Casino security

Many casino operators still struggle with undetected fraud and theft, high operating costs and inefficient, manual processes. At the same time, business intelligence data are scarce and a huge potential for optimising business processes remains untapped. The ‘Smart Casino Solutions’ from industry pioneer Dallmeier promise a holistic approach to solve these challenges with an innovative combination of video technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI). At ICE London 2019, Stand S9-242, Dallmeier will showcase solutions for the three essential casino areas Gaming, Surveillance and Marketing. Due to their ‘analogue’ nature, classic table games such as Blackjack were previously difficult to integrate into data processing and analysis. Dallmeier’s Casino Automation Technology (CAT) – the first gaming automation system that is live in a productive environment – uses AI technologies and standard Full HD IP cameras to gather all sorts of data. Effective protection By doing so, CAT offers a wide variety of insights and automation of core gaming processes: The system recognises chips and cards, provides real-time information about bet position and bet value, game pace and float value, to name just a few key functionalities. For the first time, this now allows for an accurate player rating, highly increased game pace and a much more effective protection from fraud. CAT is available for Baccarat and Blackjack. CAT for Blackjack will be showcased on fixed appointments only at ICE. Large areas have to be monitored to protect guests, players, employees and the casino’s inventory Furthermore, classic surveillance and CCTV also play a major role in casinos: Large areas have to be monitored to protect guests, players, employees and the casino’s inventory. With the new 360-degree version of the patented Panomera multifocal sensor system, casino operators can cover much larger areas with the same number of operators while at the same time significantly improving overall security due to high resolution, 360-degree view of the overall scene. Informed decisions In case of an incident, operators can zoom into scenes like with a PTZ camera – but without losing the overall picture both in live and recording. Also, multiple operators can zoom in at the same time resolving complex scenarios. All this reduces the cost for video security infrastructure enormously, leading to a significant lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). The Smart Casino Solutions from Dallmeier are rounded off by their marketing aspect. By intelligently combining video technology-based functions (e.g. people counting) with AI based gaming automation technologies and other analysis techniques, casinos can get access to a formerly hidden treasure of data. Gathering, analysing and understanding those data help casinos better plan their business and make more informed decisions based on the behaviour and preferences of their visitors and players.

Cost of a server is one of the major concerns while considering a Multilocation Video Surveillance solution. Moreover, there is complexity of operating the server from a central location while monitoring different locations. Matrix Video Surveillance solution has a special feature called Cascading, which eliminates the need of a server for centralised management and monitoring. Cascading is a feature of adding multiple devices on a single network in a User Interface (UI) so that all devices can be accessed from one location. This can be done by configuring one of the SATATYA devices as a master device and the rest as slave devices. Cascading can be configured in the monitor connected locally with the device as well as in Matrix SATATYA Device Client when the devices are connected on the same network. NVRs can cascade up to 20 devices Network Video Recorders can cascade up to 20 devices and can receive their camera streams without the need of a server Network Video Recorders can cascade up to 20 devices and can receive their camera streams without the need of a server. The master NVR at the central location can receive streams from all the cameras installed at various locations. It follows the architecture of multiple masters and multiple slaves. Hence, one organisation can make several master NVRs, sharing their respective camera streams among themselves. For example, a company having two CEOs at different locations can have access to all camera streams of their branches using their local NVR. Cameras are categorised into three different types in accordance to their configuration in Matrix Network Video Recorders: Branded Cameras The brand and model names of these devices are available in SATATAYA NVR database. ONVIF Supported cameras Open Network Video Interface Forum defines a common protocol for exchange of information like Automatic device discovery, video streaming and intelligent metadata between network video devices. Generic cameras These cameras stream the video on specific HTTP or RTSP URL. Benefits of Cascading Cascading eliminates the cost of a server for centralised management and monitoring. There is no need to enter credentials and other settings every time you restart. It simplifies monitoring by grouping important cameras from different locations on a single screen as well. If the number of cameras is higher, it also allows sequencing of cameras. Applications Monitoring building with multi-floors Monitoring multiple buildings with multiple floors Monitoring multiple buildings at a single location Monitoring multiple buildings at multiple locations Monitoring multiple buildings with multiple central locations Monitoring multiple buildings with a single central location

Inventor and entrepreneur Scott D'Avanzo, CEO of Adrenalin Technologies LLC, wants to improve security response time in the wake of mass shootings. His new patent-pending technology monitors and detects window vibration and breakage in high-rise hotels and other buildings. The system, known as Safe Place, is designed to immediately notify management of the room or suite number in the event of window vibration beyond a certain threshold or breakage. Safe Place technology One of the biggest challenges in the Las Vegas shooting was being able to identify just exactly where the shooter was at the time One of the biggest challenges in the Las Vegas shooting was being able to identify just exactly where the shooter was at the time. Even when it was pinpointed to the Mandalay Bay hotel, law enforcement still had to clear floors and find the specific room. During that time, the shooting continued. While shootings from high-rise hotels and buildings have been rare, they pose additional complications for law enforcement to detect and stop. D'Avanzo was in Las Vegas during the tragedy that occurred in 2017. It happened just a few blocks from his office. He was at his condo during the incident and was listening to a scanner app as police searched multiple floors and hotel rooms trying to find the room in which the shooter was located. Enhanced security in shoot-out incidents “As I was listening to the incident unfold, I was motivated to develop a device that could both save lives and prevent this type of tragedy from happening or at least minimise its overall impact,” explains D'Avanzo. “The system includes a sensor that is applied to an existing window that can detect vibration and breakage. The system also has other applications. For instance, it can go on an emergency exit door to indicate something is obstructing it, like in the case of the Capital Gazette shooting that just occurred in June.” Adrenalin Technologies is currently seeking investors to continue development and the launch of this technology. Ideally, they would like to connect with a security company that is already providing commercial security services.

