network load and total system cost. Video Insight VI 7.2 Video Management Software – An integral component of any school or city safety solution is video surveillance management. Video Insight VI 7.2 is the latest generation of VI’s open-platform VMS and is faster and is reimagined from the ground up to be more intuitive, easy, and powerful, while offering new premium functionality for key vertical markets: Panasonic Body-Worn Camera Support – Ability to connect to Panasonic body-worn cameras and can transfer video and audio to VI MonitorPlus. The new i-Pro EXTREME Multi-Sensor cameras deliver extreme image quality for evidence capturing Vehicle Incident Detection (VID) – Capture and highlight video of stopped and wrong-way vehicles. Transportation Functionality – Transfer and review video and audio from Panasonic body-worn cameras. LPR License Plate Recognition (LPR) Plug-in – Integrate with LPR cameras to capture, monitor, and review video associated with recognised license plates. FacePRO Integration Plug-in – Detect registered faces and retrieve recorded snapshots and associated video. Panasonic NVR Integration – Ability to connect Panasonic NVRs and cameras for live and recorded video. New i-Pro EXTREME H.265 Multi-Sensor Camera – WV-X8570N, WV-S8530NThe new i-Pro EXTREME Multi-Sensor cameras deliver extreme image quality – 4x4K (33 MP), 3840x2160, 15 FPS – for evidence capturing under the most challenging of conditions which makes it perfect for use in safe city and traffic applications. i-Pro EXTREME Multi-Sensor cameras have four repositionable lenses, 4K image sensors, offer sharp and clear images of fast moving vehicles with iA (intelligent Auto) and ClearSight Coating. Durable, with outstanding low light performance, the i-ProEXTREME Multi-Sensor is an excellent choice for nighttime applications. H.265 compression with new smart coding, self-learning ROI (Region of Interest), and the highest in data security make the i-Pro EXTREME Multi-Sensor a technologically superior line of video surveillance cameras. The i-Pro EXTREME 9 MP 360 video surveillance cameras are perfect for transportation, retail, logistics, campus, city and healthcare applications New i-Pro EXTREME H.265 9 MP 360 Degree Camera – WV-X4571LM, WV-X4571L, WV-X4171, WV-X4170The i-Pro EXTREME 9 MP 360 line of video surveillance cameras is perfect for transportation, retail, logistics, campus, city and healthcare applications. With a clearer – and less distorted – image of faces and objects near the edge of the fisheye, the camera provides 9 megapixel fisheye images up to 30 FPS and instantly responds to sudden light changes. It also has Auto Shutter speed control for fast moving objects, Super Dynamic 108dB for backlit situations and shadows, and built-in IR LED for clarity in zero lux conditions (*). H.265 compression with new smart coding, self-learning ROI (Region of Interest), and the highest in data security encryption make the i-Pro EXTREME 9 MP 360 camera a technologically superior line of video surveillance cameras. (*IR LED is outdoor models only) New i-Pro EXTREME H.265 5 MP Fixed Camera – WV-S2550L, WV-S2250L, WV-S1550LPerfect for safe cities and campuses, as well as for transportation, retail and finance implementations, the new i-Pro EXTREME 5 MP fixed camera line offers Auto Shutter speed control for moving vehicles, sharp images of a person walking in daylight or at night, outstanding low light performance, and Super Dynamic 120dB for backlit situations including headlights or shadows on streets. With 5 megapixel images up to 30 FPS, efficient H.265 compression provides longer recording and less storage compared to any other H.264 techniques. New self-learning ROI (Region of Interest) detects movement within an image and compresses areas with little motion to reduce transmitted data while maintaining the quality of the image. Full end-to-end system encryption with i-PRO EXTREME Recorder and devices provide protection from IP snooping, IP spoofing, and data alteration.

