Glenn Taylor

The networked solution integrated components from top vendors of IP and wireless security systems Milestone Systems XProtect® open platform video management software (VMS) was at the core of the collaborative effort between the 2014 New York City Marathon team and many local agencies. The networked solution integrated components from top vendors of IP and wireless security systems equipment, including remote and mobile technology that resolved issues of critical overview for ensuring safety at this huge event. For thousands of runners pushing the limits of their physical endurance, the finish line at the TCS New York City Marathon represented the achievement of a lifetime. For those responsible for safety, however, the very same finish line presented challenges. Tall trees that line the curvy roads and pathways in Central Park do not provide a clear line of sight, and often runners are hidden from the view of medical and safety personnel responsible for responding to emergencies.  With 50,530 finishers and an estimated 2 million onlookers in 2014, the TCS New York City Marathon was the world’s largest ever. Tata Consulting Services (TCS) was the event’s title sponsor but the New York Road Runners (NYRR) organized the event, as they have for many years. NYRR hired a strong team of leading security industry partners. VIRSIG LLC configured and deployed a wireless network in and around Central Park, including the marathon’s finish line. The network consisted of the latest Sony network surveillance cameras, and Ethernet transmitters provided by Network Video Technologies (NVT). These components were linked with Firetide wireless mesh nodes that securely transmitted video and voice data to the Race Command Center where a Milestone XProtect® Smart Wall displayed 36 simultaneous camera views. Milestone video management software (VMS) served as the platform for live and recorded playback. Centennial Security Integration assisted with installation to transform the multiple-node architecture into a seamless unified system. Milestone Open Platform Runs With High Performance "Milestone video management software (VMS) served as the platform for live and recorded playback" The open platform architecture of the Milestone VMS made it possible to configure and deploy a network with the depth and flexibility to deliver reliable functionality to more people in more places. The IPELA engine of Sony’s ultra-wide, dynamic-range network cameras provided the outputs, including fixed models with on-board video analytics, Pan-Tilt-Zoom and 360-degree views. These were managed and displayed through Milestone XProtect® Corporate VMS developed for large-scale, high-security deployments. The Command Center had a consolidated operational view in a 55-screen XProtect® Smart Wall, while roving staff could view video on the move using the Milestone Mobile client. Glenn Taylor, Executive Director, VIRSIG LLC, said: “Milestone’s open platform enabled us to provide a high-availability, high-performance network with the high-availability, high-performance video management system.” A Consolidated, Operational View Dr. Stuart Weiss is the medical director for the New York Road Runners. On race day, his job was to direct the tent near the finish line that was fully staffed as an emergency room. The goal was to treat onsite as many runners as possible requiring medical attention who could then be sent home. Weiss said that the video capabilities proved to be a critical part of his team’s situational awareness, supporting decision making through views of the finish line, walk-off areas, Central Park and various points along the marathon’s course. Being able to see runners as they finished the race helped his team identify those who needed emergency room treatment and what type of care to provide for injuries that could be treated in the tent. The sheer number of people made it complicated to keep track of what was going on as runners cooled down on their way to the area for reuniting with family and friends. In addition, the cool-down period is when trauma is most likely to occur. “The Milestone software helped us integrate all the camera feeds into one screen area we could easily look at to see what was happening across the area,” Weiss said. “We used it to make critical decisions throughout the day.” “The Milestone software helped us integrate all the camera feeds into one screen area we could easily look at to see what was happening across the area”, says Dr. Stuart Weiss - medical director for the New York Road Runners The race commander used his view of the five medical tents to decide which tents were at capacity and needed more medical personnel and which tents were able to receive additional people. At one point the electricity went out on one of the poles where a camera was mounted, and a technical person used the Milestone Mobile client on a smartphone to send images from that location back to the command center. Greater Reach For Better Safety Central Park West is one location where a network would be difficult to deploy if it weren’t for wireless capabilities. Glenn Taylor reports that the Milestone open platform’s ability to support a wide range of wireless devices gave the deployment far greater reach. He explained that most wireless equipment requires a clear line of sight - a rare luxury in a setting known for winding roads and dense vegetation. VIRSIG overcame that by installing wireless transmitting devices at the tops of 140-foot utility poles to receive signals from the IP cameras that carried the data to the servers, where the images dramatically increased the marathon’s overall situational awareness. “The wireless mesh extended the network out into areas where you typically would not be able to put a network,” he says. “We created a platform that everyone was able to share in order to make the marathon a safer, more secure event.”

