PTZ cameras

The integration developed between Vanderbilt’s ACT Enterprise access control software platform and Hanwha Techwin’s Wisenet WAVE video management software (VMS), means operators are now able to instantly visually verify access control activity and events directly from ACT Enterprise. ACT Enterprise is a role-based software platform which streamlines the monitoring and management of ACTpro access control systems comprising web-enabled door controller interfaces and MiFare and/or DESfire card readers. The integration removes the need for control room operators to use two separate software platforms to visually verify access control events. Instead, operators are able to conveniently view live streams or recorded video associated with a door, directly in ACT Enterprise. Wisenet WAVE If, for example, a door has been forced open, an operator can simply right-click on the event listed in ACT Enterprise, to immediately replay the relevant recorded video made available by Wisenet WAVE. With an auto-discover feature which enables connected cameras and third-party IP network devices to be addressed and set up in just minutes, Wisenet WAVE makes it almost effortless to monitor high-definition video streams. Wisenet video surveillance and ACT Enterprise systems are increasingly being specified for the same projects" Key features include a virtual PTZ which, with just a click of the mouse, enables operators to zoom in to see close-up detail of any suspicious activity. The latest version of WAVE, 4.1, also features push notifications of user defined alarm events which can be sent to mobile devices. Support for Wisenet AI cameras allows the attributes of classified objects or people to be forensically searched by filtering recorded metadata. Technology partnership “Wisenet video surveillance and ACT Enterprise systems are increasingly being specified for the same projects. With this in mind, we have worked closely with the Vanderbilt team to ensure our respective solutions seamlessly interact,” said Uri Guterman, Head of Product & Marketing for Hanwha Techwin Europe. “This is an excellent example of two global market leaders cooperating to ensure our mutual customers are able to efficiently and conveniently obtain maximum value from their investment in a security solution.” Access control event Commenting on the success of the integration, Michael Moyna, Senior Product Manager at Vanderbilt, stated: “This integration makes for a more precise examination of the video system concerning the access control event. It also removes the operator's need to visit the control room to retrieve the footage, as it can be viewed directly within ACT Enterprise instead. This, of course, delivers an added layer of convenience to the system’s users.”

GeoVision's long-range A-series PoE switch is a truly time and cost saving solution that gives users the possibility to extend the maximum PoE distance to 250m at 10Mbps. It is a perfect match for video surveillance industry especially with the features such as ONVIF discovery, PD alive check and surveillance/ voice VLAN. Another new member of A-series, PA902BT is a IEEE802.3af/at/bt standard compliant PoE injector, with a maximum power output of 95 W. This is an ideal solution for connecting high power consumption PD such as PTZ speed dome camera. ONVIF Discovery - Device discovery for ONVIF compliant IP cameras and NVRs PD Alive check - When PD is unresponsive to pings, switch will auto-reboot the PoE port in attempt to recover the device Surveillance/ Voice VLAN - Isolating and prioritising video/ voice traffic from normal data traffic to improve the performance A-Series unmanaged PoE Switch 4-port 10/100 Mbps 802.3at or 8-port 10/100/1000 Mbps 802.3at 2-port 10/100 Mbps for uplink PoE transmission up to 250m with DIP switch A-Series managed PoE Switch 16/24-port Gigabit 802.3at 2-port SFP for uplink PoE transmission up to 250m Web-based management PD alive check ONVIF discover Surveillance/ Voice VLAN High-power POE Injector 1-port 10/100/1000 Mbps IEEE802.3af/at/bt PoE output budget at 95 Watts

The Wisenet XNF-9010RV and XNF-9010RVM 12 megapixel fisheye cameras are the latest additions to the range of Wisenet X cameras equipped with Hanwha Techwin’s proprietary Wisenet7 chipset. The ground-breaking Wisenet7 chipset, which boasts an impressive list of technologies that significantly improve the cyber security credentials of Wisenet cameras, is UL Cybersecurity Assurance Program (UL CAP) certificated. It therefore enables Hanwha Techwin to provide users with peace of mind in knowing their confidential data will be kept safe from hackers. Video surveillance solutions In addition to setting a new standard for IP network video surveillance solutions in respect of cyber security, the feature-rich Wisenet7 also ensures the two new fisheye cameras, which have built in IR illumination, are able to capture superb quality images, regardless of the lighting conditions. A new ‘extreme’ Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) feature, for example, utilises new Local Contrast Enhancement and Scene Analysis technologies to capture ultra-clear images from scenes containing a challenging mix of bright and dark areas. The two cameras share a long list of other real-life practical features, with the mobile XNF-9010RVM having the addition of an M12 connector. Built to withstand vibrations, the EN50155 certificated XNF-9010RVM is designed to offer a robust solution for monitoring activity on buses, trains, trucks and other forms of transport. Potential video evidence A digital PTZ allows users to electronically pan, tilt and zoom in on specific areas for a more detailed view Both cameras have on-board dewarping and offer a variety of alternative viewing modes, including single panorama, double panorama and quad views. A digital PTZ allows users to electronically pan, tilt and zoom in on specific areas for a more detailed view, whilst at the same time, continuing to monitor the whole 360⁰ view. It also offers privacy masking, a 12VDC and PoE capability. In the event of network disruption, video is automatically recorded to on-board SDXC storage to ensure that potential video evidence is not lost. In addition to providing a powerful tool to deter and detect criminal activity, the two cameras are equipped with specialist business intelligence applications which enable users to achieve so much more from their video surveillance systems. Improving customer experience Collectively, the heatmap, people counting and queue management video analytics are able to assist businesses, and the retail sector in particular, with identifying opportunities to improve productivity, gain a greater understanding of customer behaviour and improve the customer experience. The two new cameras support H.265, H.264 and MJPEG compression formats, as well as WiseStream II, a complementary compression technology which dynamically controls encoding, balancing quality and compression, according to movement in the image. Bandwidth efficiency is improved by up to 75% compared to current H.264 technology when WiseStream, which is unique to Wisenet cameras, is combined with H.265 compression. Intelligent video analytics Other key features include the following: 1.08mm fixed lens. Stereo graphic type lens enhances resolution within the peripheral regions of an image. Simple Focus: A single push of a button located at the back of the camera is all that is needed to automatically focus the camera via the Simple Focus feature, which can also be remotely accessed via the network. A suite of Intelligent Video Analytics (IVA), which includes defocus detection, directional detection, motion detection, appear/disappear, enter/exit, loitering, tampering, virtual line, audio detection. Sound classification: An audio analytics feature which recognises critical sounds such as raised voices, screams, broken glass, gunshots and explosions, and generates an alert to enable security personnel to quickly react to any incidents. Vandal resistant hard coated dome cover. Cyber security credentials “A single fish-eye camera will quite often offer the most efficient and cost-effective way of monitoring a large area, and particularly so when a number of standard cameras might normally be required to avoid any blind spots.” “They also offer a compact option for environments where aesthetics or space limitations might be an issue,” said Uri Guterman, Head of Product & Marketing for Hanwha Techwin Europe. “Whilst there is no shortage of fish-eye cameras on the market, the cyber security credentials and image enhancing features of the XNF-9010RV and XNF-9010RVM, ensures they stand out from the crowd.”