Panasonic System Solutions Company of North America will unveil the industry’s first quad 4K Multi-Sensor video surveillance camera at ISC West 2018 Booth 10037 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas, April 11-13. Part of the new Panasonic i-PRO Extreme line of video surveillance cameras, the Multi-Sensor delivers extreme image quality – 4x4K (33 MP), 3840x2160, 15 FPS – for evidence capturing from any angle which makes it perfect for use in safe city and traffic applications. The Multi-Sensor cameras have four repositionable lenses which reduce blind spots; four high image quality 4K image sensors; provide sharp and clear images of fast moving vehicles with iA (intelligent Auto) support; ClearSight Coating; environmental durability (IP66, IK 10 and Dehumidification); and deliver outstanding low light performance in true color with Super Dynamic 108dB for backlit situations and shadows. Multi-Sensor model WV-X8570N is the industry’s first quad True 4K camera offering Multi-Sensor model WV-X8570N Multi-Sensor model WV-X8570N – available in July – is the industry’s first quad True 4K camera offering. “The capability of the Multi-Sensor to deliver extreme image quality even in the most challenging conditions is what sets it apart from similar cameras in the market. Panasonic is pushing the limits of technology in video surveillance in an effort to help enhance security and safety,” said Domingo Martinez, Product Marketing – Panasonic Security Solutions. “Our customers have been eagerly awaiting our Multi-Sensor camera and we are excited to share it with our peers at ISC West.” In addition to the Multi-Sensor, the line of i-PRO Extreme video surveillance cameras includes the 9MP 360 degree Camera and the 5 MP Fixed Camera. i-PRO Extreme 9 MP cameras i-PRO Extreme 9 MP 360 degree video surveillance cameras are perfect for transportation, retail, logistics, campus, city and healthcare applications. With a more clear – and less distorted – image of faces and objects near the edge of the fisheye, the i-PRO Extreme 9 MP provides 9 megapixel fisheye images up to 30 FPS and instantly responds to sudden light changes. The i-PRO Extreme 9MP 360 camera is a technologically advanced video surveillance camera It has iA (intelligent Auto); Auto Shutter speed control for fast moving objects; Super Dynamic 108dB for backlit situations and shadows; and built-in IR LED for clarity in zero lux conditions. Extensive Intelligent functions include People Counting (12 Cross lines); MOR (Moving Object Remover); LIVE Privacy Masking; Heat-Map (High Traffic Zone / Long-stay Zone); Intruder Detection; Cross line Detection; and Loitering Detection. H.265 compression with new smart coding; self-learning ROI (Region of Interest); and the highest in data security encryption make the i-PRO Extreme 9MP 360 camera a technologically advanced video surveillance camera. i-PRO Extreme 5 MP camera Perfect for safe cities and campuses, as well as for transportation, retail and finance implementations, the i-PRO Extreme 5 MP fixed camera line also offers iA; Auto Shutter speed control for moving vehicles; sharp images of a person walking in daylight or at night; outstanding low light performance; and Super Dynamic 120dB for backlit situations including headlights or shadows on streets. With 5 megapixel images up to 30 FPS, efficient H.265 compression provides longer recording and less storage compared to any other H.264 techniques. New self-learning ROI detects movement within an image and compresses areas with little motion to reduce transmitted data while maintaining the quality of the image. Full end-to-end system encryption with supported i-PRO recorders and devices provide protection from IP snooping, IP spoofing, and data alteration. The line of i-PRO Extreme cameras work hand-in-hand with Panasonic’s new FacePRO face recognition server software FacePRO face recognition server software The line of i-PRO Extreme cameras work hand-in-hand with Panasonic’s new FacePRO face recognition server software with deep learning. FacePRO features the same iA mode that automatically adjusts settings for the camera to shoot optimal images best suited for face recognition. When used with i-PRO Extreme series network cameras installed with the “Best Shot License Key” that comes bundled with the software, only the “Best Shots” will be sent to the server for face recognition. The combination of Panasonic core devices and the face recognition software maximises the performance of the software’s core engine to achieve high-precision recognition. Using FacePRO server software with cameras equipped with the iA function enables image analysis to be performed on the camera instead of the server to send only the best images to the server. This results in reduced server and network loads, which leads to overall system cost reductions. When 10 or more network cameras are connected to the system, the costs can be reduced by 40 to 50 percent compared to conventional systems that do not use the Best Shot function. i-PRO Extreme 4K Multi-Sensor camera To demo the i-PRO Extreme 4K Multi-Sensor camera – as well as the new 9 MP and 5 MP cameras – visit ISC West 2018 Booth 10037 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas, April 11-13.

