Dallmeier Security Camera Mounts  (1)

With pupils in the UK set to go back to school on 8 March, there are a number of safety measures schools need to implement to ensure the health and wellness of the staff, students, and school communities.  The first lockdown and closure of schools brought on by the coronavirus pandemic fired a “warning shot” for education facilities managers, forcing head-teachers to re-examine school safety standards. Now that a third lockdown is here and schools have been shut down for a second time, anyone behind the curve with the benefits of smart technology should get on board now before children return to the school environment. And with the ever-changing variants of the COVID-19 virus, schools can’t afford to be “late to class” when it comes to health and safety. Preventing the spread of disease Some schools in the US have been using smart technologies for a while to measure utility consumption and efficiency, streamline maintenance and enhance general school safety. These technologies are playing a significant role in keeping school buildings healthy and preventing the spread of disease. Let’s take a look at how smart technology can help schools to become safer, as well as more energy-efficient and cost-effective.   Thermal detection cameras  Smart cameras placed at entry points of a school can remove the manual task of temperature testing Smart cameras placed at entry points of a school can remove the manual task of temperature testing. These cameras provide medically-accurate, real-time temperatures of individuals in real-time. If a high temperature is detected, the software sends an instant alert to the relevant party. It can also be set to deny access to those with high temperatures or to people not wearing masks.  Safer water  As the coronavirus continues to sweep through the world’s population, healthcare providers should also be on heightened alert for Legionnaires’ disease, another potential cause of pneumonia with similar symptoms. Legionella is a potentially deadly bacteria that can infect a school’s water supply and cause an outbreak of Legionnaire’s disease. It’s a school's duty of care to prevent Legionella infection by monitoring the risk of the bacteria proliferating.  Particularly as schools reopen and previously stagnant plumbing and cooling systems return to use, additional Legionella cases could rear their ugly head to emergency departments in the coming months. Traces of Legionella were recently found at a Worcestershire school. The school was forced to remain shut while treatment and testing took place. Automated flushing and temperature testing Instant alerts will notify relevant staff if water temperatures fall within “Legionella-friendly” parameters The Health and Safety Executive advises, “If your building was closed or has reduced occupancy during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, water system stagnation can occur due to lack of use, increasing the risks of Legionnaires’ disease… If the water system is still used regularly, maintain the appropriate measures to prevent legionella growth.” Typically, managing the risk of Legionella includes running all outlets for two minutes, taking and recording the temperature of the water to ensure that it’s not conducive to Legionella growth. This is a time-consuming process, which is why schools are looking for automated water temperature monitoring systems. This smart system with automated flushing and temperature testing reports and records water temperature data in real-time. Instant alerts will notify relevant staff if water temperatures fall within “Legionella-friendly” parameters.  Cleaner air  Advisers say that improving air filtration and ventilation in schools can help mitigate the potential airborne transmission of COVID-19. Strategies include: Increasing outdoor air ventilation Filtering indoor air Using portable air cleaners with HEPA filters  Smart building technologies such as advanced HVAC controls can help facilities managers promote cleaner air with less hassle. For example, smart HVAC systems use sensors to remotely monitor and control variables such as:  Humidity Temperature Indoor air quality The level of carbon dioxide and other pollutants The technology is also energy-efficient and cost-effective.  While these solutions may be key to the reopening of schools in the era of COVID-19, they also bring long-term benefits. Although COVID-19 may have accelerated the adoption of smart technology, many of these solutions are focused on health, wellness, and security in general; which have been needed in school systems for a long time.

