Vehicle tracking

Denmark’s Evotec chose Idesco readers to complete their cargo securing system they had designed for transport companies’ vehicles. Evotec’s system does more than merely preventing cargo theft. Drivers also feel more secure when delivering because hijack risks are also reduced. This is because cargo is robustly secured when drivers leave vehicles behind. Idesco 8 CD 2.0 DESFire readers Evotec selected Idesco 8 CD 2.0 DESFire readers for deployment on delivery vehicles Danish cargo companies had been struggling with regular delivery cargo thefts. Drivers did not feel secure when delivering and financial losses were growing. Evotec decided to develop a novel vehicle security solution for cargo companies. As part of their solution, Evotec selected Idesco 8 CD 2.0 DESFire readers for deployment on delivery vehicles. Idesco readers have since been installed on several hundred Danish cargo trucks and vans. Early in their design process, Evotec had seen a clear need to strictly limit access to vehicle’s cargo space to authenticated personnel only. They had known RFID technology could provide accurate, secure user identification and authentication. They learned that Idesco’s MIFARE DESFire readers, paired with 128-bit AES-encrypted DESFire transponders, would easily repel transponder hacking or cloning. Best of all, they learned Idesco designed many of its readers for installing outdoors, reliably resisting impacts, moisture, dirt and temperature extremes. Security Key Management service Idesco’s Security Key Management service saved Evotec extensive time and resources"Bo Schønning, Evotec Aps CEO, described the subsequent cooperation of Idesco with his company, “We got great assistance in choosing the correct solution for our system”. In addition to coded readers, Evotec ApS also subscribed to Idesco’s convenient Security Key Management Service for ensure compatibility with every vehicle’s readers. Since DESFire demands readers and transponders be encoded with matching security keys, Idesco’s Security Key Management service saved Evotec extensive time and resources, freeing them to focus exclusively on installations for their customers’ vehicles without worrying about managing DESFire keys themselves. “We feel safe when Idesco handles this data for our customers”, says Bo Schønning. The cargo drivers of Evotec’s customers are assigned vehicle specific transponders to carry, which open the cargo space when presented to the reader guarding it. For increased security, the driver cabin locks automatically when the cargo space unlocks. Additionally, cargo doors automatically lock when they close and will remain locked when the vehicle’s engine is running. The system works equally well in vehicles equipped with liftgates. Opening the vehicle’s driver cabin with the ignition key doesn’t affect its cargo space: it remains continuously locked. If needed, a vehicle’s cargo space could be opened remotely via fleet management software. If a transponder is stolen, a vehicle’s readers can be reprogrammed to not recognise the transponders. Fleet management and vehicle tracking Vehicles are also equipped with GPS transmitters that update fleet software with vehicle locations and routes Vehicles are also equipped with GPS transmitters that update fleet software with vehicle locations and routes. The fleet software’s online tracking and route reporting also provides cargo companies a powerful fuel control ability that can reduce fleet costs. “This system has significantly increased drivers’ security at work while reducing costs caused by theft”, notes Bo Schønning, CEO, Evotec ApS. “Fuel costs have also been reduced, as the cars aren’t left idling anymore. It is easier to control the fleet, and our customers can also follow the quality of deliveries with this system”, he continues.” RFID technology Founded in 1989, Idesco is an experienced company in the field of RFID technology. From the very beginning, Idesco was a pioneer in using RFID, deploying it for identification in industrial applications. Down through the years Idesco continued expanding its reputation as a pioneer provider by innovating numerous technological alternatives and multiple technologies for a variety of different application areas. Every day, Idesco devices collect data and enhance security for a variety of access control, vehicle identification, logistics and inventory control systems.

A dependable Internet connection is virtually every industry’s sustenance and without it, business dies. Yet many don’t realise how frequently the worst occurs, or how dramatically it could impact their livelihood. According to industry research, network downtime can cost small and midsize businesses (SMBs) anywhere from $5,600 per minute, to between $8,600 and $74,000 an hour. Whether it’s business continuity for users in retail/point-of-sale (POS), construction, banking, insurance, restaurants and hospitality, or its primary connectivity for end users in utilities, transportation, security, municipalities, kiosks, ATMs and digital signage, in addition to the financial drain, IT failures have far-reaching repercussions that can result in permanent client loss, missed deadlines, devalued brands and more. Fleet management and asset tracking SensLynx Seamless Failover automatically rescues lost primary wired or broadband connections to maintain business continuity Though many backup options exist, most are complex or costly, and almost none provide a complete and easy to set up solution. SensLynx, widely known for its popular fleet and asset tracking program, painstakingly designed its new suite of seamless IoT solutions to fill this void. Their integrated plug-and-play bundle comes with everything needed to prevent interruption including software, hardware and connectivity, plus fully managed services and monitoring built-in through their cloud manager services, all wrapped up in one low monthly rate. SensLynx Seamless Failover automatically rescues lost primary wired or broadband connections to maintain business continuity. SensLynx Seamless LTE almost instantly deploys primary connectivity to new or temporary (pop-up) locations, while also functioning as a backup or secondary connection. Its applications encompass trade shows, oil and gas remote monitoring, in-vehicle, mobile or portable uses, disaster recovery and every other primary connectivity category. Both solutions are feature rich and ready-to-go, but it’s the SensLynx Seamless SD-WAN technology that’s truly changing the connectivity game.  SensLynx Seamless SD-WAN technology Initially, SensLynx Seamless IoT Solutions will focus on cellular carriers, master agents, telecom VARs and managed service providers (MSPs) We all need reliable IT connections, but we all want faster speeds and broader throughput. SensLynx Seamless SD-WAN delivers both. This solution is capable of combining multiple wireless or wired networks (e.g. cable, DSL, and broadband), into one seamless and super-quick connection that’s unbreakable. Even if one goes down, the others will continue. That means customers benefit from ‘always on’ connectivity and increased productivity to boot. Traditionally, SD-WAN technology of this caliber is too cost prohibitive for SMBs, but with SensLynx’s introduction of Seamless SD-WAN, what was once unattainable is now accessible. Rob Garry, SensLynx Co-Founder and CEO said, “I’ve worked with the most prominent wireless communications companies in the world and founded two IoT/M2M corporations in the last 20 years but, until now, I’ve never been more confident in the potential success of our new solutions.” Initially, SensLynx Seamless IoT Solutions will focus on cellular carriers, master agents, telecom VARs and managed service providers (MSPs). However, being partner-centric, SensLynx is already in development on a synergistic Channel Partner/Reseller Program to support indirect sales avenues. “By simplifying IoT and providing SMBs with bundled, affordable solutions, worry-free wireless failover and primary connectivity, SensLynx is fulfilling its vision of bettering businesses with cost savings and efficiencies,” said Tom Maguire, COO and CMO of SensLynx.

