Indoor surveillance

Johnson Controls is announcing two new camera models to the Illustra Pro line, with the Pro Compact Mini-Domes in 2MP and 3MP resolution, ideal for applications such as retail stores, healthcare facilities and banks where low profile and aesthetics are important. The Illustra 2MP and 3MP Pro Compact Mini-Domes are equipped with various viewing angles including corridor mode, a 9x16 field of view aspect ratio for vertically oriented scenes, which is optimal for hallways, aisles or any area where a landscape format is not ideal. Illustra IntelliZip compression technology Rated both IP66 and IP67 for environmental protection as well as IK10 for vandal resistance, the Pro Compact Mini-Domes can be installed indoors and outdoors for a truly versatile solution. The Pro Compact Mini-Domes also feature Illustra IntelliZip compression technology that monitors and adjusts system streaming parameters to match the level of activity in the camera’s field of view. IntelliZip automatically adjusts the video encoder configuration to ensure every detail within the region of interest is captured clearly, minimising video and storage needs. Advanced VideoEdge TrickleStor technology enables edge based video recording, even in an outage. The camera will automatically detect network interruptions and starts to record video to its SD card followed by a seamlessly video transfer to the NVR’s hard drive once the network connection is reestablished.

Audio is often overlooked in the security and video surveillance industry. There are some intercom installations where audio plays a key role, but it’s not typically thought about when it comes to security and event management. Audio takes a back seat in many security systems because audio captured from a surveillance camera can have a different impact on the privacy of those being monitored. Audio surveillance is therefore subject to strict laws that vary from state to state. Many states require a clearly posted sign indicating audio recording is taking place in an area before a person enters. Analytic information derived from audio can be a useful tool and when implemented correctly, removes any concerns over privacy or legal compliance. Audio analytics on the edge overcomes legal challenges as it never passes audio outside of the camera Focused responses to events Audio analytics processed in the camera, has been a niche and specialised area for many installers and end users. This could be due to state laws governing audio recording, however, audio analytics on the edge overcomes legal challenges as it never passes audio outside of the camera Processing audio analytics in-camera provides excellent privacy since audio data is analysed internally with a set of algorithms that only compare and assess the audio content. Processing audio analytics on the edge also reduces latency compared with any system that needs to send the raw audio to an on-premises or cloud server for analysis. Audio analytics can quickly pinpoint zones that security staff should focus on, which can dramatically shorten response times to incidents. Audio-derived data also provides a secondary layer of verification that an event is taking place which can help prioritise responses from police and emergency personnel. Having a SoC allows a manufacturer to reserve space for specialised features, and for audio analytics, a database of reference sounds is needed for comparison Microphones and algorithms Many IP-based cameras have small microphones embedded in the housing while some have a jack for connecting external microphones to the camera. Microphones on indoor cameras work well since the housing allows for a small hole to permit sound waves to reach the microphone. Outdoor cameras that are IP66 certified against water and dust ingress will typically have less sensitivity since the microphone is not exposed. In cases like these, an outdoor microphone, strategically placed, can significantly improve outdoor analytic accuracy. There are several companies that make excellent directional microphones for outdoor use, some of which can also combat wind noise. Any high-quality external microphone should easily outperform a camera’s internal microphone in terms of analytic accuracy, so it is worth considering in areas where audio information gathering is deemed most important. In-built audio-video analytics Surveillance cameras with a dedicated SoC (System on Chip) have become available in recent years with in-built video and audio analytics that can detect and classify audio events and send alerts to staff and emergency for sounds such as gunshots, screams, glass breaks and explosions. Having a SoC allows a manufacturer to reserve space for specialised features. For audio analytics, a database of reference sounds is needed for comparison. The camera extracts the characteristics of the audio source collected using the camera's internal or externally connected microphone and calculates its likelihood based on the pre-defined database. If a match is found for a known sound, e.g., gunshot, explosion, glass break, or scream, an event is triggered, and the message is passed to the VMS. If a match is found for a known sound, e.g., gunshot, explosion, glass break, or scream, an event is triggered, and the message is passed to the VMS Configuring a camera for audio analytics Audio detectionThe first job of a well-configured camera or camera/mic pair is to detect sounds of interest while rejecting ancillary sounds and noise below a preset threshold. Each camera must be custom configured for its particular environment to detect audio levels which exceed a user-defined level. Since audio levels are typically greater in abnormal situations, any audio levels exceeding the baseline set levels are detected as being a potential security event. Operators can be notified of any abnormal situations via event signals allowing the operator to take suitable measures. Finding a baseline of background noise and setting an appropriate threshold level is the first step. Installers should be able to enable or disable the noise reduction function and view the results to validate the optimum configuration during setup Noise reductionA simple threshold level may not be adequate enough to reduce false alarms depending on the environment where a camera or microphone is installed. Noise reduction is a feature on cameras that can reduce background noise greater than 55dB-65dB for increased detection accuracy. Installers should be able to enable or disable the noise reduction function and view the results to validate the optimum configuration during setup. With noise reduction enabled, the system analyses the attenuated audio source. As such, the audio source classification performance may be hindered or generate errors, so it is important to use noise reduction technology sparingly. Audio source classificationIt’s important to supply the analytic algorithm with a good audio level and a high signal-to-noise ratio to reduce the chance of generating false alarms under normal circumstances. Installers should experiment with ideal placement for both video as well as audio. While a ceiling corner might seem an ideal location for a camera, it might also cause background audio noise to be artificially amplified. Many cameras provide a graph which visualises audio source levels to allow for the intuitive checking of noise cancellation and detection levels. Analytics take privacy concerns out of the equation and allow installers and end users to use camera audio responsibly Messages and eventsIt’s important to choose a VMS that has correctly integrated the camera’s API (application programming interface) in order to receive comprehensive audio analytic events that include the classification ID (explosion, glass break, gunshot, scream). A standard VMS that only supports generic alarms, may not be able to resolve all of the information. More advanced VMS solutions can identify different messages from the camera. Well configured audio analytics can deliver critical information about a security event, accelerating response times and providing timely details beyond video-only surveillance. Analytics take privacy concerns out of the equation and allow installers and end users to use camera audio responsibly. Hanwha Techwin's audio source classification technology, available in its X Series cameras, features three customisable settings for category, noise cancellation and detection level for optimum performance in a variety of installation environments.

