City Surveillance

Pelco by Schneider Electric, a global provider of video surveillance solutions made two announcements that improve the user experience for video surveillance operators by enhancing visibility of events and enabling faster response. Feature-packed VideoXpert Software Release with Enhanced Panomersive Viewing Pelco’s VideoXpert Video Management System, version 2.5 (VX v2.5), is packed with numerous new capabilities including enhanced ‘Panomersive’ immersive context viewing when using Pelco’s Optera camera with Pelco Camera-Link technology and a Pelco ‘Enhanced’ series Pan Tilt Zoom (PTZ) camera. This new feature allows system users to automatically and seamlessly shift from the panoramic view of Optera to a targeted subject or object within the same view using a nearby Pelco PTZ camera. The operator simply clicks on the panoramic view in Optera, and the PTZ instantly moves to the same spot" Combining immersive context viewing with PTZ cameras “Combining immersive cameras with PTZs has been attempted by competitors in the past, but our ability to easily link separate Optera and PTZ cameras provides security directors with a great deal of flexibility in how they design their system while potentially saving money by using previously deployed cameras,” said Robert Beliles, Pelco Chief Marketing Officer. “The operator simply clicks on the panoramic view in Optera, and the PTZ instantly moves to the same spot. This combination of immersive context viewing combined with PTZ detail and tracking at distance allows operators to spend less time locating the object or person of interest, and more time recording their movements.” Flexible Monitor Wall enhancement VideoXpert v2.5 is one of the larger releases in terms of long sought-after features in a video management system (VMS). VX v2.5 delivers a new Rules Engine User Interface and a new flexible Monitor Wall enhancement to make the creation of any size monitor wall and the ability to send events to any specific monitor quickly and easily. The Evolution 180 camera provides a dewarped view without blind spots to capture the areas of greatest interest Beliles concluded, “Several features in the VX v2.5 release significantly advance Pelco’s efforts to drive relevant and contextual video where and when it's needed, enabling impactful responses as well as effective automation. New analytics overlays in the VX v2.5 Ops Center Client allows operators to easily view and then export relevant video footage with the same analytics overlays to law enforcement far more efficiently than what is available in the market today.” Fisheye Evolution 180 panoramic camera Pelco also announced the release of a new camera, the Evolution 180, which provides a dewarped view without blind spots to capture the areas of greatest interest, making it ideal for crowded areas like banks, hotels, malls, schools and eateries, as well as hospital and clinic waiting rooms. Typically, ceiling-mounted fisheye cameras present less detail on faces and objects that are situated at the periphery of the camera’s field of view, or captures the tops of subjects’ heads when located directly below the camera. Available in indoor and outdoor versions, the wall-mounted Pelco Evolution 180 with true day and night capability is built by Oncam and is specifically designed to deliver a high-definition panoramic view, including a detailed eye-level view of people and vehicles. The Evolution 180 focusses on areas of interest while providing 12 percent more pixels per foot and minimising storage and bandwidth requirements" Minimising storage and bandwidth requirements “In contrast to conventional fisheye panoramic cameras that waste pixels on low interest views of ceilings and floors, the Evolution 180 focusses on areas of interest while providing 12 percent more pixels per foot and minimising storage and bandwidth requirements. Thus, the Evolution 180 is an affordable solution that further helps price-sensitive customers,” said Kevin Saldanha, Principal Product Manager for the Evolution 180. Both the Pelco Evolution 180 and VideoXpert v2.5 are available now.