Dahua Technology, a globally renowned video-centric smart IoT solutions and service provider, has sponsored one white paper and two webinars hosted by Omdia. The theme of the webinars held on October 22nd is ‘Solving security challenges: Next-generation network cameras’. Dahua and Omdia joint webinar Omdia is the new global technology research powerhouse, established in 2019 with the combination of the Informa Tech’s research brands (Ovum, Heavy Reading, and Tractica) and the acquired IHS Markit technology research portfolio. Collaborating with Dahua Technology, the comprehensive webinar has attracted about 1200 registrations. Audiences are experts from various industries such as energy, finance, education, government, retail, etc. With webinar events experts from Omdia, Dahua Technology’s Senior Project Sales Manager, Simon Nash and Omdia’s analysts, Josh Woodhouse and Tommy Zhu shared their insights into new camera technology trends and how they are being used to address physical security end-user challenges. In the end, they did a live Q&A.  Three-in-One Camera solution To address security end-user challenges, Dahua Technology launches an innovative Three-in-One Camera solution" “Nowadays, security end-users are facing more challenges, and application scenarios are becoming more demanding. Traditional security systems are having problems catching up. To address security end-user challenges, Dahua Technology launches an innovative Three-in-One Camera solution, also known as the TiOC, which offers 24/7 full-color monitoring, active deterrence and AI-enabled accurate alarm. It is suitable for almost every security application where a fixed camera is required,” stated Simon Nash, Senior Project Sales Manager, Dahua Technology. “This virtual event highlighted some of the key challenges surveillance camera users face. Omdia has presented insights on the technology available in the market which can mitigate these challenges,” stated Josh Woodhouse, Omdia analyst. Next-gen network cameras “Many of the challenges end-users face can be met by existing technologies in the market. More and more camera models are integrating exciting technologies together to be more effective. Doing more in a single camera is a theme that we are observing in the next-generation of cameras,” said Tommy Zhu, Omdia analyst. Offering 24/7 full-colour monitoring, active deterrence and AI with WizSense IP cameras, HDCVI 6.0 cameras & XVRs, and upcoming PTZ cameras, TiOC is ideally suitable for villas, shops, warehouses, fire lanes, and other similar application scenarios. With its mission of ‘Enabling a safer society and smarter living’, Dahua Technology will continue to focus on ‘Innovation, Quality and Service’, to serve its partners and customers around the world.

Hanwha Techwin America, a global supplier of IP and analogue video surveillance solutions, has announced the launch of its new high definition Wisenet X PTZ PLUS cameras. Available immediately from Hanwha’s extensive network of resellers and systems integrators, the new cameras feature AI-based object tracking, precise PTZ control, improved pre-set accuracy, adaptive IR illumination and enhanced cyber security. Designed for perimeter protection and large, open area applications such as airports, parking lots, industrial estates, stadiums and city centres, the new 2MP, 6MP and 4K Wisenet X PTZ PLUS cameras are able to capture forensic-level image quality at a distance of up to 650 feet (200 metres). Featuring adaptive IR technology which adjusts the power of the camera’s IR LEDs, they can match the level of zoom regardless of the lighting conditions. Chipset enhancing cyber security At the heart of the new Wisenet X PTZ PLUS cameras is Wisenet 7, Hanwha Techwin’s ground-breaking proprietary System on a Chip (SoC), significantly enhancing the cameras’ cyber security credentials. The cameras also benefit from a Hanwha Techwin proprietary device certificate issuing system which embeds unique certificates into Wisenet products during the development phase and the manufacturing process. Additional cyber security features include Secure by Default configuration and UL CAP certification. Wisenet 7 also ensures the capture of high-quality images with an extreme Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) feature utilising Local Contrast Enhancement and Scene Analysis technologies to capture ultra-clear images from scenes containing a challenging mix of bright and dark areas.  Deep learning video analytics Wisenet PTZ PLUS cameras are able to detect if they are not precisely aimed at the specified field of view A unique AI auto-tracking feature allows control room operators to efficiently monitor the movement of objects while remaining hands-free to control other cameras. With a right click of a mouse, operators can program a camera to lock onto and auto-track a specific object. It does so with the help of deep learning video analytics which detects and classifies people and vehicles. During their life cycle, most PTZ cameras are likely to be expected to pan and tilt many thousands of times which can lead to positioning errors. Wisenet PTZ PLUS cameras, which have a pre-set accuracy of ±0.1˚, are able to detect if they are not precisely aimed at the specified field of view and will move within one second to the correct position. Other key features Built-in wiper removes rain, sleet or snow and then activate a heater on the lens to dry any residual water. An extended tilt range of up to 110⁰ ensures that objects positioned above the cameras can be seen. Improvements in manual control PTZ functionality makes it much easier for operators to manually zoom to see close up detail of target objects and track their movement. A focus save function, which can be applied to 32 pre-defined areas, ensures that regardless of the lighting conditions, a camera is able to rapidly come into focus when it is moved to a new position. Dome-free design provides a clear image free of streaks from rain or dust. Installer friendly and waterproof Compact and approximately 65% lighter than most PTZ domes, the camera-mount can be quickly and easily deployed, requiring a technician to simply mate 3 pins and twist. This enables installers to tighten screws without having to hold onto the camera. Unlike conventional PTZ cameras which require up to 5 separate cables, the Wisenet X PTZ PLUS only needs a single RJ45 cable to provide data and power. An RJ45 cap tool is included to pass a terminated network cable through the flexible grommet, ensuring the camera is waterproof.

Overview Ltd, renowned UK developers of high-precision, sensor and camera positioning technology, this week announced the release of their Hydra 3000 series of rugged PTZ surveillance cameras which offers a range of enhanced features. The Hydra 3000 has been designed to support operation in harsh, outdoor environments. Incorporating the same quality build synonymous with Overview’s existing Hydra family of high-performance Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) camera platforms, Hydra 3000 combines aesthetic design in a rugged housing, manufactured from die-cast aluminium. Unobtrusive surveillance feature Pan and tilt are driven directly, without intermediate belts or gears, by Overview’s Servotorq Integrated Servo Motors to give an unrivalled level of positional accuracy and repeatability, as well as ultra-smooth and silent motion. Fitted with a 2MP, HD optical 30x zoom camera module and IP video encoder, the Hydra 3000 features include digital I/O, a built-in wiper and automatic defogger. The Hydra 3000 has been specifically developed to allow for its unrestricted deployment worldwide The combined, intelligent illumination option delivers adaptive zoom lighting, with a range of up to 200m and the new automatic IR illumination feature enables unobtrusive surveillance during night-time conditions. Designed and assembled in the UK, the Hydra 3000 has been specifically developed to allow for its unrestricted deployment worldwide. The Hydra 3000 has also been designed to provide easy installation. High-quality surveillance solution Its simple two cable connectivity, plus a range of brackets and mounts make installation straightforward in a wide range of environments. Overall, the Hydra 3000 represents exceptional value to the end-user, delivering military performance at a commercial cost, with very long life and low cost of ownership. It offers an extremely reliable, robust, and high-quality surveillance solution for security applications that demand the best performance, regardless of the environment, including industrial plant, marine, petrochemical, and public sector agency applications.