In real life people usually don’t want to get into the drama of being seen as someone other than themselves. The misrecognition problem is not only time consuming, dignity compromising but also, in lots of cases, life threatening, if certain dangerous people are not correctly identified in time. This mistake is no longer affordable in today’s context, whether for an individual, a group or society as a whole. Fortunately, the facial recognition technology has matured, and the security solution based on the said technology is being widely used across the world. Dahua Technology, a premier solution provider in the global surveillance industry, is especially good in this realm as has been proved by multiple championship and new records in major international challenges, including Multiple Object Tracking Challenge, the KITTI 2D Object Detection Evaluation 2012, KITTI Flow Benchmark, Task [Word Recognition] of Incidental Scene Text Challenge and Born-Digital Image Challenge. A Smart AI algorithm optimises the image captured in multiple angles or blurred in motion and translates the face feature into a digital model Dahua facial recognition It is necessary to explain some basic rules concerning how facial recognition works before the tour to see how Dahua Technology’s products & solutions are applied in various daily scenes. Simply put, big data is useless if the accuracy and efficiency of facial recognition has not been improved to a certain level. The face detection, whether from a snapshot or from a stream of video, requires not only a high-quality camera but more importantly, a smart AI algorithm that optimises the image captured in multiple angles or blurred in motion and translates the face feature into a digital model which can be crosschecked in the database. The whole process, from taking the picture to comparison, takes as short as 300ms. Suppose there's Tom, a middle level manager in his mid-30s. Let’s follow Tom for a day and see how Dahua Technology’s facial recognition solution plays its role in his perfectly ordinary life. Building security system Tom hurried to his company on the 30th floor of a class A office building, the kind with additional barriers in the lobby between the front gate and elevators. There were long lines in front of the access control machines. Tom reached into his pocket and found unfortunately his access card wasn't there. But Tom should worry no more because the building had just updated the security system with Dahua’s facial recognition solution, which overcame various shortcomings of traditional ways of card or fingerprint scanning, including low efficiency and inadequate security. Compared to a card, apparently it is much less likely for one to lose/replicate/borrow a face. And the access control was no longer a gamble if one's fingerprint works. The powerful cameras with deep learning AI, detect the faces and digitalise the features and compare them purely through numbers Deep learning AI detection Here’s exactly how Dahua’s facial recognition solution works in this scene. The powerful cameras blessed with deep learning AI, detect the faces and digitalise the features and compare them purely through numbers with the ones in the database which takes less than 1 second. The beauty of the solution goes both ways since the company no longer needs to make a card or import finger prints for the newly employed but simply upload their photos into the database that contains up to 10,000 faces. Besides offices, this solution can also be applied to any place that has a high standard for access control, like customs, schools, residential communities, etc. Smart access solution Tom stepped into a bank. On behalf of his company, Tom had some serious business to discuss with the bank, which, at this hour, was full of people. And before Tom started to worry about the time to be spent waiting and if he could make it to the next meeting on time, he heard his last name called and was led into the VIP room. Now how did the bank manage do that? Not by human efforts for sure. No clerk could remember each and every face and match it with a particular name and particular business without making any mistake. That’s why a facial recognition solution is essential to the business. The immediate detection of a VIP face could be easily matched with the white list in the database. No delay or misidentification and all VIP treatment. This goes not only for banks. Hotels, hospitals and casinos alike will also benefit from this solution that secures the proper respect those exceptional customers deserve. Preventing unauthorised access Tom went to the vault of the bank for the first time in his life. He was happy that now he was trusted by the company with such important mission. He walked fast and went in front of the escort. But before he could raise his hand to touch the door of the vault, a warning siren was triggered. The escort, with a reassuring smile, caught up and patted on Tom's shoulder and explained the whole situation to him. No unauthorised personnel could intrude the sensitive areas blessed with Dahua’s facial recognition solution No unauthorised personnel, be it Tom or Jerry, could intrude the sensitive areas blessed with Dahua’s facial recognition solution. The face captured and automatically optimised by the camera would be put into real time comparison with the authorised faces in the data base and the low percentage of similarity, from a pure mathematical point of view, would immediately trigger the alarm. Other limited access areas like labs and archives will also enjoy better protection with this facial recognition solution. Security identification management After a long day’s work, Tom went to see a football game with a friend. The show began even before they entered the stadium because they saw an infamous football hooligan got rejected and taken away outside the entrance gate. Tom, who had been through plenty of adventures during the day, kind of figured out what happened. And Tom’s friend, who happened to be an employee of Dahua Technology, took the chance to explain how Dahua’s facial recognition solution informed the security force to deal with any persona non grata on the black list as soon as they showed their faces. Of course, this solution could be widely applied to other areas like airports, train stations, or in other words, city management. So, this was a day in Tom’s life, which was endowed with some dramatic coincidence but totally realistic in every scene. These examples were far from exhaustion of all the possible applications of Dahua facial recognition solution that fully activates big data gathered and thus spawns a great many creative applications in terms of security and business, resulting indeed into a Safer Society and Smarter Living, as has always been envisioned by Dahua Technology.

Global Gaming Expo (G2E) Asia, the marketplace for the Asian gaming and entertainment industry, officially came to a conclusion at The Venetian Macao. The Expo’s 12th edition was its largest to date, boasting a 33,000 square meters of show floor and a globally renowned showcase of more than 220 exhibitors with cutting-edge products, services and technologies. It additionally hosted 16,358 local and international trade visitors, at an annual increase of 17.2 percent. Josephine Lee, Chief Operating Officer of Reed Exhibitions Greater China, notes, “We’re proud to have concluded our largest, most exciting and successful expo to date! G2E Asia truly gets bigger and better each year. We never rest on our laurels and always recognize the need for growth and improvement. Our dedicated teams, both on and off the show floor, work hard throughout the year to ensure the event’s continued growth. Of course, G2E Asia also depends on the collaboration of our partners and participants. Our loyal exhibitors and thousands of visitors complete the show’s formula for success. We’d like to thank them for their contributions and their dedication to the industry, and to G2E Asia! Here’s to even more success in 2019!” G2E Asia 2018 event highlights included: New Product Hot Hits presented real-time rankings of the most popular products and services showcased by G2E Asia exhibitors New Product Hot Hits Returning as the most popular digital item at G2E Asia 2018, New Product Hot Hits presented real-time rankings of the most popular products and services showcased by G2E Asia exhibitors. This year’s grand champion and winning product was WeChat mini games, presented by Rolling Bet Technology Company Limited.  Macau SAR Legislators Tour As Macao’s meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) industry increasingly elevates its status in the international arena, G2E Asia’s enriched and diversified non-gaming content continues to provide a vital platform for the region’s ongoing development. The aim of the inaugural Macau SAR Legislators Tour was to further enhance understanding of the long-term goal to develop and expand Macao SAR into a global tourism and leisure hub. This year, several members of the Legislative Council of Macao took part at the invitation of the Macau Convention & Exhibition Association and Reed Exhibitions. Cotai Trek, exclusively reserved for G2E Asia Privileges members, included a customised tour to three integrated resorts located along Macau’s Cotai Strip G2E Asia Cotai Trek The half-day G2E Asia 2018 Cotai Trek, exclusively reserved for G2E Asia Privileges members, included a customised tour to three integrated resorts located along Macau’s famed Cotai Strip, including MGM COTAI, Galaxy Macau and Wynn Palace. The “Trek” comprised a guided VIP tour of gaming and non-gaming amenities, together with each property’s unique highlights including a peek at MGM Cotai’s permanent art collection of Macau and Eight Views of Macau Series; the Galaxy Macau’s Fortune Diamond and Wave Pool; and Wynn Palace’s Penthouse Gaming Salon and eclectic Fontana Buffet. “I was thoroughly impressed by the tour. Our guides, all members of top management, took the time out of their busy schedules to show us their amazing properties. With such a diverse selection of gaming and non-gaming options, all three were a truly defined the modern integrated resort." Mr. Anton Ivanov, general manager of Grand Hotel Varna JSC. “The trek gave us a unique and first-hand glimpse of both the front and back of the house. It was fascinating to see how these massive properties worked ‘behind the scenes’. Their design and features were so innovative and remarkable.  Just when you thought they had thought of everything, these resorts are proof that creativity and innovation are alive and well in the industry!” Ms Michelle Elliott, senior cash operations and collections executive of Les Ambassadeurs Club UK Ltd. G2E Asia 2019 returns to The Venetian Macao from May 21-23, 2019. Its expanded exhibition space aims to deliver a larger and more comprehensive event.

Dahua Technology USA, a video surveillance solutions provider, will showcase a new line of multi-sensor IP cameras incorporating the latest technology advancements at ISC West 2018 in Las Vegas. Solidifying Dahua Technology’s strong commitment to its customers, they will debut three state-of-the-art multi-sensor options providing better image resolution, application customisation and improved total cost of ownership for the consumer (TCO). The camera delivers a single stitched 180-degree panoramic view without distortion and can display four individual HD views at the same time Panoramic multi-sensor bullet camera Delivering the ultimate performance in panoramic camera offerings, the panoramic multi-sensor bullet camera (DH-IPC-PF83230N-A180) will house four individual 8MP sensors with 4.5mm lenses. Providing the same coverage that would typically be provided by multiple standard cameras in the same setting, the multi-sensor minimises maintenance, cabling and support costs, as well as installation time. The camera delivers a single stitched 180-degree panoramic view without distortion and can display four individual HD views at the same time. These cameras are well suited for education, retail and both commercial and residential verticals where higher resolution at an affordable price is a crucial objective. DH-IPC-PDBW5831N-B360 multi-sensor camera The second multi-sensor camera (DH-IPC-PDBW5831N-B360) offers four individual 2MP sensors, each with a vari-focal 3-8mm motorised lens. This innovative flexible multi-sensor camera allows the four sensors to be independently positioned anywhere on the track for enhanced customisation and requires only one Ethernet and one power supply cable, thus minimising maintenance, cabling, support costs, and installation time. The IPC-PDBW5831N-B360 is an ideal solution for casinos, banks, retail spaces, and commercial/residential areas where multiple scenes must be monitored simultaneously. The DH-IPC-HDBW4231FN-E2 camera is perfect for a long hallway, corridor or the entrance to a building for capturing details from both directions Integrated Smart IR The third multi-sensor camera (DH-IPC-HDBW4231FN-E2) features dual low-light 2MP sensors each with a 2.8mm lens and integrated Smart IR up to 65ft (20m). This camera is perfect for a long hallway, corridor or the entrance to a building for capturing details from both directions. The camera allows the end user to minimise maintenance, cabling, and support costs, as well as installation time. This multi-sensor camera is ideal for locations where a customised solution is needed for the safety of at-risk occupants is essential such as educational, correctional, commercial and residential verticals. Built-in Video System (IVS) analytics Most of the new multi-sensor cameras offer True Wide Dynamic Range (120 dB) (all except for PF83230), a True Day/Night IR Cut Filter, H.265 and H.264 dual codecs, and built-in Intelligent Video System (IVS) analytics (all except for PF83230), all enclosed by an IP67-rated weather-resistant housing. “Dahua Technology continues to strive to identify customer challenges and develop new technology that bring these solutions to the US market. Our expanding line of multi-sensor cameras continue the Dahua Technology tradition of providing high performance, high-value solutions the market is looking for,” said Jennifer Hackenburg, Sr. product manager at Dahua Technology USA.

