Transportation security applications

Network Rail is keeping a close eye on work being carried out at its Ambergate rail site with the help of the advanced technology built into the latest generation of video surveillance dome cameras. Images captured by Wisenet XNP-6040H PTZ domes manufactured by Hanwha Techwin are being streamed to a Network Rail control room, enabling operators to monitor the progress of work being carried out at various locations throughout the Ambergate site in order to minimize walkouts and ensure compliance with its health & safety regulations. Reduce Site Walkouts Network Rail required several site monitoring systems to provide them with live video streams of their Ambergate rail site. These live streams would be used by Network Rail to attain a better oversight of progress, asses safety on site, and reduce site walkouts. Inside Out Group were awarded the contract to provide four separate monitoring systems for the Ambergate site, after being invited to participate in a tender process. With the rail improvement work being carried out in remote locations, the camera systems also required standalone power sources" “This was an interesting, as well as a challenging project to work on in that the monitoring systems needed to be sufficiently robust to be able to work in tough track side conditions,” said Jay Dale, Head of Time Lapse for Inside Out Group. “With the rail improvement work being carried out in remote locations, the camera systems also required standalone power sources without any reliance on generators. We met with staff from Network Rail to establish their exact site monitoring needs. This helped us give detailed advice and recommend specific CCTV products that fit Network Rail’s needs.” Accurate Image Stabilization Although the CCTV installation tender was a national one, the first site highlighted was Network Rail’s Ambergate work site. After evaluating cameras from a number of different manufacturers, Inside Out Group decided to specify the 2 megapixel Wisenet XNP-6040H PTZ domes for all the required camera locations. Image quality was a major factor in the decision, as was the Wisenet XNP-6040H’s relatively low operating power requirements.  The vandal-resistant and weatherproof H.265 Wisenet XNP-6040H domes have an auto-tracking PTZ feature which enables operators to monitor close up detail of any site activity. This ensures that Network Rail can remotely control the systems and focus on different areas of site that they need to see. The Wisenet XNP-6040H dome’s are also equipped with gyro sensors for more accurate image stabilization if they are disturbed by wind or vibration, whilst built-in SD memory card slots enable the short term storage of video in the event that there is any network disruption.  Minimize Installation Time Working closely with Network Rail’s S&C North Alliance Doncaster team and with the help of distributors Norbain, Inside Out Group were able to have all the cameras delivered to site and working within 48 hours of the commencement of the project. Each of the four systems are battery powered, negating the need for any costly cabling and the cameras have been attached to existing site structures which helped minimize installation time. H.265 compressed live video streams captured by the Wisenet XNP-6040H domes are being transmitted over fast 4G mobile network to the control room H.265 compressed live video streams captured by the Wisenet XNP-6040H domes are being transmitted over fast 4G mobile network to the control room, with secure logins also enabling authorized personnel to remotely access the video via their smartphones, tablets and laptops. Additionally, Inside Out Group also installed one of their durable time lapse systems on site. This system was primarily used for film production purposes, as Network Rail were also keen to visually showcase Ambergate’s rail works as a production. Monitoring Solutions Inside Out Group have received positive feedback from senior staff within Network Rail in respect of the quality of the systems installed and for organizing the installations within the required tight timescales. In particular, high praise has come from members of the S&C North Alliance Doncaster team, with Alliance Director, Neil Johnson noting that the captured images ‘are crystal clear’ and Project Manager, Rachel Cox stating that the systems are ‘working brilliantly’. “Following on from the installation of the four systems, we have continued to work closely with Network Rail so that we can obtain feedback from staff on their experiences of using the live video, said Jay Dale. “This will help us going forward to optimize benefits we can offer Network Rail from these type of monitoring solutions.”