  Ergonomics are a critical, but often misunderstood aspect of designing control rooms for security. Ergonomics have a deep impact on the integrity of an operation, and the issue goes beyond the control room furniture. Matko Papic, Chief Technology Officer of Evans Consoles, divides ergonomics into three areas: physical (reach zones, touch points, monitors); cognitive (the individual’s ability to process information without overlooking a critical element) and organizational (how the facility operates in various situations; e.g., is it adequately designed for an emergency event?). He says the Evans approach is to determine the precise placement required for each element an operator needs, and then to design and build console furniture to position it there. Basically, the idea is to tailor the control room to the operation. What tasks must an operator perform? Are they manageable or should they be divided up among several operators? Control room design should accommodate the need to collaborate, and be flexible enough to adapt to various situations. It all begins with understanding the information that needs to be processed, says Papic. Increased Productivity In The Workplace Because personnel are often stationed at a specific console, desk or workstation for long hours, physical problems and productivity issues can result, says Jim Coleman, National Sales Manager, AFC Industries. Ergonomically designed furniture and related products have been proven to increase productivity and alleviate physical stress in the workplace. Ergonomic furniture solutions are crafted for the ultimate in safety, adaptability, comfort and functionality. Coleman says AFC Industries can tailor furniture to specific needs and environment. For example, a height-adjustable workstation can be combined with adjustable monitor arm mounts to create a relaxed, comfortable environment. Furniture offers modern designs, comfortable ergonomics, and comprehensive features. Rugged materials withstand the 24/7 use of command control centers. Health Benefits Of Ergonomic Workstations A sedentary office environment is often an unhealthy one. “For people who sit most of the day, their risk of heart attack is about the same as smoking,” says Martha Grogan, Cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic. Ongoing research and studies have shown that a change in posture (i.e., using ergonomic sit-to-stand workstations) is an effective means to combat these negative health issues. Using sit-to-stand workstations helps to eliminate musculoskeletal disorders caused by long-term sitting. They can also improve productivity and focus from the increased blood flow. Energy levels can rise and employees burn more calories. Control room design should accommodate the need to collaborate and be flexible enough to adapt to various situations “The ergonomic environment we create for control rooms involves considering every need of the staff at each workstation and their equipment, as well as workflow within the entire room,” says Coleman. “From the proper setting of screen focal lengths to sound absorption and glare reduction, each requirement and phase of a control room design is a necessary process to ensure the protection and safety of people and property.” Emergency Operations Center “The military has figured out that you are more alert when you are standing,” says Randy Smith, President of Winsted, and the realization is guiding emergency operations center (EOC) design toward sit-stand. “As soon as there is an emergency, everybody stands up,” Smith adds. Designing EOC environments also requires systems be integrated with annunciating signal lights to facilitate communication among operators. Winsted’s sit-stand consoles can be combined with a motorized M-View monitor wall mount, enabling a 60-inch wall monitor to be raised and lowered to match the positioning of the sit-stand console. Larger, wall-mounted screens are easier to use for operators, since a larger monitor size can make it easier to read text on a screen, for example. Combining the larger monitor with sit-stand capabilities provides the best of both options. Many operators today stand for 50 percent of their day, says Smith. Ergonomic standards guide the design of Winsted’s control room consoles, including ISO 11064 standards for the design of control centers. The furniture also is designed to accommodate industrial wire management (larger wire bundles), unlike furniture that might be bought in an office supply store. Read part 3 of our Control Rooms series here {##Poll37 - How well do you incorporate ergonomics into your control rooms?##}