Tomorrow’s commercial buildings will be safe, comfortable, efficient and smart. But how do ordinary buildings turn into smart buildings? And how will we live and work in a smart city? What possibilities and opportunities for optimally protecting people, property and the environment will holistic solutions deliver? Inspiration, dialog & networking These and other fascinating questions will be illuminated by building experts from Bosch, joined by futurologists and customers, in a unique event series titled “Connected Buildings – turning ideas into reality”. It will take place on five dates in the fall of 2018 at an equal number of venues across Europe. Milan will lead the way, followed by Zurich, Amsterdam, Vienna and Berlin. Each top-class event will address technical and commercial decision-makers from various industries who wish to derive inspiration from solutions for enhancing the safety, comfort and efficiency of commercial buildings and seek an opportunity to network and share information and ideas with other leaders and experts. The interconnectivity of technical devices via the Internet of Things (IoT) will result in greater interlinking of various aspects of technical infrastructure Opportunities & possibilities through IoT The growing interconnectivity of technical devices via the Internet of Things (IoT) will result in greater interlinking of various aspects of technical infrastructure than is still the case today. New functions and services will appear for improving, accelerating or automating processes. Integrated, networked solutions that merge state-of-the-art technology with services will enhance processes across domains and generate benefits for owners, operators, personnel and users. As an enabler of networked building solutions, Bosch is already tapping the potential of the IoT and leveraging its many years of experience as a system integrator to make people’s everyday lives safer, more comfortable and more efficient and ultimately protect both property and the environment more effectively. Participants in the “Connected Buildings” events can therefore look forward to thought-provoking topics, presentations and discussions in an exclusive setting. Bosch expert insights The speed with which digitisation is driving change and the importance of taking action now will be insightfully described by prominent futurologists at all of the events. They include Michael Carl, Director, Research & Consulting of 2bAhead ThinkTanks, the Dutch trend researcher Richard Van Hooijdonk and the world renowned futurist Vito Di Bari. Bosch experts will also talk about smart cities and pragmatically explain how the Internet of Things is already transforming life in cities. Together with customers, Bosch will provide exclusive glimpses of regional lighthouse projects where networked building solutions are becoming reality. Among them: the Nove project in Munich and Prime Tower in Zurich. Apart from the events themselves, attendees can look forward to exciting and inspiring locations that provide very appropriate backdrops for the topics addressed.

In early July, a distinguished group of Dubai police officials visited the Dahua headquarters in Hangzhou. Representing Dubai police, Colonel Essa Ahmad Salem Ahmad Alobeidli met with James Wang, CTO, Overseas Business, Dahua Technology and discussed topics of mutual interest. Known as one of the safest city in Middle East, Dubai police aims to enhance the city’s security by adopting proven but innovative security solutions. Accordingly, the visit focused on Dahua Safe City Solution, which was introduced through an in-depth presentation by Dahua Technology as well as a discussion on the applicability of Safe City Solution between Dubai and Hangzhou police based on their experiences. Dahua Technology has successfully helped the Jianggan District Police Station implement Dahua Safe City Solution Implementation of Safe City solution As a solution provider in the global video surveillance industry, Dahua is an ideal partner for building municipal-level mega surveillance systems. In Hangzhou, Dahua Technology has successfully helped the Jianggan District Police Station implement Dahua Safe City Solution, which integrates cloud computing, big data, AI, and other cutting-edge technologies to enable higher efficiency and more effective police operation. “China and UAE have enjoyed a long-lasting friendship and history of business partnership. We are glad that Dahua Technology can play an essential part in enhancing the security of Dubai, and we will concentrate our resources to bolster our capabilities and provide better, faster, and more effective service to the UAE.” said James Wang, CTO, Overseas Business, Dahua Technology. Making UAE one of the safest countries Praising the visit as fruitful, Colonel Essa expressed optimism for future collaboration between the Dubai Police and Dahua Technology, stating that "We hope to enhance our partnership with Dahua through the Safe City project and make the UAE one of the safest countries in the world.” With a mission of ‘Enabling a Safer Society and Smarter Living’, Dahua Technology will continue to focus on Innovation, Quality, and Service to serve partners and customers around the world.