Ask a student, or pretty much anyone, what they think about “access control” and you’ll get a shrug. Conversely, all of us are enthusiastic about security and convenience. Students across Europe are discovering SMARTair wireless access control gives them both. Adding SMARTair access control to a door involves just replacing a standard cylinder or escutcheon with a digital, smartphone- or smart-card–operated electronic lock. It’s hassle-free to make the switch to SMARTair. And with a system design focused on user experience, SMARTair takes some of the everyday pain out of student life. Wherever you fit SMARTair, it’s easy to configure access cards to enable payments in the canteen or at vending machines; for changing room locker locks; and for the photocopier or library loans. You can’t do that with a metal key. MIFARE RFID cards At Madrid’s prestigious Colegio Universitario de Estudios Financieros (CUNEF) students now open doors with smart MIFARE RFID cards instead of keys At Madrid’s prestigious Colegio Universitario de Estudios Financieros (CUNEF) students now open doors with smart MIFARE RFID cards instead of keys. CUNEF fitted escutcheons to monitor and ease access to different areas of the university for 1,600 students, without the need for expensive wired door locks. If a student loses their card, there’s no threat to campus security. A manager issues a new credential which automatically cancels the lost card — much faster than changing a lock. When Mezzino took ownership of Rialto Court — apartments for students attending Durham University and Teesside University — they replaced a mechanical master key system with SMARTair. From the company’s point of view, the high annual tenant turnover and a need for scheduled cleaning and summer shutdown were becoming difficult to manage with physical keys. Students also reaped the benefits of their new, user-friendly access system. They have the confidence no previous resident of their flat has copied a physical key. At Funway Academic Resort in Madrid, student rooms are also locked with SMARTair escutcheons. Energy-saving wall devices inside rooms regulate electricity use, and students each have their own safe locked with a SMARTair cabinet lock. The Funway gym, study rooms, games rooms, swimming pool and changing rooms, spa and staff areas are also locked with SMARTair escutcheons — and open with the same smart-card. SMARTair Openow solution The recent launch of the SMARTair Openow solution puts credentials on a mobile phoneThere’s more to come from SMARTair. The recent launch of the SMARTair Openow solution puts credentials on a mobile phone. With SMARTair and the Openow app, students can open their rooms and authorised doors with a smartphone. If you have your phone, you’re already carrying your keys. Student services or facilities managers issue virtual keys over-the-air — and can revoke them whenever they choose — so there’s no need for a key-card handover meeting, at the beginning or end of term. A time-limited virtual key arrives ahead of the first day and automatically expires when it’s time to vacate your halls. Mobile credentials Mobile credentials will be a big hit. Student life goes on inside the handset, as much as IRL (“In Real Life”, for the uninitiated). Last year’s Deloitte Mobile Consumer Survey found a fifth of 18- to 24-year-olds even check their phone for messages in the middle of the night*. From a security standpoint, phone-based credentials have another advantage. Checking our phones is “habitual”, “unconscious” and “repetitive”, according to one study**. We know very quickly if it is missing. How soon would you notice a missing plastic card, especially if you were enjoying yourself on a night out? Biometric security Plus, a virtual key on every student’s smartphone potentially provides an extra layer of biometric protection for every controlled university door Plus, a virtual key on every student’s smartphone potentially provides an extra layer of biometric protection for every controlled university door. Fingerprint, and even face and iris, scanners are commonplace on smartphones. ”Generation Z students were raised as digital natives,” says Felix Moran, SMARTair Product Manager at ASSA ABLOY. ”They expect convenience as a standard feature, not a mechanical solution used in Ancient Egypt. In Europe’s increasingly international, marketized higher education ecosystem, attracting these tech-savvy students is critical, as is keeping them satisfied with the campus experience.” SMARTair TS1000 software The complete SMARTair solution includes wireless escutcheons, cylinders, wall readers, locker locks and more; the intuitive SMARTair TS1000 software; and the enhanced new Openow app functionality. It works out the box and is easy to install — and even easier to operate.