The use of facial recognition has become a highly debated topic recently, and has increasingly and misleadingly been criticised by some for being an unethical tool used to spy on the public. The reason for such criticism is however largely due to lack of information and regulation around the technology. Used proportionately and responsibly, facial recognition can and should be a force for good. It has the ability to do a lot more to increase security in the future – from street crime to airport security, all the way through to helping those battling addiction, the technology can take security and operations to new heights. These systems can memorise the faces of persons of interest, networks of gang members, wanted criminals and those suspected of involvement in serious violent crimes The rise in knife crime Knife crime has dominated the headlines in the UK throughout the year. Recent statistics show the number of people being admitted to emergency care due to attacks by a sharp object to be up by nearly 40 per cent from two years ago, whilst the number of children under the age of 18 being admitted to hospitals with stab wounds is up by 86 per cent in only four years. This recent surge in knife crime has put police forces under immense pressure, and the intelligent use of facial recognition has a role to play in enabling more informed stop & search interventions. Currently UK police can stop and search an individual they suspect to be carrying drugs or weapons or both, or they can stop and search a person in a location where there have been or are considered likely to be “incidents involving serious violence.” In both cases they must do so with access to limited information, leaving themselves open to accusations of bias or discrimination. Knife crime dominated the headlines in the UK throughout 2018 Police systems benefiting crime investigations This is where facial recognition can offer up additional intelligence. These systems can memorise the faces of persons of interest, networks of gang members, wanted criminals and those suspected of involvement in serious violent crimes. Furthermore, these systems don’t need prior personal engagement to recognise an individual and see only data, not gender, age or race. Facial recognition thus helps eliminate both weapons and criminals off the streets and potentially prevent crimes before they have a chance to take place. The technology doesn’t take the decision away from the human police officer. However, it does bring greater transparency and context to the decision-making process of whether a stop and search intervention is justified.  Similarly, the advanced technology can recognise and match an individual seen on a CCTV camera at a crime scene to someone the police encounters on the streets some time later, justifying a stop and search on that individual. Its ability to check in real time if a person is on a criminal watchlist adds an extra layer to the decision-making process prior to conducting a stop and search, lowering the likelihood of discrimination. Facial recognition thus helps eliminate both weapons and criminals off the streets and potentially prevent crimes before they have a chance to take place. Gambling addiction and how facial recognition can help There are an estimated 593,000 people in the UK currently battling a gambling problem, making it a serious public health issue in the country. Having understood the gravity of the issue, the UK gambling commission have set limits and advice in place to help those suffering this addiction; yet as with all addictions, gambling is a tough habit to beat. In order to put effective limitations in place and make a real difference, the gambling commission needs the right technology to protect those most vulnerable in the industry.   Facial recognition technology is able to keep track of customers and thus help gambling companies in protecting their customers Facial recognition technology is able to keep track of customers and thus help gambling companies in protecting their customers to a higher degree. Monitoring those entering and moving around gambling areas is an extremely difficult task for human staff to do alone, especially in large crowded areas such as casinos. Facial recognition technology installed around the premises would be able to help the company and the staff to identify people who have registered as gambling addicts, and keep record of their day’s play in order to inform staff if and when it was time for them to stop. It would also be able to ensure effective self-exclusion procedures, by identifying a self-excluded individual via CCTV as soon as they entered the venue to then allow security staff to respectfully escort them out. Utilising facial recognition at airport security Facial recognition has by now become a normal sight at many airports around the world. Several people today hold a so-called biometric passport, which allows them to skip the normally longer queues and instead walk through an automated ePassport control to proceed to the gate faster without having to deal with control officers. Facial recognition used in this way has managed to significantly cut waiting times at the passport control, but it also has the ability to enhance security in and around airports. Facial recognition uses algorithms to match physical characteristics against photos and videos of people's faces Earlier this year, facial recognition technology managed to catch an imposter trying to enter the US at the Washington Dulles Airport. The false passport may have been uncaught by the human eye, yet due to the accuracy of the facial recognition technology it managed to help officers catch the imposter and bring him to justice. Facial recognition thus allows officers to identify an individual faster and more accurately than the human eye. Facial recognition uses algorithms to match physical characteristics against photos and videos of people's faces, which have been collected from visas, passports and other sources.   Facial recognition allows officers to identify an individual faster and more accurately than the human eye At airports the use of facial recognition has proved to both enhance security as well as speed up processes such as check-inWhilst some critics may worry about issues of privacy related to the technology, at airports the use of facial recognition has proved to both enhance security as well as speed up processes such as check-in and, in the future, even boarding proceedings. If used correctly and proportionately, facial recognition can help safeguard the public and improve national security on several fronts. Whilst the many benefits of facial recognition are evident, the lack of regulation and understanding of the technology has led to misconception around how it works and what it is used for. Facial recognition technology can match faces in crowded public places against criminal watch lists, and register faces that match with those on criminal watch lists – whilst ignoring everyone else.