Axis complements AXIS Q35 Series with two multi-megapixel, outdoor-ready fixed domes. Developed for solid performance in challenging light conditions and rough environments, the new models are perfect for surveillance in a wide range of areas such as critical infrastructure, city surveillance, airports, railway stations, harbours, healthcare, pharmaceutical and food industries. Based on top-quality ½” sensors and Axis’ latest image processing, AXIS Q3518-LVE delivers 4K, and the stainless-steel AXIS Q3517-SLVE delivers 5 MP, in 30 fps with outstanding image quality in challenging light conditions. This includes support for Axis OptimizedIR illumination, forensic WDR and Lightfinder technology. The new models also support Axis’ award-winning Zipstream technology, which preserves important details in full image quality, while reducing the storage and bandwidth needs by an average of 50% or more. Withstands harshest conditions Shock detection feature means they can send an alarm when exposed The advanced AXIS Q35 cameras have been designed to withstand the harshest conditions, with stable operation in extreme temperatures from -50 °C to +60 °C. AXIS Q3517-SLVE features a marine-grade stainless steel casing that is highly resistant to the corrosive effects of salt, detergents and other chemicals. AXIS Q35-LVE/-SLVE cameras are IK10+ rated and have been tested to ensure they can withstand 50 joules of impact. The shock detection feature means they can send an alarm when exposed. The cameras’ electronic image stabilization (EIS) means they provide steady video even during intense vibrations. Additional camera features Pre-installed AXIS Motion Guard, AXIS Fence Guard and AXIS Loitering Guard analytics for proactive surveillance The use of dynamic overlays to add extra information, such as weather update, to the video feed External sensors can be connected to input ports to trigger alarms or actions, and if the connection to a sensor is cut, the camera can send an alarm Relays and other external devices can be connected to outputs to, among others, activate lights, lock/unlock doors If there is a power outage, redundant DC power and Power over Ethernet help ensure a reliable power supply to the cameras Installation is made easy with flexible cable management, optional connection to any conduit and helpful tools such as leveling assistant, auto rotation, remote zoom and focus Pre-installed analytics provide excellent support for proactive surveillance Petra Bennermark, Global Product Manager at Axis Communications, comments, "The new additions to our top-of-the-line AXIS Q35 Series will help our customers ensure safety even at the most challenging conditions, whether it comes to light, weather or a rough environment. The cameras’ outstanding image quality give the operators the best possible chance of identifying people, objects and vehicles, and the pre-installed analytics provide excellent support for proactive surveillance."

As Internet of Things (IoT) devices go, networked video cameras are particularly significant. Connected to the internet and using on-board processing, cameras are subject to infection by malware and can be targeted by Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. Hacking of cameras also threatens privacy by allowing unauthorised access to video footage. The performance of hacked cameras can be degraded, and they may become unable to communicate properly when needed. Ensuring cybersecurity is a challenge, and the fragmented structure of the video surveillance market contributes to that challenge. A variety of companies are involved in manufacturing, integrating, installing and operating video systems, and cybersecurity threats can enter the picture at any stage. “It’s not always clear who is responsible,” says Yotam Gutman, vice president of marketing for SecuriThings, a cybersecurity company. “However, the only entities who can ensure cybersecurity are the security integrator and the service provider. They will bear the financial pain and are willing to pay for cybersecurity. An extra $1 or $2 per camera per month is not expensive.” SecuriThings’ “lightweight software agent” runs in the background of video cameras, sending information to an analytics system in the cloud IoT device security management At the recent IFSEC trade show in London, SecuriThings unveiled its IoT Device Security Management (IDSM) approach to enable integrators to ensure cybersecurity. Founded in 2015, the company has around 20 employees in Tel Aviv, Israel, and operates a sales office in New York City. SecuriThings’ “lightweight software agent” runs in the background of video cameras, collecting metadata on camera processes and connections and sending information back to an analytics system in the cloud. Drag-and-drop deployment enables a camera to begin generating data within seconds and requiring only two mouse clicks. The cloud system analyses data, pinpoints abnormalities, identifies new users, detects multiple entry attempts and tracks other camera processes to identify any cyberattacks. It monitors all devices, gateways, users and APIs to detect threats in real-time and mitigate the threats based on a pre-determined security policy. Machine learning tools also analyse more subtle activities that can indicate insider abuse. For example, a user support center can identify if cameras are being accessed improperly by employees, thus preventing insider abuse. Certified vendor agnostic software SecuriThings is working with camera manufacturers and video management system (VMS) manufacturers to certify operation of its software agents with various camera models and systems. Working through integrators, such as Johnson Controls, is the fastest route to market, SecuriThings has determined. The system can be added after the fact to existing installations for immediate monitoring and remediation, or it can easily be incorporated