License plate recognition

Senstar, a provider of video management systems (VMS) and perimeter intrusion detection systems (PIDS), is pleased to announce its products were recently selected to protect five airports in various locations around the world. These sites join the list of hundreds of civilian and military airports currently using Senstar products. “Airport infrastructure and assets represent a vital economic engine for many cities and countries making them prime targets for vandals, thieves and terrorists,” said Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Jeremy Weese. “Senstar products help to keep operations, goods and people safe and moving.” Improve security monitoring Senstar’s VMS, video analytics, and associated hardware reduce operator workload and improve overall security monitoring by automatically detecting persons of interest, items left in public spaces, crowd formations, and wrong way movement between landside-airside egress points. These technologies also streamline operations and centralize IT management in the cloud, saving time and money. While Senstar VMS and PIDS are open platforms designed for integration with a wide variety of systems" Senstar’s PIDS provide early warning of unauthorized entry onto airport grounds, including into sensitive areas within the apron such as aircraft parking, fuel storage, electrical substations, and navigation/communication equipment areas. “While Senstar VMS and PIDS are open platforms designed for integration with a wide variety of systems, they work even better together,” said Mr. Weese. Perimeter intrusion attempt Built-in integration enables security personnel to monitor a wide range of sensors and cameras from a single workstation, with the end result being simplified operator interfaces and reduced response times. For a real world demonstration on the benefits of integrated VMS and PIDS solutions, watch Senstar’s surveillance video of a recent perimeter intrusion attempt. The new airport projects use the following Senstar products: Symphony VMS (manages 250 cameras), Enterprise Manager software (centralized cloud management), Thin Client network video display appliances, Face Recognition, Automatic License Plate Recognition, Left and Removed Item Detection, Outdoor People and Vehicle Tracker analytics, FiberPatrol® fiber optic fence-mounted intrusion detection system, and OmniTrax® buried cable intrusion detection system.

According to a recent report published by business intelligence provider IHS Markit, Genetec Inc., a technology provider of unified security, public safety, operations, and business intelligence solutions, was named the world’s number one vendor of Video Management Systems (VMS). IHS-reported results from 2015-2018 also point to the company sustaining a 24.1% CAGR (compound annual growth rate) for the past 3 years in this category. In the Americas, Genetec remains the leading VMS manufacturer by a wide margin for eight consecutive years, with an 18.3% share of this $4.1 billion market. Genetec has also taken the number one position in the $1.7 billion market for back-end video surveillance equipment in the Americas. In the rest of the world, Genetec grew its VMS revenue at a fast rate: In EMEA, Genetec revenues grew by 20.5% in 2018, while in APAC (excluding China), Genetec grew its revenues by 22.5%. IP-Based physical security solutions Our independence and single-mindedness have helped us earn the trust of enterprise and government users"“As a privately owned, independent manufacturer of IP-based physical security solutions, we reinvest a much higher proportion of our annual top-line revenue into R&D than most,” states Pierre Racz, President, Genetec Inc. “Our independence and single-mindedness have helped us earn the trust of enterprise and government users. We want to delight the customer. Circumstances have propelled us to be outspoken about privacy and cyber-security.” “These factors, along with good-fortune, strong partnerships and a great team, are some of the factors that explain the appeal of our solutions,” explains Racz. "We will continue to lower the friction with which our customers integrate new sensors and other systems into the decision-making of their operations.” According to IHS Markit (2017 Video Surveillance Market Share Database, 2017 Access Control Intelligence Database, and 2018 ANPR & Detection Sensors Report), Genetec is the only security and public safety solutions developer to hold top-10 global rankings across all physical security industry sectors including video management software (VMS), access control software, and automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) software.