A total of 2,700 Sony network security cameras are the dependable choice to watch over passengers’ safety for Catalonia’s biggest transport operator. Public transit operator Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) runs one of Europe’s most technologically advanced and accessible metro system that comprises nine lines and 150 stations. TMB’s metro and local bus lines carry over 550 million citizens, commuters and travellers annually across the Catalan capital and surrounding areas, making safety and operational efficiency high priority topics. Round-The-Clock Reliability In recent years, TMB elected to update its analog infrastructure, replacing older cameras and extending coverage to create a metro-wide IP video surveillance system. Sony cameras has made them an optimal choice for the recent upgrade to monitor train tracks, station platforms and other public areas The relationship between TMB and Sony dates back more than fifteen years, when the operator installed its first 150 Sony cameras at several metropolitan bus depots to protect perimeters, parking areas, workshops and office spaces. The proven reliability of Sony cameras has made them an optimal choice for the recent upgrade to monitor train tracks, station platforms and other public areas where reliable 24/7 performance is essential. As well as round-the-clock reliability, Sony cameras provide excellent HD image resolution, which was another key requirement for the project. Support for open protocols, including the widely used ONVIF standard, simplifies integration with other security and monitoring systems. Reduced Operating Costs By standardising on a small number of camera models, TMB has further benefited from simplified maintenance and reduced operating costs. To date, TMB has installed a total of 2,700 Sony IP network cameras across its transportation network with more than 700 of them being Sony SNC-EB630 box-type models. A custom housing protects the cameras from dust, dirt and physical tampering while allowing easy cleaning of the front lens window. The SNC-EB630 offers excellent Full HD image quality with wide dynamic range, even in dim or harshly-lit environments where other cameras often struggle to see clearly. Built-in image stabilisation assures crisp images, even when the camera is being shaken by mechanical vibration from nearby trains. Effective Visual Deterrent Picture quality and sensitivity are major assets when monitoring the movement of passengers in congested station areas The SNC-EB630 also scores in station areas where harsh fluorescent lighting can be strongly reflected by platform surfaces, making identification of people and objects difficult. Here, Sony’s View-DR technology boosts the cameras’ dynamic range to accommodate a wide range of light levels in the same scene. The cameras’ widespread presence serves as an effective visual deterrent, and as a useful tool to clearly identify and resolve incidents involving passengers and staff. What’s more, picture quality and sensitivity are major assets when monitoring the movement of passengers in congested station areas, or directing station staff and first-responders to help passengers requiring assistance in the event of accidents or personal injury. Increase In The Security “Apart from superb picture quality, a key factor for us in choosing Sony cameras is their dependability” says Victor Ribera, Responsible of Telecommunication Systems in the Technology Area at Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona. "Remote surveillance is extremely important for us. We have evolved from a complete decentralized surveillance system started at our garages and workshops to a fully centralized system – based on security control centers for the operation and management of all security cameras. Image quality has improved exponentially in a short time. Together with the functions incorporated into the cameras themselves, this has resulted in an increase in the security offered to our passengers.”

Two giant video surveillance companies have responded to a United States government ban on use of their products included in the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Both Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company and Dahua Technology Company are mentioned by name in a section buried in the giant military reauthorization bill. A ban on use of their products will take effect “not later than one year after” the law is enacted. Response From The Manufacturers Hikvision’s statement expresses disappointment with the version of the 2019 NDAA passed by both chambers of the U.S. Congress Hikvision’s statement expresses disappointment with the version of the 2019 NDAA passed by both chambers of the U.S. Congress. “This legislation was quickly drafted without sufficient evidence, review, or investigation to warrant the video surveillance technology restrictions outlined in section 889,” says Hikvision. “The process resulted in an ambiguous provision with potentially far-reaching implications for American business and represents a rejection of the U.S. government’s commitment to use a standards-based approach when evaluating security risks in federal procurement.”  Dahua was less direct and did not specifically mention the ban in its statement. “Although local laws and regulations may present challenges, we never lose sight of our goals — to provide top-tier products and services for the North American market,” says the statement from Zhejiang Dahua Technology Ltd. The rest of the statement centers on Dahua’s ongoing commitment to the video surveillance market and addresses possible motivations for the ban (see below). Impact On Contractor Business Dahua’s statement expressed its ongoing commitment to the video surveillance market Hikvision also cited a recent article published in The Hill that quoted Chris Nickelson, a Missouri-based contractor, who argued that a ban on Hikvision products would actually harm small American businesses like his. According to the article, Nickelson said allegations against Hikvision have hurt his business, and he decried a lack of evidence supporting the allegations. “Somebody still needs to show me that there’s any real meat and potatoes behind any accusations that have been made towards Hikvision,” Nickelson