into new systems as they are launched. “We have a strong sales team in the United States focusing on bringing the technology to more local and national integrators,” says Gutman. Certification ensures SecuriThings’ software agent can be installed in most modern camera models without negatively impacting operation; the software is vendor agnostic. Another eventual route to market is to work with camera manufacturers to install the SecuriThings software agent in cameras at the factory. In this scenario, the system can easily be “clicked on” when cameras are installed. The SecuriThings cloud system generates a dashboard that tracks system activities to identify any cybersecurity threats IoT Security Operations Center SecuriThings operation is transparent to the VMS, and the company works with VMS manufacturers to ensure the code operates seamlessly with their systems. Cloud analytics generate a dashboard that tracks system activities, and/or a managed service monitors the system and notifies customers if there is a problem. “We monitor it from our IoT Security Operations Center, a fully managed service that ensures the real-time detection and mitigation of IoT cyber-threats,” says Gutman. “We found that end-customers don’t have the manpower to monitor the system, so our experts can guide them.”Access control and cloud-based access control will be the next systems under cyberattack, and they are almost as vulnerable" A benefit for camera manufacturers is the ability of a system like SecuriThings to “level the playing field” on issues of cybersecurity, says Gutman. The approach provides a higher level of cybersecurity confidence for integrators and users, including those using cameras that have previously had cybersecurity problems such as “back door” access. SecuriThings has certified its software for use with Hikvision cameras and is in the process of certifying with Dahua, says Gutman. “Western manufacturers say their products are more secure, but we can help all camera manufacturers prove that they are just as secure,” says Gutman. “Integrators and users can log into a device and see all the activity.” Securing connected devices from cyber threats Beyond video, SecuriThings’ products target the full range of connected devices in the Internet of Things (IoT). The SecuriThings security solution enables real-time visibility and control of IoT devices deployed in massive numbers in smart cities, physical security, building automation, home entertainment and more. Video surveillance is an early focus because of market need, an opportunity to gain traction, and the critical nature of security applications. But the challenges are much broader than video surveillance. “We are seeing similar risks to other devices,” says Gutman. “Access control and cloud-based access control will be the next systems under cyberattack, and they are almost as vulnerable. If you can disable the access control system, you can cause a lot of problems.” Other connected devices that could be at risk include building automation and heating and cooling (HVAC) systems.

Dahua Technology, a premier solution provider in the global video surveillance industry, unveils its AI driven distributed face recognition server, DHI-IVS-F7500-P, which is mainly applied to city-class scene or project, such as a safe city, security management of main traffic thorough a fare or plaza, business analysis for chain supermarkets, etc. Dahua’s Distributed Face Recognition Server As a mass data platform of face management, Dahua’s face recognition server, DHI-IVS-F7500-P is able to analyse image streams as structural data, and store them in the distributed database. Also, with excellent image comparison search engine technology, it even supports fuzzy search of mass human face data and provides results within seconds. High-efficient face detection and recognition Supported by the integrated, high performing GPU P4 module and Dahua’s advanced deep learning algorithms, the distributed DHI-IVS-F7500-P face recognition server can detect a human face with above 90% accuracy, along with its detailed face features such as age, gender, expression and glasses which help identify subtle individual differences. Also, it supports multiple-person image search and orders by similarity according to the time and location information, providing a convenient way to retrieve data. After collecting facial data, Dahua’s DHI-IVS-F7500-P face recognition server also provides both dynamic and static image comparison Powered comparisons with proactive alarm After collecting facial data, Dahua’s DHI-IVS-F7500-P face recognition server also provides both dynamic and static image comparison. Dynamic comparison supports the real-time 100-channel picture stream (about 8.5 million pictures processing) and 300,000 face control comparison, while static comparison supports comparison of 30 million pictures. Once hit the face that is previously defined in the enrolled database, the server will send the notification or alarm to you immediately. Flexible and comprehensive register library To better support face comparison, the new face recognition server improves the storing capacity to a maximum of 300,000 human face pictures of its enrolled database for wanted person alerts. In addition, you can add, delete, modify and query personal information in the registered library if something requires changing, and it also allows batching import/export of pictures and compressed files from the library. By identifying known criminals or prior offenders through accurate face detection and comparison, Dahua’s DHI-IVS-F7500-P face recognition server offers proactive protection to build a safer social environment before an incident occurs. Embracing a mission of “Enabling a Safer Society and Smarter Living”, Dahua will continue to focus on “Innovation, Quality, and Service”, to serve partners and customers around the world.