After the Innovation Summits in Athens and Langmeil and the company’s attendance at the ISC West in Las Vegas, where MOBOTIX presented the latest research and R&D successes and trends to customers and partners, ‘Spring Splash’ marks the market launch of the latest innovations. MOBOTIX is demonstrating the company’s innovative strength to both its partners and customers. “We want to exploit the potential of MOBOTIX technology and DNA and focus on quality from Germany and cybersecurity,” said MOBOTIX CEO Thomas Lausten at the various launches. MOBOTIX also sees good opportunities and growth potential for video surveillance outside the traditional security sector: “We focus our research and development activities on continuously opening up new markets for MOBOTIX – whether in production monitoring, customer behavior in retail stores, in the health care sector or in logistics – in close co-operation with our technology partners,” explains Lausten. ONVIF-Compliant MxManagementCenter The Spring Splash event sees the launch of version 2.1 of the MxManagementCenter, which is ONVIF-compliantMOBOTIX works on regularly optimizing and expanding its range of products and solutions in order to develop market-driven and future-oriented innovations and to ensure the greatest possible cybersecurity for these innovations in Langmeil, Germany. Together with the R&D colleagues of the technology partners, such as Konica Minolta, new solutions for vertical markets were developed and brought to marketability: The Spring Splash event sees the launch of version 2.1 of the MxManagementCenter, which is ONVIF-compliant like all MOBOTIX IoT and MOVE camera models. This means it complies with the worldwide open standard for IP-based security products. MOBOTIX offers its customers a simple and scalable total solution for video-supported search for a variety of applications with its new Smart Data license, regardless of the industry. Real-Time secure transmission of data The MOBOTIX Smart Data solution enables the combination of almost any multi-layered data source, such as cash register or car license plate detection systems, using the video data from MOBOTIX IoT cameras. All data can be securely encrypted and transmitted in real time, and the results can be analyzed onsite or via an Internet connection from any MxMC workstation worldwide. “Our Smart Data solution is a valuable tool, especially for our solution and technology partners, for integrating their technological developments into our MxManagementCenter,” continues Lausten. MxBell 2.1, the MOBOTIX app, is the mobile remote station for MOBOTIX IP video Door Stations and IoT cameras There will be a firmware release going online for the MxThinClient, which will enable an IP video interface to display live images from all MOBOTIX IoT and MOVE camera models and Door Stations on a monitor/TV set. Both the stability and access security of the MOBOTIX system are increased thanks to the option of direct displaying camera images without the need for operating software or even a PC workstation. MxBell 2.1 app for IP video Door Stations MxBell 2.1, the MOBOTIX app, is the mobile remote station for MOBOTIX IP video Door Stations and IoT cameras. The app’s interface underwent a facelift to improve user-friendliness and now sends push notifications for all Door Stations and camera events. Especially valuable for the user is the visitor and event documentation, which makes it possible to track events quickly and easily at any time and from anywhere. The system release Mx-V5.2.3.30 for all Mx6 x16/x26 cameras reduces bandwidth and storage requirements by 25% thanks to 3D noise reduction, among other things. In addition to data security, data economy is indispensable in the world of the IoT and is therefore of utmost importance for MOBOTIX in the interests of its customers.

Genetec Inc. (‘Genetec’), a technology provider of unified security, public safety, operations, and business intelligence solutions announces a number of strategic hires in Europe to support the company’s sustained growth in both Europe and the Middle East. Francesco Serra, has taken on the role of Vice President of Sales for Europe, based in the Genetec European headquarters in Paris. Having held senior roles with Siemens, Avaya and Polycom, Francesco brings over 25 years of management experience in the technology industry. His extensive background in sales and sales management will be an asset to the Genetec leadership team as the company continues to accelerate its growth in this region.  New Market Opportunities Georges Tannous has taken on the new position of Director of Marketing In his new role, Francesco will be responsible for driving the Genetec European sales and channel operations to deliver on the company's ambitious growth plans. “We are excited to welcome Francesco to the Genetec team. His industry experience and sales acumen will help us to continue to propel our business forward in Europe by building on our existing successes and opening up new market opportunities under his leadership,” added Michel Chalouhi, Vice-President of Global Sales at Genetec. With over 15 years of experience in global partner management, and an MBA from Western University's Ivey school of business, Georges Tannous has taken on the new position of Director of Marketing for Europe, Middle East, Turkey and Africa. End-User Awareness Also based in Paris, Georges will lead the company’s EMEA marketing teams and guide the continued growth of the Genetec brand in the region while continuing to oversee the company’s global portfolio of strategic technology alliance partners. A key player in the global Genetec Marketing Leadership program, Georges will work closely with the sales organization to build powerful demand generation, channel engagement, and end-user awareness programs. “Francesco and Georges are experienced leaders with impressive track records of driving high-performance sales and marketing teams. They bring considerable experience to our European sales and marketing organization, as we continue to accelerate our growth and expand into new regions such as East Central Europe,” said Guy Chenard, Chief Commercial Officer at Genetec. Business Intelligence Solutions Security industry veteran Jakub Kozak, has joined Genetec to become the new Regional Sales Manager Continuing the sales and marketing expansion in Europe, security industry veteran Jakub Kozak, has joined Genetec to become the company’s new Regional Sales Manager for East Central Europe. Having held senior sales position in the region with Axis communications, and L3 Technologies, Jakub will be responsible for expanding the company’s footprint in Eastern Europe. With ever-increasing increasing market demands for powerful, enterprise-class IP video surveillance, access control, license plate recognition, and business intelligence solutions, Genetec has enjoyed a compound annual revenue growth rate (CAGR) of 30 percent for the last 10 years. With flagship European customers that include Paris, Rome and Schiphol airports, The Danish Police, Twickenham Stadium, and The University of Hull, the company is continuing its rapid expansion in the region and is looking to further add to its global team of 1,300 talented employees.