is quoted in The Hill. The rest of Hikvision’s statement: “Hikvision is committed to complying with all applicable laws and regulations and has made efforts to ensure the security of its products go beyond what is mandated by the U.S. government, including certification under the Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 140-2 and opening our Source Code Transparency Center (SCTC), which makes the company’s source code available for review by law enforcement authorities and government agencies in the U.S. and Canada.”We understand that in today’s security industry, cybersecurity is the biggest challenge" Company Statement On The NDAA Here is more of Dahua’s statement on the National Defense Authorization Act: “Dahua Technology is a global leading IoT video surveillance solution provider operating in 37 countries and dedicated to bringing our customers innovative solutions. Dahua Technology has been publicly traded on Shenzhen stock exchange market since 2008 and is not a government-owned entity. We understand that in today’s security industry, cybersecurity is the biggest challenge. We have provided remedies to correct those issues with our customers. We take cybersecurity very seriously by implementing a seven-module cybersecurity baseline into our product design. Meanwhile, we continue to work with 3rd party partners like DBAPP Security and Synopsys Technology, to rigorously test our products to combat against current cybersecurity vulnerabilities."To personalize our interaction with customers at this event, Hikvision will not have a booth on the GSX show floor" Dahua’s statement continues: “With over 6,000 R&D Dahua professionals, we strive to provide secure products and solutions to our valued customers to secure what they care about. Although local laws and regulations may present challenges, we never lose sight of our goals — to provide top-tier products and services for the North American market. We will continue to invest in resources and employees to ensure our customers and partners retain the highest quality of services to support future growth in this market. "We will continue to invest in resources and employees to ensure our customers and partners retain the highest quality of services to support future growth in this market.” Hikvision Comments On GSX Presence Hikvision has also issued a statement about its downsized presence at the upcoming GSX trade show (formerly ASIS) in Las Vegas. A Hikvision spokesperson confirmed that the decision to abandon Hikvision’s large booth presence was made earlier this summer and was not a result of the ban. Here is Hikvision’s statement about GSX: “As in previous years, Hikvision will be well represented at the GSX show in September in Las Vegas. To personalize our interaction with customers at this event, Hikvision will not have a booth on the GSX show floor. Instead, a contingency of Hikvision professionals will attend the conference and host partner meetings and product demonstrations in meeting facilities throughout the trade show. "As a total solution provider, Hikvision looks forward to meeting with end users, A&E consultants, integrators and other partners to discuss how Hikvision's full suite of products can help address the challenges facing security directors and the broader C-Suite.”

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

Intelligent Traffic Systems (ITS) are a pillar of today's Smart City concept. ITS integrates video communications into traffic infrastructure to advance driver safety, reduce traffic congestion, and lower fuel consumption. As governments strive to achieve these goals with ITS, the high-speed point-to-point serial communication standard CoaXPress (CXP) is playing a vital role, especially in the migration of older analog systems to networked digital video platforms. CXP allows for the ‘repurposing’ of the coaxial cables already installed in the majority of ITS infrastructures, eliminating the cost of expensive new cabling such as twisted pair or fiber. Best of all, CoaXPress eases the migration from analog to digital video without any compromise in performance. CoaXPress enables ITS integrators to simply replace low-performing analog cameras with digital megapixel models for monitoring, controlling and managing traffic" Monitoring Traffic With Digital Cameras Donal Waide is Director of Sales for BitFlow, Inc., a manufacturer of frame grabbers and an early leader in CXP. According to Waide, the advantages of CXP make it ideal for ITS in both public and commercial enterprises: "CoaXPress enables ITS integrators to simply replace low-performing analog cameras with today's digital megapixel models for monitoring, controlling and managing traffic and enhancing security." Advantages Of CoaXPress CXP's bandwidth is 6.25 Gbps per channel with a maximum transmission speed of 25 Gbps. A re-developed CoaXPress 12 standard will be available later this year with double that data rate, achieving higher values than 10 GigE Vision. In ITS applications, the five to seven metres restriction of USB cables is insufficient to transmit camera data long distances, as are Ethernet cables. CXP-6 speed, currently the highest speed and best quality, allows up to 40 meters (131 feet) between the frame grabber as the host, and the camera as the end device, without any loss in quality. Even cable distances up to 100 meters (328 feet) are possible within levels CXP-1 to CXP-3. This is an ample distance to get from an overview camera at 10 meters up, or a red light camera at 30 meters from the junction box. Transmission adapters allow longer connections to be implemented at all speeds. Precise Camera Synchronization CoaXPress uses a single coaxial cable for power supply, controls end data transmission to ensure a simple connection with minimal cable clutter. CoaXPress provides precise camera synchronization and very low latencies. Synchronization is performed only via the frame grabber and does not require an additional trigger signal as with both USB3 and GigE. For example, if a car moving quickly through an intersection is to be captured and evaluated from several perspectives, the precise triggering of all cameras and the synchronization between the devices are crucial for high-quality analysis. It is here that CXP