Eric Olson

PureTech Systems announces its latest capability, which provides for automated dispatch of a security drone to an alarm location. The alarm can originate from sensor sources capable of providing a location including PureActiv geospatial video analytics, radar, acoustic buried/fence sensor, UGS, access control, contact alarm, and user input. High resolution cameras, excellent stabilisation measures, lighter materials and better battery life have combined to make drones efficient surveillance platforms. PureTech System’s has leveraged these technology advancements along with its industry video analytics and flagship geospatial management system to provide automated security response that includes drone dispatch, flight path guidance to the alarm location, continuously updated drone location and camera Field-of-View on the GIS map, and live video from drone mounted cameras. Dispatch-Drone-To-Alarm Features Automatic drone stand-off distance and altitude calculation for fixed camera payloads to ensure view of target, as well as, the ability to maintain target Other key features of the Dispatch-Drone-to-Alarm include: Takeoff / Return – Fully automated drone start, take off and return. Flightpath Guidance – Automatic upload of waypoints to direct the drone to the event location. The integration also allows for flight plan changes and waypoint additions after initial dispatch. Live Video – Live streaming video to the PureActiv geospatial video management system (VMS) during all stages of the mission. Full support of both visible and thermal camera feeds, including recording, playback and forensic review. Target Detect & Monitor– Automatic drone stand-off distance and altitude calculation for fixed camera payloads to ensure view of target, as well as, the ability to maintain target in the camera view via drone heading control. PTZ Control – if outfitted, remote PTZ control in hover mode. Drone Position Tracking – Drone location tracking and route display on map-based VMS. Drone Status Indication –Operator display of real-time drone status and health condition. Security Surveillance Tool “Recent technology advanced have made drones a very attractive security surveillance tool, providing an additional layer of automation, detection and response,” notes Eric Olson, PureTech Systems vice president of marketing. we envision to be a robust technology roadmap, utilising PureTech Systems’ patents related to airborne operation and detection from moving platforms “This integration, allowing for the automatic dispatch of a drone or UAV to a security event, is the first step in what we envision to be a robust technology roadmap, utilising PureTech Systems’ patents related to airborne operation and detection from moving platforms, our know-how in sensor integration, use of geospatial methods, deep learning and further evolution of drone technology to bring remote security and automation to the next level.” Five-Hour Endurance The first integration was performed with The Perimeter, a hybrid gas-electric multicopter drone from the company Skyfront. The Perimeter, which boasts a record-breaking five-hour endurance and 100+ mile range, will be featured with PureTech Systems’ dispatch-to-alarm capability at customer demonstrations taking place concurrent with this release.   “The combination of the Perimeter drone and PureActiv video management system is a cost-effective, scalable, and fundamentally better way to secure very large installations. Property owners can have eyes on the ground at the site of a breach, miles away, in less than five minutes. We look forward to demonstrating this solution to customers with PureTech Systems,” says Troy Mestler, CEO of Skyfront.

PureTech Systems announced the delivery of the first ALERT Truck Mobile Surveillance System, a collaborative border surveillance platform designed and sold by PVP Advanced Electro-Optical systems, Inc. (PVPAEO). A key technology included in the platform is the PureActiv long range video analytics, camera control and map-based command and control. The sensor suite, integrated onto a FORD F-150 FX4 Off-road chassis to enable rapid deployment, also includes SRC Inc’s SR Hawk ground surveillance radar, the PVPAEO Night Hawk thermal/visible camera suite, the U.S Towers ALERT Self Leveling Tower, as well as, GPS and laser range finder capability. Geospatial Video Analytics The ALERT Truck Mobile Surveillance System, or ALERT Truck, is designed for rapid deployment and maneuverability. It includes multiple sensors (radar, thermal camera, visible camera, geospatial video analytics, laser range finder, self-leveling mast, and GPS), as well as, a complete command and control VMS software integrated into a mobile vehicle platform. Its mobility, long range surveillance and automated detection is specifically designed for guarding borders and ensuring perimeter security of critical infrastructure. “We saw an increasing need for mobile platforms which could provide advanced surveillance and control at long distances,” explains Geoff Miller, Manager, Program and Business Development at PVPAEO. “More important than just creating a mobile platform, was the need to select the best sensors in the industry and provide them in a well-integrated system.” Items Of Interest DetectionWithin the ALERT Truck platform, PureTech Systems provides: Long-range video analytics (real-size, speed, classification), for Items of Interest (IOI) detection Extreme accuracy camera control for long range steering Camera auto follow for video tracking of IOIs Video/radar alarm collaboration and combined track display Laser range finder control and automatic marker placement Dynamic map-based user interface including and real time IOI locations The integration also features rapid deployment technology, whereby the system utilizes positional sensors along with location data and the self-leveling tower to eliminate the need for calibration, so the system can be utilized within minutes of reaching its mobile destination. Enhanced Border Protection “Today’s surveillance needs have moved beyond the traditional fixed camera on a fence line,” states Eric Olson, Vice President of Marketing at PureTech Systems. “Sensors need to be smart, easy to set up, collaborative and able to move rapidly as threats move. This is especially true in ensuring border safety,” adds Olson. “The ALERT Truck system is an excellent example of how this can be achieved in a single platform and the inclusion of our PureActiv intelligent video integrated with these other top performing sensors makes a great security solution for border protection.”The first ALERT Truck was delivered to a customer with plans to utilize the surveillance platform for border safety in the Middle East/North Africa.