Memoreyes, the developer of a smart, first-of-its-kind outdoor video surveillance system, is looking for qualified integrators to participate in its national dealer program. The company will provide integrators with training that centers on its patent-pending, Megapixel/HD–quality, pan-tilt-zoom camera system with machine learning. Memoreyes’ unique video offering provides an unprecedented set of advanced, almost human-like capabilities. Deter Criminal Activity “Integrators are a key part of our business plan,” says Memoreyes Founder and CEO John Collings. “Our Entrance System (Model 100) and All Property System (Model 360) go far beyond traditional outdoor cameras and opens up new opportunities for them to improve safety and deter criminal activity at multi-family housing, hospitals, campuses, office complexes, malls, and retail outlets and offer an entirely new category of managed services.” The Memoreyes system can quickly differentiate between authorised individuals and potentially hostile targets Thanks to this new technology, the Memoreyes system can quickly differentiate between authorized individuals and potentially hostile targets. Through machine learning (AI), it also intuitively anticipates potential risks and proactively responds to evolving situations using light, sound, and voice messages. Over time the system learns the habits and trends associated with each camera within a specific setting, enabling it to quickly identify departures from the norm. Strategically Positioned Cameras Collings, the original designer and founder of Uplink cellular service, says that one of the company’s biggest hurdles was to create a facility-wide WiFi system that would reliably work in an outside environment. With that solved, strategically positioned cameras now work in tandem to provide 360-degree tracking of residents, visitors, and vehicles on the property on an as-need basis. This means that the system can cover large outdoor areas with a handful of cameras as opposed to traditional systems that often require dozens or even hundreds to do the same job. While the primary objective of the Memoreyes Outdoor Video Surveillance System is to deter crime, a second benefit is the documentation of data collected before, during, and after an event has taken place. With its high-definition video, law enforcement can rely on this data for arrest purposes and a conviction in court of law. Concise License Plate Reading We have adopted comprehensive privacy policies, which protects owners, property managers, and residents" “We don’t rely on standard pixel-following methodology. Our sophisticated software is continually sampling the environment, analyzing visual and auditory inputs against known patterns,” explains Memoreyes Co-Founder and CTO David Tattersall. “At the same time, we have adopted comprehensive privacy policies, which protects owners, property managers, and residents alike.” The complete system includes the entry/exit monitoring Entrance System that provides video of all oncoming, passing, and departing vehicles. This includes clear and concise license plate reading, even at night or in bad weather. Beyond the revolutionary technology is the price point. Because the system can cover large outdoor areas with only a handful of cameras, the cost savings can be substantial, as much as 75 percent less than alternative systems. The company offers an affordable leasing program which will save end users money in both the short and long term.

Maxxess Systems, the innovator in security solutions that empower total situational awareness for security enterprises, is debuting the company’s Maxxess InSite Awareness and Response Coordination System to the American market here at ISC West 2019 (booth #6065). Maxxess InSite uniquely combines security, communications, business intelligence and data integration on a single, easy-to-use platform. “Maxxess InSite empowers total awareness by providing users with unprecedented capabilities far beyond basic system management and incident detection to help prevent incidents from happening,” said Nancy Islas, President of Maxxess Systems.Maxxess InSite enables early incident detection and action, allowing users to correlate data, improve response coordination “A new benchmark for security and business intelligence software platforms by every standard of measure, Maxxess InSite coordinates the activities of first responders and the people they are assisting from the moment a threatening event is detected with unprecedented simplicity of operation.” Early Incident Detection And Action Maxxess InSite Awareness and Response Coordination System combines ‘system intelligence’ and ‘human intelligence’ to detect and respond to unfolding events in real-time – all of which are queued, organized and displayed on a highly-intuitive user interface. Maxxess InSite enables early incident detection and action, allowing users to correlate data, improve response coordination, and deal with issues when they’re small – before they become large and costly. Maxxess Insite harnesses the power of myriad system technologies, effectively expanding their collective capabilities while also making human interaction more intuitive. Combines Technologies Onto A Unified Platform It meshes the capabilities of virtually any system and technology onto a unified platformIt meshes the capabilities of virtually any system and technology onto a unified platform including: video surveillance; access control; two-way communications; GPS/IPS location technologies; intrusion detection; fire safety systems; perimeter detection/protection; HVAC/building management; smart phones and tablets; ID/credential badging; guard tour; visitor management; time and attendance; license plate recognition; panic device/hotkey emergency notification; reporting/forensics; wireless sensors; elevator/escalator control and database integration. Over 50 different manufacturers are already integrated with Maxxess InSite, providing more capabilities and functionality than any other cross-platform solution available. New integrations include: Mercury LP and MR62e controllers; OTIS Elevator Compass Overwatch; enhanced Milestone Systems’ MIP and Geutebruck GeViScope integrations; as well as new integrations with Salient Systems, Avigilon, ISS (Intelligent Security Systems), Nedap and RemotePoint.