excels. While a higher resolution analog camera may offer a solution, an interface is needed to bring the data back to the processing center without latency Useful In License Plate Recognition To better appreciate these advantages let's look at license plate readers, an essential function of ITS. In Europe, license plates are large enough that they can be easily read: 18- to 20-inches long, 4-inches tall with large bold, unhindered fonts. In contrast, a U.S. license plate is only 12-inches x 6-inches. Apart from up to seven alphanumeric characters, there is also a state name, sticker and an image on the plate. This leads to a lot of confusion when using low resolution analog cameras; for example, deciphering whether the plate of a car that drove through a toll booth without paying was ABC123 or A8CIZ3. The processing center would have to verify the car make and interaction with the registry, which in turn dramatically reduces efficiency. If the resolution and data delivery were at high speed, however, ABC123 or A8CIZ3 would be a simple read. While a higher resolution analog camera may offer a solution, an interface is needed to bring the data back to the processing center without latency. This distance is typically much further than twisted pair cable can handle even with repeaters. CoaXPress combines the simplicity of standard coaxial cable with state-of-the-art high speed serial data technology Crystal Clear Images The CoaXPress interface is a major benefit in this instance. Legacy analog traffic cameras still make up the majority of cameras on U.S. highways. Analog images are transmitted back at a dismal 11Mb/S over coaxial cables to the processing center’s computers. Now consider that same volume of data coming back on a CXP link (650MB/S) at 6.25 Gbps. This would enable images to be crystal clear and also allow for better information dissemination about traffic backlogs, accidents or breakdowns. Images would even be clear enough to be seen on a smartphone app. And because CXP offers Power-over-Coax, there would be no need for additional cabling work. CoaXPress combines the simplicity of standard coaxial cable with state-of-the-art high speed serial data technology. The CoaXPress standard meets the requirements of ITS for extended cable length, high speed, and ease of use.

To provide a practical solution to the monitoring of transportation infrastructure, where maximum situational awareness is paramount, Bosch Building Technologies has combined the innovation behind its video security cameras with the video management expertise of Intelligent Security Systems (ISS).  ISS is a global developer of video management and video intelligence solutions. The video management platform, SecurOS, focuses on securing large mission-critical applications, such as industrial and manufacturing sites, transportation systems, banks, sports arenas, retail locations, and campuses and office complexes. ISS’ differentiating video intelligence and image analytics solutions, whether it is Face Capture & Recognition (SecurOS FACE), License Plate Recognition (SecurOS AUTO License Plate Recognition), or Container Character Recognition (SecurOS CARGO), provide effective monitoring solutions to the transportation sector. The capabilities stretch to large-scale entry and exit points such as ports, borders and airport car parks  Surveillance Challenges Transportation security provides surveillance challenges in varying degrees of situation and scale, so effective license plate recognition is crucial. From tunnels and bridges, where a situation can change in seconds, to regulating traffic flow into a city and capturing a profile of each vehicle, Bosch and ISS can provide answers to the questions that matter. Has a particular vehicle been permitted access to a specific area? Has that vehicle been stolen? What’s the insurance or toll subscription status? Has that vehicle been authorized to operate as a taxi? The capabilities even stretch to large-scale entry and exit points such as ports, borders and airport car parks.  Vehicle Monitoring Monitoring which vehicles are entering an area, and checking their legitimacy to be there, has never been more critical. Having the capability to capture license plates of every vehicle moving in the designated area gives users complete awareness of traffic flows and usage patterns, allowing them to configure and manage their monitoring preferences efficiently and permit secure data exchanges with other operational management systems and services for efficient infrastructure alignment.  If driving conditions were perfect all-year round, the job of an operations manager, for example, would be quite straightforward. But the reality is quite the opposite. That is why the ISS certified Bosch cameras responsible for capturing this data are incredibly robust and built to produce usable images 24/7 in the harshest conditions, including after dark by employing a supplementary infrared light. The selected cameras have a special License Plate Recognition (LPR) mode which is developed in collaboration with ISS to deliver accurate information even when faced with the challenges of glaring headlights and fast-moving vehicles. Interpreting video data directly at source helps to improve levels of security substantially and can also offer clear business advantages  SecurOS AUTO License Plate Recognition High standards are applied to the quality of the images captured. By incorporating the SecurOS AUTO License Plate Recognition (LPR/ANPR) solution, Bosch and ISS can provide several unique benefits for users, including the ability to accurately capture license plate information at 210 km/h (130 mph) in all kinds of weather conditions, including light fog, rain, and snow. Furthermore, utilizing advanced algorithms results in a level of accuracy that can distinguish letters from numbers (so an “8” is not mistaken for a “B,” for example) which is a crucial advantage, particularly in emergency situations. The partnership with ISS supports Bosch’s belief that the logical next-step for security is to enable customers to repurpose the vast amounts of video data that they now can capture. Interpreting video data directly at source helps to improve levels of security substantially and can also offer clear business advantages.