With increased demands being placed on safety and security globally, and supported by advancements in IP cameras and 360-degree camera technology, the video surveillance industry is growing steadily. Market research indicates that this worldwide industry is expected to reach an estimated $39.3 billion in revenue by 2023, driven by a CAGR of 9.3 percent from 2018 to 2023. Video surveillance is not just about capturing footage (to review an event or incident when it occurs), but also about data analysis delivering actionable insights that can improve operational efficiencies, better understand customer buying behaviours, or simply just provide added value and intelligence. Growth of Ultra-HD surveillance To ensure that the quality of the data is good enough to extract the details required to drive these insights, surveillance cameras are technologically evolving as well, not only with expanded capabilities surrounding optical zoom and motion range,4K Ultra HD-compliant networked cameras are expected to grow from 0.4 percent shipped in 2017, to 28 percent in 2021 but also relating to improvements in signal-to-noise (S2N) ratios, light sensitivities (and the minimum illumination needed to produce usable images), wide dynamic ranges (WDR) for varying foreground and background illumination requirements, and of course, higher quality resolutions. As such, 4K Ultra HD-compliant networked cameras are expected to grow from 0.4 percent shipped in 2017, to 28 percent in 2021, representing an astonishing 170 percent growth per year, and will require three to six times the storage space of 1080p video dependent on the compression technology used. Surveillance cameras are typically connected to a networked video recorder (NVR) that acts as a gateway or local server, collecting data from the cameras and running video management software (VMS), as well as analytics. Capturing this data is dependent on the communications path between individual cameras and the NVR. If this connection is lost, whether intentional, unintentional, or a simple malfunction, surveillance video will no longer be captured and the system will cease operations. Therefore, it has become common to use microSD cards in surveillance cameras as a failsafe mechanism. Despite lost connectivity to the NVR, the camera can still record and capture raw footage locally until the network is restored, which in itself, could take a long time depending on maintenance staff or equipment availability, weather conditions, or other unplanned issues. Since microSD cards play a critical role as a failsafe mechanism to ensure service availability, it is important to choose the right card for capturing video footage.  It has become common to use microSD cards in surveillance cameras as a failsafe mechanism if an NVR breaks Key characteristics of microSDs There are many different microSD cards to choose from for video capture at the network’s edge, and they range from industrial grade capabilities to commercial or retail grade, and everything in-between. To help make some of these uncertainties a little more certain, here are the key microSD card characteristics for video camera capture. Designed for surveillance As the market enjoys steady growth, storage vendors want to participate and have done so with a number of repurposed, repackaged, remarketed microSD cards targeted for video surveillance but with not much robustness, performance or capabilities specific to the application. Adding the absence of mean-time between failure (MTBF) specifications to the equation, microSD card reliability is typically a perceived measurement -- measured in hours of operation and relatively vague and hidden under metrics associated with the camera’s resolution and compression ratio. Therefore, when selecting a microSD card for surveillance cams at the edge, the choice should include a vendor that is trusted, has experience and a proven storage portfolio in video surveillance, and in microSD card technologies. Endurance, as it relates to microSD cards, represents the number of rewrites possible before the card can no longer store data correctly  High endurance Endurance, as it relates to microSD cards, represents the number of rewrites (program/erase cycles) that are possible before the card can no longer store data correctly. The rewrite operation is cyclical whereby a new stream of footage replaces older content by writing over it until the card is full, and the cycle repeats. The higher the endurance, the longer the card will perform before it needs to be replaced. Endurance is also referred to in terabytes written (TBW) or by the number of hours that the card can record continuously (while overwriting data) before a failure will occur. Health monitoring Health monitoring is a desired capability that not many microSD cards currently support and enables the host system to check when the endurance levels of a card are low and needs to be replaced. Having a card that supports this capability enables system integrators and operators with the ability to perform preemptive maintenance that will help to reduce system failures, as well as associated maintenance costs. Performance To capture continuous streams of raw footage, microSD cards within surveillance cams perform write operations about seventy to ninety percent of the time, whereas reading captured footage is performed about ten to thirty percent. The difference in read/write performance is dependent on whether the card is used in an artificial intelligent (AI) capable camera, or a standard one.   microSD cards deployed within surveillance cameras should support temperature ranges from -25 degrees Celsius to 85 degrees Celsius Finding a card that is write-friendly, and can provide enough bandwidth to properly capture streamed data, and is cost-effective, requires one that falls between fast industrial card capabilities and slower commercial ones. Bandwidth in the range of 50 MB/sec for writes and 80 MB/sec for reads are typical and sufficient for microSD cards deployed within surveillance cameras. Temperature ranges Lower capacity support of 32GB can provide room to attract the smaller or entry-level video surveillance deployments As microSD cards must be designed for continuous operation in extreme weather conditions and a variety of climates, whether located indoors or out, support for various temperature ranges are another consideration. Given the wide spectrum of temperatures required by the camera makers, microSD cards deployed within surveillance cameras should support temperature ranges from -25 degrees Celsius to 85 degrees Celsius, or in extreme cases, as low as -40 degrees Celsius. Capacity Selecting the right-sized capacity is also very important as there needs to be a minimum level to ensure that there is enough room to hold footage for a number of days or weeks before it is overwritten or the connectivity to the NVR is restored. Though 64GB is considered the capacity sweet spot for microSD cards deployed within surveillance cameras today, lower capacity support of 32GB can provide room to attract the smaller or entry-level video surveillance deployments. In the future, even higher capacities will be important for specific use cases and will potentially become standard capacities as the market evolves. When choosing the right storage microSD card to implement into your video surveillance system, make sure the card is designed specifically for the application – does it include the right levels of endurance and performance to capture continuous streams – can it withstand environmental challenges and wide temperature extremes – will it enable preventative and preemptive maintenance to provide years of service? It is critical for the surveillance system to be able to collect video footage whether the camera is connected to an NVR or is a standalone camera as collecting footage at the base of the surveillance system is the most crucial point of failure. As such, failsafe mechanisms are required to keep the camera recording until the network is restored.

Schools today are charged to provide an environment that is both safe and conducive to learning, which can be difficult considering the range of security incidents and challenges they face, including bullying, fights, graffiti, theft and more. In addition to working within often tight budgetary constraints, a main challenge is to provide the highest level of security in an aesthetically pleasing way that doesn’t make students feel as if they are in prison. While these two needs may seem mutually exclusive to some degree, that doesn’t have to be the case. School security can be achieved without building 20-foot walls or putting barbed wire around the perimeter. The key to balancing the security and learning environment can be found in the four pillars of a good school security strategy, namely people, practices, technology and physical environment. A mobile app or text notification system could be used to alert students and staff of potential problems Situational awareness One of the most effective measures to take is to educate staff and even students to learn to be aware about their surroundings and adopt the 'If you see something, say something' mentality. In an emergency, time is of the essence, so the speed of response becomes critical. Educating staff and students to recognise potential problems and report them is a good first step. Augmenting this with mobile apps and/or texting capabilities, for example, that allow someone to send a photo to school security or law enforcement for quick assessment and evaluation, can speed response even more. A mobile app or text notification system could also be used to alert students and staff of potential problems and provide instructions on what steps to take in order to remain safe. By providing real-time situational awareness about potential responses, these types of technologies can reduce the number of armed guards or resource officers needed to patrol a school or campus, which also makes students more comfortable and able to learn in a non-prison-like environment. Security best practices Every school should establish a set of security policies and procedures and ensure that staff and students understand what to do if they suspect a problem or if an incident should unfold at the school. However, too often, schools may not know where to start when seeking out best practices. And once these policies are in place, there may be confusion about how to audit them to ensure people are properly educated. The NFPA has begun work on a school security standard that would address a range of issues schools face on a daily basis A number of organisations are available to aid with this process, such as the Partner Alliance for School Safety a group founded in cooperation with SIA (Security Industry Association), which provides resources and tools to help schools and security professionals evaluate and establish the best security protection for their buildings. These guidelines and best practices are designed to help schools spend their often limited funds on the right security solutions. Safe and Sound Schools provides downloadable school security toolkits, and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has recently released the NFPA 3000 Active shooter response guidelines and has begun work on a school security standard that would address a range of issues schools face on a daily basis. The key takeaway is that the information is out there, and the organisations mentioned above are excellent resources for helping schools create safe, secure and learning-conducive environments. Technology in school security The second thing that needs to be considered is how technology can be brought to bear to contribute to school security. Video surveillance with video analytics can be deployed to monitor areas at certain times of day. For example, once school starts, there shouldn’t be a lot of activity in the parking lot or in particular areas around the school. For these situations, intelligent cameras with video analytics can be used to detect activity in those areas of interest to alert school security that something may need their attention. This might be a vehicle entering a lot or driving against the normal traffic flow, which may simply be a parent arriving to pick their child up early, or it could be something worth following up on. Radar detection is ideal for perimeters, where a device can be set up unobtrusively to alert when someone enters a particular area In any case, this is something that should be brought to the attention of someone who can quickly assess the situation and determine what, if any, response is needed. Because the goal in a potentially dangerous situation is speed response times. The faster you’re able to detect something using technology, the faster you’re able to respond. Therefore, being able to identify something happening in a parking lot and alert school resource officers could provide 30 seconds or a minute head start for response, which can get the school into a lockdown situation and get first responders on site more quickly.Facial recognition systems and providing access through smartphones could help create a more welcoming and secure environment for students, staff and parents After-hour monitoring solutions Monitoring buildings and facilities after hours presents a different set of challenges. For sporting events, the National Center for Spectator Sports and Security (NCS4) at the University of Southern Mississippi provides best practice guidance for sporting facilities and events not only just for universities but even including those at high schools. It’s been shown that using lighting at night can deter crime. However, it can be expensive to keep a building and grounds illuminated all night, every night. To mitigate these concerns and potential costs, there are video cameras available with extreme low-light capability that allows them to see in near-dark or in some cases complete darkness. This allows a school to save money by turning lights off while achieving a level of surveillance performance similar to daytime deployments. Radar detection Another technology for effective school security, both during and after school hours, is radar detection. This is ideal for perimeters, where a device can be set up unobtrusively to alert when someone enters a particular area. Radar can be deployed with a single PTZ camera, which can track whatever has been detected to provide real-time situational awareness for a school resource officer or law enforcement to investigate to determine the potential threat, if any, related to the perimeter breach.Following the four pillars of school security can ease the process while improving the effectiveness and efficiency of securing educational facilities More often than not, schools are faced with issues that are not necessarily the worst-case scenario everyone fears, such as how to identify parents and others who are authorised to pick a child up from school early. In this instance, facial recognition systems and providing access through smartphones could help create a more welcoming and secure environment for students, staff and parents. Lighting and landscaping In addition to technology, one of the things that can contribute to a safer school environment is environmental design. CPTED provides four basic principles, one of which is natural surveillance, which follows a 'see and be seen' philosophy. In other words, when people know they can be seen, they are less likely to commit a crime. The main points in this general principle are lighting and landscaping. For example, a school doesn’t want to block potentially vulnerable areas with landscaping, so the height and thickness of any potential landscaping elements should be carefully considered. In general, openness and visibility should be the guiding factors. Securing physical environment Another aspect of the physical environment is maintenance. If a window gets broken but isn’t fixed right away, that tends to invite vandalism. These are just two of the guidelines CPTED offers for creating a more secure environment that doesn’t feel like a prison. In general, finding the right mix between maintaining security and providing a welcoming, aesthetically pleasing and learning-conducive environment can seem like a difficult – if not impossible – task. Following the four pillars of school security can ease the process while improving the effectiveness and efficiency of securing educational facilities.