According to the reports of not-for-profit organization Gun Violence Archive, the year 2018 has seen 323 mass shooting incidents as of November 28 in the United States. This number is 346 for the year 2017 and 382 for 2016 (more statistics are available here), with “mass shooting” defined as cases where four or more people are shot or killed in the same time period and location. While definitions of mass shooting vary with organizations in the US, the count of over 300 incidents per year, or about once per day on average, is simply alarming. It raises public safety concerns, ignites debates and protests, which in turn lead to public unrest and potentially more violence, and increases costs for governments from the regional to federal level. Most importantly, the loss of lives demands not only improvement in post-incident handling and investigation, but also new prevention technologies. Gunshot Detection Solutions AI weapon detection offers a more efficient alternative to prevent active shooting There are several gunshot detection solutions in the security market, commonly used by law enforcement agencies to detect and locate gun fires. These systems function based on acoustic recordings and analyses and often in combination with signals detected by sensors of the optical flash and shockwave when a gun is fired. However, gunshot detection by nature dictates that the law enforcement can only react to a shooting incident that has occurred. With fast action, law enforcement can prevent the incident from escalating, but lives that are lost cannot be recovered. With the development of artificial intelligence in object recognition, AI weapon detection offers a more efficient alternative to prevent active shooting: AI can visually detect guns based on their shapes before they are fired. The AI is trained to recognize firearms in different shapes, sizes, colors, and at different angles in videos, so that the AI weapon detector can be deployed with existing cameras systems, analyze the video feeds, and instantly notify security staff when a gun is spotted. Comparison of the advantages for law enforcement and public security agencies Legacy gunshot detection using sensors AI weapon detection Reactive measure: detect after guns have been fired Proactive measure: detect before guns are fired Time to action: within 1 second Time to action: within 1 second Unable to provide visual data about shooter(s) Can provide data about shooter(s) based on the camera recording: clothing, luggage (backpack, handbag, etc.), facial features, vehicle Unable to track the location of the shooter(s) before and after shooting because of the lack of sound Can track the shooter(s) using AI Person & Vehicle Tracking, AI Face Recognition, and AI License Plate Recognition False detection caused by similar sound such as fireworks and cars backfiring Minimal to no false detection, as AI can distinguish different types of handguns and rifles from normal objects (umbrella, cellphone, etc.) Require physical deployment of gunshot detection sensors Can be used with existing camera systems, do not require special hardware Complicated to deploy, require highly trained professional Easy to deploy as an add-on to existing video surveillance system - Can integrate with gun-shot detection to create a “double knock” audio and video active shooter alert system Gun-Shot Detection Advantages In addition to advantages for law enforcement and public security agencies, this type of visual-based pre-incident detector has three-fold advantages for the public: Save lives by spotting the shooter before the shooting event. Minimize the chaos entailing an incident: panic and chaos caused by a shooting incident often adds to injury, as people run, fall, trample on others… With an AI weapon detector, when a gun is spotted, the system sends an alert to security staff, who can quickly control the situation in an organized manner and apprehend the intending shooter. Can be added as a SaaS (Security as a Service) component to small business and home surveillance systems, e.g., intrusion detection alerts (home invasion incidents with firearms number over 2500 per year nationwide). For a complete active shooter detection system, video-based AI detector can operate in conjunction with gunshot detectors for enhanced security. Traditional X-ray based weapon detection or metal detection entrance systems are complicated and expensive; with AI video technology, active shooter detection system can be cost-effective, and after all, what price tag can one put on a life? Written by Paul Sun and Mai Truong, IronYun

It amazes me how in a few short years security systems have gone from simple, dumb cameras witnessing events to intelligent eyes, ears, speech and touch solutions that boost situational awareness far beyond human capabilities. It seems the only senses missing from the equation now are smell and taste. And who knows, someone might be working on those in a lab somewhere right now. But what’s really fascinating to me is how the Internet of Things (IoT) has opened a world of possibilities for transforming security technology into something new yet again. With IoT we’re able to push and pull nuggets of intelligence from sources we never considered before: environmental sensors, pressure plates, door lock timers and much more. It’s helped us break through the constraining mindset that security systems are strictly single-purpose. With interconnectivity at the core, we’re starting to imagine myriad ways to apply these tools to challenges outside the realm of security. Here are just a few examples. Flood Management Assistance Network camera adds another dimension and timeliness to flood management by helping responders investigate remotely As recent hurricanes and floods have shown, water damage can be devastating to a community. That’s why some municipalities are using their city surveillance cameras in conjunction with water sensor to proactively address the problem. Water sensors collect data from multiple sources such as rain gutters, sewer systems and pump stations, in order to monitor fluctuations in water levels and water quality. If an alert triggers, having a network camera in proximity to visually verify the situation helps responders determine the best course of action. For instance, if multiple water detection sensors trigger alerts simultaneously or sequentially over a large area it’s probably due to natural runoff from recent rainfall. But without eyes on the scene, how can you be sure? Network camera adds another dimension and timeliness to flood management by helping responders investigate and identify the cause of a trigger remotely. It might be a fire