Facial recognition has a long history dating back to the 1800s. To track down criminals, such as infamous bandits Jesse Woodson James and Billy the Kid, law enforcement would place “Wanted Alive or Dead” posters advertising bounties and soliciting public cooperation to help locate and even apprehend the alleged criminals. In addition to the bounty, these posters would include a photo and brief description of the crime, which would then be circulated to law enforcement agencies around the country and displayed in every US Post Office to speed up apprehension. Facial recognition Advancements in artificial intelligence and biometric technology have led to the widespread use of computerised facial recognition Today, technology such as social media, television and other more specialised communication networks play a more influential role in the recognition process. Advancements in artificial intelligence and biometric technology, including the development of Machine Learning capabilities, have led to increased accuracy, accessibility and the widespread use of computerised facial recognition. The significance of this means that facial recognition can occur on an even larger scale and in more challenging environments. This article will explore key milestones and technological advances that have resulted in the modern incarnation of facial recognition, before discussing the capabilities of cutting-edge “one-to-many” technology which is increasingly being used by counter-terror defence, police and security forces around the world. Technology inception and developments The technology was able to match 40 faces an hour, which was considered very impressive at the time The 1960s marked the start of computerised facial recognition, when Woodrow Wilson (Woody) Bledsoe developed a way to classify faces using gridlines. Bledsoe’s facial recognition still required a large amount of human involvement because a person had to extract the co-ordinates of the face’s features from a photograph and enter this information into a computer. The technology was able to match 40 faces an hour (each face took approximately 90 seconds to be matched) which was considered very impressive at the time. By the end of the 1960s, facial recognition had seen further development at the Stanford Research Institute where the technology proved to outperform humans in terms of accuracy of recognition (humans are notoriously bad at recognising people they don’t know). By the end of the century, the leading player in the field was a solution that came out of the University of Bochum in Germany – and the accuracy of this technology was such that it was even sold on to bank and airport customers. From this stage on, the facial recognition market began to blossom, with error rates of automatic facial recognition systems decreasing by a factor of 272 from 1993 to 2010 according to US Government-sponsored evaluations. The aim for facial technology is to achieve successful and accurate recognition on commonly available hardware like live CCTV feeds and standard computing hardware Modern usage of facial recognition Fast-forward to the modern day and facial recognition has become a familiar technology when using applications such as the iPhone X’s Face ID capability or MasterCard Identity Check, passport e-gates at airports and other security and access control points. These solutions implement a consensual form of identity verification, as the user has a vested interest in being identified. This is a “one-to-one” facial recognition event, one person in front of the camera being compared to one identity either on a passport or the app. In these scenarios, the hardware is specifically developed for the application at hand, therefore technically much easier to accomplish. Facial recognition can now be used in a variety of governmental and commercial environments The safety and security world brings a much more complex problem to solve – how to pick out a face in a moving and changing environment and compare it to several faces of interest. “One-to-many” facial recognition is a much harder problem to solve. It’s even more challenging when the aim is to achieve successful and accurate recognition on commonly available hardware like live CCTV feeds and standard computing hardware. And unlike in the 1960’s where identifying a face every 90 seconds was acceptable; the safety and security market requires near instant feedback on who a person matched against a watchlist is. Security and safety applications The idea behind all facial recognition technologies is broadly the same: you start with an image of a person’s face (ideally a high quality one, although machine learning means that to a point we can now even use video without reducing accuracy). A fully front facing image is best, think a passport photo, but machine learning and new software has made this more flexible. An algorithm converts this image into a numeric template, which cannot be converted back to an image and so represents a secure one way system. Every numeric template is different, even if it started out as an image of the same person, although templates from the same person are more similar than templates from different people. The accuracy of facial recognition continues to increase alongside deployments in more challenging and complex environments What happens next sounds simple although the technology is extremely complex: templates of people’s faces are taken in real time and compared to those in the database. The technology identifies individuals by matching the numeric template of their face with all the templates saved in a database in a matter of seconds or milliseconds. To put this into perspective, imagine you are at the turnstiles of a busy train station looking for a person on the run. Today’s facial recognition technology would be able to identify that person should they pass in view of a CCTV camera, as well as notify the police of any additional persons of interest, whether they are a known terrorist or missing vulnerable person on an entirely separate watch list. Because of technical progression, facial recognition can now be used in a variety of governmental and commercial environments, from identifying barred hooligans attempting entry at a football stadium or helping self-excluded gamblers at casino to overcome addiction. Real-time assessments The latest evolution of facial recognition pits the technology against an even more challenging application – directly matching individuals from body worn cameras for real time recognition for police officers on the beat. This capability equips first responders with the ability to detect a person from a photo and verify their identity with assurance. The broader implication for this means that every interaction, such as stop and search or arrest, can be supported by real-time facial recognition which will see cases of mistaken identity driven down on the streets. First responders can now for the first time be deployed and furnished with the ability to identify wider groups of people of interest with a degree of accuracy that previously relied only on the fallible human memory. As the accuracy of the technology continues to increase alongside deployments in more challenging and complex environments, its ability to support government initiatives and law enforcement means the debate about the lawful and appropriate use of facial recognition must be addressed. Facial recognition should not be everywhere looking for everyone, but when used properly it has the potential to improve public safety and we should make the most of its potential.

According to IHS Market, it is estimated that there are over 60 million security cameras in the United States, and other reports say these cameras capture more than four billion hours of footage per week. Over the last decade, IP camera technology has dominated the conversation as it has provided users with a broad offering of enhanced image quality and features. With a large percentage of existing security systems relying on analogue, many end users looking for high definition (HD) video quality have been forced to take on a complete system overhaul. Infrastructure overhaul for HD video To make the switch, customers would need to change everything, from cameras to hardware to wiring– not to mention the lengthy installation process that would ensue. IP cameras also require higher Internet speeds and more cloud space. Whether constrained by budget, bandwidth or storage, many end users have been unable to adopt this new video surveillance method.Thanks to technological advancements within the security industry, HD over Coax offers a viable solution for integrators and end users alike Thanks to technological advancements within the security industry, HD over Coax offers a viable solution for integrators and end users alike. By utilising the current Coaxial cables, this offering yields high definition video, while requiring minimal infrastructure changes and is an optimal surveillance choice for security customers. Plus, with new advancements and updates being made frequently to this technology, there is a solution for every security need. The enhanced alternative of HD over Coax has been warmly welcomed in the security industry, thanks to its simple solutions and ever-evolving features. Many new analogue HD cameras are “plug and play,” able to connect directly to existing Coaxial cables. This eliminates the need for a complete system change, creating cost-savings for the end user and an enhanced video quality offering. Easy solutions for HD video As a result, integrators can cost-effectively upgrade their customer’s surveillance solution while using their legacy infrastructure, making it an attractive option for end users and an easy sell for dealers. Latency in video is another common issue with network-based camera systems, where even the slightest delay in video surveillance can hinder security response HD over Coax cameras themselves are always expanding and evolving to meet a wide array of security needs. With the introduction of fisheye and multi-sensor cameras, users now have a multitude of coverage options, not to mention the introduction of 4K bringing resolution options to the same level as IP. Some newer technologies are even touting 4K cameras paired with 4K digital video recorders (DVRs) made specifically for analogue systems. Longer cables grant transmission for up to 1600 feet, double the distance of standard analogue solutions, and triple that of IP systems. This single cable is able to transmit both HD video and audio. Recently, broadcast quality audio over Coax has become available in limited models, a substantial improvement over older analogue technology, which was unable to transmit audio. Stopping video delay Latency in video is another common issue with network-based camera systems. Even the slightest delay in video surveillance can hinder security response. IP cameras are forced to compress and packetise their video for transmission. The outcome of this is a reduced number of images per video, which in turn causes delay. HD over Coax on the other hand, delivers an unlimited amount of HD images in real time, with smooth motion and impressive clarity. Additionally, the point-to-point transmission delivers uncompressed video free of lag. Another touted benefit is that, unlike IP networked cameras, analogue systems provide a more secure video transmission. With so much sensitive information housed on a businesses’ network, adding another point of network access through an IP camera can create concerns for cyber security risks. HD over Coax delivers an unlimited amount of HD images in real time, with smooth motion and impressive clarity Preventing network hacking With HD over Coax, the physical connections between the camera and DVR prevent network hacking. By keeping the video surveillance system offline, security professionals are able to direct their attention to the physical threats at hand, rather than having to focus on deterring cyber security risks. One of the primary difficulties of deploying HD video solutions is the fact that many older systems utilise a wide variety of HD standards and platforms. To make matters more complicated, after HD over Coax was brought to market, manufacturers raced to create their own version of this technology. Today, the most popular proprietary standards are HD-CVI, HD-TVI and AHD. However, integrators and customers found that attempting to manage multiple HD technologies proved to be near impossible.Integrators and customers found that attempting to manage multiple HD technologies proved to be near impossible Diversifying surveillance through one DVR To combat these issues, manufacturers have introduced products with more flexibility to their portfolios. One example of this is the penta-brid DVR which grants the ability to seamlessly integrate multiple technologies deployed across one application. This means that systems with diverse camera brands and technologies, such as a mix of HD-CVI, HD-TVI, AHD, analogue or IP, can be connected through one DVR. For many end users with legacy analogue systems, penta-brid DVRs give them greater freedom to choose between a variety of solutions, rather than being limited to one option. With video resolution increasing, the space needed to store the footage is similarly rising. Penta-brid technology has been able to adapt to these evolving needs, giving users ample storage space to house the HD and 4K surveillance video with some of the newest models including H.265 compression.  HD casino surveillance made simple For casinos, HD images are critical for identifying unauthorised personnel and unlawful behaviours to create a safe environment for guests and staff While HD over Coax is beneficial to many end users and integrators, those in the casino and hospitality markets find it crucial. With a combination of high profile guests, large amounts of cash on hand, constant crowds and strict industry regulations, reliable video surveillance is a must. Deploying new IP systems comes at a stiff price. When looking to upgrade their video surveillance, casinos must also be mindful of the installation process. When moving to an IP-based system, ripping out old wires and replacing them with new is the standard practice. This practice can be both disruptive and costly, not to mention gaming regulations require casino activities be monitored at all times so a complete system shutdown would result in revenue loss. This cost can be hard to justify, especially when the current legacy analogue system remains in working condition with only the lower image resolution to date it. For these scenarios, the most cost-effective option is to leverage the legacy infrastructure, replace the existing cameras with new devices, and reap the benefits that HD video has to offer without any lapse in security. For casinos, HD images are critical for identifying unauthorised personnel and unlawful behaviours to create a safe environment for guests and staff. HD over Coax cameras now offer the same resolution as IP cameras with a plug and play approach, that cuts down on expense without sacrificing quality. For businesses and applications that are unable to adopt IP technology, whether it be cost or time prohibitive, HD over Coax now features most of the same benefits IP has to offer without breaking the bank. By providing clear images in real time, maximising existing infrastructure, and affording cyber security benefits, HD over Coax provides an attractive solution for many end users and integrators.