Hytera, a global provider of innovative Professional Mobile Radio (PMR) communications solutions, announces that it has signed contracts with Secretariat of Public Security of the State of Alagoas, Brazil to provide TETRA communications infrastructure as the expansion of the statewide mission critical communications network and four-year maintenance service. The total contracts value is around 6.5 million US dollars with the infrastructure contract around 1.3 million and the service contract around 5.2 million. “We are excited being chosen as the equipment and service provider of Alagoas’s statewide TETRA system. The state authority shows confidence in Hytera’s ability to deliver advanced and reliable public safety communications networks. For the expansion, we presented the latest development of TETRA technologies,” said John Zhou, the General Manager of Hytera Brazil. “The new contracts as a milestone for Hytera Brazil recognise us not only as a leading TETRA solution provider, but also a trusted service provider, and it is the embodiment of Hytera transformation globally.” In early 2014 Hytera delivered TETRA infrastructure, terminals and dispatcher to the public safety users of State of Alagoas TETRA communications network In early 2014 Hytera delivered TETRA infrastructure, terminals and dispatcher to the public safety users of State of Alagoas, who were modernising its communications systems to better serve the communities and prepare for the global soccer fiesta, the World Cup 2014. The newly signed equipment contract includes 31 sites with Hytera’s latest TETRA innovation, DIB R5 base station. It adopts a maintenance-free, space-saving design and can be installed on walls, antenna masts or in tunnels. Thanks to its low power consumption and passive cooling, it is ideal for use in areas where power supply is critical or where there is a need for battery-based, portable base station solutions. With the expansion of the TETRA network, different public safety forces such as police, firefighters and emergency response in the State of Alagoas will share the network to facilitate optimal cooperation when the situation requires, which is another big step forward by the local authorities to improve the security of the state.

Hoverfly Technologies Inc., global supplier of tether-powered aerial drone systems, is pleased to announce it has engaged retired Deputy Chief of Los Angeles Police Department Mike Hillmann to consult and provide expertise to Hoverfly and public safety officials of cities, counties and special law enforcement agencies who are considering the use of Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) to assist in keeping their cities safe. Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) When incidents and/or events happen, having ‘real-time, situational awareness’ from above the scene is critical to managing risk and upholding public safety “With 24-hour news cycles, a never-ending stream of social media posts, mid-term elections and potential threats to the public at large, getting fast, accurate situational awareness from the air during an incident has never been more important when it comes to keeping the public safe. We are thrilled to have Chief Hillmann advising on use cases and how best to implement and integrate this new technology,” says Hoverfly SVP of Systems, Lew Pincus.  When incidents and/or events happen, having ‘real-time, situational awareness’ from above the scene is critical to managing risk and upholding public safety and the safety of those who serve our communities. Aerial/Drone surveillance He adds, “We typically have relied on manned aircraft to provide aerial coverage over a variety of incidents. On occasion, those assets have not always been available, deemed too disruptive or too expensive to deploy in certain situations where an aerial view clearly could have helped an incident commander better understand the situation. Deploying small tether-powered, highly portable, unobtrusive persistent cameras positioned high above the scene can now be used as either a standalone capability or integrated system with existing networks, security infrastructure and even manned aircraft.” Hoverfly tether-powered sUAV (Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) systems solve short battery-life problems associated with free-flying drones Today, Mr. Hillmann is helping chiefs of police, local city and county officials and other public safety personnel understand how Hoverfly’s tether-powered LiveSky systems can be deployed from police or EMS vehicles providing incident commanders with actionable intelligence from high above the scene within minutes of arrival. “Tactically, having the ability to stay in the air monitoring the situation from above for hours, days, even weeks at a time represents an amazing capability we never had before. During my career, I can think of hundreds of situations where having a drone in the air to provide real-time intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance would have helped keep my officers and the community much safer. It’s a force multiplier that should be exploited by public safety,” says Hillmann. Hoverfly’s LiveSky systems Hoverfly tether-powered sUAV (Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) systems solve short battery-life problems associated with free-flying drones because they operate using a standard 120VAC power source or vehicle inverter. The power, command and control information and video are transmitted over the tether making the entire system completely secure from jamming, hacking or spoofing, ensuring the privacy of the data and improving safety. Perhaps the biggest benefit of Hoverfly systems is they are autonomous and require no piloting skills. The CEO of Hoverfly likes to say, “if you can operate an elevator, you can operate our LiveSky system.” 