PureActiv integration with SpotterRF Radar provides a more robust, more accurate and more user friendly surveillance solution PureTech Systems is well known in the development of video analytic capability to meet the needs of the security market.  It is also extremely proactive in combining this technology with other high performance sensors within the security market. The most recent integration combines its video analytic expertise with that of the SpotterRF radar family, and specifically the C20B radar. The integration is driven by an installation and system performance test at a major electrical power facility located in the United States. Advanced Detection And Tracking The SpotterRF radar family provides advanced detection and tracking of potential threats, with the C20B providing detection out to 120m. The integration allows these targets to be displayed and updated through the PureActiv map-based video management user display. Additionally, the integration includes the sharing of position data to allow advanced autonomous sensor control, such as the ability to steer a camera to the exact point of intrusion (Slew to Cue) and the subsequent hand-free tracking of the intruder using a pan-tilt-zoom camera (Camera Auto Follow).  The combination of the technology provides for increased situation awareness to the user, enabling the viewing, management and track merging of various target types (radar, video, GPS, etc.) through a central user interface.  It also facilitates the automation of response actions, as well as, the corroboration of the detections between multiple sensors, providing more accurate detection and less false alarms. The ability to geo-reference video from security cameras in real time, means the solution speaks thesame language as radars User Friendly Surveillance Solution “The ability for PureActiv to geo-reference video from security cameras in real time, means the solution speaks the same language as radars,” explains Eric Olson, Vice President of Marketing at PureTech Systems.  “This allows us to easily integrate with other geospatially aware sensors, such as the family of the SpotterRF radars.  The result is a more robust, more accurate and more user friendly surveillance solution for the security market.”  “We continue to seek new ways to meet the needs of critical infrastructure customers,” explains Logan Harris, CEO at SpotterRF.  “We welcome the opportunity to integrate our radars with PureTech Systems’ geospatial video management system and intelligent video capability. This combined offering has immediate application in the electrical power industry and continued opportunity for growth.” The integration took place at PureTech Systems’ headquarters in Phoenix, AZ and recently completed an extensive customer acceptance test to mark its first deployment.  It is currently available for new or existing installations.  The PureTech/SpotterRF integration may be seen at the PureTech booth #2973 at ASIS Orlando September 12-15. Save