After the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting, Jody Allen Crowe set out to develop a threat suppression tool to address school violence. Five years later, the result of that effort is the Crotega Threat Suppression System, displayed this year at ISC West. The remotely-deployed threat suppression system drenches a perpetrator with a repulsive water-based solution, thus impairing their ability to enact violence. The solution irritates eyes, throat, lungs and skin, but does not cause permanent injury. Cleanup is easy using water and detergent. The solution is manually deployed in predetermined zones, which limits the affected areas in a building. Touch-screen control enables rapid deployment, which can also be integrated with Threat Alert buttons and/or gunshot detection. Benefits of suppression systems The Crotega Threat Suppression System is designed to deter workplace violence, disrupt active shooters, and delay threats until help can arrive. Introduction of the system is timely given the unrelenting sequence of school shootings and workplace violence that dominate the news. The system uses a “Repuls” solution sprayed from the ceiling in 5-, 10-  or 15-second bursts.We did the industry standard testing to make sure we had a product that wouldn’t harm anybody” Crowe started the company in 2013 after Sandy Hook, doing research in his garage for the first couple of years. Investors joined and, in 2014, the long journey began to bring the system to market. The process involved obtaining multiple patents, testing the product, and addressing any fire code or other regulatory issues surrounding its use. Crotega has been working with fire marshals in their home state of Minnesota for three years to address fire code issues and has determined that there are no concerns. There are only 30 seconds of spray in the tank, so it does not delay building egress and doesn’t conceal or shroud an egress. “We did the industry standard testing to make sure we had a product that wouldn’t harm anybody,” says Crowe, Crotega Founder and President. “It’s intensely irritating, but it doesn’t do any irreparable harm to anybody.” Since last August, the company has moved from product development into full-scale marketing. An in-house sales team locates end user customers, and then puts them in touch with a local integrator in the area. Crowe started the company in 2013 after Sandy Hook, doing research in his garage for the first couple of years Exhibiting to integrators “We’re pulling the sales through integrators to train them to become a self-sustaining integrator for us,” says Crowe. “There are a couple of integrators we are training, and then we are finding other integrators that are meeting our requirements. “They can’t just do surveillance because there is a mechanical install involved, too. They have to be able to handle the mechanical install and then link it to surveillance.” As an exhibitor in the Emerging Technology Zone at ISC West, Crotega showed the product off to integrators and consultants. “This year our ISC West schedule filled up,” says Crowe. “We are lining up consultants to work with us, and we had some people bringing customers to see us at ISC.”Violence, especially in the back-of-the-house in Indian casinos, is a big issue. And that has energised that vertical for us" Current events tend to keep active shooter incidents and workplace violence top-of-mind. For example, the Las Vegas shooting in October energised awareness about the possibility of casino violence throughout the gaming industry, Crowe says. “It got people thinking,” he comments. “We don’t hear much about violence in casinos – especially Indian casinos, which are very quiet about what happens there. But violence, especially in the back-of-the-house in Indian casinos, is a big issue. And that has energised that vertical for us.” Other vertical markets include government buildings, military buildings, commercial buildings and religious buildings. Before founding Crotega, Jody Allen Crowe spent 18 years on Native American reservations as a teacher, principal and superintendent, where he observed the effects of prenatal exposure to alcohol. He developed school programs designed around the research of brain damage from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Crowe is also the founder of Healthy Brains for Children, a non-profit organisation focused on lowering the incidence of prenatal exposure to alcohol. Crowe has written a book, “The Fatal Link,” that posits a connection between perpetrators of school violence and pre-natal exposure to alcohol.

The massacre in Las Vegas is both sadly familiar and terrifyingly novel. Because of the recent series of violent attacks on innocent people gathered in public places, high body counts are no longer unheard-of, although the 59 dead after the Las Vegas tragedy sets a depressing new record. These news stories have become so grimly commonplace as to dull our collective sensitivity to their shock. However, the modus operandi of the latest attack, apparently by a “lone wolf” – carefully planned and involving a stockpile of nearly two dozen guns gathered in a hotel room – prompts new soul-searching about how public events are secured, not to mention a re-evaluation of security in the hospitality sector. Public events at risk from attack The sniper attack from a 32nd-floor room at Mandalay Bay, overlooking 22,000 people attending a country music festival, has been compared to “shooting fish in a barrel.” When the bullets rained down, there was nowhere to hide. The attack came from outside the “perimeter” of the event, so any additional screening of attendees would not have prevented it. Such attacks are not unheard of, but to what extent might it have been foreseen in this instance? It’s a new concern to add to the mounting list of possible risks at public events, such as a car in the crowd or a bomb in a backpack. Add to the list a firearm assault from above. If security is supposed to protect against that which is reasonable and foreseeable, this tragedy clearly expands the list. Preventative measures for sniper attacks Certainly, there are measures that can prevent sniper attacks, such as police officer sharpshooters positioned on nearby rooftops scanning the windows of nearby buildings for potential threats. Such measures are routinely employed for high-security events such as a Presidential visit, but not generally for a country music concert. Should organisers of public events reevaluate the level of risk, now that the dangers have been demonstrated in a dramatic and deadly fashion? Broadly speaking, nearby buildings with lines-of-sight to public areas are a new security risk to be considered. Might public events need to be located somewhere else? What about parades down city streets, or Times Square at New Year’s Eve? New York’s Police Commissioner James O’Neill may have said it best: “We do understand that no city or town in this country is completely immune.” Security in hospitality sector The implication of the Las Vegas massacre for the hospitality industry is an additional issue. Hotels and resorts such as Mandalay Bay have not generally embraced technologies like the explosives scanners or X-ray machines used at airport terminals, at least not in the United States. Most hospitality companies keep their focus on things like limiting theft, controlling unruly guests, or keeping strangers from roaming the halls. In contrast, hotels in the Middle East and Asia, where there has historically been more chance of violence, have a higher level of security. Hotels and resorts such as Mandalay Bay have not generally embraced technologies like the explosives scanners or X-ray machines used at airport terminals Even in Las Vegas, where the gaming and hospitality industries embrace video in a big way, the emphasis is not on watching guests who may be stockpiling firearms. What might the impact of greater security be on guests and, by extension, a hotel’s business? In a competitive market that emphasises the guest experience, any negativity suggested by additional security measures would likely be evaluated carefully lest it impact the bottom line. Anything perceived as invasive of a guest’s privacy would be frowned upon. Our appetite and/or tolerance for tighter security in the wake of a tragedy will inevitably dissipate over time. In short, the hospitality industry is likely to continue to be a “soft target” for years to come. New security training and technologies Might a higher level of training among hotel staff to promote awareness of suspicious behavior make a difference? It’s a low-profile, comparatively low-cost possibility many hospitality professionals will be looking at in the days to come. There are less obtrusive technologies on the market that could help. For example, Steve Wynn, CEO of Wynn Resorts, has said they have installed “non-visible” metal detectors at every entrance. One manufacturer of such equipment is PatriotOne Technologies, which offers a “cognitive microwave radar technology” embedded in a wall or stand-alone unit at a controlled access point. The company made news at last week’s ASIS show by announcing integration of its system with March Networks’ video recording solution. Concerns for security trade shows The latest tragedy hits especially close to home for those in the security industry who travel to Las Vegas every year for the ISC West show. Mandalay Bay is at the other end of the strip from much of the ISC West activity, but the attack still seems to hit directly in our neighbourhood. Next year, the security market will be going to Vegas at least twice, for ISC West in the spring and again for the ASIS 2018 show in the fall. Somewhere in the midst of those events may be a solution that could help prevent such tragedies. We can all hope so. Meanwhile, our thoughts are with the victims of the Las Vegas massacre, their families and friends.