Oncam, a provider of 360-degree video capture and business intelligence technology, announced it was honoured with two awards for its innovative products: Most Innovative Online Solution from the 2018 North American Fraud Awards alongside its partners at Video Analysis Solutions (VAS) and a 2018 Money-Saving Products Award from BUILDINGS Magazine for its new Evolution 180 Indoor Camera. The recognitions demonstrate the company's continued dedication to innovation and the development of technology to address today's greatest security and business challenges. At the 2018 North American Retail Fraud Awards dinner in May, Oncam and its partner VAS were recognized by Retail Risk for their retail-centric Cloud Searching Dashboard. Oncam and VAS have created a powerful and user-friendly analytics tool that leverages Oncam's high-quality 360-degree video and intuitive VAS analytics to allow store managers and staff to securely log in and view live or recorded images, as well as monitor customer behaviour and provide details on store traffic. The solution offers significant ROI by optimizing store operations, improving customer service and growing sales. The Evolution 180 range uses a 12MP sensor for high-resolution panoramic video Evolution 180 Indoor Camera The Evolution 180 Indoor Camera was recognized in the June 2018 issue of BUILDINGS Magazine for the features it provides building owners and facility managers for life safety and security. The Evolution 180 range uses a 12MP sensor for high-resolution panoramic video. Oncam’s unique Angle Compensation Technology provides adaptive dewarping in the camera, eliminating the need for integration in video management software. The camera is ONVIF Profile S compliant, making it plug-and-play with the leading video management systems on the market today. “Oncam provides innovation in the products we create, but more than that, our close collaboration with other technology leaders allows us to create solutions that enhance the abilities of our video capture tools to provide valuable insight to end users,” said Jumbi Edulbehram, Regional President – Americas, Oncam. “These awards are an acknowledgment of the hard work and dedication of our team and we're honored to be recognized.” Oncam will showcase its award-winning technology during IFSEC International 2018.