Fazakerley High School, a co-educational secondary school in Liverpool, moved into new buildings in 2003 and embarked on a successful transformation programme to raise standards. The school, which is in a challenging catchment area, established a new reputation as a nurturing, well run learning environment. But fifteen years later senior staff found themselves struggling with an outdated video surveillance system that was no longer fit for purpose. Analogue video surveillance The introduction of video surveillance at the time of the move to new buildings was a key step in setting high standards of personal behaviour and protecting students and staff. However, the old analogue video system had become almost impossible to use, with blurred and grainy images, no easy search facility and failing cameras. A recent attempt to upgrade the system also proved disappointing, explains Matt Fleming of Apex Network Solutions: the replacement technology turned out to be difficult to maintain and use, and the user interface was too complex. Apex was asked to re-design the system from scratch and challenged to recommend a solution that was affordable and easy for staff to use as well as delivering high quality images. Internal dome and IR fisheye dome cameras Apex recommended IDIS technology to deliver significantly upgraded video coverage of corridors and key internal areas Apex recommended IDIS technology to deliver significantly upgraded video coverage of corridors and key internal areas. Forty-three full HD vandal-resistant DC-D3233RX-N internal domes were installed to record activity across the site. Easy to install they capture high quality images in all lighting conditions. Four 12MP IR Fisheye domes (model DC-Y3C14WRX) were installed in the dining hall to provide a complete view of the area. With various viewing composition options, and six de-warping view modes, these fisheye units ensure image quality that allow individuals to be easily identified. Video is recorded on two IDIS DR-6332PS-S NVRs and all the cameras can now be viewed in real time by staff using PC monitors and/or tablets, with the system simple to use thanks to the free IDIS Center VMS video management system. IDIS video security solution The IDIS video solution is a significant step up from both the original analogue system, and the more recent upgrade, says the schools network manager Derek Harmston. Image quality is outstanding and by allowing staff to view real-time video on convenient devices, such as tablets, incidents involving groups of pupils are now quickly dealt with before they escalate. Recordings are now easily searchable with time/date stamped footage and the high definition images provide evidence that can be shown to pupils, parents and, if necessary, the police.

With increased security a priority for school districts across the country, administrators are taking a close look at their technology to ensure it can deliver in an emergency. Concerns over active shooters and other violent scenarios have districts paying attention and putting heightened security measures in place. Christopher Lordi, Director of Administrative Services at Delaware Valley School District in rural, northeast Pennsylvania, knew it was time to upgrade his district’s surveillance technology, so he turned to the integration expertise of Guyette Communications to get the job done. Analogue DVR system The outdoor PTZ cameras that panned back and forth were causing them to miss a lot of activity The DVR system that covered Delaware Valley’s seven schools and nine buildings was state-of-the-art when it was installed a decade ago, but it was no longer meeting the district’s needs. Administrators complained that is was difficult to view and manage video from all of the cameras as a unified system. The analogue video made it hard to identify faces and see other important details. And the outdoor PTZ cameras that panned back and forth were causing them to miss a lot of activity. “We had a lot of blind spots,” says Chris. Guyette Communications, of Plymouth, PA, has worked with the district for over a decade supporting its technology needs, so Chris looked to them for guidance. Scott Surochak and Rick Scalzo, both of Guyette, recommended a new-to-market VMS, Vicon’s Valerus, that they felt would provide all the features and performance the district sought in a very cost-effective manner. They also recommended that the district abandon their analogue cameras and standardise district-wide on higher performance, megapixel IP models. Valerus VMS The significant expense of replacing not just the VMS system, but hundreds of cameras district-wide, required buy-in from the school board. Rick and Scott, along with Vicon’s regional sales manager, Doug Stadler, provided an in-depth demonstration of the capabilities of Vicon’s new Valerus VMS, along with its line of IQeye Alliance cameras, to the school board. The new system would allow them to clearly identify the faces of visitors, read license plates within the school parking lots, eliminate current blind spots throughout the campuses, and easily search video to quickly find evidence of crime or vandalism. Convinced of the long-term value of the investment, the school board gave a green light to proceed. Vicon Fixed and Cruiser cameras Approximately 400 cameras were installed throughout the district’s nine buildings, almost all of which are Vicon 3MP IQeye Alliance fixed domes Installation began in March 2017 and continued throughout the summer. Approximately 400 cameras were installed throughout the district’s nine buildings, almost all of which are Vicon 3MP IQeye Alliance fixed domes. These provide coverage of all entrances to buildings, busy hallways, and spaces like lunchrooms, auditoriums, playgrounds, parking lots and athletic fields. In addition, Vicon Cruiser domes with 30X optical zoom were installed in each parking lot to capture license plates. To support so many high-resolution cameras transmitting at full frame rates, Guyette installed a dedicated security network capable of handling the bandwidth. All cameras are hard wired with new CAT-6 cabling, which feeds back to CISCO switches and a fiber backbone that runs through each building. Installing security network To minimise bandwidth transmission between buildings, Guyette recommended that each school locally record video from its respective cameras. The five lower schools have each been equipped with a single Valerus server that both runs VMS application software and performs as an NVR. The middle school and high school, which share a building, have an application server plus four NVRs to support the higher number of cameras. Because the Valerus VMS software makes exclusive use of a thin-client, there was no need to install software on any workstations. Complete user and administrative functionality is available through a standard web browser interface. Rick says that “Installation went very smoothly. The system works well and it’s easy to navigate and program. I’m used to systems where we have to do everything manually, but with Valerus, it does a lot of things for you. For example, you can copy programming to multiple cameras. Setting up one camera and then copying it to 50 others is a huge time saver.”  “The system is also really easy to update,” he says. “Two new Valerus versions were released during the months we were doing the installation, and we just had to download it once each time to an application server, and then it was automatically pushed out to all the other servers on the network.” Efficient crime detection Two new Valerus versions were released during the months we were doing the installation, and we just had to download it once each time to an application server" There isn’t a lot of criminal activity in the Delaware Valley School District, thanks to outreach programs that create a collaborative relationship between the school police force, administrators, students and parents. However, sometimes issues do occur, and Valerus has already helped the district solve a theft. Chris describes an incident that occurred while the system was still being installed in the spring of 2017. “There was a theft from one of the administrative offices. The employee thought the office had been locked, but our surveillance video was able to show that it was not and displayed the comings and goings of everyone who entered the office during the time in question. The video quality was so clear that the thief’s face could be identified. The footage was turned over to the local police who were able to apprehend the thief and recover the stolen property. With our old VMS system, the video wouldn’t have provided enough detail for us to identify the culprit.” High-end video surveillance Chris says he’d love to say that Valerus’ “museum search” made it possible to find the incriminating video in minutes. However, because the system was just getting installed, not all features were operational yet and his police force had to manually look through hours of video. “The officers are really looking forward to being able to use the search function in the future, now that we’re all up and running. They love how you can draw a box over an area of the video where you know something has happened, and Valerus will do all the work for you,” he says. In speaking about response to crimes and emergencies, Rick adds that because Valerus uses a thin client, the school district has the luxury of easily providing outside law enforcement with access to their system. If they ever needed help from local or state police, like in an active shooter situation, administrators can provide them with a link to the district’s network so that they can better coordinate a response. This would have been impossible with their old system. Ensuring Valerus system’s functionality The VMS thin-client interface allows the officers to view video from anywhere, including on their phones or tablets Unusual for a district of its size, Delaware Valley has its own, full-time, six-person police force. Among other responsibilities, this force is tasked with monitoring the new Valerus system. Each officer has been equipped with his or her own workstation from which they can monitor the cameras physically located at their assigned schools. Administrators at each building also have access to view local cameras. In addition, a centrally located, district-wide monitoring station has been set up to make it easy for officers and school officials to keep an eye on the district as a whole. Rick Scalzo explains that while the VMS thin-client interface allows the officers to view video from anywhere, including on their phones or tablets, his team recommended the purchase of high-performance, manufacturer-certified PC workstations for each officer’s monitoring station. This was to ensure that these computers would have the necessary processing power to display large numbers of high-resolution camera feeds simultaneously. These workstations are hard wired to the network to provide the fastest and most reliable connectivity to the application server. Chris Lordi says that the district has also provided all officers with iPhone 6s, which they use regularly to monitor what’s happening at their buildings. License plate recognition and PTZ cameras One of the capabilities that the district required of the new system is the ability to read license plates of vehicles entering or exiting school grounds. Officers are able to take control of the PTZ cameras in each parking lot and zoom in on the plates of any vehicles of interest. This can even be done via the iPhone interface. Chris explains that it has not been necessary to integrate Valerus with any special license plate recognition (LPR) software because his team of police officers has immediate access to databases where they can look up plates as needed. However, this integration is currently available for Valerus customers and can help automate the process for those who need it.  Intruder detection  They want top-notch safety, and Valerus delivers that" Chris says that “Our school board takes safety and security very seriously, so for them, this significant investment was justified as soon as we showed them what it can do. They want top-notch safety, and Valerus delivers that. Buy-in from teachers, and the union, who have expressed reservations over the placement of many new cameras that didn’t previously exist, has required additional communication and education. Both Chris and Rick have made it very clear that the upgraded system is not for the purpose of intimidating or keeping closer watch on employees as they perform their daily jobs. Our main concern is thwarting security threats and keeping everybody safe. The additional cameras and new software might help us break up a fight or address bullying issues, but it’s also important for much more serious situations, like dealing with an active shooter or act of terrorism. Now we can use cameras to follow an intruder throughout our buildings, and that can help us keep everyone safe while we apprehend him.” Chris says that “When we put it like that, everyone gets on board.” Counter Terror Chris is extremely appreciative of the support Guyette Communications has provided throughout this project, including individually training each school principal as their building was completed. “I can’t stress how well Guyette has delivered for us. They’re flexible, reliable and compassionate, and they’ve been a true partner at every step of the way. I’d recommend Guyette to anybody.” With school back in session, and the district’s police force busy implementing its many safety programs, Chris looks forward to another school year without any major security incidents. However, with a new Valerus system and high-resolution cameras in place, he knows he now has not only the right people but the right technology to handle any crisis.