The Sony HD bullet cameras provided race coordinators with uninterrupted views, regardless of lighting conditions Background The New York City Marathon is a tradition held sacred not only by New Yorkers, but by people from around the globe who come to take part in the yearly event. Participants from more than 130 countries vie for a select number of spots to run the 26.2 mile course. Meanwhile, the whole city unites as spectators to cheer on those undertaking one of the most gruelling feats of physical stamina and endurance, which in 2014 took an average of 4 hours and 35 minutes to complete. The 2014 New York City Marathon — held November 2, 2014 — was completed by more than 50,000 runners who ran through all five boroughs ending in the scenic embrace of Central Park. Furthermore, over one million spectators crowded the length of the course for hours to cheer on runners on. The Challenge When large crowds gather in confined areas for many hours, the topic naturally turns to security. As a result of this spotlight on safety issues at large-scale and widespread events, like a marathon, a comprehensive plan is put in place to keep the race runners and spectators secure. This year, the New York Road Runners (NYRR), the running club who organizes the annual race and their medical team chose New York City-based networked technology and systems integrator, Virsig, LLC to spearhead and execute their security plans, and to provide technological assistance and direction to increase safety. Sony Solution Sony was chosen by Virsig to be the IP camera of choice to securely monitor the world’s largest marathon, along with support from several other global technology partners including: Firetide, Inc.—a Division of UNICOM Global; Milestone Systems and Network Video Technologies. Sony’s cameras were required to perform multiple functions ranging from situational awareness at all entrances and exits, to threat assessment, and personnel management. In excess of 50 Sony security cameras were installed along the route, including SNC-HM662, SNC-XM632, SNC-WR632C, SNC-CH260 and SNC-CH280 ; which includes fixed cameras with on-board video analytics, dome, bullet, 360 degree and pan-tilt-zoom style cameras. Additionally, the marathon coordinators required a camera that would provide situational awareness to monitor the activities inside the emergency and medical tents. Because these were temporary structures, they were unable to take advantage of multiple camera views. For those areas, the SNC-HM662, a 5MP camera capable of providing 360 degree views from a single sensor, was selected. From this one camera, race organizers were able to know exactly what was going on in each tent, at all times. Results Sony’s IPELA ENGINE security cameras, which were also installed at the 2013 New York City Marathon, were coordinated through Milestone Systems XProtect Corporate, a powerful IP video management software (VMS) designed for large-scale and high-security deployments. Meanwhile, Sony’s new, ultra wide dynamic range IP surveillance cameras were placed throughout the last mile of the race in Central Park and around the finish line. The camera allowed for images that were far more detailed and expansive than anything used in the past The innovative SNC-XM632 IPELA ENGINE camera was used in multiple locations for a broad overview of the areasaround the entrance and exit points at the race. The camera has a 113-degree wide angle field-of-view and a hi-res, full HD imager, allowing for images that were far more detailed and expansive than anything used in the past. Why Sony Was Selected Sony’s reputation as a reliable provider of security solutions made it a clear choice for Virsig. Having a system that necessitated quick and efficient set-up was essential to the proposed solution. Although the marathon takes place during the day, the setup occurs over the course of several preceding days, and Sony’s cameras needed to be able to perform reliably during day and night-time hours. The Sony high-definition bullet cameras that were used come equipped with infrared illuminators that provided race coordinators with uninterrupted views, regardless of lighting conditions. The weather leading up to the marathon was very challenging, including freezing cold temperatures and rain, so it was important for Virsig to use cameras that were durable, reliable and self-sufficient. Sony’s security cameras automatically adjust to meet requirements in lighting and environment, and hold up to the unpredictable demands of the weather. This ensure that race managers can deal with unforeseen circumstances and medical emergencies and rest assured that the cameras will perform their functions without the attention of a team. Quotes “We selected Sony for multiple reasons; first and foremost because of the quality of the picture, and secondly because of the ease of installation,” said Glenn Taylor, Executive Director, Virsig. “We have a very short window to get the equipment up and running and we don’t have a lot of direct access to the cameras during the actual marathon. This is particularly why we relied on the photo framing and auto focus that’s built into the electronics of the Sony camera.” “To help ensure the safety of the biggest marathon in the world is no small task. Sony is pleased that we were able to be an integral part of the security process for the second year in a row,” said Phil Coppola, Northeast Security Manager, Sony Electronics’ Security Systems Division. “Virsig worked day and night to get their system up and running and they had to contend with some terrible weather leading up to the race. With their experience in wireless transmission and video surveillance system design and installation, Virsig allowed the Sony cameras to operate to their fullest potential and play a pivotal role in helping to secure the marathon participants and spectators.”