The term ‘marine’ comes from the Latin mare, meaning sea or ocean, and marine habitats can be divided into two categories: coastal and open ocean. Video surveillance (VS) applications can cover both types of marine environment with system for ships, maritime ports, onshore and offshore installations, etc. We should want to further analyse VS for ships and try to explain the types of ships on which it can be used, the ways in which VS can be used on ships, the typical certifications in use and what features a camera station must have to be installed on a ship. Starting with ships that have a minimum tonnage, around the world we have: liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers, passengers ships, chemical tankers, crude oil tankers, container ships, general cargo ships and bulk carriers.As the LNG market grows rapidly, the fleet of LNG carriers continues to experience tremendous growth, offering more opportunities for VS Video surveillance for all marine vessels An LNG carrier is a tank ship designed for transporting liquefied natural gas. As the LNG market grows rapidly, the fleet of LNG carriers continues to experience tremendous growth. A passenger ship is a merchant ship whose primary function is to carry passengers by sea. This category does not include cargo vessels which have accommodation for a limited number of passengers, but rather includes the likes of ferries, yachts, ocean liners and cruise ships. A chemical tanker is a type of tank ship designed to transport chemicals in bulk. These ships can also carry other types of sensitive cargo which require a high standard of tank cleaning, such as palm oil, vegetable oils, tallow, caustic soda and methanol. An oil tanker, also known as a petroleum tanker, is a merchant ship designed for the bulk transport of oil. There are two basic types of oil tankers: crude tankers and product tankers. Crude tankers move large quantities of unrefined crude oil from its point of extraction to refineries. Product tankers, generally much smaller, are designed to move refined products from refineries to points near consuming markets. Container ships are cargo ships that carry their entire load in truck-size intermodal containers: a technique called containerisation. They are a common means of commercial intermodal freight transport and now carry most seagoing non-bulk cargo. Today, about 90% of non-bulk cargo worldwide is transported by container. A cargo ship or freighter ship is any sort of ship or vessel that carries cargo, goods and materials from one port to another. Cargo ships are specially designed for the task, often being equipped with cranes and other mechanisms to load and unload, and come in all sizes. Bulk carriers make up 15%–17% of the world's merchant ships and they are specially designed to transport unpackaged bulk cargo such as grains, coal, ore and cement in its cargo holds. For all these ships the protection of vessels, cargo and crew is a priority, that’s why the adoption of VS technology plays a key part in terms of security and safety. Human error is regularly named as a major factor in ship accidents, and one way to avoid it is to aid seafarers by providing them with technology and equipment that is reliable and easy to use in all weather and sea conditions. Marine VS encompasses liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers, passengers ships, chemical tankers, crude oil tankers, container ships, general cargo ships and bulk carriers Emergency security solutions on ship One of the most important applications for camera stations is during “docking”. Mooring is the securing or confining of a vessel in a particular location with a fixed or a floating object (jetty, pier, ship, barge, buoy, etc.) as various cargo operations are carried out. Docking is the final stage of mooring operations when the ship docks to the jetty. This is a very delicate operation and cameras are very helpful in making sure docking is done without accidents.'Man overboard’ is an emergency in which a person has fallen off a boat or ship into the water, and can happen at any time during the day or night Another important application for camera stations is the Man Overboard detection system (MOB). ‘Man overboard’ is an emergency in which a person has fallen off a boat or ship into the water. Man overboard events can happen at any time during the day or night, in all types of weather and sea conditions, and from almost any location on the ship, ranging from a few tens of feet above the water, to over 180 feet.  When these events occur, the immediate availability of important data is crucial. Accurate confirmation of the event including time of occurrence, location on the ship and location in the sea is critical. A proactive detection system must immediately and accurately detect man overboard events and provide prompt, actionable data to response personnel. A typical man overboard detection system can report a MOB event in under 1 second. VS on a vessel can also monitor the engine room at all times and provide a good view of people working on dock, machinery and stowed equipment. But what are the most important features that a camera station must have to work in one of the most aggressive environments in nature? Marine surveillance must operate in one of the most harsh environments in nature Ruggedised reliability in surveillance First of all, and perhaps it’s obvious, but it’s extremely important to have camera stations with amazing reliability. Housing units manufactured from AISI 316L stainless steel, passivated and electropolished, makes the cameras completely impervious to air, water, rusting and corrosion, therefore offering excellent weather protection and increased reliability. Housing units manufactured from AISI 316L stainless steel, passivated and electropolished, makes the cameras completely impervious to air, water, rusting and corrosion Sometimes ships also use cameras constructed entirely from technopolymer, which guarantees high impact resistance and superior protection from external weather agents. Keeping the camera glass clean at all times is another essential feature, and it can be done via a wiper/wash system that greatly reduces the need for maintenance. In the case of PTZ cameras, the best option would be a great pan and tilt speed (up to 100°/s). What is the operative temperature range for the cameras? Sea is everywhere and therefore ships go everywhere, from the Arctic Ocean to the Mediterranean, so we need cameras that have to be fully operational across a wide temperature range.  -40°C to +65°C covers almost all areas. Analogue or IP Cameras? Actually, both options can be used, especially for applications like docking where it’s important to avoid image delay (as can happen with IP cameras due to the natural latency of data communication over a network). Marine certifications Last but not least, the certifications: Certifications guarantee the quality and reliability of camera stations. There is no compromise! One important certification is the Lloyd’s Register Type Approval which subjects cameras to rigorous testing for performance, vibration (critical on ships), humidity, etc. The application field of the LR Type Approval is VS in public places (e.g. passenger ships), open decks, enclosed spaces that are subjected to heat generated from other equipment, and technical premises. Often, VS cameras used in specific areas of ships, such as hazardous areas, are required to have ATEX and IECEX certifications.