hydrant spewing water, a water main break or even a chemical spill. With video streaming live to the command center, staff can remotely inspect the area, determine the cause of the trigger and decide whether remediation is required, thus avoiding the expense of dispatching an investigative crew to a non-event. Some municipalities are using their city surveillance cameras in conjunction with water sensor to proactively address the problem Environmental Control Assistance Data centers house the lifeblood of a business so it’s no wonder why companies work hard to protect them. We’re all familiar with the integration of network cameras with access control systems to visually verify who is actually using the credentials. Network camera adds another dimension and timeliness to flood management by helping responders investigate and identify the cause of a trigger remotely But there’s another aspect to protecting data centers and that’s environment control. Data centers need to maintain optimum humidity and temperature for the racks of electronics. When environmental sensors in the facility detect out-of-norm ranges technicians can remotely command a network camera to zoom in on the gauges and help them determine whether remediation might be necessary. Coupling network cameras with other sensors in the data center can provide visual confirmation of other conditions as well. For instance, every time a data rack door-open-close sensor detects an event it can trigger the camera to pan to the location and stream video to security. Some data centers employ weight sensors at the doorway to weigh personnel and equipment as they enter the room and when they exit to ensure no additional hardware is being taken out of the facility or left inside without permission. Any discrepancy would trigger the camera to zoom in for a close-up of the individual’s face and send a visual alert and ID information to security. Roadway Management And Parking Assistance Network cameras have long played a part in city-wide traffic management. Adding video analytics and integration with network sensors, makes those cameras that much smarter and versatile. They can detect cars driving in bike lanes or driving in the wrong direction and capture license plates of offenders. Their ability to detect anomalous traffic flow patterns can be integrated with car counting sensors, networked electronic road signs and traffic light systems to automatically redirect vehicles to alternate routes. They make great, intelligent parking lot attendants, too. Working in conjunction with weight sensors network cameras can count vehicles coming into and leaving a lot or garage and verify when the facility has reached capacity. License plate recognition and video analytics can be used to ascertain that a vehicle entering a reserved parking space doesn’t match the credentials and vehicle attributes in the database. With the addition of noise sensors and audio analytics, network cameras can improve roadway and parking facility safety by detecting and identifying specific sounds – breaking glass, car alarms, gun shots, and aggressive speech – and triggering a visual alert to first responders. Network cameras can improve roadway and parking facility safety by detecting and identifying specific sounds and triggering a visual alert to first responders Shopper Experience Assistance In the early days of online shopping, e-tailers designed their sites to replicate the in-store customer experience. In an ironic turn of events, today brick-and-mortar stores are trying to mirror the online shopping experience. To do so, they’re turning their security systems into adjunct sales assistance. With network video and audio system automation they can recognize and acknowledge loyal customers with personal greetings. Retailers are applying people counting video analytics to checkout activity to create rules-based consistency in customer service With heatmapping analytics they can measure how much time a customer spends in a specific department or observe how they walk through the aisles of the store. They can track shopping behaviors such as items looked at that made it into the cart or didn’t, or whether a customer actually checked out or left the merchandise behind. By capturing these shopping patterns and trends retailers can shape a more positive, more profitable customer shopping experience. For instance, integrating video analytics with point of sale systems and RFID sensors on merchandise tags can result in timely alerts to sales associates to recommend additional merchandise. This is a case of emulating how e-tailers let the customer know that other customers who bought X often also purchased items Y and Z. Or to avoid disappointing customers due to stock outages, retailers are linking weight sensors and video analytics to make sure their shelves are well-stocked and if not, quickly alert associates to what items need to be restocked. Capturing Business Intelligence Retailers are also using video cameras to monitor checkout queues and trigger automated announcements over the public-address system, closed system such as smartphones or other wireless communications devices that checkers are needed rather wait for a person to call for backup. IoT laid the groundwork for network security solutions to seamlessly integrate with other IP-based technologies, sensors and programs They’re applying people counting video analytics to checkout activity to create rules-based consistency in customer service. While retailers will always use their surveillance camera for loss prevention, they’re finding that integrating traditional technology in new ways can yield even bigger returns. Linking network video surveillance, video analytics, network communications system and sensors with point-of-sale systems and customer loyalty databases, retailers are capturing the business intelligence they need to get back in the game and make brick-and-mortar a greater overall experience than online shopping. A Natural Cross-Over Technology This trend towards integration has forever changed how organizations view their investment in security technology. The intelligence and versatility of a tool that can see, verify and analyze what’s happening in real-time is spurring users to tap its cross-over potential for a host of other tasks that could benefit from more astute situational awareness – everything from manufacturing and equipment maintenance to logistics, inventory control and beyond. IoT laid the groundwork for network security solutions to seamlessly integrate with other IP-based technologies, sensors and programs. How we capitalize on that connection is only limited by our imagination.