From mid-June 2018 on, MOBOTIX will offer its second generation Mx6 camera line with integrated MxBus functionality (camera types x16B/x26B). The MxBus technology is based on an extended camera board. This two-wire cable system developed by MOBOTIX is encrypted against cyberattacks and expands camera functions by including practical additional MOBOTIX modules such as the MX-GPS-Box, a reliable time server for a complete video system. Within a MOBOTIX video system, Mx6 cameras without MxBus can also process and use the data from an MxBus module that is connected to a camera within the same network. For example, they can access the time signal from a GPS-Box or activate their own recording through MxMultiSense modules placed at the ceiling of a room via MxMessageSystem. Reusable first-generation system components The new x16B/x26B models feature the same exterior structures as the corresponding first-generation Mx6 cameras. This means that all of the sensor modules, mounts and system components that they contain can also be used for the latest generation of MOBOTIX cameras. All first-generation Mx6 camera models (x16A/x26A) are also available as corresponding second-generation camera models with MxBus (x16B/x26B). In order to use the MxBus functionality with the Indoor cameras c26B, i26B, p26B and v26B, as well as to add two additional inputs and two outputs to the camera, an additional MxIOBoard-IC is required. A corresponding T26B successor for the T25 Door Station camera is planned for release by the end of Q3/2018.

Johnson Controls has announced the expansion of its high-resolution IP camera portfolio with new models of Illustra Flex Mini-Domes and Box IP cameras in 4K resolution. These new cameras are designed to offer a high-image quality and feature rich surveillance option intended for a wide range of applications. The Flex 4K cameras provide increased detail and efficient bandwidth management technology for both indoor and outdoor models. The versatile Illustra Flex cameras feature effective bandwidth management technology and highly reliable and redundant recording features that ensure continuous and cost-efficient video streaming. Illustra IntelliZip compression technology provides powerful dynamic bandwidth management beyond H.264 and H.265 to offset increased video storage requirements from high-resolution video recording. The Flex Mini-Domes feature day/night capabilities and offer a P-Iris lens, which delivers clear video and improved depth of field in changing light Day/night and WDR capabilities For crystal clear images day and night, the versatile Illustra Flex cameras are True Day/Night and feature True Wide Dynamic Range for balanced images in challenging lighting conditions. The affordable and compact Illustra Flex Box Camera is best suited for small to medium size offices, retail boutiques, schools, and bank branches looking for a cost-effective camera. The Flex Mini-Domes feature the same day/night capabilities, but also offer a P-Iris lens, which delivers clear video and improved depth of field in changing light. In addition, the outdoor Flex Mini-Dome features built-in IR illuminators to produce clear images at an effective distance in a variety of low light conditions. The Flex Mini-Domes and Box adhere to the rigorous security standards of the Tyco Cyber Protection Product Security Program. The holistic cyber approach begins at initial design concept, continues through product development, and is supported through deployment, including a rapid incident response to meet the comprehensive and evolving cybersecurity environments.

Hanwha Techwin and analytic specialists A.I Tech have jointly engineered affordable, single device intruder detection solutions which provides maximum detection, whilst significantly reducing the impact of time consuming and costly false alarms. The Wisenet Intrusion Detection solutions are supplied ready to work out-of-box. By harnessing the massive processing power of the chipset at the heart of Wisenet X cameras with A.I. Tech’s intelligent video analytics, the combined solutions provide reliable detection regardless of the lighting conditions or the presence of shadows or reflections. The Wisenet AI-Intrusion-PRO solution takes advantage of the superb quality images captured by the 2 megapixel network Wisenet XNO-6020R/INT IR bullet camera Wisenet AI-Intrusion-PRO solution The advanced intelligence and artificial vision algorithms incorporated into A.I. Tech’s powerful analytics engine have been developed as a result of 25 years experience of designing innovative and intelligent video analysis solutions which operate effectively in both indoor and outdoor environments. The Wisenet AI-Intrusion-PRO solution takes advantage of the superb quality images captured by the 2 megapixel network Wisenet XNO-6020R/INT IR bullet camera, which when combined with A.I. Tech’s intelligent video analytics, provides accurate detection of any activity in prohibited zones. For site perimeter security purposes, it is also able to detect people or objects crossing multi- tripwire virtual lines which can be remotely configured. Reporting real-time intruder activity The Wisenet XNO-6020R/INT camera can be configured to report intruder activity via FTP or email. Alarm events verified by A.I. Tech analytics, together with the associated images captured by the Wisenet XNO-6020R/INT IR camera, are managed by Wisenet network video recorders (NVRs). They are also supported by Wisenet WAVE and SSM Video Management Software, as well as selected other VMS, such as Milestone Xprotect. Supplied pre-loaded on the 2 megapixel Wisenet XNO-6020R/SEC IR bullet camera, the edge-based dashboard can be accessed remotely by a web browser AI-Security-DASH solution The Wisenet AI-Security-DASH solution shares all the features and functions of Wisenet AI-Intrusion-PRO and, in addition, offers convenient, ‘easy on the eye’ reporting via a dashboard. Supplied pre-loaded on the 2 megapixel Wisenet XNO-6020R/SEC IR bullet camera, the edge-based dashboard can be accessed remotely by a web browser. When multiple cameras are deployed, there is the option to run the dashboard on a server. Wisenet AI-Security-DASH is also available with the choice of two additional modules: AI-LOITERING offers the opportunity to detect suspicious behaviour of people remaining in a given area for longer than a pre-configured period of time. This feature has an accuracy of more than 90% where the subject is not hidden from view for 95% or more of the time and provided they only remain hidden for less than 2 seconds. AI-LOST is designed to detect objects in public areas such airports, bus and train stations which appear to have been abandoned over a period of 1-10 minutes. It is also able to detect the removal of objects, e.g. the theft of paintings or artefacts on open display at a museum.