With a constantly growing portfolio of intelligent visualisation solutions and services, Geutebrück GmbH has been addressing the needs of the logistics industry. The integration of state-of-the-art interface technology makes it possible to link information from the ERP system with the camera data in real time and to generate highly efficient solutions from this - a rewarding path to digital corporate transformation for medium-sized businesses. Logistics is one of the German industrial sectors that is most hesitant when it comes to digitisation. According to a survey by the German Logistics Association (BVL), 81 percent of logistics companies have hardly or only partially integrated digital processes into their daily work. At the same time, only 11 percent of respondents believe that digitisation would not benefit their business. In addition to a lack of personnel, the main reasons given for their refusal to digitise are concerns about costs and effort. Countering digitisation hurdles Intelligent technologies and strategies can reduce companies' own efforts in digital transformation For this reason, time-consuming, personnel-intensive and error-prone manual processes continue to dominate day-to-day business in many companies. However, the digitisation hurdles perceived by logistics companies can increasingly be counteracted by modern technology. In the longer term, for example, autonomous means of transport should help to ease the shortage of skilled workers. Even more directly, intelligent technologies and strategies can reduce companies' own efforts in digital transformation. Geutebrück, one of the world's leading providers of video surveillance solutions, has proven this with numerous solutions for the intelligent linking of video and process data. Preventing downtime through real-time communication As CEO Christoph Hoffmann explains: "The connection between cameras and data creates immediate transparency. It enables companies to react quickly to unusual situations, to document critical process steps (particularly important when clarifying liability issues) and to proactively prevent bottlenecks, emergencies or downtime through real-time communication. “A highly developed interface technology such as the one Geutebrück has implemented with years of experience in digitisation projects in various industries is indispensable. As a result, it facilitates the integration of hardware and software systems from a wide range of manufacturers and standards into a single infrastructure.” Images and data for security and efficiency The solutions, which are tailored to the respective requirement situation, protect the forwarding area from intruders, vandalism or damage"Video surveillance solutions from the German-based family-owned company support companies in the logistics industry both in securing assets and in optimising business processes. The solutions, which are tailored to the respective requirement situation, protect, for example, the forwarding area from intruders, vandalism or damage. In combination with the data from the company software, the systems independently identify authorised and unauthorised accesses or entrances. The various entrances to the site are secured by cameras, which automatically record the license plates of all vehicles entering and leaving the site and compare them with the data from Black/White lists. The condition of loaded vehicles can thus also be documented, which is crucial for clarifying possible liability issues: the number, condition and type of goods are visually documented at goods receipt. In the event of irregularities, a quick comparison of the (tamper-proof) image with the target state stored in the business system, realised via barcode and ERP interface, shows whether the number and state of the goods correspond to the specifications. Third-party systems of all kinds, such as barcode scanners, access control or merchandise management systems, can be integrated just as easily via appropriate interfaces, as well as new and existing analogue or IP cameras. Detecting and eliminating errors Image and process data allow the analysis of the situation and the identification of possible sources of errorThe visualisation technologies originally developed for security purposes with their combination of process and image data are now increasingly being used within the framework of logistical processes in the supply chain. Intelligent interface technology makes it possible to immediately detect and eliminate errors in the process sequence (e.g. in package conveyor belts or in the material flow). Within vehicles, the technology is used, among other things, for quality assurance: interfaces to the weighing station or to the cooling system allow deviations from the standard state to be detected. Information such as the actual temperature of the goods or weight is added to the video image in the system and documented. A target value, which is also stored, immediately reveals any deviation. Image and process data allow the analysis of the situation and the identification of possible sources of error. Artificial intelligence as a competitive factor The advancement of such technologies through the inclusion of artificial intelligence enables the transition to a proactive process: for example, the incorrect placement of an object on a conveyor belt can be detected, evaluated and reported in real time, so that intervention is possible before expensive conveyor belt downtimes occur. The use of intelligent visualisation solutions results in considerable financial advantages and an increase in competitiveness" This opens up countless new fields of application. This includes, for example, automatic video monitoring of packaging processes in a wide variety of industries, networked via interface technology with merchandise management, planning or building management systems, or the control of material flows in production. For medium-sized companies with limited resources, this opens wide doors to the digital future. Saves time and money CEO Katharina Geutebrück: "The real-time visualisation - a decisive component of Logistics 4.0 - leads to noticeable time and cost savings and thus to an increase in earnings in the value chain. We're talking about value imaging here. The use of intelligent visualisation solutions results in considerable financial advantages and an increase in competitiveness, especially for German SMEs. “Existing infrastructure can be further used by efficient interface solutions and new technology can be integrated into the architecture without problems. This guarantees investment protection, backward compatibility and sustainability at the same time. High expenditure as an argument against the digital transformation is thus increasingly becoming a lame excuse."

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has taken delivery of a new CCTV enforcement vehicle from Videalert, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of intelligent traffic enforcement and management solutions. The new Mobile Enforcement Vehicle (MEV) has an unattended operating capability and will be used to enforce school locations where illegal parking on the yellow ‘keep clears’ has been identified as putting children’s lives in danger. School and students’ safety Councillor Bob Norton, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Growth & Highways, said: “We know that measures to tackle parking are often controversial and seen by some as a ‘cash grab’ but that is simply not the case. This is all about safety! Three accidents involving school children in one year is three too many and we won’t allow this continuing risk to the safety of children in our schools.  Our message is clear: Don’t want to get fined? Then don’t put people at risk when you park.” Videalert ANPR cameras Videalert has supplied a white Renault Kadjar equipped with two roof-mounted ANPR cameras and two colour cameras to capture contextual video evidence Videalert has supplied a white Renault Kadjar equipped with two roof-mounted ANPR cameras and two colour cameras to capture contextual video evidence. Used in conjunction with the latest video analytics, the system delivers the highest productivity at the lowest operating cost even in the highest density traffic environments. The on-board systems are controlled by the operator manning the vehicle using a dashboard-mounted touchscreen. All contravention evidence data is transferred to Videalert’s Digital Video Platform in the parking office at the end of each shift. The Videalert system automates the construction of video evidence packs which are reviewed by trained council operatives prior to sending confirmed offences to the back-office processing system for the issuance of PCNs. Mobile Enforcement Vehicle (MEV) Redcar and Cleveland’s new mobile enforcement vehicle is also equipped with a complete suite of Videalert software applications enabling it to be used for a wide range of traffic and parking management applications in the future as required. “In recent benchmarking trials, our MEVs equipped with four cameras have proved to deliver industry-leading capture rates whilst consistently outperforming vehicles from other suppliers. This new generation of multi-purpose MEVs will give councils greater flexibility in the enforcement of a wide range of moving traffic and parking contraventions,” added Tim Daniels, Sales and Marketing Director at Videalert.