Ulaanbaatar is the capital and the largest city of Mongolia, with a population of over 1.3 million, which is almost half of the country's total population. Over the past decade, the number of vehicles in Ulaanbaatar has risen by more than 300,000. As the political and cultural center of Mongolia, the increasing number of inhabitants and vehicles within the city has caused a series of social, environmental, and transportation problems. Dahua’s sophisticated ITS (Intelligent Transportation System) solution has integrated advanced software and hardware including sensors, information and data processing and physical electronics and communication technologies to assist the transportation department of Ulaanbaatar, in enhancing the safety and efficiency of its transportation system. Intelligent Transportation System In recent years, the government of Ulaanbaatar has prioritised the improvement of traffic management and has identified the need of a cost-effective solution towards speeding, traffic light violations and other road safety related issues, to create a more secure environment for citizens. Due to the high-latitude geography of the city, this project is particularly demanding on the monitoring equipment withstanding harsh environments. Based on advanced intelligent algorithms, Dahua has provided the city with its cutting-edge ITS solution consisting of the ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) system for 28 main roads, the E-police system for 8 junctions, 2 mobile speed measurement systems as well as 15 high spot PTZ surveillance units. The project took only three months from the initial analysis of the client’s demands and solution design to, the final delivery, overcoming various tough issues along the way. The Dahua team worked in collaboration with a partner to customise a Mongolian license plate recognition algorithm ANPR system As there are no current systems for license plate recognition in Mongolia, the Dahua team worked in collaboration with a partner to customise a Mongolian license plate recognition algorithm. This was then integrated into Dahua’s traffic cameras, achieving a reliable recognition rate, much to the satisfaction of the client. Dahua’s traffic cameras installed at the significant main roads of the city, are able to function between a temperature of - 40 ℃ ~ + 80 ℃ and a 10%~90% humidity environment. The cameras will actively monitor and inspect each suspicious vehicle, and automatically capture their license plates in real time, sending out an automatic alert when blacklisted vehicles pass by. E-police monitoring system The monitoring equipment set up at the eight junctions can help the Ulaanbaatar transportation authorities in making quick responses to traffic accidents that are caused by running red lights. When a violation occurs, the Dahua all-in-one capture camera takes a series of images of the vehicle’s license plate number, along with the status of the traffic signal and an aerial image of the scene as evidence. Afterwards, the DSS management and storage platform collects the data from each camera and distributes it to operators for further processing. The mobile speed measuring system detects vehicles that surpass the speed limit in all weather conditions Mobile speed measuring system The mobile speed measuring system detects vehicles that surpass the speed limit in all weather conditions. The system features an all-in-one design, making it easy to use and install at different locations at a moment’s notice. This portability allows traffic police to move the system to different places whenever necessary. It consists of an 8MP CCD camera with a multi-target tracking radar, allowing for an accurate instant speed measurement of each passing vehicle and crystal-clear imaging. The IR flash lamp also ensures excellent imaging capabilities even during the dark of night. Technical security training To better serve the client, Dahua’s team has provided the operators of the local transportation department, with relevant technical training and demonstrated to them, the installation and deployment of devices. Additionally, all three systems are unified on a single platform within the control center, further enabling the end user to more efficiently monitor and manage road safety. Dahua’s ITS solution facilitates road safety and keeps the traffic flowing smoothly, raising the safety awareness of drivers, resulting in a more pleasant journey for drivers.  Advanced technologies such as LPR and fuzzy search, actively reduces manpower demands on the police force, while increasing the efficiency of current enforcement. Furthermore, Dahua’s solution has assisted the government of Ulaanbaatar to finance a sustainable, growing, and well-maintained system of security and safety.