A video surveillance solution manufactured by Tyco, the security products division of Johnson Controls and installed by Kings Secure Technologies, is helping deter and detect hate crime directed at worshippers who attend the Gurdwara Singh Sabha in Bradford. HD Illustra IP network cameras 32 high definition Illustra IP network cameras from Tyco have been installed to monitor activity around the site of the Sikh place of worship, to identify anyone showing hostility towards the congregation. The Gurdwara Singh Sabha is sadly not alone in being a place of worship that has been the victim of hate crimes. Throughout society, 2017 saw over 68,000 acts of aggression in the UK being recorded as being motivated by racial or religious prejudices. Integrated video surveillance systems System integrator, Kings Secure Technologies, was one of three companies invited to compete for the contract to install the new video surveillance system System integrator, Kings Secure Technologies, was one of three companies invited to compete for the contract to install the new video surveillance system following on from a risk assessment carried out by a ‘Designing Out Crime’ officer from the West Yorkshire police. “The members of the Gurdwara wanted to take advantage of the very latest video surveillance technology in order to provide the police with high quality video evidence of any incidents or suspicious activity,” said Paul Atherton, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at Kings Secure Technologies. “With 32 cameras required to ensure there would be no blind spots, this size of a project might normally stretch the budget of a place of worship, even though Illustra cameras are competitively priced. Fortunately, the Gurdwara was able to successfully apply for help with the cost of installing the new system via the security funding scheme available as part of the Government Hate Crime Action Plan. This was possible because the Gurdwara had been the target of religious based hostility.” Vandal-resistant dome cameras The 32 installed Illustra cameras are a combination of indoor and weatherproof, vandal-resistant 2 megapixel and 3 megapixel mini-domes. With Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) and built-in IR illumination, they are designed to work effectively across a wide range of lighting conditions from bright sunlight to total darkness. As such, they are an ideal solution for when there is a need to capture faces and the vehicle number plates. An Exacq IP04-12T-DT Network Video Recorder (NVR) with 12 Terabytes of storage onboard installed by Kings, ensures that the images captured by all 32 cameras are recorded around the clock. The IP04-12T-DT has 64 camera channels and so provides the Gurdwara with the option to install further cameras should it need to do so in the future. Remote video monitoring using Exacq app We have installed the cameras so that we can assist the police in prosecuting anyone who commits a hate crime" The Gurdwara was originally a pharmaceutical production factory which has been converted into a place of worship and extended to provide space for educational and recreational activities as well functions, such as weddings. “Our Gurdwara is in almost constant use by the Sikh community in Bradford. We have installed the cameras so that we can assist the police in prosecuting anyone who commits a hate crime by being insulting or verbally aggressive towards any of our worshippers or visitors,” said Surjit Singh, a member of the Gurdwara. “The clarity of the images captured by the Illustra cameras is impressive and this has allowed us to pass on to investigating officers’ good quality video evidence of some recent incidents. As well as being able to locally access the images stored on the NVR, we also have the added bonus of being able to use the Exacq mobile App on our smartphones or tablets, enabling us to remotely keep a close eye 24/7 on what may be happening in the immediate vicinity of the Gurdwara.”