Video surveillance cannot address all the security challenges in education, but it is a valuable tool and among the least obtrusive options available. And the list of security challenges that video can address grows every day. Video systems can provide real-time monitoring of school premises and facilitate rapid response to incidents. New advances such as video analytics are currently underutilised in the education arena. Historically, video has been used as a forensic tool in the education market, providing critical information about an incident after the fact. But that generalisation is changing. Today, networking enables video images to be shared throughout a school system, travelling over existing networks, empowering a more centralised security management structure, and making video more valuable. In particular, higher education institutions are more likely to view live video, given the larger campuses, greater number of buildings, and more public areas where staff and students congregate. Challenges for securing a school environment Multiple challenges in the education market for security goods and services (from a video perspective) include wide open spaces that make securing schools with video surveillance cameras difficult since the vast amount of coverage required can be cost-prohibitive. Second, state and federal regulations must be taken into account and balanced with the need to protect student privacy. Panoramic cameras are one tool to address challenges, as a single 360-degree camera can replace between 4 and 5 PTZ cameras Finally, schools and colleges face dwindling budgets, which means security solutions must deliver more coverage and functionality, while also being cost-effective to deploy. Panoramic cameras are one tool to address these challenges, as a single 360-degree camera can replace between four and five traditional pan-tilt-zoom cameras, resulting in fewer cameras and more coverage – all at a lower cost for hardware and licensing. Data capture form to appear here! Intelligent cameras with video analytics Video surveillance with video analytics can be deployed to monitor areas at certain times of day. For example, once school starts, there shouldn’t be a lot of activity in the parking lot or in particular areas around the school. For these situations, intelligent cameras with video analytics can be used to detect activity in those areas of interest to alert school security that something may need their attention. Radar detection is ideal for perimeters, where a device can be set up unobtrusively to alert when someone enters a particular area. ACC 6 video management software with Avigilon Appearance Search technology provides advanced video analytics search The goal in a potentially dangerous situation is to speed up response times. The faster you’re able to detect something using technology, the faster you’re able to respond. Therefore, being able to identify something happening in a parking lot and alert school resource officers could provide 30 seconds or a minute head start for response, which can get the school into a lockdown situation and get first responders on site more quickly. Video cameras with low-light capability It’s been shown that using lighting at night can deter crime. However, it can be expensive to keep a building and grounds illuminated all night, every night. To mitigate these concerns and potential costs, there are video cameras available with extreme low-light capability that allows them to see in near-dark or in some cases complete darkness. This allows a school to save money by turning lights off while achieving a level of surveillance performance similar to daytime deployments. There are video cameras available with extreme low-light capability to see in near-dark or complete darkness Facing above-average student incident rates and student disciplinary concerns at some schools, a school system in the United States sought to upgrade its video surveillance system to allow better local and remote monitoring in important areas. Avigilon high-definition cameras with self-learning video analytics and access control solutions were installed in 101 schools, and ACC 6 video management software with Avigilon Appearance Search technology provides advanced video analytics search. A deep learning artificial intelligence search engine can sort through hours of footage and allow operators to click on a button and search for all instances of a person or vehicle across all cameras on a site, quickly and efficiently.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is expanding the capabilities of license plate readers and vehicle identification systems. Within a smart/safe city scenario, automatic license plate reader solutions are used to help analyse real-time video streams for site surveillance, inspection and public safety, and to offer actional information through a network of connected camera systems. Outside of law enforcement, this can include other public safety initiatives such as traffic tolls, car counting, and parking security. Vehicle recognition systems Rekor Systems is a provider of vehicle recognition systems in more than 60 countries Using AI to enable video cameras, Rekor Systems is a provider of vehicle recognition systems in more than 60 countries. Applications include security and surveillance, public safety, electronic toll collection, brand loyalty, parking operations, banking and insurance, logistics, and traffic management. AI allows Rekor’s products to recognise and read license plates, while also providing information about each vehicle, including colour, make, year, and model. Rekor’s products are powered by OpenALPR software, an AI-based solution that enables any IP (internet protocol) surveillance camera to scan license plates and provide vehicle data including tag number, make, model, and colour in real time with 99% accuracy, according to the company. Rekor’s products are powered by OpenALPR software Integrated solutions “Rekor's software started as an open source project, and we have done our best to keep the commercial software as open as possible,” says Rod Hillman, Chief Operating Officer, Rekor Systems. “One of the challenges we see with others in our space is a tendency to ‘close off’ and ‘silo’ their solutions. Our goal is to make it as simple as possible to deploy, integrate, and ultimately use.” Rekor has numerous application programming interfaces (APIs) and ways the solution can be integrated into partners' solutions with a software development kit (SDK). Rekor solutions can be purchased directly or through a worldwide partner network of integrators, wholesalers, and within integrated solutions such as Nokia's smart city platform. Electronic toll collection Rekor’s solutions have viable applications within multiple markets While many systems are hardware-based, Rekor’s software-as-a-solution offering can turn an IP camera into an automatic license plate reader. Rekor’s solutions have viable applications within multiple markets, including law enforcement, security and surveillance, electronic toll collection, parking operations, banking and insurance, logistics, traffic management, and customer experience. “Rekor offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional LPR systems with a much higher accuracy rate at 99% allowing more cameras to be present and active at any given time,” says Hillman. “Traditional LPRs need someone to go through hours of footage to find what they are looking for while Rekor’s technology will send alerts in real time, resulting in much quicker response times.” Move Over Camera mounts onto roadside worker’s vehicles to capture ‘Move Over’ violations Two-part authentication Rekor’s products include: NUMERUS, a cloud-based solution for high-volume vehicle recognition, designed to reduce costs and increase efficiencies for the electronic toll collecting industry. Two-part authentication instantly identifies the vehicle’s make, model, colour and body type along with the license plate read. Machine-learning-enabled software recognises license plates from all 50 U.S. states, in addition to plates from more than 70 countries on six continents. Edge, an all-in-one camera and vehicle recognition system that instantly reads vehicle license plates, along with the vehicle’s make, model, colour and body type. Move Over Camera, which mounts onto roadside worker’s vehicles (police, tow truck, etc.) to capture ‘Move Over’ violations. ‘Move Over’ laws state that vehicles must move over one lane and/or slow down if they cannot move over to avoid incident while roadside workers are in the shoulder lane. The camera can detect what lane vehicles are in and how fast they are moving. Violators are flagged in the system for law enforcement’s review.