One of the UK’s largest video surveillance projects in recent years involving the deployment of 845 Wisenet cameras manufactured by Hanwha Techwin, is nearing completion. The video surveillance system, which is designed to play an important role in helping ensure the safe and reliable delivery of public transport across the West Midlands, is being used to monitor activity at over 50 railway stations, 11 bus stations, 3 Midland Metro park and ride sites, as well as the main Number 11 bus route around the City of Birmingham. Live and recorded images from all cameras are being monitored at an advanced control room, located in central Birmingham Wisenet HD IP camera integration The project which is targeted for completion in July 2018 has so far seen approximately 845 Wisenet cameras installed by Total Integrated Solutions Ltd. (TIS) on behalf of Transport for West Midlands which was set up by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to co-ordinate investment needed to improve the region’s transport infrastructure. The remaining work includes the deployment of the latest generation of Wisenet high definition IP cameras at a number of car parks, together with significant camera upgrades in Walsall and Solihull, two of four Local Authority public space CCTV systems are already monitored by WMCA. Live and recorded images from all the cameras are being monitored at a £1.2M state-of-the-art control room located in central Birmingham. “Our approach to this very large, complex project was not simply one of agreeing to meet exacting KPI’s from a performance perspective,” said Eamonn Murphy, Coleshill based TIS’s key account manager. “We felt the route to success would be to adopt a more partnership type approach, where we were not only the provider of technical solutions but were also involved at a strategic level in identifying with Transport for West Midlands a pathway of system upgrade, improved efficiency, cost reduction, innovation and utilising latest technology such as video analytics to the best advantage.” TIS is assured seamless integration between Wisenet cameras and Veracity Coldstore ‘direct to storage’ solution Wisenet cameras & Veracity Coldstore solutions Transport for West Midlands evaluated cameras available from 9 different manufacturers. The subsequent decision to source all the cameras from Hanwha Techwin, (previously known as Samsung Techwin), was partly due to the price/performance ratio of its cameras, but there were two other important factors which were taken into consideration. Firstly, Hanwha Techwin has a close working relationship with its technology partner, Veracity. This meant TIS could be assured that there would be seamless integration between Wisenet cameras and the Veracity Coldstore ‘direct to storage’ solution. This negates the need for Network Video Recorders (NVRs) and thereby substantially reduces capital costs, as well as minimising setup and maintenance requirements. Open Platform cameras The Veracity Coldstore recording solution is unique in the linear way that data is written to the hard drives. Only 2 hard drives are spinning at any one time, meaning a significant reduction in power consumption, lower heat generation and greater longevity of the hard drives, reducing the overall cost of ownership. When drive failures do occur, the faulty drive can be swapped with a new drive allowing uninterrupted use. The second important factor was the capability of the Wisenet open platform cameras to accommodate a variety of edge-based analytics such as ANPR and heat mapping, should Transport for West Midlands wish to deploy these at some point in the future. Trials of the Wisenet People Counting application are currently being carried out. This utilises the analytics software developed by Facit Data Systems, another Hanwha Techwin technology partner. Wisenet SNP-6320H cameras are configured for the transmission of 25 images per second (ips) at 1080p resolution Intelligent Day/Night cameras A large percentage of the cameras installed are Wisenet SNP-6320H 2 Megapixel Full HD network PTZ dome cameras. In addition to being a true Day/Night camera which is able to capture high quality images in low light, the SNP-6320H’s powerful 32 x zoom capability enables operators to observe the close-up detail of any activity. Trials were conducted where the cameras were capped at 2 Mbps and configured for the transmission of 25 images per second (ips) at 1080p resolution. The performance at this low bandwidth level was impressive and further contributed to the selection of the Wisenet SNP-6320H, which are also equipped with intelligent auto-tracking capability to ensure a greater level of detail can be captured when no operator is present. Other Wisenet cameras deployed as part of the project include the SNV-6084R vandal-resistant IR dome and the SNB-6004 fixed camera, both of which are able to capture Full HD 2 Megapixel images. Video Surveillance Technology “Working on rail, Metro and bus station sites spread across the wider West Midlands area is a complex and challenging operation and the TIS team deserve recognition for its expertise and diligence,” said Mark Babington, Safety & Security Manager for Transport for West Midlands. Suppliers such as Hanwha Techwin and Veracity have also worked extremely well in partnership with us to ensure we could achieve maximum benefit from this substantial investment" “TIS’s engineers were qualified to the highest degree to support the latest video surveillance technology, as well as being experienced to cope with older legacy systems. Both were needed within the unique environment of a busy integrated transportation network which brings its own exceptional requirements of compliance with bespoke health and safety legislation.” “Suppliers such as Hanwha Techwin and Veracity have also worked extremely well in partnership with us to ensure we could achieve maximum benefit from this substantial investment in the West Midlands transport infrastructure.” Commenting on the success of the project, Bob (H.Y.) Hwang Ph.D., Managing Director, Hanwha Techwin Europe, said: “We greatly value the opportunity to have been involved in this project. It is a excellent example of the benefit of all stakeholders interacting with each other in partnership at an early stage of a project to ensure the most suitable products are specified and subsequently installed to the client’s satisfaction.”