It was over a century ago that Charlotte Hungerford Hospital (CHH) was founded, as a gift by industrialist Uri T. Hungerford. The vision was to create a community hospital that would serve as a beacon of hope and a place of comfort for the ill and injured. 100 years later, that same community spirit has helped CHH evolve into a vibrant, independent, affordable healthcare network that delivers a comprehensive range of healthcare programs and services for over 100,000 lives in Northwestern Connecticut. A challenging safety diagnosis Avigilon has made us more efficient as we don’t have to spend much time sifting through large amounts of video” Charlotte Hungerford Hospital prides itself on supporting patient and staff safety in all hospital areas and locations. Several years ago, they found themselves with an outdated security system that lacked quality video coverage and recording capabilities. CHH struggled with reliable video playback and faced frequent system crashes. As a result, the hospital’s security operators were often unable to provide accurate evidence during forensic investigations and many liability claims and hospital incidents went unresolved. CHH needed a cost-effective, comprehensive security solution that could protect patients and staff across multiple locations while still being flexible enough to scale with the hospital’s growing needs.  Avigilon AI & Analytics technology With a desire to improve its legacy surveillance system, CHH looked to Avigilon’s advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology and video analytics to meet their security needs. CHH began a multi-phase upgrade that included installing over 100 Avigilon cameras with self-learning video analytics, deploying AI-based Avigilon Appearance Search technology and using impulse radar technology with the Avigilon Presence Detector (APD) Sensor. Avigilon Appearance Search technology – a sophisticated deep learning AI search engine – helps CHH quickly locate a specific person or vehicle of interest across all cameras both inside the hospital and care centers as well as outside parking lots. This technology provides CHH’s operators with enhanced situational awareness, enabling fast event response and helping to save time and effort during critical investigations. To protect areas of the hospital where cameras cannot be installed, CHH installed the Avigilon Presence Detector (APD), a discreet impulse radar device with self-learning radar analytics that scans, learns, and continuously adapts to its environment. Avigilon Presence Detector sensors Our Security Department’s mission at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital is the safety of our patients, visitors, and employees” Capable of detecting persons who aren’t moving or are hidden, the APD sensors help improve situational awareness for CHH staff, and are used in areas where cameras are not permitted, such as restrooms or change rooms. When integrated with Avigilon Control Center (ACC) video management software, APD sensors alert CHH operators of human presence while still maintaining privacy. Avigilon H4 cameras were used throughout the hospital to provide exceptional image quality and built-in self-learning video analytics, which provides accurate detection and notification of movement of people and vehicles. CHH also deployed HD Multi-sensor cameras which provide up to four camera views per camera installation, using only one camera license and network drop. This allows CHH’s staff to efficiently cover all angles in order to detect, verify, and act on potential security events across the hospital’s premises. Avigilon H4 and HD multi-sensor cameras At the core of CHH is a desire to help the community and still serve as the beacon of compassion it was founded to be 100 years ago. With these values in mind, the hospital’s mission when it comes to security is the safety of patients, visitors, and employees. Avigilon’s AI solutions have helped achieve this by moving the CHH system from legacy to advanced and providing effective monitoring around the clock while also helping to create operational efficiencies. Since deploying ACC software, CHH’s operators spend significantly less time reviewing recorded video, allowing them to focus on proactive event response. Working with Avigilon, Charlotte Hungerford Hospital has a roadmap for continued growth and exceptional patient safety.