In five states in the Western United States, 200 video surveillance cameras keep are keeping watch to provide early warning of wildfires. In the near future, the number of wildfire surveillance cameras will be growing dramatically. Soon there will be more than 1,000 of the cameras in California alone, keeping watch on thousands of acres at risk of destructive events like last year’s deadly Camp and Woolsey wildfires. It is a striking example of how video surveillance technology can be used effectively beyond the realm of corporate or institutional security. The wildfire surveillance cameras are providing extra eyes to avoid a disaster before it can happen. ALERTWildfire surveillance cameras The ALERTWildfire surveillance cameras are installed through a consortium of universities – the University of Nevada, Reno; the University of California San Diego; and the University of Oregon. Dozens of partners also participate in ALERTWildfire, including the National Forest Service, other government agencies, utilities and other private companies, state and local fire departments, and NGOs (non-governmental organisations). Wildfire surveillance cameras can provide early warning when a fire starts and help firefighters respond quicker “It takes a lot of people, pushing in the same direction, to deploy cameras rapidly,” says Graham Kent, University of Nevada, Reno. “We are connected into the community, which is a positive thing.” The wildfire surveillance cameras can provide early warning when a fire starts and help firefighters and first responders scale the resources needed to respond. The cameras also monitor fire behavior until it is contained, enhance situational awareness during evacuations, and ensure fires are monitored appropriately through their demise. Axis Q6055-E PTZ network cameras ALERTWildfire currently uses Axis Q6055-E outdoor-ready pan-tilt-zoom network cameras that provide 1080p HDTV signals, 32x zoom and low-bandwidth compression. (Earlier versions of similar Axis camera models were also installed previously.) The camera’s robust aluminum casing can withstand temperatures up to 60 degrees C, although the cameras are positioned on the tops of towers where temperatures from wildfires are not a factor. In addition to surveillance cameras, each installation site includes a range of equipment including hard power or solar power (on about a third of installations), both with battery backups. Resilient, hardened microwave/fiber networks carry video signals from the cameras to servers at University of Nevada, Reno, which makes them available on the Internet. Geolinks, an ALERTWildfire partner, provides resilient Internet connectivity to mountaintops throughout the West. Firefighters can even watch fires on their mobile devices while they are en route to a fire breakout site Mobile surveillance Dispatchers around the West have access to video from the cameras, and fire management can move the camera views through their iPhones. Firefighters can even watch fires on their mobile devices while they are en-route to a fire. Cameras are located currently in California, Nevada, Idaho, Washington and Oregon. There have been 85 cameras in place for five years or so, and the number of cameras has more than doubled since the beginning of 2019. The accelerated installation schedule is courtesy of a new policy of using existing infrastructure for cameras rather than creating it from scratch. The large number of cameras on the horizon for California is being funded by utility companies such as Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas and Electric. AI in video surveillance The public can view the camera feeds and often call 911 to report early warnings of fires The public can view the camera feeds and often call 911 to report early warnings of fires, thus providing a kind of crowdsourcing, a fire-warning version of “Neighborhood Watch.” In the future, artificial intelligence (AI) could be used to monitor the video feeds to provide early warning. For now, the system is largely used by 911 dispatchers to confirm reports of fires. “Cell phones are so ubiquitous, people call in fires before the AI could react,” says Kent. “We could never beat 911.”  A model for early detection of wildfires is in operation in San Diego, where San Diego Gas and Electric manages an emergency center that uses sophisticated real-time modeling to predict fire events based on weather conditions, vegetation, etc., tracked on a threat map. The system enables firefighting resources to be deployed quickly at the first hint of fire and thus to avoid a larger, sweeping wildfire event. Enhancing surveillance for quick wildfires detection “If you can get on top of it quickly enough, it makes all the difference,” says Kent. “In the case of extreme conditions, 10, 20 or 30 minutes can make a big difference.” Other locations are looking to replicate the San Diego model to discover and confirm fires quickly and then reposition assets to respond. Phos-Chek long-term fire retardant, applied by air from a fixed or rotor-wing aircraft, is used to slow or stop the spread of wildland fires. Our successes have led to a demand to get more cameras out right now" Installing more cameras to provide early warning of wildfires is “a grave need in the Western states,” and the system is likely eventually to be deployed in other areas, too. Wildfires can be a challenge in non-Western states such as Florida and Oklahoma, and a similar approach could also be used to provide early warning of other emergencies, such as tornados. “Once we do the West, we will be looking to do the rest of the United States,” says Kent. Increasing demand for video cameras Currently, the biggest challenge is keeping up with demand. “Our successes have led to a demand to get more cameras out right now,” says Kent. “Funding isn’t the largest issue. The money is there to do it, but we have to be able to scale up quickly, working with partners. It’s a wild ride.” Key words for success of the ALERTWildfire system are “location, location, location” combined with “coverage, coverage, coverage,” adds Kent. “We can solve 90 percent of the problem with coverage.”

Since its completion in 2017, the Gazprom Arena has served as the home ground stadium for the Russian football club Zenit St. Petersburg. And as one of the host stadiums for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2021 Euro Football Championship, the Gazprom Arena must also satisfy the strict security regulations of FIFA, UEFA and ESSMA. When selecting the video security system, the managers responsible at Zenit therefore opted for a solution from the German manufacturer Dallmeier. With its patented Panomera multifocal-sensor system, Dallmeier guarantees the security of many stadiums all over the world. The objective was providing coverage with video security technology for the entire area surrounding the stadium, the entrance gate approaches, the rooms below grand stands, and the grand stands themselves in one of the largest video security projects ever undertaken in a football stadium. Video security system Under enormous time pressure, a high-performance system had to be implemented in the stadium with a capacity of 60,000 fans and yet had to remain adaptable and flexible in response to changing customer wishes as the project progressed. One requirement which from time to time presented the greatest challenge was capturing all areas of all the grand stands all of the time, so that unequivocal identification of offenders could be assured in all circumstances. In order to achieve this, the Russian Interior Ministry stipulated two key requirements for the video security system: Firstly, it must capture the entire grand stand area with a "minimum resolution density" of 250 pixels per metre (px/m). This also corresponds to the performance criterion defined in the globally valid standard DIN EN 62676-4 for video security systems for purposes of enabling identification of an unknown person. Minimum resolution density A Dallmeier video security system has already been operating in the Petrovsky Stadium since 2012 And secondly, the image frequency must not fall below a frame rate of 25 frames per second (fps). Because it is typically only the combination of the specified minimum resolution density and a fluid representation of events that can ensure incontestable evidence that is usable in a court of law. In order to meet these stringent requirements, the security managers invited a number of vendors to present their solutions in advance at Zenit's former home ground - the Petrovsky Stadium - to enable them to choose the right solution for the Gazprom Arena. A Dallmeier video security system has already been operating in the Petrovsky Stadium since 2012, and after a thorough evaluation of all the solutions, the operators decided to install a stadium solution from Dallmeier in the Gazprom Arena as well. Multifocal-sensor system Because compared with conventional camera technologies such as megapixel or PTZ cameras for example, the patented Panomera multifocal-sensor system from Dallmeier can guarantee coverage of even the largest expanses with the stipulated minimum resolution density and frame rate. And Panomera systems continuously capture everything that is happening in full resolution and allow high-resolution zooms - both live and in the recording and by several operators at the same time. This enables stadium operators to track and reconstruct relevant occurrences in detail both live and after the fact. Besides the technical superiority of the Panomera technology, another decisive advantage of the Dallmeier stadium solution was the innovative 3D planning approach, with which a digital reproduction of the Gazprom Arena was created. Conventional single-sensor cameras This makes it very easy to fulfil the requirement according to which at least 250 px/m must be assured literally "in every last corner": colour coding in the 3D simulation makes it possible to see exactly where the value has been reached and where a correction should be made, perhaps by setting up in a another position or using a different camera model. An alternative solution would have required a substantial four-figure number of conventional single-sensor cameras A further major advantage of this planning approach is the extreme efficiency of the solution: For example, Zenit St. Petersburg is able to provide security on the terraces throughout the Gazprom Arena with way less than 100 Panomera camera systems, covering all areas with at least 250 px/m and 25 fps. An alternative solution would have required a substantial four-figure number of conventional single-sensor cameras. Minimises uncertainty factors Apart from enormously high infrastructure costs (masts, cables, etc.) this would also have generated a practically unmanageable deluge of images for the video system operators. Another benefit of Dallmeier's 3D planning programme is the automatic generation of "CamCards" - exact configuration documents for every single camera. Armed with this information, installers on site know exactly which camera must be mounted where, how high and at what angle. The big advantage besides the immense amount of time saved consists in the planning reliability: It can be predicted with great accuracy how much labour the installation of the total solution with entail, because this approach minimises uncertainty factors. Total storage capacity Thanks to Dallmeier's unwavering assistance throughout the project, testing by the state technical personnel in Russia was also successful in the subsequent project phases, with the result that the stadium operators were able to begin operating the video security system after final project commissioning in good time for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The total storage capacity for the video security system amounts to more than six petabytes Recently, over 1,000 single-sensor cameras have been installed in the Gazprom Arena in addition to the Panomera systems - these safeguard the remaining areas of the stadium. Due to the large number of cameras, the total storage capacity for the video security system amounts to more than six petabytes (equivalent to about 6,000 TB). High-performance recording appliances from Dallmeier are used to process this information. Largest stadium project Authorised personnel from various departments and stakeholders can access the system at 80 workstations. The video security system from Dallmeier has provided ample evidence of its performance capabilities and reliability in the running of the Gazprom Arena, not least during the seven matches of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. On this subject, Karlheinz Biersack, Director Sales Eastern Europe/RUS/GUS at Dallmeier explains: "Of course we were delighted that the security managers of Zenit St. Petersburg also decided to rely on Dallmeier again for their new home, the Gazprom Arena. This success in the largest stadium project we have ever undertaken shows once again that Dallmeier's holistic security and solution approach - above all the patented Panomera technology and our unrivalled project and consulting services represent an immense benefit for our customers."