When it comes to low light control room environments, “darker” color schemes result in better visibility and less eye strain. This is an underlying theme in the 12.0 version of the PureActiv geospatial video management and video analytics software, recently released by PureTech Systems.  The new interface continues with its market-leading map-based design, but moves to an overall darker color scheme, perfect for viewing in low light situations, but also allowing better contrast in brightly lit areas. The update allows the application to further its objective for providing enhanced situational awareness in security situations. The new color scheme applies to all main application windows, including video palette, alarm widow and map.  It also applies to support functions including camera groups, status windows, server health, alarm cameras and map layer selection windows.  Improved Situational Awareness For Security Personnel Security personnel must monitor a large amount of information. The removal of extraneous data, or features that are not critical to real time action, can reduce this monitoring workload. To help address this concern, the version 12.0 release introduces the ability to partially, or fully, hide the system menu bar to aid in the reduction of clutter. Use of a new drop down menu permits important end user functions to remain within easy access. To further situational awareness, PureActiv 12.0 introduces new iconography, with redesigned graphics aimed at providing easy identification and recognition of features and functions.  Along with new main menu and drop down menu icons, updated program shortcuts provide a common theme and intuitive graphical tool representations. Furthermore, updated map and classification icons, used to denote dynamic camera control and show target movement and location, provide standardization and provide quicker target recognition. User-Friendly VMS Interface  “PureTech Systems has one of the most recognizable and user-friendly video management interface in the market,” explains Eric Olson, Vice President of Marketing at Phoenix-based PureTech Systems. “This update reflects our continued desire to provide the highest level user experience from both an operability and a user effectiveness perspective,” Olson furthers. “We are looking forward to the roll out of the product’s new look and feel.” The new release boasts a host of other improvements and features comprising updated alarms tones, new third party integrations, metadata additions, and further enhancements to address unique challenges in very long-range environments, such as border applications and seaports. PureActiv 12.0 is currently deploying for all new and existing customers. PureActiv customers under software maintenance agreement should contact their support person to schedule an upgrade.

The newly awarded patent focus on technology growth in the area of utilising video analytics on pan-tilt-zoom cameras PureTech Systems, an Arizona-based geospatial video analytics company, recently announced the issuance of a patent by the United States Patent Office - US Patent No 9,213,904 “Autonomous Lock-On Target Tracking with Geospatial-Aware PTZ Cameras.” Patent Expands Lock-on Target Tracking The newly awarded patent is one in a series of PureTech Systems patents that focus on technology growth in the area of utilising video analytics on pan-tilt-zoom cameras, whether stationary or on a mobile platform. US Patent No 9,213,904 expands the lock-on target tracking to include improved target identity, whereby the software will uniquely identify the target and maintain track on that specific target. This is in contrast to many PTZ target-tracking algorithms that track based on the “motion” of the object or the “strength” of the detection. To identify the target of interest, the patent discloses the utilisation of a refined target boundary and additional wake separation methods to characterize the target of interest and maintain its identity throughout the tracking process. The ability to identify an object, such as a person, vehicle, bicycle and autonomously lock-on, regardless of whether the camera or the target is in motion, has become more and more in demand with the advent of cameras mounted on, not only UAVs and drones, but also vehicles, humans and other moving platforms. Applications Of Video-Based Autonomous Tracking “The popularity of drones with cameras and the low cost entry point has made this an exciting time for video-based autonomous-tracking, notes Eric Olson, Vice President of Marketing at PureTech Systems. “Video tracking capability, from both static mounted sensors and sensors on mobile platforms, has long been required in the defense and security market, but now that same capability is applicable across a range of other market opportunities,” noted Olson. “The granting of this patent is an important milestone to protect the vast amount of development PureTech Systems has achieved in this area.” The practical application of the patent provides for extensive automation and greater video tracking accuracy for both the operational needs of physical security for critical facilities, defense, border and homeland security, as well as, the use of video tracking in commercial applications, such as recreational sports, real estate and retail.