Endless possibilities for security deployment have been made possible with technological advancements Significant technological advancements have created endless possibilities in how security is not only deployed, but also leveraged by the end user – the customer. For example, customers can now view surveillance at eight different offices in eight different states from a single, central location. A security director can manage an enterprise-wide access control system, including revoking or granting access control privileges, for 10,000 global employees from the company’s headquarters in Chicago. However, with that increased level of system sophistication comes an added level of complexity. After successfully completing the installation of a security system, integrators are now expected to formally and contractually prove that the system works as outlined in the project specification document. Tom Feilen, Director of National Accounts for Koorsen Security Technology explains that this formal checks and balance process is gaining momentum in the security industry. The step-by-step process of Acceptance Testing is more commonly being written into bid specifications, especially for projects that require the expertise of an engineer and/or architect. Simply put, it is a way for the end user to make sure the system they paid for works properly and is delivered by the integrator as outlined in the project’s request for proposal. While Acceptance Testing can be a time consuming process, it is a valuable industry tool. It is estimated that at least 95 percent of integrated security systems today have been brought through the Acceptance Testing process. Security systems have become more complicated in recent years. The introduction of IP-based, enterprise-wide and integrated solutions have all opened the door to more sophisticated access control and surveillance systems than ever thought possible. This process can vary depending upon the size of the project, but for a larger scale project, it is not uncommon for Acceptance Testing to take several weeks from start to finish. This timeline can be especially lengthy when the project involves hundreds of devices, such as access control readers, surveillance cameras, video recorders, intrusion sensors, and intercom systems. Most integrated security systems today have been brought through the Acceptance Testing process What is involved in the Acceptance Testing process? While the specific process can vary from integrator to integrator, many follow a similar process with their customer to ensure the system works accurately and that the customer has the proper certification documentation. The initial part of the process typically involves generating a report of each device installed as part of the system. This list enables the systems integrator to systematically test each device ensuring that individual devices are not specific points of failure for the overall system. For example, in a building equipped with a system that automatically releases the egress doors upon the fire alarm activation, it is important to make sure each door’s electro-magnetic locking system is operating properly. The systems integrator would not only test that a door releases when the fire alarm sounds, but also to make sure the access control system is notified if the door is propped open or held open longer than in normal usage parameters. For a door that is also monitored by a surveillance camera, part of the testing would also involve making sure that an image being transmitted to a video monitor is coming from the correct surveillance camera and that the actual angle of the image is what the customer has requested and is correctly labeled as such. If a device does not function as it should, it is then added to a punch list that would require the systems integrator to repair that device within a certain period of time. Once repairs are made, the system integrator would then submit a letter to the client stating that every device has been tested and works properly. It is also important for the integrator that once the testing process is complete to obtain a customer sign off (Certificate of Acceptance) on all systems tested and documentation provided. This limits liability once the system is turned over. From a safety perspective, Acceptance Testing is also used to verify that T-bars and safety chains are installed on cameras that are mounted in drop ceilings. It can confirm that panels are mounted in a room that is properly heated and cooled to avoid major temperature swings. Also, as part of the Acceptance Testing checklist, it can insure that power supplies that drive all the security systems are properly rated with the recommended batteries for back-up. And, that emergency exist devices or card readers are not mounted more than 48-inches above ground. An Acceptance Testing process serves to protect the end user's investment After the project is complete, Acceptance Testing protects both parties involved against liability issues. One example is if the building has a fire and the functionality of the life safety system comes into question. Acceptance Testing can be used to prove that the system was able to function as specified and dispel any concerns about its performance. At that time, all close out sheets are turned in, along with as-built drawings and a manual providing a complete listing of each device and system installed. Today, these manuals not only come in paper form as part of a large binder, but also digital files saved to a disc. The benefit of providing the customer with a binder or documentation of the system is that should the end user/customer replace the person who manages security at the company, valuable information will not leave with that former employee. While this checklist to close out a project may appear trivial at first, it is an important part of the security project process. By implementing an Acceptance Testing program, it serves to protect the end user’s investment, ensuring that the systems integrators hired for the project is knowledgeable and provides quality work. For the integrator, it helps towards the end goal of a satisfied customer.