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

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

The Everett Public School district is located in Everett, Washington, the largest city in Snohomish County. The school System includes 27 schools spanning 39 square miles, with a Student population of almost 20,000. With so many campuses to monitor and protect, it was clear that the older surveillance system, a mix of off-brand analogue products accumulated over three decades located at each site, was no longer adequate. Thanks in part to a state-wide grant, in 2014, Everett Public Schools upgraded their entire video security infrastructure to a digital, IP-based system which included Wisenet cameras from Hanwha Techwin, and an OnSSI Ocularis Video Management Solution (VMS). Comprehensive video surveillance system The information technology department was asked to design a modern security system that would serve the district’s current needs, be cost effective and handle future expansion. To accomplish the task for all campuses, they recently constructed a centralised, state-of-the-art data centre for the district headquarters in Everett. The initial IP camera system, featuring Hanwha Techwin products, was installed in 2014 to provide security video coverage at the then new district headquarters by RFI Communications. In 2015 a district wide video system was installed by Cabling & Technology Services. The video surveillance system was built to provide information and access to multiple stakeholders in the school district. While campus security officers are primary users of the system, not everyone needs to see everything and the ability to precisely control access to feeds has been key to simplifying the system for administrators and principals, while still allowing law enforcement comprehensive access if required.The move from siloed analogue security systems for each school to a centralised hub architecture for all video feeds has been a huge success for the organisation Centralised IP surveillance system The move from siloed analogue security systems for each school to a centralised hub architecture for all video feeds has been a huge success for the organisation. The district has achieved a new level of control, quality and confidence. With over 600 cameras in use, and more Wisenet series cameras from Hanwha added regularly, the ability to expand and manage the system is a key benefit for the district and its security partners. Like a typical data centre, and unlike a typical school, the Everett Public Schools data centre has power backup and redundancies in place. In addition to the security infrastructure, all data processing for every system, across all campuses, happens centrally at the data centre. Edge analytics “The Hanwha Techwin cameras integrate perfectly with our VMS system and we particularly like the on-the-edge analytics that the cameras provide in addition to using motion to trigger recording,” says Brandon Knutson, Video Security System Manager for Everett Public Schools. “In most cases, we record only during motion or other analytic triggers. The latest Wisenet cameras come with an entire suite of analytics which includes loitering, intrusion, entry, exit, disappear, and more, but we mainly use the intrusion function, which we find very reliable.” Low light performance “We’ve been using the Wisenet X series for single imager cameras and we really like those,” adds Knutson. “Two significant differentiators about these cameras are their wide dynamic range and their performance in low light. It’s pretty phenomenal. Any camera can give you good daytime vision, but when things get tough it really separates out the camera vendors.”Two significant differentiators about these cameras are their wide dynamic range and their performance in low light" Multi-stream capabilities Because of the close integration with OnSSI, Knutson and the team are able to utilise the multi-stream capabilities of the Wisenet cameras, dynamically switching between an H.264 low res and H.265 high res image when required. When viewing a grid of 6 x 6 cameras on the Ocularis VMS, the smaller images can utilise the low-res stream. This keeps CPU/GPU usage low. If an operator clicks on an image to enlarge it, it automatically switches to the H.265 higher frame rate image for more detail and resolution. “We’re currently installing our first Wisenet 9080 multi-sensor and we’re excited by the economies of scale we can achieve with the se cameras, while making no sacrifices in terms of performance and flexibility,” says Knutson. “We are currently testing the X series rugged interior cameras. We’re particularly interested in the sound analytics that come with those cameras. We’re looking at gunshot, explosion, and glass breakage analytics.” Cybersecurity “We like Hanwha Techwin’s commitment to cyber-security. We’re very aware of the cyber-security issues surrounding some camera manufacturers, and we feel good about the company’s South Korean ownership. Moving forward, we have a new elementary school in planning, and we’ll be using Hanwha Techwin cameras there too. Thankfully, the Hanwha Techwin product line has a camera for every need that we have,” concludes Knutson.

Vicon Industries, Inc., a designer and manufacturer of video surveillance and access control software, hardware and components announced that the implementation of its end-to-end Valerus video management system at the Greek American Institute (GAI) in Bronx, NY has been completed.  The installation was performed by the Long Island office of ITsavvy, a Chicago-based IT products and technology solutions provider. The new Vicon Valerus system encompasses the entire property, which includes the oldest continuously run Greek Orthodox School in the United States and the adjacent Church of Zoodohos Peghe and community centre. It includes cameras within the interior and around the exterior of all buildings and surrounding grounds and is managed and monitored through web-based Valerus VMS software, making it accessible to school administrators both onsite and to those logging in remotely via an internet browser.  The Valerus interface provides customised views for each system user. Based upon log-in credentials, cameras that are of greatest interest to each administrator are displayed as part of their default settings. Our Valerus system provides schools and places of worship with sophisticated security solutions that are easy for non-technical administrators to use" Enhanced school security ITsavvy worked with GAI to identify camera placement to maximise coverage of all indoor and outdoor publicly accessible areas, selecting high resolution Vicon cameras models that could deliver clear visibility in a cost-effective manner. The use of 360-degree hemispheric cameras, in select locations, provide expansive coverage with no blind spots in busy areas where students often congregate. The new systems satisfy parents’ requests to provide enhanced security for the children who attend the school and provides administrators with tools to investigate and prosecute any future criminal activity. Demos Lorenzos, President of GAI’s School Board, says, “The Valerus system is simple to use but very advanced. Someone who isn’t technically savvy can easily navigate through it.” Bret McGowan, Vicon’s Senior V.P. of Sales and Marketing says that the system was designed with specifically that intent. “Schools and places of worship have been the scene of too many tragedies in recent years. Our Valerus system is designed to provide these types of facilities with sophisticated security solutions that are easy for non-technical administrators to use to their full capabilities.”