PureTech Systems released the latest version of its PureActiv geospatial video management and video analytics software. As with previous releases, PureActiv 11.0 provides new detection capability through the addition of advanced video analytics, map-based user features, advances in metadata collection and playback, as well as, a wide range of security sensor integrations. PureActiv 11.0 adds a host of graphical user tools, improved video analytics and the availability of metadata on live camera views. Map-Based GUI Enhancements – A compelling feature of the PureActiv Video Management System is the map-based user interface, allowing users to track targets and control PTZ cameras and sensors directly from the map. The new release expands this capability, by providing a set of graphical tools to allow users to manage situations and communicate status utilising the map. Added capability includes the display of view shed (a graphical display of a camera’s non-obstructed views), place markers, and a distance-measuring tool. PureActiv’s design approach pairs every pixel in the camera space with a corresponding location in the terrain space. This introduces the new capability for a user to select a location within the video and have the system automatically create a place marker at the corresponding location on the map. Video Analytics – The new version of PureActiv includes many enhancements to the product’s intelligent video algorithms. A new software based video stabilization provides several improvements over the previous version, including no video cropping and no prior introduction of control points or regions. Enhanced camera auto follow has been added, enabling tracking of intruders at distances of up to five miles. Real Time And Forensic Metadata – PureActiv 11.0 boasts an increase in metadata collected and associated with every video frame. The data parameters range from object location to specific characteristics of the target itself. This data is then accessible to third party VMS, frame-by-frame within the PureActiv video player or in real time through the camera view. New metadata functionality expands alarming capabilities and improves forensic search activities.  Simplified Set-Up – Set up time is substantially reduced with the addition of multiple software tools in the announced release. Added tools allow for quick geo-referencing of fixed cameras. Similarly, issues caused by variances in PTZ camera installations are addressable within the PureActiv software using the newly developed PTZ Leveling tool, avoiding the need to revisit the physical camera install. Perimeter Sensor Integration – PureTech Systems continues in its tradition of having a robust 3rd party integration program adding a multitude of integrations to the 11.0 release. In addition to the latest cameras from Bosch, General Dynamics, PVP Advanced EO Systems, DRS, Axis and Pelco, the newest release encompasses integrations with ONSSI, Genetec, AMAG and Lockheed Martin video management systems. Other unique perimeter sensor functionality includes new radar integrations, spotlight control, covert laser, tilt sensors and automatic tracking utilizing LRAD. “At PureTech Systems, our tag line is Detect, Analyze, Respond", states Eric Olson, marketing vice president of Phoenix-based PureTech Systems. “We continue this tradition with our 11.0 release - adding more advancements in video analytics detection, detailed metadata for real and forensic analysis and a host of graphical user tools to aid in response activities. This release pushes our geo-location based detection capabilities to substantially greater distances; up to several miles.” PureActiv 11.0 is currently available to new and existing customers. Existing PureActiv customers should contact their support person to schedule an upgrade.

PureTech Systems Inc., a leading manufacturer of geospatial video analytic software, recently announced that it has integrated its PureActiv geospatial surveillance solution with General Dynamics Global Imaging Technology's line of VZ-series mid- to long-range cooled electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) multi-sensor camera systems. The integration enables the camera systems to utilize PureTech's thermal video analytic and long range, map-based PTZ control capabilities. The resulting solution is ideal for a wide range of homeland security applications requiring long-range targeting and wide-area perimeter surveillance including border and coastal protection. The solution leverages PureTech's video analytic capabilities, providing the ability to detect and dynamically display the target's location on a map-enabled, geospatial command and control. Paired with the EO/IR capabilities of the VZ-series day and thermal sensors, the integrated solution targets surveillance and reconnaissance in ground-based defense and homeland security missions requiring maximum detection distance, in most degraded weather conditions, day or night. The VZ-series of EO/IR multi-sensor camera systems also includes step zoom or continuous zoom thermal camera options, both of which have been incorporated into the integration. "The combination of the VZ-series long range imagers and pan-tilt-zoom control with PureTech Systems' thermal video analytics and map based camera control provides compelling long-range sensor capabilities," explains Eric Olson, vice president of marketing at PureTech Systems. "Pointing a camera to a target or location several kilometers away is a difficult task, but it becomes very efficient and highly accurate when integrated with the geospatial (map-based) camera control." The integration of the pan-tilt-zoom functionality also allows the camera series to utilize PureTech Systems camera auto follow feature, which automatically steers the camera to follow a target without the need for any operator interaction.  "General Dynamics designs and manufactures high performance, short, medium and long-range EO/IR camera systems to insure our customers have the most reliable system and highest quality image for mission success," John van Dyke, senior director, sensors and processing at General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems. "The efforts with our VZ-series integration with PureActiv translate directly to our short-range, uncooled, VU-series EO/IR multi-sensor camera systems, as well. Adding the capability to use PureTech System's intelligent video and geospatial camera controls is one additional step to insure we are providing our customers with the mid- to long-range solutions they need." PureTech's intelligent video solution uses real object size to classify the target as a person, car, truck or boat of a particular size class and can be deployed as a server-based or an edge device solution. The capabilities can be deployed on PureActiv's map based command and control or on an existing PSIM / video management system.