In today’s market, efficient use of bandwidth and storage is an essential part of maintaining an effective video surveillance system. A video management system’s ability to provide analysis, real time event notifications and crucial image detail is only as a good as the speed and bandwidth of a surveillance network. In the physical security industry, H.264 is the video compression format used by most companies. Some companies also employ H.264 enhancements to compress areas of an image that are irrelevant to the user at a higher ratio within a video stream in order to preserve image quality for more important details like faces, license plates or buildings. The H.265, H.264’s successor, will be increasingly used for compression in the future. Some companies are already using H.265 in their cameras and video management systems, while a host of other manufacturers are certainly preparing for its broader adoption in the years to come. Video Compression Technologies Reduced bandwidth and storage requirements are the primary benefits of video compression technologies Reduced bandwidth and storage requirements are the primary benefits of video compression technologies. In some cases, H.265 can double the data compression ratio of H.264, while retaining the same quality. Increased compression rate translates into decreased storage requirements on hard drives, less bandwidth usage and fewer switches – all of which reduce overall costs of system ownership. H.265 compression delivers a lower bitrate than H.264, which is relevant to end users and integrators because the lower bitrate reduces strain on hardware and can reduce playback issues. It’s very important that the compression format that is used is supported in all of the different components of a system: cameras, desktop computers on which the VMS is running and the VMS itself. It is also good for end users and integrators to understand the basics of video compression. Having a basic understanding of compression allows users to tweak settings to reduce bandwidth usage even more. Many cameras come with default settings that can be changed to ultimately reduce costs. ONVIF Physical Security In the physical security industry, ONVIF is working to incorporate into its specifications the use of new formats such as H.265 but is not directly involved in developing the compression standards themselves. With Profile T, the new ONVIF video profile released will employ a new media service that is compression agnostic. This means that it can support new video compression formats, including H.265, as well as new audio compression formats, with the ability to include new video and audio codecs as needed in the future without having to redesign its media service. In the physical security industry, ONVIF is working to incorporate into its specifications the use of new formats such as H.265 Standardization organizations that are directly addressing new compression standards include the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) and a joint commission of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO)/International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), which is addressing the coding of audio, picture, multimedia and hypermedia information. Other compression formats on par with H.264 and H.265 are being developed by companies such as Google. H.265 Compression Formats Using products that employ H.265 compression will reduce costs through bandwidth reduction, as will changing default settings on cameras, which are often conservative. Having a basic understanding of compression formats and how to tweak camera factory default settings also gives integrators the ability to further reduce bandwidth for added costs savings and increased system performance. These enhancements will analyse which parts of an image are most important and adjust local levels of compressions accordingly It is also worth noting that H.265 enhancements will likely be developed by camera manufacturers to further reduce bandwidth, as was the case with H.264. These enhancements will analyze which parts of an image are most important and adjust local levels of compressions accordingly. While H.265 itself is ready for prime time, its value as a tool for IP-based surveillance systems is dependent on support for the codec in all parts of the system – the VMS, server hardware, graphics cards and camera. Though widespread H.265 adoption is predicted, providers of these components are jumping on the H.265 bandwagon at different rates of speed. ONVIF is including support for H.265 in its new video profile, Profile T, because it believes it will become the most widely used compression format and ONVIF recognizes the need to anticipate that migration as a future need of the industry. The new media service, which will be implemented with Profile T, will be future-proof in that when new compression formats are released in the future, ONVIF can adopt them very quickly. That flexibility will definitely help integrators.

The mindset behind a new law to prohibit the use of facial recognition and other security-related technologies by San Francisco police and other city agencies is obvious in the name of the new ordinance: “Stop Secret Surveillance.” Ordinance To Stop Secret Surveillance The San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed the ordinance 8-1 with two abstentions on May 14, and there will be another vote next week before it becomes law. We have an outsize responsibility to regulate the excesses of technology precisely because they are headquartered here" The irony of such a law emanating from northern California, where tech giants promote the use of numerous technologies that arguably infringe on privacy, is not lost on Aaron Peskin, the city supervisor who sponsored the bill. “We have an outsize responsibility to regulate the excesses of technology precisely because they are headquartered here,” he told the New York Times. Regulating Facial Recognition Technology  Although the facial recognition aspects of the ordinance have been the most publicized, it also targets a long list of other products and systems. According to the ordinance, "Surveillance Technology" means “any software, electronic device, system utilizing an electronic device, or similar device used, designed, or primarily intended to collect, retain, process, or share audio, electronic, visual, location, thermal, biometric, olfactory or similar information specifically associated with, or capable of being associated with, any individual or group.” Broadly interpreted, that’s a lot of devices. Includes Biometrics, RFID Scanners The ordinance lists some examples such as automatic license plate readers, gunshot detection hardware and services, video and audio monitoring and/or recording equipment, mobile DNA capture technology, radio-frequency ID (RFID) scanners, and biometric software or technology including facial, voice, iris, and gait-recognition software and databases.   Among the exceptions listed in the ordinance are physical access control systems, employee identification management systems, and other physical control systems; and police interview rooms, holding cells, and internal security audio/video recording systems. The ordinance ban applies to city departments and agencies, not to the general public and exceptions include physical access control systems, employee identification management systems, and internal security audio/video recording systems Airport Security Not Part Of Ordinance The ban only applies to city departments and agencies, not to private businesses or the general public. Therefore, San Franciscans can continue to use facial recognition technology every day when they unlock their smart phones. And technologies such as facial recognition currently used at the San Francisco airport and ports are not impacted because they are under federal jurisdiction. Furthermore, the San Francisco police department does not currently use facial recognition anyway, although it has been deployed in places such as Las Vegas, Orlando, Boston and New York City. Safeguarding Privacy Of Citizens The ordinance appears to have a goal of avoiding government uses of technologies that can invade individual privacy, seeking to avoid worst-case scenarios such as an existing system in China that uses millions of surveillance cameras to keep close tabs on the Uyghurs, a Muslim minority population. Any new plans to use surveillance technology must be approved by the city government, and any existing uses must be reported and justified by submitting a Surveillance Technology Policy ordinance for approval by the Board of Supervisors within 180 days. Surveillance Technology Policy  Banning use of facial recognition just when its capability is being realized is counterproductive But might such a ban on technology uses undermine their potential value as crime-fighting tools just when they are poised to become more valuable than ever? Ed Davis, a former Boston police commissioner, told the New York Times it is “premature to be banning things.” He notes: “This technology is still developing, and as it improves, this could be the answer to a lot of problems we have about securing our communities.” Technology development doesn’t happen in a vacuum and banning uses of facial recognition and other technologies just when their capabilities are being realized is counterproductive. We should be thoughtful, deliberate and transparent in how we embrace new technologies. However, discarding them out-of-hand using emotionally charged words such as “secret surveillance” does not promote the best use of technology to the benefit of everyone.