ISS - Intelligent Security Systems, a global provider of intelligent VMS and analytics, announces the latest release of the company’s renowned SecurOS Video Management System at GSX 2018. The new SecurOS v.10 features an updated, highly intuitive GUI designed to accommodate multiple clients and the ability to easily manage large systems with infinite scalability. Additional enhancements include a new web client for remote access, robust cyber security updates, 64-bit edition for faster throughput and larger capacity, enhanced native failover operations, H.265 Intel QSV support and a brand-new Evidence Manager. Seamless integration SecurOS v.10 is designed to seamlessly integrate with a host of powerful analytics developed by ISS. This unique combination allows ISS to offer a wide range of specialised packages to fulfill users’ specific physical security and business intelligence needs. The release of SecurOS v.10 builds upon our powerful open platform with numerous enhancements designed to further facilitate ease of use" “ISS provides a more holistic approach to camera management and control by seamlessly integrating native analytics with our VMS platform, enabling us to provide users with truly innovative and unique solutions for their specific security challenges,” said Cody Flood, Vice President of North American Sales, ISS. “The release of SecurOS v.10 builds upon our powerful open platform with numerous enhancements designed to further facilitate ease of use for today’s more advanced and larger surveillance installations.” SecurOS v.10 new enhancements SecurOS v.10 features a long list of new enhancements that increase ease of operation, performance and functionality, system scalability and security, including: An updated Client and Administrator GUI featuring new Operator Workstation Profiles to manage large numbers of clients on a unified platform along with new object groups/categories for more intuitive, customised system configuration. A new web client, SecurOS WebConnect to facilitate seamless remote access and operation. New Cyber Security enhancements including: secure HTTPS connection to all cameras with tunneling of both video and audio; digital signature of all exported files using digital certificates to verify the authenticity and source of exported files; and encryption of all data stored on ISS server HDDs. New Native Failover Cluster capabilities including: native cluster failover of many or 1-1 cameras using as few as 2 servers; failover of all features including analytics modules; failover operation within 30 seconds and the ability to manually assign any video server to any workstation. New Evidence Manager with many new features to manage exported video. 265 Intel Quick Sync decompression support. Decompression of H.265 on Intel HD Graphics adapters to concurrently view large amounts of cameras on client workstations. 64-bit Server Edition to increase the number of cameras and throughput per server. Innovative VMS solution SecurOS v.10 is also available pre-bundled with ISS’ native analytics ISS SecurOS v.10 is available in five configurations: MCC (Monitoring Control Center), Enterprise, Premium, Professional, and Xpress to deliver the perfect balance of functionality and cost-efficiency for every size and level of application. SecurOS v.10 is also available pre-bundled with ISS’ native analytics to provide VMS solutions for specific applications. Some of the SecurOS v.10 analytic modules include: SecurOS Auto which provides license plate recognition (ANPR) and comparative analysis for all types of vehicles. SecurOS Auto works in a wide range of internal/external conditions and delivers recognition accuracy for US and international locations. SecurOS Face captures and recognises faces from a video stream. SecurOS Face is a solution with active recognition where subjects know their image is being captured or passively, where they do not have knowledge of such surveillance. SecurOS Cargo provides recognition of cargo container ISO codes in a variety of applications. It implements the most advanced native image processing software, the ISS SecurOS framework, and advanced algorithms for the recognition of codes on cargo containers. SecurOS Tracking Kit provides a suite of situational awareness detectors such as loitering, crowd detection, object left behind, object counting, etc. Integrated hardware-software solutions ISS is a true provider of intelligent surveillance solutions that we refer to it as ‘intelligent video defined'" Additional specialised SecurOS v.10 hardware and software solutions include: SecurOS UVSS, an integrated hardware-software based solution for remote under-vehicle surveillance. SecurOS Velox, to detect speeding violations with automatic license plate recognition (ANPR) of all passing vehicles. SecurOS Motus, an IP-camera designed with integrated ALPR for high-speed and high accuracy commercial and law enforcement applications. SecurOS Cargo Terminal, which provides remote visual inspection of cargo containers and control of vehicles which carry them. SecurOS Crossroad combines specifically engineered hardware and software to provide real-time detection of complex types of traffic violations. “ISS is a true provider of intelligent surveillance solutions that not only sees and documents events but provides the rich data necessary to analyze what may otherwise be perceived as disparate events, and alerts management of impending threats. We refer to it as ‘intelligent video defined,” concluded Mr. Flood.

Axis Communications, Citilog and Genetec converge at ITS World Congress 2018 to showcase best-of-breed technology that is making roads safer, smarter and more sustainable Axis Communications, the market provider of network video technology, will be showcasing alongside Citilog and Genetec a best-of-breed traffic management solution to help ease congestion and identify traffic collisions in real-time at ITS World Congress 2018. The event, which takes place Copenhagen, is one of the most important in the transport industry, with major players presenting solutions that make our road networks and cities safer, smarter, and more sustainable. Utilising machine learning technology The combined traffic management system utilises Citilog’s Automatic Incident Detection solution, which can identify incidents in real-time utilising machine learning technology. The analytical software can recognise what is normal within a scene, so when an abnormal activity occurs, such as cars stopping suddenly or traffic coming to a standstill, an alert can be sent to the operator via unified mobility operations with Genetec Traffic Sense. Decisions can then be made in real-time to help manage an incident. This is made possible through Axis’ innovative range of network-connected cameras, which enable operators to review a scene in great detail. Daren Lang, Regional Manager, Business Development, Northern Europe at Axis Communications, states, “Our roads are getting busier, especially on motorways and in cities. As populations across Europe continue to rise, so too does the number of cars on our roads. This in turn leads to greater pollution, more accidents, and increased congestion on our networks. Identifying accidents, congestion, or illegally parked cars in real-time is crucial to help our transport systems run smoothly with less of an environmental impact, keeping road users safe and on the move.” One of the vital elements of this incident detection technology is the efficiency in detecting incidents and accidents quickly and reliably" Incident detection technology Axis, Citilog and Genetec are attending ITS World Congress 2018 between 17-21 September, Copenhagen. Eric Toffin, CEO at Citilog, states, “One of the vital elements of this incident detection technology is the efficiency in detecting incidents and accidents quickly and reliably, allowing traffic operators to manage incidents efficiently. An additional benefit is that you don’t have to deploy an entirely new infrastructure on a road network for this to work, which can be timely and extremely expensive. Instead, an existing video-surveillance infrastructure can be used with network cameras that support analytics on the edge. The technology can also be applied to a server-based system, so transport operators can breathe new life into and extend the lifespan of their existing technology.” Unifying video with traffic management Christian C. Lemire, Team Lead, Intelligent Mobility Practice at Genetec, states, “Historically, video operators have monitored a large number of screens looking for anomalies in traffic flow, meaning often incidents were missed. Unifying video with traffic management, and turning this video data into smart data, means transport operators can retrieve additional value from their existing infrastructures. It’s more cost-effective and intelligent, meaning a safer and smarter journey for the road user.”