Critical Infrastructure In Transportation Transportation is a complex world.  City streets, bridges, highways, tunnels, seaports, airports, and rail systems all offer different challenges to the security professional seeking to protect people, cargo, commodities, and critical infrastructure.  Customers around the world rely on Arecont Vision as a key part of that protection. Arecont Vision Megapixel Camera Benefits Made in USA quality, advanced technology, and field upgradable features/capabilities Deter and detect threats and document activities Maintain situational awareness and security with fewer cameras Improve staff productivity Low profile/discreet surveillance or high visibility camera choices Resolve security/staff and customer disputes Protect staff, travelers, customers, equipment, and goods Increased detail equals better forensics and reduced time from police, 1st responders and security professionals in immediate response and for post-event investigations Monitor daily business and document activities and patterns Forensic documentation Provide enhanced security, situational awareness, life safety Prevent or disprove fraudulent claims Tight integration beyond ONVIF certification with hundreds of security vendor applications jointly tested via the Arecont Vision MegaLab™ Arecont Vision's megapixel cameras have been deployed at highways and cruise ship terminals Transportation Applications Remote surveillance Live monitoring and forensic viewing Monitoring of airports, ports and harbors, railway stations, roads and railways, bridges and tunnels, vehicles Passenger, luggage, freight, storage, and cargo areas Open spaces, indoors and out Parking lots/structures/rail yards/runways Concourses and corridors People/vehicle counting/monitoring License plate/facial recognition What Arecont Vision’s Customers Say “We selected Arecont Vision cameras because of their proven performance for the last year and a half on another Malaysian highway application,” comments Norisham Abdul Majid, CQR Digital Solutions, integrator for the Malaysian Highway Tollgate System.  “Arecont Vision’s megapixel cameras fit perfectly into our technology-centric approach to the market, as demonstrated by their performance in our installation at the cruise ship terminal in Valletta,” adds Karim Cassar, Alberta Group, Malta. “Ease of installation, compatibility with our current VMS, and the new features [including] Wide Dynamic Range. Our experience has been great," states Safraz Samad, TPA Operations – Security Administration, Tampa International Airport. "Our organization requires high levels of security and with Arecont Vision’s updates to firmware we can maintain our internal network security policies.” Save Save Save Save

Customer Jebel Ali Port is the flagship port of DP World, a leader in international marine terminal operations and development, logistics and related services. The port is the world's largest man-made harbor and the largest container port between Rotterdam and Singapore. Located 35 kilometers to the southwest of Dubai on the United Arab Emirates Arabian Gulf coast, the port’s strategic geographic location has enabled it to act as a maritime link between the Middle East and the western hemisphere. It is a technologically advanced facility, employing state-of-the-art equipment and is a model for the industry and the region in everything from size to efficiency and security. Challenge The DP World marine control tower at Jebel Ali is an important facility for monitoring and controlling the movement of vessels in and out of the port. Physical security at the control tower was in need of upgrading and, in keeping with requirements mandated by Jebel Ali Port Security, DP World conducted a security risk assessment to determine how best to improve security at the site. Based on the assessment, DP World recommended an external video surveillance system. A basic design was developed that included 13 analog day/night box cameras and two outdoor pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras. Upon review, DP World concluded that the installation of this analog video surveillance system would also require the services of civil and electrical personnel for cabling and power needs. These additional services would add to the overall system costs as well as potentially increase the time frame for completion. DP World shelved the analog proposal and initiated a search for a more technically advanced video surveillance solution. They needed a camera system that would thoroughly cover the designated areas; require little or no external services or personnel for installation/maintenance; offer features and functionality that would enhance monitoring and operational control; be reasonably priced and ultimately provide greater detail and picture quality than would a typical analog system. Megapixel Solution DP World moved forward on the project with a new solution featuring megapixel cameras from Arecont Vision. When comparing the Arecont Vision megapixel system to the original analog system, it was evident that while the analog cameras were priced less than megapixel cameras on a per camera basis, they deliver less value when a total system cost was evaluated. The new design included two AV8185DN 180° day/night panoramic 8-megapixel dome cameras, two AV10005DN day/night 10-megapixel MegaVideo® Compact box cameras and four AV2105DN day/night 2- megapixel MegaVideo® Compact box cameras. Compared to the original design that included 13 analog cameras, the six-camera Arecont Vision megapixel system provided greater coverage with fewer cameras and significantly higher resolution images. The ability to digitally zoom into live scenes and recorded video while maintaining high resolution and wide area coverage also eliminated the need for PTZ cameras. And with Moonlight™ mode, the cameras automatically shift from color to black and white as ambient light diminishes. Megapixel Benefits Because the megapixel network cameras are PoE (Power over Ethernet) capable, the need for separate electrical cables to provide power was eliminated. Power and data is conveyed over a single network cable per camera. Using fewer cameras to effectively cover the same area also translated into infrastructure cost savings in containment works, cables and installations, which actually brought down the original cost of the system by nearly 20%, easily reflecting an improved return on investment (ROI). In addition to these advantages, the megapixel solution also contributed towards a greener environment because of fewer cables and less hardware that was needed. The Arecont Vision megapixel camera system provides superior performance and imaging capabilities than the analog system and most importantly, proved to deliver the most cost-effective video surveillance solution with tangible benefits and ROI.