Several of the hot trends in the physical security industry – robots, drones, video analytics – have one thing in common: The need for greater intelligence. More complex physical security systems that incorporate artificial intelligence, deep learning, speech recognition and other sophisticated functions depend on a higher-than-ever level of computing power inside embedded devices at the edge. Graphics Processing Unit Graphics processing unit (GPU) manufacturer NVIDIA is empowering that next level of computing power with the announcement on March 7th of the new Jetson TX2 – a GPU that is, in effect, an embedded supercomputer, including an advanced 256-core GPU, a 64-bit central processing unit (CPU), a video codec, 8 GB of memory and 32 GB of storage. It is the equivalent of having what was once the computing power of a mainframe computer, providing “inference at the edge” inside devices such as cameras or robots. It can power smarter devices with higher accuracy and faster response times – just in time for the next wave of physical security devices. Avoiding Central Computation Artificial intelligence (AI) is a very computational-intensive process, and doing that processing at the edge avoids the need to do it centrally, whether in the cloud or in an on-premises computer. In the case of video cameras in particular, there isn’t enough bandwidth to transfer video data across a network infrastructure to be processed. Half the populated world has Internet speeds of less than 8 mbps, which can’t possibly handle the level of data required for new intelligence applications. The new NVIDIA Jetson TX2 can power smarter devices with higher accuracy and faster response times To get the benefit of intelligence requires that computing power be where the massive amount of data is – at the edge. Latency is another advantage of intelligence residing at the edge. Applications increasingly require little to no latency (less than 200 milliseconds), and transferring data to be processed elsewhere takes time. Enhancing Privacy Of Data Edge computing also makes it possible to ensure data is more private, rather than having it reside in a private or public cloud or on premises. NVIDIA’s new Jetson TX2 embedded AI supercomputer offers twice the performance of the previous TX1 (used in the maximum efficiency mode), or twice the energy efficiency (if used in the energy-saving mode, drawing less than 7.5 watts of power). NVIDIA previously doubled performance of the TX1 system using software upgrades. In short, the computing ability and efficiency of embedded systems at the edge are paving the way for physical security devices with intelligence far beyond what the industry now has to work with. “These devices will enable intelligent video analytics that keep our cities smarter and safer,” said Deepu Talla, Vice President and General Manager of the Tegra business at NVIDIA. “These devices will enable intelligent video analytics that keep our cities smarter and safer” AI City Project Hikvision is already working with NVIDIA to incorporate artificial intelligence into its AI City project, combining concepts of “smart city” and “safe city.” A Hikvision camera installed in a police car can be used to track objects; identify cars, bikes, and people; encode metadata; watch for parking spaces and license plate numbers; and other functions. Analysis happens on 4K video at 30 frames per second using H.265 encoding as the police car drives down the street. Talla says NVIDIA is working with other manufacturers of cameras and other edge devices to incorporate the greater intelligence into upcoming products. NVIDIA is making the capabilities available to large companies and to start-ups with the availability of the JetPack software development kit (SDK) and application program interface (API). More announcements of new products are forthcoming; we can expect a new wave of innovation in the physical security market based on greater intelligence and computing power at the edge.