It had been a particularly slow night. The plant security guard had just made his rounds on this Sunday evening shift. As soon as he passed the weighing scales, he could enter the guard shack and get off his feet. Challenging a curious incident However, on this night, he noticed the waste vendor’s truck sitting half on and half off the scale. He stopped dead in his tracks to see if the truck would back up and completely sit on the scale. It never did. The observant guard walked up to the truck and challenged the driver who seemed surprised. “Hey, you’re not weighing your truck properly.” The driver fumbled for a response before replying, “Sorry, I was on the phone with a friend. I didn’t notice it.” But this security guard had the presence of mind to demand the driver’s phone. The driver was caught off guard and surrendered the phone. The guard then pulled up the most recent incoming/outgoing calls and saw no calls during the last 30 minutes. “I don’t think so.” “You don’t think so what?” The security guard was frank, “You haven’t used this phone in over half an hour.” The truck driver sheepishly acknowledged the fact. It was decided to install CCTV covering the weighing area and scales – no easy feat due to poor lighting Preventing crime as it happens Knowing the driver was lying, the security guard ordered the truck back on the scale for a correct weighing and advised the driver that he would report the incident. The security guard wrote up his report and handed it off to his supervisor who, in turn, contacted the local corporate investigator. This investigator was soon on the phone with his boss at corporate headquarters on the other side of the world. Together with Security, they decided to install CCTV covering the weighing area and scales – no easy feat due to poor lighting. However, once completed, they waited. They would not have to wait long. For the next two months, the waste vendor trucks, filled to the brim with production waste, black-and-white paper and other waste products from the plant, would stop on the scale only for a moment and then drive the front half of the truck off the scale for weighing. It was obvious that the vendor was cheating the company by only paying for half the waste. After two months, it was decided to catch the next cheating driver “en flagrante.” Sure enough, the next truck went half on and half off the scale and was weighed. Security then asked the unsuspecting driver to park his truck and invited him inside the building to talk to a supervisor. The driver signed an incriminating statement about the scheme and his role therein. They sent him on his way asking him to keep it quiet Waiting for the driver in a large office was the local investigator and his close friend, the Head of Security. After a difficult interview, the driver admitted to cheating on the scales over a two-year period—he claimed that some of the scale cheating was done at the direction of the vendor’s management, while some of it he did himself by “ripping off” the vendor—which he acknowledged was dangerous. Working with authorities The driver signed an incriminating statement about the scheme and his role therein. They sent him on his way asking him to keep it quiet—they would see what they could do for him later on. In the meantime, Corporate Investigations had received a due diligence report on the vendor company which contained disturbing news—the company and its managers were associated with a countrywide waste management mafia. The report suggested that the vendor had a reputation for thefts and involvement in numerous lawsuits regarding thefts and embezzlement. Shockingly, no prior due diligence had ever been conducted on the vendor. Fortunately, the plant’s finance and audit team had maintained good records over the past 5 years and were able to re-construct the amount of waste going out the plant door and the amounts being claimed and paid for by the vendor. The discrepancy and loss stood at a multi-million dollar figure. After consulting with the local police authorities and company lawyers, it was decided to pursue a civil case against the vendor. Pursuing legal action The regional lawyer, the Head of Investigations, the Head of Security and the CFO invited the vendor to discuss the problem. Some of the evidence was shown to the vendor’s CEO who became indignant and, in order to save face, promised to fire the truck drivers and to repay any losses for the last two months. Inter-dependent entities - security, investigations, finance/audit and legal - combined their resources and agendas to form a unified front That was not enough for the company and a protracted legal battle ensued which lasted several years and resulted in the vendor’s paying almost the entire amount in instalments. The vendor was dropped from the contract and internal controls strengthened—the only plant employee dealing with the waste issue left the company and was replaced by two individuals. The plant also began paying more attention to the waste process and less to the production side. Several “lessons learned” come to mind. First, the tripwire came in the person of an astute and well-trained security guard who exhibited some of the best characteristics you want to see from men and women in that profession. The Security Department was also adept at installing the CCTV and capturing the fraud live on videotape. But a far greater lesson was learned—of what can happen when inter-dependent entities (security, investigations, finance/audit and legal) within a company combine their resources and agendas to form a unified front. The results speak for themselves.

Video surveillance across the world is growing exponentially and its major application is in both public safety and law enforcement. Traditionally, it has been fixed surveillance where cameras provide live streams from fixed cameras situated in what is considered strategic locations. But they are limited in what they can see given by their very definition of being "fixed." The future of video surveillance includes the deployment of more mobile video surveillance with the benefits it offers. Instead of fixed cameras, this is the ability to live stream from mobile devices on the move such as body-worn cams, drones, motorbikes, cars, helicopters and in some cases, even dogs!Sending drones into the air, for example for missing people or rescue missions, is much more cost-effective than deploying helicopters Advantages of mobile surveillance The advantage of mobile surveillance is that the camera can go to where the action is, rather than relying on the action going to where the camera is. Also, sending drones into the air, for example for missing people or rescue missions, is much more cost-effective than deploying helicopters. The ability to live stream video from cars and helicopters in high-speed pursuits can be used to take some of the operational issues from the first responders on the ground and share that “life and death” responsibility with the operational team leaders back in the command centre. This allows the first responders in the pursuit vehicle to focus on minimising risk while staying in close proximity of the fleeing vehicle, with direction from a higher authority who can see for themselves in real time the issues that are being experienced, and direct accordingly. In addition to showing video live stream from a pursuit car or motorcycle, by using inbuilt GPS tracking, the video can be displayed on a map in real time, allowing a command chief to better utilise additional resource and where to deploy them, through the use of displaying mapping information with real time video feed. It allows police chiefs to make better informed decisions in highly-charged environments. The 4G phone network can now be used with compressed video to live stream cost effectively Application in emergency situations The same is true of first responders in many different emergency situations. Mobile surveillance opens up a new area of efficiencies that previously was impossible to achieve. For example, special operations can wear action body-worn cameras when doing raids, fire departments can live stream from emergency situations with both thermal and daylight cameras, and paramedics can send video streams back to hospitals allowing doctors to remotely diagnose and prepare themselves for when patients arrive at the hospital. How can special operations and emergency first responders live stream video from a mobile camera with the issues of weight, reliability and picture-quality being considered? H265 mobile video compression Law enforcement insists on secure transmissions, and it is possible to encrypt video to the highest level of security available in the public domain The 4G phone network can now be used with compressed video to live stream cost effectively. The issue of course is that 4G is not always reliable. Soliton Systems has mitigated this risk of low mobile quality in certain areas, by building an H265 mobile video compression device that can use multiple SIM cards from different cellular providers simultaneously. H265 is the latest compression technique for video, that is 50% more effective than conventional H264, and coupling this with using multiple “bonded” SIM cards provides a highly reliable connection for live-streaming high-quality HD video. The 400-gram device with an internal battery can be connected to a small action cam, and can live-stream simultaneously over at least three different cellular providers, back to a command centre. Latency is typically less than a second, and new advance improvements are looking to reduce that latency further. Encrypted video transmission What about security? Law enforcement insists on secure transmissions, and it is possible to encrypt video to the highest level of security available in the public domain, i.e. AES256.What about integration into existing video infrastructure at the command centre? It is not untypical for a police force to have an existing video management system (VMS) at their command centre such as Milestone System’s Xprotect. The Soliton range of products are ONVIF-compliant, a standard used by video surveillance cameras for interoperability, allowing cameras and video devices that are ONVIF-compliant to simply “plug&play” into existing video management systems. These mobile transmitters are deployed with law enforcement and first responders across the globe. Their ability to provide secure, full HD quality and highly-reliable video streaming within a small unit, and to enable it to be integrated into the current eco-system that is already installed at the receiving end, has made them a favourite choice with many companies and government agencies.