"It is important that our security system fulfills our customers' extremely high safety requirements." - Jens C. Andersen, IT Manager, DAN'X DAN'X (Day And Night eXpress distribution) is a private transport and logistics company that specializes in night distribution of reserve parts for the IT industry. DAN'X provides 24-hour express delivery of components and accessories for a wide variety of businesses within the IT sector. With three large locations in Denmark, they can ensure that their customers get fast and professional service. The Challenge At DAN'X the customer is the central focus, and no two customers are alike. This presents tough demands for DAN'X on all fronts – also pertaining to security. The customers have strict security requirements to be fulfilled, and with the three widespread locations, DAN'X has more complex security issues to resolve. The Solution AC Sikring A/S has put together a solution that is totally network based, which provides DAN'X central management and coordination along with the option for eventual integration with other security devices and systems. For the solution, they chose the newest Milestone XProtect® Enterprise software, which is based on an open platform. The camera choices are a mix of different models relevant for where and what each individual camera has to monitor. The Advantages DAN'X has chosen a security solution that is future-safe and very flexible. The system has many development options, which make it possible to add new cameras anytime – quickly and easily. At the same time, the solution allows users to find evidence of any incidents through searching the images by date and time. The DAN'X customers themselves check that their high security demands are being upheld by regularly visiting the company locations. This naturally makes security a success criterion at DAN'X that has the highest priority. It is also the reason that DAN'X has chosen to build up their existing security system with a thorough upgrading to the newest technology and equipment. This dedication also shines through in the DAN'X choice of an IP video surveillance system for their security monitoring, designed to work now and in the future – only the best is good enough. The Partner Of Choice When it was decided at DAN'X to upgrade the old security system, there was no doubt for them that AC Sikring A/S would be their trusted supplier. They gathered offers from other installers, and received many good suggestions, but AC Sikring was chosen for the great flexibility and future-safe technology of their solution. "We were allowed to choose our own server, and this was one of the determining factors that settled our decision to use AC Sikring" says Jens C. Andersen, IT Manager at DAN'X. "AC Sikring uses solutions that are user friendly, which is a big plus for me, and they gave me the ability to put together the elements and take part in the installation and setup itself. I also knew AC Sikring well, as they were our previous security installer!" The New Solution "I knew about Milestone already, and was well aware that the software provides great flexibility, which means that we get things exactly as we want them." explains Jens C. Andersen, IT Manager, DAN'X The very high security requirements from the customer side made it especially important to choose the right solution from the start. "There has been no compromise – we have chosen the best of the best," states Jens C. Andersen. Every location had to be secured individually with an eye to building the system for a centralized management approach. An important feature for all the locations was that there should be the ability to monitor specific areas depending on each situation. In general, DAN'X demanded that the system perform with more images – in color – and more options for setting up the system. Flexibility was a critical parameter, which is exactly why Milestone XProtect Enterprise software was chosen. "I knew about Milestone already, and was well aware that the software provides great flexibility, which means that we get things exactly as we want them." explains Jens C. Andersen. "Furthermore, the system has many expansion possibilities that allow us to add new cameras whenever we want. It can also handle more than 1,000 images per second – fast and easy." Many Benefits The new software has given DAN'X the ability to work faster, more precisely and more effectively. They can find specific incidences by searching the archived image database by time and date. "This makes the daily work so much easier for me: I just search for a particular time or location, and can find the particular event quickly. With the help of megapixel cameras, I can now also see the smallest details, if necessary," adds Jens C. Andersen. "We had a really good dialog with AC Sikring, and they have been very flexible regarding all of our changes and customizations," reports Jens C. Andersen, who is looking forward to using the new security system as part of the company's daily procedures. Future Developments Since DAN'X is a company in constant growth, they already have plans for continual expansion of their surveillance system, including integration with their alarm system. In addition, there are plans in the near future to move the monitoring to a central video and guard service called Security Point from AC Sikring, in order to achieve an even higher level of security round the clock, 365 days a year, with visual verification. The result of their customers' high demands for security and their regular security checks at the locations is that DAN'X has put their security in the driver's seat, and established the best possible security system that can be found, installing a top professional surveillance system for today – and tomorrow!