We all know that security video cameras are becoming smarter. The IP cameras at the edge of today’s video surveillance systems contain computer chips that can potentially change how cameras are used. However, despite the changing technology and greater intelligence at the edge, today’s systems mostly use video cameras for one thing – to provide video. In some cases, the cameras provide hours and hours of video that no one will ever watch.  Re-examining the role of video cameras Prism Skylabs is helping to drive a re-evaluation of the role of video cameras in the market. Founded in 2011, the San Francisco cloud service company thinks of IP cameras as sensors that are capable of providing a range of data that can be managed and processed in the cloud to provide more useful information to end-user customers. Prism’s current implementations of the “software as a service” approach focuses on retail merchandising and marketing applications, but Prism Co-Founder and Senior Vice President Bob Cutting sees many other opportunities too.  The cloud infrastructure provides a “reliable and continuously connected way to monitor and get data from cameras that is extremely robust and reliable,” Cutting says. Information from cameras “trickles up” to the cloud where data is “pre-extracted and available,” helping retailers optimise their store designs and marketing. Prism provides a blend of complementary visual and analytics data.  "We looked at the camera andreimagined what it can do as a realsensor – a sensor with intelligencethat is cloud-ready, cloud-enabledand easy to install. How we think ofvideo has to change" Retail applications of video analytics In the retail world, the approach enables marketers and merchandisers to constantly observe and monitor retail displays and customer activity from around the world in real time. Store owners can tell, for example, if their stores opened on time. Did a new product launch effectively?  “There are hundreds of questions that retailers want to answer, and they don’t want to watch streaming video from the store,” Cutting says. “They just want answers to questions.” He says the system provides “an easy way to navigate and access data.”  If you think of a camera as an intelligent sensor, the data provided by that sensor can take many different forms (and only one of them is “streaming video,” which may not be the most useful for a specific end user need). Cutting says the data is “privacy enabled,” and does not contain personal information. Integrating with CCTV manufacturers Prism has integrated its cloud system with cameras from Digital Watchdog, and announced integration with Axis cameras at the recent ASIS International show in Anaheim. The company is also in the process of integrating with several other large camera manufacturers in the video surveillance market. Employing intelligent cameras at the edge, the company “saw overnight a shift from server-based solution to an edge-based camera solution.”  “It’s the right form factor,” says Cutting. “We looked at the camera and reimagined what it can do as a real sensor – a sensor with intelligence that is cloud-ready, cloud-enabled and easy to install. How we think of video has to change.” Role of video analytics in store security Security cameras are capable of providing up to a dozen additional outputs, combining data with visual elements, says Cutting. For example, intelligent cameras can count people, and can track movement of customers in a store based on defined rules. An end user can know how many people go down a certain aisle, how long they dwell in front of a display, how many people visit a certain area in a given time.  Cameras can also provide “visual summaries” of activity in a store, showing graphically who went where over a certain period of time, providing retail traffic maps, heat maps, and other visual outputs to guide store owners and managers. Cameras can also provide “visualsummaries” of activity in a store,showing graphically who wentwhere over a certain period of time,providing retail traffic maps, heatmaps, and other visual outputs toguide store owners and managers Finally, cameras can provide a variety of visual data (in addition to streaming video). These include video snapshots (high-resolution images taken periodically and delivered in high resolution to the cloud). Visual outputs might also include “background models,” which are images of retail shelves presented without the customers moving in front of them to provide a detailed view of products and how they are arranged on the shelf. There are also other types of visual outputs, such as time-lapse video, and thumbnail images taken one frame per second. In effect, the visual output is matched specifically to what the end user wants to see – and one camera can be used for multiple outputs to meet the needs of various stakeholders. (Cameras can also provide outputs focused on the needs of loss prevention and security departments.) Examples and applications of retail analytics Lolli and Pops, a 26-store candy chain, is using the system to change the candy store experience. Using the Prism Skylabs system, the company tests multiple combinations of merchandising displays, and measures the effectiveness (and maximises the benefit) of each. The company employs A/B testing – one display in one store and a different display in a second store – to measure which approach works best, in effect fine-tuning the retail experience for customers.  Another Prism customer is a large retailer deploying the system throughout Europe, leveraging the system’s ability to count, provide visual insight and understanding, and real-time visibility into the effectiveness of merchandising displays (using a 25-point checklist to ensure compliance).  Other potential end-markets include retail banking, hospitality and even casinos – “anyone who wants a better understanding of their space,” says Cutting.  He says there is a growing opportunity for physical security integrators in the area of retail analytics, and use of cameras as sensors conforms to emerging industry trends such as “Big Data” and the “Internet of Things” (IoT). He asks: “How can we break down video into core components that are IoT-friendly and that a wider audience can use?”

Cherokee Nation Entertainment (CNE) is the gaming and hospitality arm of the Cherokee Nation, operating multiple casinos and hotels across northeast Oklahoma, USA, including the prestigious Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa. Concerned that their security team was spending an overly large number of person-hours reviewing video recordings searching for a single person of interest, CNE sought to reduce the time it took to review security footage, so their security team could remain focused on proactive tasks, and optimise their day-to-day efficiency. CNE also wanted to obtain and assess accurate data on occupancy and visitor trends for business intelligence purposes. Furthermore, CNE wanted to be alerted to security-related events in real-time, in order to handle security issues as they developed.  savVi’s video surveillance solution                                   CNE selected savVi, Agent Vi’s on premise video analytics solution, due to the wide range of video analytics capabilities that savVi offers. Over 1,000 savVi licenses were purchased, allowing cameras at CNE’s ten Oklahoma-based casinos to be enabled with different combinations of real-time event detection, video search and business intelligence capabilities. CNE utilises the video search capability most widely – to enable rapid search through the surveillance video to pinpoint events of interest – and therefore video search capabilities are enabled on the majority of cameras at the sites. Business intelligence capabilities are mostly deployed around the various gaming machines, and at entrance and exit points, to show traffic patterns and real-time people counts. Real-time event detection capabilities are used largely for the high-security areas to ensure that CNE’s security team is informed regarding situations, as they unfold. savVi is deployed through integration with a range of Axis network cameras, primarily the AXIS P3225 and Q3505 fixed cameras, the AXIS P5635, Q6044 and Q6045 PTZ cameras, and for outdoor vehicle search, the AXIS Q3708 fixed camera with three sensors. CNE uses Milestone XProtect Corporate Video Management System (VMS), which is fully and seamlessly integrated with savVi, a Milestone Certified Solution. savVi’s video search capabilities allow for verification of personal injury claims by customers who may be trying to defraud the casino savVi’s real-time event detection savVi’s video search capabilities are of considerable importance to CNE. There is a prevailing need for the casinos to be able to swiftly locate specific events within masses of footage (“incident remediation” as it is known within the entertainment industry). Among other things, this allows for verification of personal injury claims by customers who may be trying to defraud the casino. Previously, the security team’s time was heavily occupied by observing hours of footage in search of a specific person or incident. savVi now enables CNE to run the search automatically, allowing far more effective use of the operators’ time, and reduced search time from as much as 16 hours for a single search, down to a matter of minutes.  savVi’s real-time event detection capabilities are primarily used by CNE to ensure a safer and more secure environment within the casino parking facilities. By immediately alerting to any suspicious event, such as people loitering or cars moving in an unauthorised direction, the security team can monitor events and act accordingly as they unfold. savVi’s heat mapping capabilities savVi also allows CNE to gather and analyse essential business intelligence data on occupancy and visitor trends. savVi delivers accurate headcounts, meaning that the security team is constantly aware of how many people are on-site and using the casino facilities. This provides essential knowledge in the case of an emergency where a facility might need to be evacuated, and also helps prevent over-crowding. By utilising savVi’s heat mapping capabilities, CNE has knowledge of which areas of the casino are more heavily populated, and at what times. CNE can then leverage the data collected in a number of ways, including negotiating leasing deals for externally-owned casino equipment and knowing which internal locations require heavier investment of machines and personnel. This puts CNE well ahead of its competitors, as it is one of, if not the, first gaming company to employ Business Intelligence through video analytics. SavVi’s deployment in CNE’s casinos is an endorsement of the great benefit that savVi’s video analytics capabilities" savVi’s video analytics capabilities “It was savVi’s swift and effective video search that caught CNE’s attention when searching for an enhanced security solution, in particular due to the automated query ability,” said Joshua Anderson, Director of Surveillance and Technology, Cherokee Nation Entertainment. “We have been extremely impressed with savVi’s capabilities and the quality of its performance, and fully expect savVi to increase efficiencies and provide true ROI which will have a major impact on the bottom line.”  “Cherokee Nation Gaming Commission’s approval of savVi’s deployment in CNE’s casinos is an endorsement of the great benefit that savVi’s video analytics capabilities offer to gaming concerns,” commented AJ Frazer, VP Business Development, Agent Vi. “Having selected to deploy the full range of savVi video analytics functionalities, savVi offers CNE valuable insights into the activities and customer experience at their multiple sites, benefitting both CNE and their customers.”