Cameras capable of recording video at 60 frames per second (fps) are becoming widely available in the security industry. It’s important to understand what 60-fps brings to the table for the security industry and how to leverage the technology for particular scenarios. Capturing video at 60-fps represents a unique application. System integrators typically use much lower frame rates, ranging from 7- to up to 30-fps. The potential for an incident might only represent 1%, or less, of the time a camera is recording. However, when a significant event does occur, it’s better to record at a higher frame rate, because incidents such as a car accident, an altercation, or someone running away are usually only seconds long. Depending on the lighting environment, and the camera setup at that time, you either captured plenty of details or you didn’t. Casino and stadium security For example, in casinos, hands, money and chips move around quickly. If there’s a dispute, footage needs to be examined frame-by-frame at a resolution that provides exacting detail. For this reason, Las Vegas casinos require at least 30-fps for any cameras covering gaming action. Another example is a stadium; if you have a lower frame rate of 10-fps, it might look good when all the seats are empty and there is very little motion. On game day, things can look different. If there is an altercation, at that frame rate, it becomes difficult to ascertain the actual sequence of events. The quality of what is captured in those brief moments is where 60-fps recording pays off with its increased resolution and crystal-clear image detail. Casino footage needs to be examined frame-by-frame at a resolution that provides exacting detail. Can my infrastructure handle 60-fps? Running multiple streams of 60-fps 24/7 will consume network resources and storage space at an exponential rate, which is difficult to justify for most organisations. For 60-fps recording to be practical, H.265 encoding and other compression techniques are necessary. With H.265, there is no requirement to upgrade a network infrastructure. H.265 does require a more capable workstation to decode, view and playback video, but most VMS systems utilise GPUs for decoding, so this is a non-issue for most installations. The best way to reduce network and storage bandwidth is to teach the camera not to run at its maximum frame rate when there is no motion. The frame rate can drop to 5- to 4-fps if there is no motion or other activity, but as soon as there is a visual or audible trigger, the camera can dynamically switch to its highest frame rate. Having analytics in-camera makes this simple to setup and should be part of a camera’s profile. Performance vs. frame rate A camera capable of 60-fps output is considered a high-performance camera. It might be more beneficial to put that performance to use enabling features other than pure 60-fps output. Cameras with the power to output 60-fps should also be able to process more data in parallel than regular cameras. This means that a 60-fps camera could also be used to send out multiple streams at lower frame rates. You might decide on a 30-fps stream to the recorder, with a 15-fps profile feeding a live view, and another 15-fps stream going to a mobile app. In this way, a 60-fps camera can offer tremendous flexibility in how its power and processing are used. Shutter speeds are typically reduced at night to get more light onto a camera’s sensor WDR (wide dynamic range) has the ability to combine multiple exposures into a single image to allow us to see in the shadows while not overexposing highlights. WDR can also halve your frame rate. A typical 30-fps sensor with WDR enabled has an effective frame rate of 15-fps for motion because of the duplicate frames being used for exposures. Starting with a 60-fps camera, customers can utilise WDR and still have an impressive 30-fps frame rate for an incredible quality image. Optimising equipment for low-light usage Shutter speeds are typically reduced at night to get more light onto a camera’s CMOS sensor. The sensitivity of the sensor and the lens f-stop will come into play, but in general, if you force the camera to run at 60-fps at night, it’s going to produce a darker image than a 15-fps or 30-fps camera. A camera set at 15-fps may also produce more of a ghosting effect on fast moving objects. Ultimately, it’s the customer’s individual use case that should dictate what is most important between luminance and clarity for moving objects. A powerful 60-fps camera can deliver the best tradeoff between low-light performance and frame rate, giving end users the best possible solution available for their unique requirements. Many VMS solutions can tell cameras to switch profiles at certain times of the day to capture optimal images based on the environment and time of day. Again, 60-fps cameras can offer the most flexibility across all scenarios. It’s important to remember that most cameras look good in daylight, and since 99% of installations happen in the daytime, always remember to tune cameras for nighttime use as well.

More good news for exhibitors on the second day of the Global Security Exchange (GSX) in Las Vegas. Brisk attendance continued early in the day, and then slowed somewhat in the afternoon, but most comments from exhibitors were positive. Exhibitors such as Lenel were “thrilled” with the show, and noticed the steady, good traffic and lots of sales leads. Lenel’s position at the front of the hall probably helped. New developments in mobile credentialing are a big trend at GSX, and Lenel’s BlueDiamond mobile credentials are traveling on a new path, so to speak. The access control company is introducing the idea of “Pathways” as a way of automatically signaling intent to a Bluetooth-enabled smart phone to open a door. A recognisable “pathway” is programmed into the phone, based on signals from nearby readers and locks and also geolocation signals. The system recognises when a user travels along the pathway and automatically signals the correct door(s) to be opened along the way without the user having to touch his smart phone.A recognisable “pathway” is programmed into the phone, based on signals from nearby readers, locks and also geolocation signals Providing a lightweight alternative “When you trigger a pathway, it’s signalling intent to open the door,” says Greg Berry, Vice President Mobile Credentialing, Global Security Products, for United Technologies, parent company of Lenel. “Pathways are customised to a user’s needs and are the common places you are going all the time.” A user who walks the same path daily to the door of an office will find that door opens automatically. Previously using mobile credentials has been “slightly more work than using a badge,” says David Weinbach, Manager of Identity and Product Innovation for Lenel. “Now with Pathways, it’s less work than using a badge.” Specifically, a user no longer has to take out his phone and push a button to signal intent. “Rather than trying to emulate the badge, you create an experience that is better than the badge,” adds Berry. “We want to change the paradigm and turn the market on its ear.”New browser-based clients are being released with each new version of OnGuard software Other news from Lenel includes the release of more mobile and browser-based clients for OnGuard to be used for greater convenience alongside the Window-based clients. Providing a “lightweight” alternative enables some of the functionality of the Windows client in a format that is easy to access on the go. New browser-based clients are being released with each new version of OnGuard software. Cloud-hosted systems using Microsoft Azure are also among the plans for OnGuard, which ultimately will offer on-premises and cloud options. There’s not much comment from the Lenel folks about their parent company United Technologies’ plan to acquire S2 Security, which was announced days before the show. They would only say that the acquisition is waiting for regulatory approval, and that the expectation is that the two companies’ products will be complementary, given S2’s focus on the SMB (small and medium-sized business) market and Lenel’s strength at the enterprise level. The acquisition strategy is to grow both businesses. More details to come about the new combined company. Modern network infrastructure NVT Phybridge, a PoE connections company located near the back of the hall, also reported steady booth traffic on Day 2. “There are lots of customers and partners here,” said Steven Fair, Executive Vice President. “We are pleased with the quality of people, but not overwhelmed with the quantity.” FacePRO AI facial recognition is used for real-time searches of terror suspects or criminals throughout a location NVT Phybridge, which provides IP networking products for the telephony industry as well as security, is focused on networking concepts at GSX, in particular the changing requirements for network infrastructure in the age of IoT. We are pleased with the quality of people, but not overwhelmed with the quantity.” Fair uses the term “Modern LAN” to describe the new, changing requirements and in consideration of the specific networking needs of each edge device, whether cameras, sensors, or door access control devices. “Start with the edge device — what does it need from the network? What are its needs and have there been any innovations to enable you to connect to the network more economically?” asks Fair. There is also a green aspect to designing network infrastructure. Can existing equipment, such as coaxial or single twisted-pair cabling, be used, and thus save on disposal costs of the used cabling as well as lowering installation costs? Among NVT Phybridge’s offerings that can serve the changing networking needs in the IoT era is Smart Path PoE, which offers smart power, smart network access and secure connections. The CLEER family of products provides ethernet over existing coaxial cabling to enable easy transition from analogue to IP cameras. The PoLRE products supply ethernet and power to travel over a single unshielded twisted pair cable with reach over 400 metres. The products have been used recently to transition a series of cruise ships from analogue to IP video without having to replace cabling and spending only two days in dry dock for the installs. A new focus away from AI Panasonic is looking to apply AI-based capabilities to vehicle recognition in the near future, with the ability to identify vehicle characteristics Deep learning and artificial intelligence (AI) seem to be taking a lower profile at this show, perhaps signaling the end of the hype. Companies that mention AI point to specific products that use the technology and are currently available. For example, Panasonic is featuring its FacePRO AI-based facial recognition system. The system uses face images captured from video — grabbing up to 30 to 35 faces a second as video is recorded. The system saves the best of those face images, eliminating extensive duplication, as thumbnails, which are linked to the video footage where the faces appear. To find video in which a face appears, the operator merely drags-and-drops the thumbnail image and commands the system to “go fetch” video that contains that face. The system then produces a timeline showing where the face appears in the feed from each video camera on the premises, so an operator can track the movements of a suspect throughout a facility. The tool helps to simplify and shorten the workflow of locating a suspect in real-time and is affordable for a wider range of uses beyond the traditional airports or high-end applications.  The FacePRO software is offered on any Panasonic camera, and works with a separate FacePRO server that is integrated with the video recorder. The system can be added easily to existing systems and is useful for such applications as real-time searches for terror suspects or other criminals throughout a location. Panasonic is also looking to apply AI-based capabilities to vehicle recognition, too, in the near future, with the ability to identify vehicle characteristics such as color, type of vehicle and direction of travel. On the VMS side, Panasonic is transitioning its Video Insight software to a modular approach, tailoring solutions for a growing range of vertical markets, such as transportation and retail, all using “plug-ins” that enhance operation of Video Insight software. No additional license fees are involved That’s just a sampling of what I saw on Day 2 of the show. I have more to share in a final show report, including what I see tomorrow on the final (shortened) day.