With a number of terrorist attacks having taken place around the world in the past days, city surveillance has become a crucial issue with top priority for the local and central governments. Surveon city solutions provide product lines including high reliability cameras with excellent image quality, feature-rich VMS with video analytics function, and RAID NVR with large storage capacity for 365+ days non-stopping recording. These comprehensive solutions help governments to build good foundations to improve social order, crack down on crimes, and protect citizens from horrible attacks. High reliability cameras Generally speaking, the governments might encounter some major challenges when designing a suitable surveillance system, such as heat, humidity, and temperature changes in outdoor environment. Under such circumstances, Surveon provides cameras with excellent image quality and lowest RMA rate to handle all kinds of outdoor condition. "Surveon’s industrial designed and 100% own manufactured cameras have made us feel confident about this project. The cameras are now being used for a few years with an average failure rate of less than 0.03% which is really impressive." said Chan, the surveillance project manager of Kaohsiung. Surveon NVRs provide large capacities for 365+ days non-stopping recording, extended IP storage, and RAID function for zero video loss The data retention of recorded video is particularly important to the planning and acceptance of city projects. Surveon NVRs provide large capacities for 365+ days non-stopping recording, extended IP storage, and RAID function for zero video loss.  Enterprise VMS In addition, Surveon intuitive VMS offers features such as video analytics, offering police units powerful yet easy to use solutions for city surveillance. By paired with Surveon enterprise VMS, the solutions provide robust prevention, preparedness, detection, and quick response measures. Surveon city solutions have been successfully applied in some major cities in Taiwan and Mongolia. “With Surveon’s E2E solutions, from 3-megapixel IP66 cameras, hardware RAID NVR, clustered storage, to enterprise VMS, we are now better equipped to monitor the entire district and protect the community against illegal activities.” said the Sükhbaatar district police officer in Mongolia.

Siklu Inc., a supplier of mmWave solutions, has announced that its radios have been selected by Israel Police as their main wireless fibre solution. These systems were selected for nationwide deployments as well as temporary events for the purpose of backhauling HD video surveillance systems and advanced sensors.  The Israel Police, similar to police forces all over the world, face a considerable challenge when it comes to deploying a camera array at a city’s main centres within a short timeframe. Adding to the difficulties in securing these parades, is the legacy communication infrastructure in the old rock-based, mountainous terrain city of Jerusalem. When a wireless communication option is considered, the challenge of a dense urban environment packed with thousands of interfering Wi-Fi networks, needs to be addressed. Putting on a Gay Pride parade in Jerusalem, the holiest city in the world presented an additional challenge – how fast the city’s technology partners, MER Group, SMBIT and Siklu would be able to design, supply and install the very small mmWave radios at the strategic locations marked by the security experts. The surveillance cameras serve as a deterrent, as potentially disruptive groups are aware that they are being filmed High-quality video streams Operating in the abundant 70GHz band, with 5GHz of continues spectrum, Siklu’s radios were not constrained by the costly and time-consuming frequency survey associated with legacy wireless solutions. At each location, the Police placed 2 HD cameras and simply deployed the Siklu radios back to back, eliminating the need for traditional multiple powering and switching devices. Simplified deployment was enabled by the Siklu EtherHaul radios with their integrated switch and dual PoE out. At each pole and rooftop along the parade route, a single EH-710TX radio was able to power the complete pack of cameras and radios. With these features and capabilities, the whole network was deployed in only 1 day. On the day of the parade, the event gathered four times the number of people (~20K) attending in recent years, and the Police commanders were more than satisfied with the quality of video streams arriving in real-time to the control rooms. The live, high quality video streams enabled real-time response from the Police to any possible provocations. The cameras also serve as a deterrent, as potentially disruptive groups are aware that they are being filmed. Siklu’s mmWave technology, carefully tailored for our security networks, was definitely the right call to make" Wireless fibre links Yoav Ludmer, SMBIT’s CEO stated that “for all city events, we should provide adequate safety measures for the huge crowds expected. The Israel Police tested and deployed Siklu’s mmWave radios a few months prior to the Gay Pride Parade in another sensitive part of Jerusalem, and the solution proved to be rock solid.” For the first time in Israel, Siklu’s mmWave wireless fibre links were deployed in hours to support Police surveillance cameras and sensors. “After experiencing the high-quality video cameras enabled by Siklu’s technology and integrated by the MER Group and SMBIT, we challenged them to deliver a complex solution in very little time for a very sensitive temporary event and the result was impressive” said Israel’s Police Chief Technology Consultant, Avi Gohar. “Siklu’s mmWave technology, carefully tailored for our security networks, was definitely the right call to make. It proved to be a real game changer for us, and indeed for the city.”