Pivot3, the hyperconverged infrastructure performance and technology firm, has announced that the University of Central Florida has deployed its hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) platform for more robust video surveillance data protection, improved remote access to sensitive and critical data from any device, streamlined management for all their campus safety and security IT systems, and support for additional datacenter workloads as they grow. Pivot3 hyperconverged infrastructure platform Located in Orlando, Fla., the University of Central Florida (UCF) is one of the largest universities in the country with more than 66,000 students and over 12,000 employees. It is regularly recognised as one of the best colleges for quality, access, impact and value. U.S. News & World Report recently named UCF as one of the nation’s Most Innovative Colleges for 2018. Prior to implementing Pivot3, UCF was struggling with the costs and complexity of managing 58 standalone servers, 12,000 individual access points, hundreds of video surveillance cameras, and a diverse range of digital video recorders, or DVRs. The university’s IT organisation and security teams required a solution that could easily consolidate these disparate systems, centralise management and provide more effective, efficient and reliable video data storage. Pivot3 HCI streamlines video management and storage capabilities by hosting the university’s Milestone XProtect video management software (VMS) Milestone XProtect VMS Pivot3 HCI streamlines video management and storage capabilities by hosting the university’s Milestone XProtect video management software (VMS), and server and storage management on a single platform. Pivot3 also offers industry-leading resilience — critical in environments such as public universities that have been demanding data protection and retention requirements in order to mitigate risk and ensure legal compliance. If multiple hardware failures occur, servers remain online, and previously recorded data is protected and available when needed. Pivot3 is also designed to support mixed workloads and can host multiple applications on a single infrastructure, delivering significant return on investment for the university as its security and IT needs evolve.  “We wanted a security solution that specialised in video storage but also offered options to expand into other datacenter use cases as needed, and Pivot3 was the hands-down winner,” said Joseph Souza, assistant director of security for UCF’s Department of Security and Emergency. “During our selection process, both our security team and our IT organisation discovered that Pivot3 delivered the best solution for our growing environment.” Pivot3 also captures and protects video data from 2,500 video surveillance cameras and supports up to three petabytes of storage Video surveillance and data recording In addition to hosting Milestone System’s video management software, Pivot3 also captures and protects video data from 2,500 video surveillance cameras and supports up to three petabytes of storage. Pivot3’s ability to easily scale to this level was a key criterion in UCF’s selection process as its demand for more cameras and video data storage capacity continues to grow. The UCF camera count is expected to rise to over 3,000 when the university’s downtown Orlando Campus opens in the fall of 2019. “UCF is a leader in educational excellence, and we are pleased to play a role in helping the university protect critical assets and enhance security operations,” said Brandon Reich, surveillance practice leader, Pivot3. “The education market in particular experiences significant benefits and cost savings through the implementation of Pivot3 HCI – not to mention the increased security benefits for students and staff - which reduces complexity and cost, delivers scalability and increases resiliency.”