Working together to develop an intelligent body-worn camera for public safety users, Motorola Solutions and artificial intelligence (AI) company Neurala are demonstrating how AI can be added to everyday devices such as smart phones using existing hardware platforms.  AI software, working at the “edge,” provides the capability to add AI functionality to existing cameras, such as Motorola’s Si500 body-worn camera. An agreement to develop the products follows Motorola’s strategic investment in Neurala in January 2017. “The technology is real, as our prototypes have demonstrated,” says Massimiliano “Max” Versace, Neurala CEO. “The technology will mature dramatically by the end of the year.” A final, marketable product from Motorola might be a year or more away, and the timing will depend on extensive testing in the meantime, he says. The goal is to enable police officers to more efficiently search for objects or persons of interest, such as missing children or suspects. Adapting hardware for artificial intelligence Neurala’s learning capabilities “at the edge” are hardware-agnostic; its software-only focus enables the principles of artificial intelligence to be applied to a variety of hardware platforms, including low-cost platforms used inside smart phones. Typically, cost and the need for speed are limitations that determine what hardware can be leveraged using the software. The goal is to enable police officers to more efficiently search for objects or persons of interest, such as missing children or suspects In the case of the Motorola body-worn camera, AI functionality is being added to existing hardware in the device, which is much like a smart phone encased in the form factor of a body-cam. Today’s smart phones include cameras, gyroscopes and accelerometers to provide sufficient data to drive AI applications. Software adapts existing hardware to transform them into AI devices capable of continuous learning in the field. Finding missing people in crowds Neurala and Motorola are promoting the new agreement with a use case of how a policeman’s body-worn camera could help find a missing child in a crowd. A network “pushes” a photo of a missing child to a network of 1,000 body-worn and/or dashboard cameras in the field, which employ AI to search for the child within each camera’s field of view and then provide an alert when a match is found. The cameras operate passively, without involving police officers, in effect automating the process without police officers having to look at every face in a crowd. AI’s contribution is to eliminate the need for humans to do repetitive or boring work, such as look at hours of video footage. Neurala began working in AI 11 years ago, long before the current buzz in the market. In a sense, awareness has caught up with the company, which has been developing its technologies ahead of the curve. “The same technology could be applied to closed circuit cameras to detect other objects,” says Versace. “The Neurala Brain is neural network software that can be trained to find a variety of objects, such as backpacks or vehicles, in the air or on the ground.” AI’s contribution is to eliminate the need for humans to do repetitive or boring work, such as look at hours of video footage Adding AI to existing security devices Other applications are also being developed. For example, Neurala has applied its technology to help the Lindbergh Foundation fight poaching of elephants and rhinos in southern Africa using video from drones as part of its Air Shepherd Program. Neurala’s software helps human analysts by searching through terabytes of video, including infrared, in real time as the drone is flying, pinpointing animals, vehicles and poachers during the day and at night. Versace expects the first applications of AI on existing products, including cameras and drones, before it is applied to robotics and other new applications. In effect, Neurala provides a “brain plug-in” that can add AI to change an existing solution from a passive sensor to a device that is “active in its thinking,” he adds. AI is here to stay, says Versace. “The market should know that AI has reached a point of no return. Companies that don’t use AI will be left behind. It’s the way to go to amplify your output.” Does Artificial Intelligence threaten humans? However, the technology isn’t perfect and shouldn’t be expected to be. “It’s still a growing technology, so you can’t expect 100 percent correct performance, especially if you deploy it in a constrained environment such as a cell phone,” says Versace. “AI can approximate 90 percent of a human’s ability to detect an object, and it’s tireless and can work 24 hours a day. It’s a liberating technology that takes on jobs that are not interesting, such as looking for a backpack on a computer screen.” AI tends to engender anxiety among some, with people like Elon Musk warning of an existential threat of the technology and a coming AI apocalypse. We should all relax, says Versace. “It’s a liberating technology,” he says. “Anyone who talks about AI as dangerous is not an AI expert. The less you know about AI, the more alarmist you are.” He suggests the physical security market should “learn more about it so they won’t be so scared.”

Advances in LPR: License plate recognition (LPR) is used widely today in law enforcement applications, but the enterprise security market is also catching on to benefits of the technology – especially when it is combined with other video analytics. PlateSmart Technologies, Oldsmar, Fla., is working to maximise those benefits and to use LPR as a real-time, proactive tool for physical security. PlateSmart’s ARES Enterprise Video Analytics System is a software-only platform that combines LPR with video analytics. The system is compatible with the newest HD cameras or can be retrofitted to legacy cameras, even analog. The system can work alone or can be integrated with existing video management systems and server hardware. The newest option is availability of LPR software inside the camera: PlateSmart offers an LPR-based video analytics “app” that can be loaded onto a Samsung Techwin Wisenet III camera. The company is working with other camera manufacturers, too. “That’s one of the beautiful things, we are a software-only, open-platform technologies, and we can easily conform to a given camera platform if there is enough processing capability,” says John Chigos, PlateSmart’s CEO. Combining LPR with video analytics provides better, more proactive, real-time results, adds Chigos. Integration of LPR and video analytics with various federal, state or private industry databases provides additional real-time data about vehicles as they come, go and move around a secured site. For example, the system can tell if a vehicle drives into an area where it shouldn’t go, say in a certain parking lot, in effect recognising the behavior of the vehicle. Benefits of Platesmart ARES: “Technology such as ours will be part of a solution that, combined with human intelligence and other video analytics capabilities, can prevent acts of terrorism,” In addition to reading the license plate number, Chigos says the system can also read the jurisdiction, country and province on the license plate, and video analytics can recognise the type of vehicle, its color, even the make and model (by recognising emblems or logos on a vehicle). Although designed for the U.S. market, the system easily adapts to applications throughout the world; for example, the license plate numbers in Europe are larger and easier to read. (In Europe, LPR is often referred to as ANPR [automatic number plate recognition].) PlateSmart’s system can also enable patterns to be developed based on the actions of a vehicle; databases can be created of vehicle activity; and “black lists” or “white lists” of vehicles can be compiled. “We do not touch the data; all the data is given to the end user,” says Chigos. “We set up the rule sets, or they can set them up.” “Technology such as ours will be part of a solution that, combined with human intelligence and other video analytics capabilities, can prevent acts of terrorism,” adds Chigos. “Technologies are changing to meet market needs, and we are part of that solution.” The company also offers a facial recognition software suite that can match video images of a driver’s face against faces in a driver’s license database, for example. High-speed vehicle tracking: The ARES system reads plate number and performs other analytics using a single video image, unlike some LPR systems that use two cameras – one to view the total image for context and a second, specialised IR camera to read the numbers on the license plate. There are also no other hardware elements, such as frame grabbers; it’s just the cameras and the software. Scalability is easy given that one installation may include hundreds of cameras plugged into the system. "The system can also make out three different numbers in a single video image, and the overall accuracy is 90 percent." PlateSmart says its system can read the license numbers from vehicles traveling at rapid speeds – the system captures numbers on vehicles traveling between 0 and 80 miles per hour on a highway between Tampa and Orlando, Fla. The system can also make out three different numbers in a single video image, and the overall accuracy is 90 percent. Chigos emphasises that means 90 out of 100 vehicles passing by; sometimes other manufacturers quote accuracy figures based on the number of plates it recognizes, not on the total number of vehicles passing by. Therefore, the percentage is higher. Market sectors: Applications so far have included water treatment plants, ports, and military bases. An initial pilot program was implemented at the Republican National Convention in 2012 in Tampa. The system is currently being used at Port Tampa Bay, Florida’s largest maritime port and the 16th largest in the United States. The system can also be used for site surveillance at hospitals, universities, and manufacturing and distribution centers. “Our technology takes advantage of cameras these facilities already have installed,” says Chigos. “When you add LPR on top of existing systems, we produce additional information without having to incur large capital expenditures.” Teaming up with defense systems integrator enrGies, Huntsville, Ala., PlateSmart is working to perfect the first LPR and video analytics technology for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs, or drones) to assist security agencies and military personnel in combatting crime and terrorism. Soon the “eye” in the sky will be able to read your license plate numbers.