Customer Malta's Grand Harbor into Valletta provides access to cruise ships. Passengers are greeted in this group of islands in the central Mediterranean with a view of ancient cream-colored buildings along twisting streets and hillsides, with limestone battlements, crenellated castles and ancient forts still guarding the harbor entrance, all reflecting 7,000 years of the islands' sometimes turbulent history. Today, the Valletta waterfront combines state-of-the-art sea passenger terminal facilities with shopping, dining and entertainment venues. It's a 24-hour destination that is consistently teeming with activity, and hundreds of thousands of cruise passengers from around the world visit every year. Challenge The complexity of the existing infrastructure, weather conditions and sheer scale of the overall installation were a significant challenge for securing the port and its surrounding areas. A facility big enough to accommodate large ocean liners obviously needs expansive video coverage, but the superior resolution provided by Arecont Vision cameras enables fewer cameras to cover very large areas. Surveillance operators at the cruise terminal can zoom in – live or even on archived video – and see the details of various areas in an image while still preserving the full image. Megapixel Solution A recent upgrade to the terminal's surveillance system included installation of 50 megapixel cameras from Arecont Vision, the first and largest installation of 5 Megapixel cameras in the Maltese Islands. The 3.0 megapixel cameras utilized in this installation send video along an information network providing greater resolution than images from conventional network cameras. In fact, the 3.0 megapixel cameras provide images with 10 times the resolution of standard VGA network cameras. Full-motion high-definition digital video combines superior image quality with manageable bandwidth and storage requirements. The system was installed by Alberta Group, Malta's leading provider of fire, safety and security systems. Alberta specializes in custom solutions to resolve their customers' specific problems and to decrease customers' exposure to risk. The Arecont Vision AV3100 provides image processing at billions of operations per second and can output multiple image formats to allow simultaneous viewing of the full resolution field of view and regions of interest Arecont Vision's MegaVideo technology enables coverage of large areas with extreme detail. The Arecont Vision AV3100 provides image processing at billions of operations per second and can output multiple image formats to allow simultaneous viewing of the full resolution field of view and regions of interest. The cameras provide four times the resolution of standard IP cameras with the ability to output full real-time frame rates. The 3 megapixel Arecont Vision AV3100 cameras used at the cruise ship terminal in Malta provide 2048x1536-pixel progressive scan images at 15 frames per second. "Alberta invests a great deal of money and resources into developing and evaluating the best technological advances to provide superior performance to our customers," said Karim Cassar, Alberta's Technical Research Executive. "Arecont Vision's megapixel cameras fit perfectly into our technology-centric approach to the market, as demonstrated by their performance in our installation at the cruise ship terminal in Valletta." Megapixel Benefits: The cruise ship at Valletta deployed the latest megapixel camera technology from Arecont Vision to secure its port and surrounding tourist areas. The system deployed delivers wide area video coverage with superior resolution and cost-efficiency. With the new system, surveillance operators can zoom in on live or recorded video to see detailed images of any scene."Arecont Vision cameras provide unparalleled image quality and resolution for applications world-wide, and their ability to boost image resolution without taxing bandwidth or storage resources is documented at the cruise terminal in Malta," said Steven Sarfati, Senior Vice President of International Sales at Arecont Vision. "As throngs of passengers travel through the terminal on their way to an historic experience in Malta, Arecont Vision cameras will be keeping a watchful eye with HD resolution."