Beykent University in Istanbul Turkey was established as a non-profit organisation by Adem Celik-Beykent Educational Foundation and started its education programs in 1997. Since then, it has grown its teaching and research facilities over five campuses for a population of approximately 29,000 students. The university offers a high-quality learning experience which includes 72 Associate’s degrees, 69 Bachelor’s degrees and over 50 Postgraduate programs. Medical students at Beykent University need to take lab exercises including audiometry and advanced simulation. However, in the audiometry lab, only 3 out of 20 students among a class are able to observe in the silent cabin and there is no other access to this cabin from outside. Also, patient simulation by students needed to be reviewed more closely while and after performing the exercise for educational purpose. Hanwha Techwin high resolution cameras were installed in labs to support medical students High-res camera installation About 450 Hanwha Techwin cameras were installed at multiple campuses of the university from Oct. 2015 to Aug. 2017. Especially 5 Megapixel high resolution cameras (5 of SND-6084R, 11 of XNO-8080R) were installed in labs to support medical students’ education. In the audiometry lab, Wisenet cameras installed inside the cabin made the rest of 17 students standing outside able to observe what is happening when hearing tests are being carried out. For the advanced simulation lab, Wisenet cameras were transferring images and sounds of the exercise performance collected from 3 simulation rooms to 1 observation room, making it possible for students to see the mistakes and the good examples on projection or television screens. The University has also deployed Wisenet cameras and recorders in order to help create a safe and secure environment for students and teachers throughout the campuses including VIP house, classroom, auditorium, outdoor campus and Medical School and Faculty of Dentistry in Avalon Campus. Over 700 Winset cameras to be installed in other locations throughout the University" Wisenet camera integration results “The most important reason for us choosing Wisenet products was the efficient way they work smoothly with software applications. The functionality promised to us at the sales stage has been delivered and the Hanwha Techwin team in the Turkey office have handled the project with care from start to finish. They have always been just a phone call away when we needed them for problem solving and they also provided extensive trainings. Their willingness to ensure continuity of the project has been a major benefit to us. As a result, we will be continuing to install Wisenet cameras in other locations throughout the University and are planning to have about 700 installed by the end of the project,” Barkin Oktem, IT manager at Beykent University.

ASSA ABLOY UK Specification, a UK division of ASSA ABLOY, a provider of door opening solutions, has assisted with the design and specification of doorsets and relevant hardware for the new Silverstone CE Primary School. Working alongside Northamptonshire County Council, local firm pHp Architects and contractor Lakehouse Construction, the UK Specification team helped deliver the full-scale build of the two-form entry primary school.  Products specified included 92 ASSA ABLOY laminate-faced timber doorsets, complete with redwood frames and dark grey PVC edges, making them easy to clean and to help conceal scuffs from daily use. Timber doorsets The colour contrast between the edge of the door and the door surface also helped to achieve an inclusive environment, in line with the latest legislation and guidelines such as Approved Document M of The Building Regulations 2000 and BS8300:2009+A1:2010. The doorsets were complemented by a full ironmongery specification of ASSA 3228 ZP hinges, ASSA ABLOY DC200 Rack & Pinion Door Closers, Union Optimus 3 Locks, UNION J1000 door furniture and ASSA finger guards, which prevent pupils’ fingers from being trapped in closing doors. We have worked on a number of education projects and pride ourselves on tailoring the solutions we provide from our extensive experience in the sector" Masterkey access system The specification also included ASSA’s P600 cylinders for internal and external doors as well as external gates, providing the school with one masterkey system and permitting access to authorised personnel only. Chris Wayman, Associate at pHp Architects commented: “ASSA ABLOY UK Specification not only supplied high quality and fit-for-purpose products, but they also provided a full consultancy service, which took into account factors such as pupil comfort, flow of traffic around the school, as well as the need for staff to access certain areas of the building efficiently and securely. We are delighted with the finished result.”  James Bloomfield, Headteacher at Silverstone CE Primary School said: “Working with the UK Specification team was straightforward from start to finish. The doors and ironmongery specified really enhance what is an exceptional building.” David Shields, National Specification Manager at ASSA ABLOY UK Specification, added: “We have worked on a number of education projects and pride ourselves on tailoring the solutions we provide from our extensive experience in the sector.” Risk management “The challenge in all schools is to prioritise safety and minimise the risk of injury, while providing a comfortable learning and teaching environment for both pupils and staff." "We believe we have not only achieved this, but also exceeded expectations with the solutions we helped design and specify via our BIM capabilities and personable one-to-one service.”