Denmark’s Evotec chose Idesco readers to complete their cargo securing system they had designed for transport companies’ vehicles. Evotec’s system does more than merely preventing cargo theft. Drivers also feel more secure when delivering because hijack risks are also reduced. This is because cargo is robustly secured when drivers leave vehicles behind. Idesco 8 CD 2.0 DESFire readers Evotec selected Idesco 8 CD 2.0 DESFire readers for deployment on delivery vehicles Danish cargo companies had been struggling with regular delivery cargo thefts. Drivers did not feel secure when delivering and financial losses were growing. Evotec decided to develop a novel vehicle security solution for cargo companies. As part of their solution, Evotec selected Idesco 8 CD 2.0 DESFire readers for deployment on delivery vehicles. Idesco readers have since been installed on several hundred Danish cargo trucks and vans. Early in their design process, Evotec had seen a clear need to strictly limit access to vehicle’s cargo space to authenticated personnel only. They had known RFID technology could provide accurate, secure user identification and authentication. They learned that Idesco’s MIFARE DESFire readers, paired with 128-bit AES-encrypted DESFire transponders, would easily repel transponder hacking or cloning. Best of all, they learned Idesco designed many of its readers for installing outdoors, reliably resisting impacts, moisture, dirt and temperature extremes. Security Key Management service Idesco’s Security Key Management service saved Evotec extensive time and resources"Bo Schønning, Evotec Aps CEO, described the subsequent cooperation of Idesco with his company, “We got great assistance in choosing the correct solution for our system”. In addition to coded readers, Evotec ApS also subscribed to Idesco’s convenient Security Key Management Service for ensure compatibility with every vehicle’s readers. Since DESFire demands readers and transponders be encoded with matching security keys, Idesco’s Security Key Management service saved Evotec extensive time and resources, freeing them to focus exclusively on installations for their customers’ vehicles without worrying about managing DESFire keys themselves. “We feel safe when Idesco handles this data for our customers”, says Bo Schønning. The cargo drivers of Evotec’s customers are assigned vehicle specific transponders to carry, which open the cargo space when presented to the reader guarding it. For increased security, the driver cabin locks automatically when the cargo space unlocks. Additionally, cargo doors automatically lock when they close and will remain locked when the vehicle’s engine is running. The system works equally well in vehicles equipped with liftgates. Opening the vehicle’s driver cabin with the ignition key doesn’t affect its cargo space: it remains continuously locked. If needed, a vehicle’s cargo space could be opened remotely via fleet management software. If a transponder is stolen, a vehicle’s readers can be reprogrammed to not recognise the transponders. Fleet management and vehicle tracking Vehicles are also equipped with GPS transmitters that update fleet software with vehicle locations and routes Vehicles are also equipped with GPS transmitters that update fleet software with vehicle locations and routes. The fleet software’s online tracking and route reporting also provides cargo companies a powerful fuel control ability that can reduce fleet costs. “This system has significantly increased drivers’ security at work while reducing costs caused by theft”, notes Bo Schønning, CEO, Evotec ApS. “Fuel costs have also been reduced, as the cars aren’t left idling anymore. It is easier to control the fleet, and our customers can also follow the quality of deliveries with this system”, he continues.” RFID technology Founded in 1989, Idesco is an experienced company in the field of RFID technology. From the very beginning, Idesco was a pioneer in using RFID, deploying it for identification in industrial applications. Down through the years Idesco continued expanding its reputation as a pioneer provider by innovating numerous technological alternatives and multiple technologies for a variety of different application areas. Every day, Idesco devices collect data and enhance security for a variety of access control, vehicle identification, logistics and inventory control systems.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has taken delivery of a new CCTV enforcement vehicle from Videalert, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of intelligent traffic enforcement and management solutions. The new Mobile Enforcement Vehicle (MEV) has an unattended operating capability and will be used to enforce school locations where illegal parking on the yellow ‘keep clears’ has been identified as putting children’s lives in danger. School and students’ safety Councillor Bob Norton, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Growth & Highways, said: “We know that measures to tackle parking are often controversial and seen by some as a ‘cash grab’ but that is simply not the case. This is all about safety! Three accidents involving school children in one year is three too many and we won’t allow this continuing risk to the safety of children in our schools.  Our message is clear: Don’t want to get fined? Then don’t put people at risk when you park.” Videalert ANPR cameras Videalert has supplied a white Renault Kadjar equipped with two roof-mounted ANPR cameras and two colour cameras to capture contextual video evidence Videalert has supplied a white Renault Kadjar equipped with two roof-mounted ANPR cameras and two colour cameras to capture contextual video evidence. Used in conjunction with the latest video analytics, the system delivers the highest productivity at the lowest operating cost even in the highest density traffic environments. The on-board systems are controlled by the operator manning the vehicle using a dashboard-mounted touchscreen. All contravention evidence data is transferred to Videalert’s Digital Video Platform in the parking office at the end of each shift. The Videalert system automates the construction of video evidence packs which are reviewed by trained council operatives prior to sending confirmed offences to the back-office processing system for the issuance of PCNs. Mobile Enforcement Vehicle (MEV) Redcar and Cleveland’s new mobile enforcement vehicle is also equipped with a complete suite of Videalert software applications enabling it to be used for a wide range of traffic and parking management applications in the future as required. “In recent benchmarking trials, our MEVs equipped with four cameras have proved to deliver industry-leading capture rates whilst consistently outperforming vehicles from other suppliers. This new generation of multi-purpose MEVs will give councils greater flexibility in the enforcement of a wide range of moving traffic and parking contraventions,” added Tim Daniels, Sales and Marketing Director at Videalert.