Dallmeier electronic, one of the manufacturers of video security technology, will present its portfolio of new products and customer solutions at the Russian security trade fair "Securika Moscow" (Moscow, Crocus Expo, Pavilion 2) from 13 to16 April 2021. Unique camera technology Dallmeier offers innovative video security solutions to its customers in an enormous range of industries. With the patented "Panomera®" multifocal sensor technology operators have the capability to capture large spatial relationships comprehensively and to zoom in on suspicious incidents while the system continues recording the entire scene. Thus, Panomera® allows optimal overview and high-resolution detail zooms even after the fact. The great advantage is that the customer can define the minimum resolution density (DIN EN 62676-4) required for this individually as early as the planning stage. Consequently, stadium operators for example benefit from the fact that recordings of offenses are incontestably usable in court. Video analysis The Panomera® S-Series enable intelligent AI-based video analyses for an enormous range of application areas Apart from the outstanding cost-effectiveness of the solution, this was one of the crucial reasons why nine out of twelve host stadiums for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia decided for the patented Panomera® technology. Besides this application, airport operators and logistics companies can rely on the unmatched image quality when investigating questions of liability, for example. At the same time, this minimum resolution density also serves as the basis for video analysis applications now and in the future. Lower infrastructure cost and AI-based video analysis The Panomera® S-Series is particularly notable for its peerless capture of long distances. The Panomera® W-Series helps the operator to create a seamless 180° or 360° view of a scene. Customers are thus able to reduce the number of cameras and the associated infrastructure many times over. In combination with the installation of the latest generation of chips, which are already equipped with integrated neural networks, they enable intelligent AI-based video analyses for an enormous range of application areas. For example, they can be used to perform "crowd analyses" in high-traffic airport concourses, while on the perimeter AI-based object classification minimizes the number of false alarms. Mountera® mounting system Security managers have considerably more control over areas that are both large and heavily used Besides its patented Panomera® technology, Dallmeier will also present its integrated Mountera® mounting system. Together with the Panomera® W-Series, the mounting system received the iF DESIGN AWARD in 2020. Constructors and installers, for example, can carry out the entire installation with just one Allen key size. The Mountera® "Quick Lock" system enables rapid, one-man assembly and the same camera system can be used at different sites. HEMISPHERE® ensures more control With the open software platform HEMISPHERE® for Security and Business; customers can easily expand video systems with third-party installations such as fire alarm or access control systems. Sophisticated system components such as 2D- and 3D-maps including "Active Elements" guarantee efficient processing of relevant incidents and alarms. So, security managers have considerably more control over areas that are both large and heavily used.

Dallmeier electronic is “Exclusive Platinum Sponsor” of the WGPC 2020 (World Game Protection Conference) at the Tropicana Las Vegas (Las Vegas, NV) from 23 to 26 March 2020. There, the pioneer of video technology for casinos will showcase how casino managers can improve cooperation with regulation authorities, deal with criminal activities proactively, and make day-to-day operation much more productive. With over 20 years of experience in the field of video security and data management in casinos, Dallmeier and its solutions promote secure, smooth casino operations all over the world. In March 2020, the company now attends the 15th WGPC in Las Vegas as Exclusive Platinum Sponsor. The conference deals with current and future challenges of the casino industry, such as compliance with stricter requirements by the regulation authorities or handling criminal behavior proactively. Dallmeier will present their “Smart Casino Solutions” for security, gaming automation and data management as part of the exhibition (24 and 25 March 2020). HEMISPHERE SeMSy The HEMISPHERE open software platform for security and business serves as the focus of the Dallmeier conference presence. In particular, casino operators can use the HEMISPHERE SeMSy solution suite as a "Casino Operating System": It enables the integration of third-party systems (e.g., CMS, POS, access control) and the display and processing of many different data sources and interfaces. With just a few mouse clicks security personnel can create a “digital incident file” containing videos, notes, reports etc. Employees in different departments can use the SeMSy system, wherein individual widgets are enabled for them depending on their tasks to provide them with personalized, function-optimized tools for completing their tasks. Sophisticated system components such as 2D and 3D maps with "Active Elements" or pre-defined standard operating procedures (SOPs) guarantee efficient processing and effective cooperation in the event of significant incidents and alarms. In addition, with just a few mouse clicks security personnel can create a “digital incident file” containing videos, notes, reports and other information. As a result, casinos will have no difficulty satisfying compliance requirements imposed both in-house and by external bodies (e.g., regulation authorities). Panomera camera technology Besides extensive requirements in terms of reporting, given the video security