A networked surveillance system has been installed at Petwood Hotel in Lincolnshire, the former home of members of 617 Squadron, more famously known as The Dambusters, during World War 2. The hotel, situated in the village of Woodhall Spa, was originally built in 1905, as a country house for a wealthy Baroness, and after serving as a military convalescence hospital during World War 1, was converted into a hotel in 1933. Located among magnificent lawns and landscaped gardens, the Grade II-listed hotel has 53 bedrooms, a Squadron Bar filled with World War II memorabilia, a restaurant and terrace bar, and function rooms. Dahua Smart PSS viewing platform The system at the Petwood Hotel comprises 12 HFW5431-ZE bullet cameras, four HDBW5431-ZE dome cameras, and 13 HDBW2421R-ZS mini dome cameras. Images are recorded and processed on to a central server, while viewing is managed by a Dahua Smart PSS viewing platform. Some 29 Dahua bullet, dome and mini-dome network cameras have been installed by Videcom Security around the hotel. Externally, cameras monitor the car parks, where previously there were incidents of damage to vehicles. With the new system, however, the source of any damage can be quickly located, so helping with guests’ insurance claims. Other cameras are positioned so that the hotel’s management has coverage of the entire perimeter. Perimeter protection Inside, cameras are located in public areas such as reception, the bar area and function rooms Inside, cameras are located in public areas such as reception, the bar area and function rooms. They are designed to help resolve payment discrepancies and to deter any unwarranted behaviour. Images from the cameras go back to a secure room in the hotel’s separate office block, while staff at reception is able to view live images. “The Dahua system delivers all the benefits we were looking for,” said George Kane, General Manager at the Petwood Hotel. It is reliable, easy to use, and provides excellent quality recorded images, which can be accessed quickly and easily. The cameras are discreet and sensitively installed in and around the listed building. Video surveillance system The technology is great and Videcom Security have handled the project well and sensitively, considering the building is more than 100 years’ old and the hotel remained open throughout the period of installation. “The new surveillance system has been brilliant. The high image quality will enable us to resolve any liability issues in the car parks, while the system reassures guests and staff about internal and external security,” said Danny Harsley, Northern Engineering Manager at Videcom Security. Danny adds, “The Dahua equipment was ideal for this project and, as we have found on many other projects, was easy to install and commission. It’s also a great system to use.”

Car theft is a huge risk for car sales offices, and this is especially an issue for the premium brands. Luxury car giant Eden Auto Premium BMW built a new site in Bordeaux, France, where they house and sell new and second-hand cars, as well as having a car park for customers. That amounts to a lot of cars that need protecting. They researched and compared different technologies and selected Hikvision products to meet their needs. These were then ably installed by reseller Faurie Telecom (Group Convergence), with Hikvision’s help, and the help of French distributor ITESA. The BMW reseller wanted a standalone system to streamline their security operation. Originally they used a night security agent, which was a costly solution. They needed to be able to integrate the security solution into a third party monitoring system, managed by Securitas, in order to reduce manpower costs. Perimeter protection systems The site posed a number of technical challenges. The team also needed to counter some crafty thinking from intruders, who were even resorting to hiding underneath cars during the day, when they can slip in unnoticed. They then could wander around the closed garage, avoiding detection by perimeter protection systems activated only at night. This meant the solution needed to focus on providing real-time, active image at night. With a lot of flags flying on the site, false alarms were a particular issue - these would set them off regularly With a lot of flags flying on the site, false alarms were a particular issue - these would set them off regularly. The complexity of the site also gave a lot of potential for false alarms, which needed to be minimised to reduce overall costs. The solution was made up from Hikvision products, providing a converged system, with seamless monitoring. Central to the system was Hikvision’s Security Radar (DS-PR1-60) for intrusion detection at night. Speed dome PTZ camera The Radar has a large coverage area, and performs excellently at night, whatever the weather. This means that false alarms are kept to a minimum. Radar has the added benefit that it can position humans and vehicles on a map, making it very useful for tracking purposes. This is where the DarkFighter IR Network Speed Dome PTZ camera (DS-2DF8225IX-AEL) comes in. The radar cameras are linked with this for auto tracking. If an event is detected, the control center automatically receives an alarm and can use the PTZ’s auto-tracking function to track any intruders. DarkFighter cameras are also designed to excel at night, so are ideal for this solution. Although radar has promising accuracy rates, the team needed to carefully configure it. The site environment proved a complex installation, with a lot of metal that can cause false alarms for the radar. Seamless security solution We were very satisfied with the innovative products and onsite service provided by the Hikvision team" The local team drafted in expertise from Hikvision HQ’s R&D and technical teams to complete the installation to a high quality and low false alarm rate. The system is coordinated using a AcuSensecamera (DS-2CD2686G2-IZS AcuSense 4K NVR (DS-7716NXI-I4) and a POE Switch (DS-3E0510P-E). Finally, HikCentral provides a user-friendly VMS experience, designed especially to integrate all the different Hikvision products, to make a seamless security solution. Christophe Chamand, from Faurie Telecom, says: “We were very satisfied with the innovative products and onsite service provided by the Hikvision team. From presales and order to technical support and aftersales service, Hikvision has been with us throughout the process, ensuring a successful installation and a happy customer.” With an innovative, converged security solution, BMW has been able to streamline its security, even at night. So intruders sneaking in and hiding during the day are out of luck.

With the potential to generate 1,230 megawatts and provide low carbon energy for 2.3 million homes, it is essential that Heysham 2 nuclear power station is able to operate 24/7 without any disruption. Located in North West England, Heysham 2 held the world record for the longest continuous operation of a nuclear generator without a shutdown. To ensure the generator retains this enviable reputation for reliability, its operator EDF has recently invested approximately £30 million in plant improvements which has included a phased upgrade of the site’s video surveillance system. “Our existing analogue CCTV had limited functionality and was not fit for purpose in respect of our wish to more closely monitor the plant and machinery in operation throughout Heysham 2,” said Nigel Buer Telecoms Specialist at EDF Energy. “We decided to take a close look at what we might be able to achieve by replacing the analogue system with an IP network based video surveillance solution.” Evaluation process Nigel talked to several manufacturers about which cameras would best help his colleagues to keep a close eye on the generator’s instrument panels and quickly respond to any technical issues. “Heysham 2 covers a very large area and we wanted to avoid the need for colleagues to walk long distances just to verify an instrument reading. Although inefficient use of our colleagues’ time, this had previously been necessary for time critical issues,” said Nigel Buer. After evaluating various manufacturers’ offerings, Nigel established that the Wisenet range of video surveillance cameras and video management solutions manufactured by Hanwha Techwin included everything needed to meet Heysham 2’s requirements. Wisenet cameras Phase one has seen the deployment of 45 cameras, 15 of which are 2 megapixel Wisenet XNP-6120H 12x PTZ dome cameras Phase one has seen the deployment of 45 cameras, 15 of which are 2 megapixel Wisenet XNP-6120H 12x PTZ dome cameras. These are equipped with Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) which performs at up to 150dB to accurately produce images in scenes that simultaneously contain very bright and very dark areas. In addition, 13 Wisenet TNU-6320 network Positioning cameras have been deployed. These 2 megapixel cameras can be programmed to endlessly pan 360° in order to monitor a wide area and they also offer operators the flexibility to select from up to 255 pre-set positions which can be scheduled. WAVE Video Management Software Designed to capture high definition images in challenging environmental conditions, the Wisenet TNU-6320s with a robust aluminium die cast exterior, are able to work effectively even, when the ambient temperature is as high as 55°C, or as low as -40°C. EDF Energy’s control room operators are able to view live and recorded images captured by the cameras with the help of Wisenet WAVE Video Management Software (VMS). This features an intuitive ‘drag & drop’ tool which makes it extremely easy for operators to set up a display of live and recorded images on a single screen or video wall, with customisable layouts and sizes.   Success The Wisenet IP network cameras are making a contribution by helping monitor and maintain Heysham 2’s generator" The resolution of a recent health & safety issue, where an electrical item failed and sparked close to a technician, has underscored the importance of Heysham 2 being equipped with the latest video surveillance technology. The quality of the images captured by the cameras monitoring the faulty electrical item enabled Nigel and his colleagues to quickly establish, among several possibilities, what had caused the sparking.  “Keeping colleagues safe will always be our top priority, but there is no doubt that the new Wisenet IP network cameras are making a significant contribution by helping us to more efficiently monitor and maintain Heysham 2’s generator and its supporting plant and machinery,” said Nigel Buer. Following on from the success of phase one, Nigel Buer is now looking at how additional Wisenet cameras might meet the specific requirements of colleagues who deal with specialised aspects of operating a nuclear power station.