With successful installations already in full operation on Shanghai Metro's Line 6 and Line 9, access control specialist TDSi, in partnership with its distribution partner in China, ZDX, has now begun work on the system installation for Line 7. Shanghai Metro is one of the newest and fastest growing rapid transit systems in the world, with 162 stations and over 225km of track running both above and underground. On average, well over two million passengers use the system everyday - with future expansion set to see that number increase to over three million.  The latest addition to the network, Line 7 is scheduled to be commissioned into service at the end of 2008, and will connect the Baoshan District with the city center and Pudong District. Significantly, it will also provide a vital link to the site of the World Expo, which is being hosted by Shanghai in 2010. Over the last three years, TDSi and ZDX have developed and supplied fully integrated access control solutions for Lines 6 and 9. Each Line is served by over 40 stations as well as its own Operational Control Centre (OCC), with around 2,000 doors secured and controlled by TDSi's systems on each line. Commenting on the programme, TDSi's Managing Director, John Davies, said: "The Shanghai Metro is a very significant and high profile infrastructure programme, representing one of the largest access control projects across the whole of China. With two lines having been in operation for over a year, we were delighted to be awarded the contract for Line 7 - a real demonstration of the performance and quality of our systems, in very demanding conditions." The access control solution for the project features TDSi's EXpert controllers, EXgarde Enterprise software platform and MIFARE® smart card readers. Specified for their proven performance in high capacity applications, EXpert delivers a fully featured and networkable system. Each controller has a capacity of up to 48,000 cards and provides fast and effective access control to projects such as the Shanghai Metro, which has consistently high volumes of users passing through multiple access points. The OCC and each station's controllers are programmed via EXgarde Enterprise, TDSi's latest advanced access management software application. Each station is capable of operating independently of the server in cases where communications are lost - a key requirement in the specification for this particular project. Featuring database replication for powerful disaster recovery capabilities and total peace of mind, EXgarde Enterprise allows all real-time events and system parameters to be stored both at the main server in the local OCC and at each individual station.  However should communications be lost between the center and any of the individual stations, changes and events are stored at the local stations until communications to the main server are re-established, at which point, the databases are re-synchronised. EXgarde Enterprise allows the system to be managed centrally, even where the Wide Area Network (WAN) may be of variable quality, effectively removing the risk of single point failure. TDSi MIFARE®smart card readers are employed throughout each Line. Providing true contactless technology, the readers provide an extremely cost efficient, highly reliable solution that also allows for straightforward expansion in the future - for example, allowing the same access control card to be used for cashless vending and car park management, offering users a true, one-card solution. Finally, the system provides both security and facilities managers with complete control and reporting capability for each line - both centrally and locally.

Metro São Paulo, consisting of five different lines, 55 stations and extending to over 60 kilometers of rail networks, was looking for a sophisticated electronic monitoring solution to increase the security of its passengers -in a city where violence rates are very high. In order to assure higher security levels, Metro SP decided to increase the number of cameras installed in a widely spread network of locations.In addition the customer wanted to introduce digital video recording technology which they had not been using before. In locations were human security is critical, Bosch solutions are the first choice for customers. Bosch monitoring solutions set new standards in performance, quality and state-of-the-art technology. Metro São Paulo’s new monitoring system is equipped with a Bosch CCTV system including 138 cameras, whereof 121 are fixed and 17 are dome cameras. The solution provides high levels of technology and system integration, offering an excellent monitoring solution for Metro São Paulo. They are managed by ten DiBOS Digital Video Recorders and a BIS Video Engine. Built-in scripting and application programmer's interface (APIs) allow easy enhancement with the existing monitoring system. The highly efficient video management system is monitored via the Security Control Center of the subway, which now serves as a model for transport monitoring in the region. The Control Center monitors almost 200 cameras, using a ring gigabyte network. Two control posts are constantly monitoring the five metro lines via six monitors and two plasma screens. Using state of the art digital recording and communication technology, Metro staff can now retrieve vital images and share information faster than ever before! They can better access critical situations and take appropriate actions immediately. The solution provides high levels of technology and system integration, offering an excellent monitoring solution for Metro São Paulo. The principal customer need - to increase the security of its passengers - has been fully met. The Metro Security Control Center now serves as a model for state-of-the-art transport monitoring solutions in Brazil.