technology deployed more and more casinos are also being required to satisfy stricter regulations imposed by the regulation authorities. These include for example an ultra-high 4K resolution on the cameras in the area of the gaming tables, together with an efficient H.265 encoding technology. The Dallmeier Panomera W camera series which was unveiled at the end of 2019 supports native H.265, and it also integrates up to eight 4K sensors in one camera system, thus offering operators an unrivalled, undistorted 360° view of all activity on the gaming floor. Dallmeier customers report enormous time savings for their surveillance tasks, such as locating a person of interest in less than three minutes instead of over 20 minutes. Its benefits range from significantly increased game pace to substantially more effective protection from cheatingMoreover, the definable minimum resolution density of Panomera combined with integrated neural networks enables AI-based video analysis applications. These can be used by marketing analysts, for example, to create heat maps using "crowd analyses", analyze visitor streams and so make arrangements for more efficient capacity utilization in all areas of the casino. Casino Automation Technology (CAT) Visitors to the conference can also learn about Dallmeier CAT; this is the first automation system for table games (e.g., blackjack) in the world implemented by casinos in a production environment. CAT combines video technology with AI technologies, which enable it to detect chips and cards, provide real-time information about the position and value of bets, game pace, float value and many other analyses. Its benefits range from significantly increased game pace to substantially more effective protection from cheating, even up to precise player rating to improve customer loyalty programs and prevent expensive misjudgements. CAT has already been deployed at over 1,000 gaming tables in Macau and was honored with the award for "Best New Product" at WGPC 2019.

Casino operators are looking intensively for solutions to transform the multitude of process data into useful business intelligence information. With its 'Smart Casino Solutions', Dallmeier is pursuing a unique approach in which the manufacturer's video technology is linked to AI systems. At G2E Asia from 21.05.2019 - 23.05.2019, Stand A301, Dallmeier will present solutions for the three main casino areas of gaming, surveillance and marketing. Many casino operators are still struggling with undetected fraud and theft, high operating costs and inefficient manual processes. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) promises significant improvements. Due to the large number of video systems in casino operation, the linking of digitally available data with information that can be generated from video systems is particularly obvious. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) promises significant improvements However, this requires that the resolution quality of the video images can be precisely defined in all relevant areas. Only this way, the data quality required for AI systems and the respective application case can be guaranteed. Dallmeier camera systems fulfil exactly this functionality and offer completely new solutions in combination with AI systems. Gaming: Casino Automation Technology Classical table games like blackjack or baccarat were difficult to integrate into data processing and analysis because of their "analog" character. Dallmeier's Casino Automation Technology (CAT) - the first gaming automation system to be live in a production environment - uses AI technologies and standard Full HD IP cameras to capture a wide variety of data. In this way, CAT enables a multitude of insights and the automation of essential processes where the system detects chips and cards, provides real-time information about placement and the value of bets, game speed and float value, to name just a few important functionalities. For the first time, this enables accurate player evaluation, a significantly increased game speed and much more effective protection against fraud. CAT is available for baccarat and blackjack. Surveillance: Minimizing TCO With Panomera® In addition, classical surveillance and CCTV also play a major role in casinos where large areas need to be monitored to protect guests, players, staff and the casino's inventory. With the latest model of the patented Panomera® cameras, a 360-degree version, casino operators can cover much larger areas with the same number of operators and at the same time significantly improve overall security with a high-resolution 360-degree view of the entire scene. In the event of an incident, the operator can zoom into the scenes as with a PTZ camera The combination of a complete overview and the highest detail resolution is particularly impressive, where even distant objects are displayed with the same resolution as objects in the front image area. In the event of an incident, the operator can zoom into the scenes as with a PTZ camera – but without losing the overall picture, neither live nor in the recording. And even multiple operators can zoom in at the same time to solve complex scenarios. Significantly fewer cameras reduce the infrastructure and operating costs, and at the same time security goals can be achieved much better. Marketing: Business Intelligence The benefits of Dallmeier's Smart Casino Solutions are rounded off in marketing. Through the intelligent combination of video technology-based functions (e.g. people counting) with AI-based gaming automation technologies and other analysis techniques, casinos can gain access to a previously hidden treasure trove of data. Collecting, analysing and understanding this data helps casinos better plan their business and make more informed decisions for loyalty programs based on the behaviour and preferences of their visitors and players.