A national centre of excellence for children and young people with mental health needs has been secured by a comprehensive security system from IDIS, the largest in country video surveillance manufacturer in South Korea. The £7 million refurbishment of Austen House, a 14-bed forensic hospital in Hampshire run by Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, prioritised keeping both staff and patients safe from harm, given their specialised needs. Security systems integrator As the sole specialist National Health Service (NHS) unit of its kind in southern England, its refurbishment means vulnerable young people and their families no longer have to travel hundreds of miles to receive vital support. Video surveillance was key to allow incidents to be investigated and care practices to be monitored and improved. The solution had to cover all social and communal areas with no blind spots, be easy for non-specialist staff to use, and would have to comply with NHS cybersecurity requirements. Specialist security systems integrator ISD Tech selected IDIS technology as the best value and most robust solution, and one that would be the quickest and least disruptive to install. Outdated security setup The enhanced video coverage improves both standards of care and accountability Working with main contractor Kier Construction, ISD Tech and IDIS replaced an outdated security setup with an affordable cybersecure system which is easy to operate and maintain. It allows caregivers a complete overview of all internal and external communal areas at Austen House, including education facilities, music and sensory spaces, a gym and an art studio, as well as higher-risk isolation rooms. The enhanced video coverage improves both standards of care and accountability. It provides a complete record of events at the facility, making it easy for incidents to be investigated and video evidence to be provided, should it be required. Active tampering alarms Almost 100 IDIS 12MP Super Fisheye cameras, plus a mix of 5MP bullet and PTZ cameras, connected to 32-channel NVRs guarantee evidential-standard video coverage with a 360º view of all communal areas, a choice of 6 view modes and the ability to dewarp footage after the event. The 5MP bullet and PTZ cameras provide 24-hour coverage of the multi-use games area, gardens, car parks and perimeter. Built-in IR enables night-time image capture at distances of up to 30m, and the cameras enable intelligent functions such as active tampering alarms, motion detection, auto-tracking, and trip zones. All the IDIS cameras benefit from true DirectIP® plug-and-play set-up, which allowed the ISD Tech engineers to complete their work ahead of schedule. The ‘one-click’ set-up is faster and eliminates the cybersecurity risks associated with manual password entry. Local area networks IDIS Smart Failover protection ensures 24/7 continued recording, even during network instability or drop-out IDIS Smart Failover protection ensures 24/7 continued recording, even during network instability or drop-out. And, crucially, the Trust can link the new system to its local area networks without increasing the risk of hacking, thanks to IDIS’s use of proprietary software, which is inherently cybersecure. “Our upgraded IDIS video solution makes it easy for our clinical teams to review incidents quickly and work with external investigators whenever required,” said Tracey Edwards, Head of Security at Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust. “It’s not just an important tool for improving patient care, it allows us to maintain full public confidence and accountability.” Supporting clinical care Nicky Stokes, Managing Director of ISD Tech, commented: “We were impressed by the consultative approach of IDIS right from the initial design and planning, through installation to commissioning, and the ongoing support that they provide both to ISD Tech and the Trust. IDIS technology even helped speed up the installation so that we could deliver the project ahead of time.” IDIS Europe Sales Director Jamie Barnfield added: “This is the 4th major project that IDIS has completed for Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, and it is part of one of the biggest refurbishments of its kind ever undertaken in the NHS. Not only is our video tech enhancing safety and security for patients and staff, it also supports clinical care and rehabilitation, which benefits the most vulnerable members of our community.”

When talking about penguins, people normally think of snowy Antarctica. However, many would be surprised to know that Africa is also home to penguin families. The African penguin is a unique species that has been classified endangered from a population of over a million in the 1920s to only 13,300 breeding pairs left in South Africa currently and could be extinct in the wild by 2030. Saving African penguins Historical factors of guano scraping for agricultural fertilizer destroyed the African penguins’ breeding habitat, leading to predation during the crucial fledgling stage. An estimated 13 million-plus penguin eggs were harvested as a delicacy that caused the initial crash in numbers. In addition, the African penguin also faces issues of predation by gulls/seals/sharks, oiling, marine pollution, and a lack of fish due to overfishing in their crucial hunting grounds. Hikvision and DICT partner to protect African penguins At the initial phase of the conservation project, Hikvision cameras and solution were deployed at APSS Since 2006, the Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT) has been rescuing birds and providing nests to help them during the fledgling stage, which improves the breeding success. In 2015, DICT opened the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary (APSS) with a fully equipped lab and the vet on standby. Now, Hikvision has partnered with DICT to protect the African penguin. At the initial phase of the conservation project, Hikvision cameras and solution were deployed at APSS, which makes it possible for the public to view the feeding and rehabilitation process, and bring the conservation message of the African penguin to a wider audience. Hikvision cameras installed at APSS “We have always wanted to share the daily work we do at the APSS with a larger audience. Through the use of cameras, this will be possible. The planning of this project started in 2019. At the time, little did we know that the lockdown caused by the epidemic would prohibit visitors from temporarily viewing the penguins. So being able to view the penguins from one’s home will mean we don’t have to forget about our feathered friends,” said Wilfred Chivell, the Founder of DICT. Ping Yu, Cape Town Branch Manager of Hikvision South Africa, elaborated on the partnership, stating “Hikvision is committed to using technology for good. We are very pleased to be able to support the efforts of APSS’s critical conservation work.” PTZ cameras for non-invasive wildlife observation Hikvision’s cameras have the latest technology that provides multiple views and high-quality images Hikvision’s cameras have the latest technology that provides multiple views and high-quality images. The pan-tilt-zoom functions of Hikvision products are ideal for non-invasive wildlife observation, part of the efforts to ensure future breeding populations. In the next phase of the project, DICT plans to deploy Hikvision cameras on Dyer Island, once a thriving colony that had 25,000 breeding pairs of the African penguins in the 1970s. They are now less than 1,500 pairs left. Deploying Hikvision cameras on Dyer Island Due to the sensitive nature of the island, it is not open for the public, but with the use of Hikvision cameras, people can observe the penguins as they interact in their natural habitat. This will help with scientific monitoring and bring the island to the general public, and the video technology and solution provided by Hikvision are expected to improve the conservation work from a few other aspects: It can help to evaluate the nesting and breeding on Dyer Island. It is an innovative method to identify possible injured or compromised birds without causing unnecessary disturbance to breeding birds. The staff and volunteers can immediately treat any birds, thereby increasing their survival rate. It is a useful tool for island rangers to spot trespassers on the island. Hikvision is committed to exploring how innovative technology can secure the sustainability and biodiversity of the world.

The minutes are counting down to one of the biggest security industry trade shows of the 2017 calendar. Expectations are high going into ISC West 2017 in Las Vegas: Last year’s show was very well attended and highlighted lots of new technologies. Looking ahead to this year’s show, we wanted to get the Expert Panel Roundtable’s take on what news will dominate the show. So we asked our panel: What do you expect to be the big news at ISC West 2017?

In a fast-moving market like physical security, sharing information is an essential component of growth. However, there often seems to be more information available than an integrator or end user could ever digest and put to use. How does one go about finding the information he or she needs in an environment that can seem to be drowning in information (sometimes the wrong information). We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable to share their strategies and suggestions. Specifically, we asked: What can integrators and/or end users do to stay informed about the fast-changing technology landscape?

The security market in the United States has been in a collective state of exhilaration since ISC West. The (possibly) unprecedented success of the big trade show has left us all feeling optimistic about the year ahead. Members of our Expert Panel Roundtable are joining the chorus of compliments for the show as they answer this week’s question: How successful was ISC West 2016? Did it meet your expectations?