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

People and vehicle access control specialist Nortech has recently seen St James’ Market in central London update and improve access to its site using Nedap’s uPASS Target system. Supplied by Nortech, Nedap’s uPASS Target was installed by leading supplier of integrated security systems Total Support Services (Security) Ltd, which was selected to supply the robust solution for long-range identification to its recently installed security gates at the market. Total Support Services (Security) Ltd, TSS, which designs and engineers its own brand of security products and equipment, was able to use its 26 years of experience in specialised security products and services to provide the ideal security and access system that fitted the client’s needs. TSS selected the uPASS Target as it is easy to integrate with any existing access control system so users don’t need to get out of their vehicles to get into the development. Reliable and easy to install system Guy Bulmer, Director at Total Security Services commented, “We use Nortech as they are our ‘go-to’ provider for access control and vehicle identification systems. We have had a great relationship with them for nearly 20 years, ever since we were asked to install a Norpass system for some clients, and it just went from there.” The uPASS Target is ideal both for access control to gated sites and for close monitoring of traffic flow activities at industrial sites and logistic depots He continued, “We certainly recommend Nortech products to others and we are very happy with the end result achieved for the client. We have our core products that we use because they are easy to install and they just work. Any issues are dealt with in a helpful and friendly way by the tech guys and we always get a reliable system at the end of it.” Ideal for access control and monitoring activities The uPASS Target is a robust solution for long-range identification of vehicles, people and rolling stock. It is ideal both for access control to gated sites and for close monitoring of traffic flow activities at industrial sites and logistic depots. Its plug-and-play features enable it to be installed in just a few simple steps, and its variety of industry-standard communication interfaces support seamless integration into any existing or new third-party systems for access control, logistic operations, security and parking. Nortech has supplied products and solutions to the security industry for over 25 years as an independent British company. The company uses extensive experience and expertise to create new security products to fit their clients’ needs and designs everything with the customer in mind. 

Traka has been specified at a main UK international Airport to deliver bespoke solutions for the safe management of replica improvised explosive devices (IEDs), alongside intelligent key management systems. The UK airport, which cannot be named for security reasons, uses replica IEDs for training purposes across its security network, to ensure correct procedures are being followed in the unfortunate event of a real threat. Security management using replica IEDs The importance of secure management of replica IEDs is integral, with recent well-publicised events having shown the major disruption caused by any unaccounted items, including an abandonment of the last game of the season for Manchester United in 2016. Traka, which already provides the airport with essential intelligent key management units, created a bespoke management locker solution for the safe storage of replica IEDs on site, to ensure they could only be operated by authorised personnel. The units present audit control capability and reporting on an instant basis with any units that do not get returned being instantly accountable. To have any replica IED device unaccounted for would have serious security implications for the Airport as a whole" Intelligent key management Says a Security Manager at the Airport, “To have any replica IED device unaccounted for would have serious security implications for the Airport as a whole, with a real possibility of closure and consequential mass disruption.” “With increasing numbers of passengers and noted global security threats, we cannot afford to take the risk and knew Traka could be called upon as the experts to provide a solution. The lockers not only provide an extra security dimension, but also ensure the smooth running of the Airport security.  They enhance our training objectives as the audit control capability allows replica IEDs to be used across terminal staff, safe in the knowledge they will always be accounted for and returned.” The lockers support the Airport’s use of Traka solutions for intelligent key management Asset and vehicle tracking The lockers support the Airport’s use of Traka solutions for intelligent key management for security and engineering keys, alongside asset and vehicle control. Ben Farrar, Traka Market Development Manager added, “It is the focus of every Airport to deliver the best possible experience for passengers, while ensuring their absolute safety and security at all times. And in doing so, ensure staff can present all processes in a smooth and stress-free environment.” “Traka’s provision of bespoke locker solutions for the safekeeping of replica IEDs, alongside our intelligent key management systems as used by this Airport may only seem like smaller details in a complex security matrix. But they work together for the benefit of security teams to ensure effective management and automation, decreasing the likelihood of causing delays and disrupting the airport flow unnecessarily.”

Founded in 1871, Fulton County School System is the fourth largest school district in Georgia, United States. It consists of 101 schools and administrative support buildings, including 67 elementary schools, 19 middle schools, 17 high schools and eight charter organisations. Fulton’s mission is to provide a safe and secure environment for its more than 96,000 students and more than 12,000 full-time employees. To help enhance safety Search Technology at more than 100 schools, Fulton has installed a full Avigilon surveillance solution that includes Avigilon cameras with self-learning video analytics, Avigilon network video recorders, and Avigilon Control Center (ACC) video management software with Avigilon Appearance Search technology. Fulton is also deploying Avigilon Access Control Manager to secure physical access points, providing an integrated security solution for the district. Fulton sought to replace analogue cameras with an end-to-end high definition surveillance system camera system in order to maximise protection Simplifying recording and capturing of footage Fulton sought to replace analogue cameras with an end-to-end high definition surveillance system camera system in order to maximise protection, enable proactive event response, and facilitate the recording, capturing and sharing of clear footage with its school board, police and the concerned public. Securing more than 100 buildings is no easy feat, but it’s of utmost importance to the Department of Safety and Security at Fulton, which also includes the School Police and Student Health Services and Emergency. Upgrading video surveillance system With recent data showing above average student incident rates and student disciplinary concerns at some schools, upgrades to the surveillance system were needed to allow better local and remote monitoring in important areas. “One of the biggest security challenges we face is our ability to reliably monitor important areas throughout our schools, especially during an emergency. With Avigilon, we not only benefit from exceptional image quality, but their advanced video analytics, like Avigilon Appearance Search technology, save us valuable time and effort, ultimately making our schools a safer place.” - Paul Hildreth, Emergency Operations, Safety and Security, Fulton County School System. Avigilon high-definition cameras with self-learning video analytics and access control solutions have been installed in 101 schools Appearance Search Technology Avigilon high-definition cameras with self-learning video analytics and access control solutions have been installed in 101 schools. ACC 6 video management software with Avigilon Appearance Search technology is a particularly exciting new development for the district. “We chose Avigilon because of the capabilities it offers in its advanced video analytics search technologies, including Avigilon Appearance Search,” said Paul Hildreth, Emergency Operations, Safety and Security for Fulton. “Their analytics are easy to set up and use, and can save us valuable time and effort, ultimately making our schools a safer place for generations to come.” Video data analysis Avigilon Appearance Search video analytics technology uses a sophisticated deep learning artificial intelligence search engine to sort through hours of footage with ease. This technology allows Fulton’s 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. This can save Fulton time and effort during critical investigations as Avigilon Appearance Search technology intelligently analyses video data, helping to track a person’s or vehicle’s route and identify previous and last-known locations. Avigilon self-learning video analytics enable proactive, real-time event response. Built from the ground up to manage high-definition video, Avigilon offers self-learning analytics on camera resolutions of up to 5K (16 MP). Avigilon Multisensor cameras were also set up to capture challenging angles and provide total coverage within a 180 to 360-degree area Avigilon H4 Platform Avigilon H4 bullet and dome cameras from the new H4 platform were installed, offering self-learning video analytics, greater resolution performance and Wide Dynamic Range support. Avigilon H4 cameras are available in 1 to 5 MP and 4K Ultra HD (8 MP) resolutions. Avigilon Multisensor cameras were also set up to capture challenging angles and provide total coverage within a 180 to 360-degree area. Upgrading the district’s surveillance solutions began three years ago with a single high school as a pilot program. The success of this replacement led the district to integrate ACC in other school projects and, in 2014, Fulton opened new administrative centres with both Avigilon access control and video surveillance solutions. At the start of 2017, Fulton began implementing a three-year approach to completing the upgrade. Image quality and resolution Before switching to the Avigilon solution, the district was challenged with low system reliability, which resulted in not having video evidence when needed. Furthermore, in situations where there was recorded footage, it was not of high enough quality to provide value. With the installation of Avigilon video surveillance, Fulton has benefited from exceptional image quality and resolution across wide areas in all lighting conditions. The ongoing Avigilon implementation will provide the district with crucial and powerful insights that can help save time and effort during critical investigations. With the help of Avigilon trusted security solutions, the future looks bright for Fulton County Schools.