Pivot3, the hyperconverged infrastructure performance and technology provider, announced Caesars Entertainment EMEA has deployed Pivot3 HCI to ensure robust protection of critical video surveillance data and to future-proof its IT infrastructure to support a wider range of workloads. Support multiple mission-critical workloads Pivot3 unifies storage, compute and virtualisation resources into a powerful, easy-to-deploy solution that reduces cost, IT complexity and organisational risk. With Pivot3, Caesars’ can now support multiple mission-critical workloads, including video surveillance, on a single high-performance and cost-effective infrastructure platform. “We selected Pivot3 because we have complete confidence that its highly-resilient HCI technology will protect our video data,” said Charles Rayer, IT director, Caesars Entertainment EMEA. “In today’s sophisticated gaming environment, it’s critical that video data is protected, always available and easily accessible at any time, from any device or location. Pivot3 supports our broader roadmap initiatives with the opportunity to expand hyperconverged to our datacenter and enterprise computing applications, which helps future-proof our investment and drive additional value across our organisation.” In addition to Pivot3, Caesars EMEA is deploying Milestone video management software (VMS) across its 14 sites Video surveillance & management solutions Caesars Entertainment is one of the most established and innovative brands in the global gaming industry. Its EMEA division has a diverse portfolio of gaming, entertainment, restaurants and bars at locations throughout the United Kingdom, South Africa and Egypt. The organisation relies on highly-integrated video surveillance solutions to capture the data that drives business intelligence and ensures compliance and continuous operations. The addition of Pivot3 to its ecosystem helps protect against system failures, operational interruptions and lost revenues, which cannot be tolerated in strict regulatory environments such as gaming. Milestone video management software In addition to Pivot3, Caesars EMEA is deploying Milestone video management software (VMS) across its 14 sites in the region. Pivot3’s interoperability and ease of integration with Milestone stems from its ability to consolidate VMS hosting, security applications and associated data, and all client workstations into one centralised platform. Caesars EMEA’s individual sites incorporate 75 to more than 200 video surveillance cameras. “HCI is the ideal platform for mission-critical applications, like video surveillance, that require the highest degree of protection, resiliency and availability,” said Brandon Reich, video surveillance practice leader, Pivot3. “Pivot3 is designed to handle the rigors of enterprise IT environments with the fastest, simplest and smartest HCI available, and we’re excited to support Caesars’ video data protection needs as well as their infrastructure growth going forward.”

Dallmeier, a worldwide acknowledged solutions provider for the casino industry, has just returned from G2E Asia show where the company has had a successful launch of their new innovative Smart Casino Solutions, extremely well received by the visitors. Smart Casino Solutions “In recent years we have worked diligently and invested heavily in Research and Development, aiming to create innovative flexible solutions for the gaming industry as a whole, delivering comprehensive real-time hands on results.”, said Konrad Hechtbauer, Project & Application Development Director of Dallmeier Electronic and Managing Director of Dallmeier International. “We aim to establish ourselves as a complete turnkey solution provider with a wide offering of innovative Smart Casino products, that can easily be combined or presented as individual modules and/or interfaced with third party technologies to meet the needs of the end user in their environment.” Dallmeier’s vision is to create innovative operational systems which could in real-time manage different business areas and concepts Dallmeier’s vision is to create innovative operational systems which could in real-time manage different business areas and concepts, giving the operators complete control of all areas of their properties, such as Gaming, Security, Surveillance, Hotel, Retail and Strategic Marketing, etc. “Security, traceability, overall operations’ management from every angle and aspect, and a complete detailed analysis of the obtained data are the key elements building our innovative systems”, added Konrad Hechtbauer. During G2E show Dallmeier’s Casino Team had conducted dedicated personal demonstrations, where invited guests could see and experience all new developments recently introduced by the company.  Advanced surveillance technologies “For years Dallmeier was worldwide known for their advanced surveillance technology and we are now ready to pursue different business opportunities and strategies, aiming to place Dallmeier as a leading strategic partner for the casino operators. In the coming years we’ll continue to develop our product offering to support overall casino operations management, creating new systems for live gaming, solutions for various security aspects, and options and modules to enhance operators’ strategic marketing”, finished saying Konrad Hechtbauer.

Manchester-Boston Regional Airport opened to serve the state of New Hampshire and the surrounding New England community in 1927, a little over two decades after the Wright brother’s first powered flight. Located three miles south of central Manchester, the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport is the fourth largest passenger and third largest cargo airport in New England. The airport is also the busiest in the state, qualifying under the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a “small hub primary commercial service facility.” Airport redevelopment project The 1990’s brought a large redevelopment project to the airport, sparking more modern facilities, increased room for aircraft, and a range of new shops and restaurants. By 2012 it had become clear that the airport and its parking areas required enhanced surveillance. Increased foot traffic, manpower, and federal safety regulations resulted in the awarding of an FAA grant for a new surveillance system.Increased foot traffic, manpower, and federal safety regulations resulted in the awarding of an FAA grant for a new surveillance system The Manchester-Boston Regional Airport faced a lengthy decision-making process when it came to security camera manufacturers, requiring products able to support the unique applications and varied environment of the airport. The security team monitored a range of spaces both in and outdoors, and required products that excelled under all of these varying situations and lighting conditions. The selected cameras needed to provide full high-definition video across multiple open areas, while also delivering detailed, close-up images within busy, crowded spaces. The airport’s FAA grant included stipulations regarding the types of products that could be purchased with the supplied funds, specifying that the selected system must qualify under the “Buy American” standard. This provision meant that all potential selections not only meet the technical requirements, but also be Made in USA. Arecont Vision: foundation for security system After a year of exploring the market, the client determined that Arecont Vision was the only manufacturer that not only satisfied the “Buy American” stipulation, but did so without sacrificing the airport’s fundamental security requirements by providing a wide range of high resolution megapixel cameras.Arecont Vision was open in demonstrating its Made in USA product design, manufacturing, quality control, and support as part of the selection process Arecont Vision was open in demonstrating its Made in USA product design, manufacturing, quality control, and support as part of the selection process. Securadyne Systems was selected as the systems integrator. Extensive planning determined which Arecont Vision products to install, where to do so, and how the installation process would be accomplished. Once Manchester-Boston Regional Airport chose Arecont Vision cameras as the foundation for their security system, they began to collaborate with On-Net Surveillance Systems, Inc. (OnSSI) to supply the video management system (VMS). OnSSI is an Arecont Vision Technology Partner Program member, with many joint customers around the world, demonstrating proven integration between the two company’s products and support services. Arecont cameras chosen by airport security team The Arecont Vision SurroundVideo® multi-sensor camera series piqued the security team’s interest for its 180° panoramic capabilities. Passengers, staff, and aircraft crew move frequently and often swiftly from one location to another in varied lighting, yet all proved trackable with the SurroundVideo cameras and the OnSSI software. The placement of SurroundVideo cameras at the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport provides comprehensive coverage while reducing the number of cameras needed overall, a feat that was especially useful in large areas such as the airport’s apron. The security team chose cameras from the Arecont Vision MegaDome® series, which are equipped with a wide range of innovative features For locations that required a single coverage view, the security team chose cameras from the Arecont Vision MegaDome® series, which are equipped with a wide range of innovative features. Features such as low light capabilities and remote focus and zoom all proved crucial to the airport’s requirements. Casino Mode™ is available in the 1080p versions of the MegaDome series, a feature that proved to be as useful at the Manchester-Boston TSA checkpoints as it is in a Las Vegas casino. Casino Mode guarantees 30 frames per second to capture every detail on fast-action applications, an incredibly effective tool when investigating security situations involving many complex, small movements for both live and forensic viewing.Casino Mode guarantees 30 frames per second to capture every detail on fast-action applications for many complex, small movements in both live and forensic viewing Investigating criminal or worker concerns Manchester-Boston Regional Airport has installed over one hundred and fifty Arecont Vision cameras, and the video surveillance system is continuing to grow. The latest installation of Arecont Vision products included the lower level of a parking garage as well as a newly renovated passenger checkpoint area. When asked if there are any specific incidents in which Arecont Vision cameras proved useful, Mr. Mueller responded, “Every other day we use the cameras to investigate criminal or worker concerns. We go back and monitor them for possible safety issues on the ramps, for passenger interaction, and for worker interactions. Anytime someone expresses a concern to me, they can come in and we can watch the footage together. I try to make sure that the option to view footage is fairly transparent, which has proved very useful to everyone. "SurroundVideo 180° cameras were again utilised in the latter situation due to the client’s satisfaction with stitching together images from multiple 180°s." Paul Mueller, Manchester-Boston Regional Airport’s security manager, stated, “We were sure to go back to Arecont Vision during this process. We have had a good working relationship with them for the past five years, and they enable us to use less cameras while still maintaining full view of inspection areas.”Primary camera views are displayed and monitored all the time, while others can be pulled up and played back as issues arise Passport and ticket inspection made easy Arecont Vision cameras are monitored 24/7 in the airport’s communications centre. Primary views are displayed and monitored all the time, while others can be pulled up and played back as issues arise. The system also allows for particular divisions within the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport to monitor cameras that are applicable to their work, such as in the parking garage. In terms of responsiveness, Arecont Vision makes it a top priority. “We had an issue recently with the lack of detail in some of the views for when people were having their passports and tickets inspected by TSA employees,” Paul stated, “An Arecont Vision rep came out and agreed that we could improve images, so he pulled the cameras and re-installed a newer firmware version which allowed for finer adjustments, completely and efficiently solving our problem.” Arecont Vision prides itself in its relationship with clients such as Manchester-Boston Regional Airport and to its continued design and manufacturing of quality, innovative, and industry-leading cameras within the United States for customers to use worldwide.

Qognify, the provider of big data solutions for physical security and operations, announces that Golden Lion Marbella, one of Panama’s top-ranking casinos, has selected Qognify VisionHub to upgrade security, safety, and operations. Formerly the Princess Casino Marbella, Golden Lion features one of the largest casinos in Panama City which will now enjoy total coverage with Qognify’s security solution for gaming featuring its market leading VMS, VisionHub. The casino environment is an enticing target for criminal behaviour for both visitors and employees – with large amounts of money constantly changing hands. Continuous, reliable 24x7x365 monitoring is a necessity for theft and fraud prevention, allowing casino security management to identify, verify and resolve unfolding incidents. VisionHub provides 100% system availability combined with high-definition video quality casinos need when monitoring card playing and money counting. Deterring criminal behaviour The security program at the casino serves as both a deterrent and accurate, non-refutable method to settle disputes. “VisionHub gives us the ability to view gaming sequences from many different angles and zoom in for close-ups,” said Mr. Hasky, President of Sortis Hotel, Spa & Casino, Golden Lion Marbella. “If a dispute arises, we can scroll through the video quickly – back and forth – and view images from several cameras simultaneously. We can see the fine details, which cards each player held, the exact amount of a bet and when it was placed.” Specific industry experience is particularly important in the gaming industry. “Gaming is a challenging environment that requires an exceptional enterprise solution,” said Moti Shabtai, CEO and President of Qognify. “The solution our teams designed for Golden Lion Marbella enables them to cost-effectively monitor the entire casino operation, with high-quality video. In turn, this facilitates the prevention of potential security issues, promotes the safety of guests and protects the integrity of casino operations.”

Seven Feathers installed a BoonAssist TQ manual revolving door at the entrance to the lounge Boon Edam, a manufacturer of security entrances and architectural revolving doors, announced that Seven Feathers Casino Resort, located in Canyonville, Oregon, has installed a Boon Edam BoonAssist TQ revolving door in its new, 2150-square foot, non-smoking Steelhead Lounge. I-5 Design is the design/build firm that completed the project. Seven Feathers Casino Resort, one of the premier resorts in the Pacific Northwest, is among the fastest growing destination resorts in the region. It’s a place where guests experience the thrill of Nevada-style gaming, fabulous food and beverages, live entertainment, a full-service spa, indoor pool, fitness center, world-class RV Resort, and more. BoonAssist TQ revolving door “We decided to do away with our poker room on the smoking floor and re-model that space for our non-smoking patrons,” explained Andrew McAuley, Construction Project Manager for Seven Feathers Casino Resort. “We originally looked at a sliding door, but we were concerned about gusting winds and even snow infiltrating the space. A vestibule would have been great, but we just didn’t have the room. Our architect came up with the idea to install a revolving door to minimise the footprint and create that all-important air seal.”McAuley continued, “We had a pair of store-front doors, and we decided on the revolving door after the re-model had started. We were under a time constraint, and we reached out to a number of manufacturers, but only Boon Edam could meet our timeline. Our architect told us that Boon Edam is a global company and they make really great doors.” Efficient and economical “The Boon Edam entrance is doing a real nice job for what we wanted to accomplish” Seven Feathers installed an 8-foot diameter BoonAssist TQ manual revolving door at the entrance to the lounge from the street. “The door literally goes into the lounge where people are sitting, and now we can keep all of that seating,” said McAuley. “With the door’s power assist feature, our customers don’t have to push as hard and for our elderly guests that’s important.” The Boon Edam revolving door is installed with half the door outside the building and half the door inside the lounge. So, not only does Seven Feathers have more useable, comfortable space, but they saved money not installing a huge awning to protect an entrance constructed entirely outside the building envelope.“The Boon Edam entrance is doing a real nice job for what we wanted to accomplish—the revolving door concept has definitely been successful. It’s aesthetically pleasing and it fits our upscale lounge look and feel. There are several competing casinos in our area, so we have to work hard to delight our customers, while keeping our costs in check,” concluded McAuley.

You could say concerns about privacy are “trending” in our increasingly data-driven world. Unease about how Facebook and other high-tech companies use and share data dominates the news, and the full impact of new European Union (EU) regulations is about to be felt around the world. By May 25, companies that collect data on EU citizens will need to comply with strict new rules around protecting customer data, as enumerated in the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). But how do the new regulations, and broader concerns about privacy, affect the physical security market? We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How do privacy issues and regulations, such as GDPR, impact physical security systems and how they are managed?

Video systems today offer more capabilities than ever. Consequently, the systems can be used in new ways. For a variety of reasons, however, many customers don’t take full advantage of the capabilities of their video systems and therefore are leaving value on the table. Education and training are tools to alleviate the situation, but the first step is to identify the new ways that video can be used. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How do customers under-utilise their video systems, and what should they do differently?