The amount of data generated by today’s video systems – whether resulting from increasing camera counts and/or higher resolutions such as 4K – is presenting new challenges when it comes to storing the data and making it instantly accessible to end users. The surge in data is opening the way in our market for new, more sophisticated IT systems to manage and store the data. In fact, the sheer volume of video data and increasing application demands make some legacy approaches obsolete. Managing And Storing Video Data The surge in “big video” has attracted several players to the market from the IT side. The latest is Hitachi Insight Group, which has introduced new Video Management Platform (VMP) converged appliances for big video applications. The appliances integrate the rack server, network storage, flash modules and virtualization software. There are three models that support from 150 to 10,000 cameras and scale up to 16 petabytes of storage. Each “pre-validated, converged turnkey appliance” is scalable and provides a high-availability foundation for video security, monitoring and analytics, according to Hitachi. The appliances support third party video management system (VMS) software (such as Genetec, Milestone, Verint, et. al.) as well as video analytics and infrastructure monitoring software. Their design emphasises high availability and fault tolerance. Vertical Markets “Our appliance super-charges VMS systems to enable them to operate as they were designed,” says Justin Bean, Hitachi’s Director of Smart Cities Solutions. Hitachi’s systems have been used in the smart cities/public safety sector, and are now being marketed more broadly to corporate and enterprise security applications. "We are bridging the gap between security integrators and ITmanagers with solutions that areeasy to install and support" “We are experts on storage, and we are bridging the gap between security integrators and IT managers with solutions that are easy to install and support,” says Kirill Sokolinsky, Director, Hardware Solutions, Smart Cities and Public Safety, Hitachi Insight Group. Hitachi’s integrated solution replaces the need to combine disparate systems to achieve the needed functionality. "Five years ago it was hard to get end users to talk about storage," says Mark Jules, VP of Public Safety and Smart City Solutions, Hitachi Data Systems. "Now with issues such as compliance and body-worn cameras, store-and-compute is mentioned in every meeting." Some legacy storage systems can lose data, which can degrade video quality by as much as 20 percent and undermine the effectiveness of video analytics systems. Problems include network resiliency, blurred video, delays in pulling up footage, and lapses in footage. Hitachi seeks to solve the problems and offer the technology to more vertical markets, including gaming, transportation, and corporate campuses. Physical Security & ‘Big Data’ Another common term today is “big data,” which highlights the ability to capture large amounts of data and then to analyze it to yield greater knowledge and insights. The physical security market generates a large amount of its own big data nowadays, whether from access control or intruder systems or video. In addition to the “big video” aspect – all those images – surveillance systems also yield more “structured data,” the results of applications such as crowd counting and license plate recognition. Longer storage times (some driven by regulatory compliance requirements) and greater use of analytics are two additional factors driving the need to store more video data. As evidence of the growth in data, Hitachi points to IHS estimates that 337 additional petabytes of data are generated every day from new surveillance cameras this year compared to last. Given the proliferation of data in ours and related markets, it’s no surprise that Hitachi has been drawn to the opportunity. Considering the massive amounts of data involved, it’s likely even more vendors will join in.

Over 1,600 Wisenet cameras manufactured by Hanwha Techwin have been installed at Asia’s largest mega hub terminal in order to help operators monitor the movement of parcels and vehicles, as well as keep employees and visitors safe. With its nine decades of endless innovation, Korea’s logistics service provider, CJ Logistics, is leaping forward to become a pioneer by expanding its global networks to over 94 locations and entering the Thailand, Malaysia, China and Philippines markets. Video surveillance solution In June 2018, CJ Logistics opened Asia’s largest mega hub terminal in Gonjiam, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. The terminal, which comprises two buildings with four floors above ground and two underground, occupies approximately 300,000sq meters, almost the size of 40 football stadiums. The total length of the facility’s conveyor belts is almost 43km, long as a full-course marathon The total length of the facility’s conveyor belts is almost 43km, which is as long as a full-course marathon. The terminal also has a state-of-the-art automation system, the first of its kind in Korea, which has increased the company’s daily handling capacity to 1.72 million parcels, four times higher than its competitors. CJ Logistics looked for a top-notch video surveillance solution which could match the terminal’s grand scale and the technically advanced automated facilities. Providing periphery monitoring After testing cameras from different manufacturers in the market, CJ Logistics chose Hanwha Techwin as its supply partner and have subsequently installed around 1,660 Wisenet cameras throughout the terminal. Wisenet X series IR PTZ cameras have been installed along the building exteriors, providing periphery monitoring 24/7 and auto tracking that enables precise monitoring across long distances, while IR illumination provides visibility even at night. Inside the buildings, around 1,400 Hanwha Techwin’s Wisenet Q series cameras were installed on the terminal’s ceilings and walls. The cameras are able to help detect any problems occurring to the automated conveyor systems which have a constant flow of parcels on them. They also oversee the movement of over 1,500 vehicles in and around the terminal and help create a safe working environment. Highly accurate recognition Wisenet X series bullet cameras, running license plate recognition (ANPR) software onboard, have been installed at the main gate of the terminal to enhance security at the entrances and exits, providing highly accurate recognition of license plates. These cameras enable effective vehicle monitoring within the terminal where cargo moves in and out around the clock, and are particularly useful in monitoring the main entrance. Both camera types are equipped with 12x optical zoom and 150dB WDR Wisenet X series bullet and PTZ cameras have been installed at indoor staircases and corridors of the office building. Both camera types are equipped with 12x optical zoom and the World’s best 150dB Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) which ensures clear images are captured from scenes that contain a challenging mix of bright and dark areas, normally causing overexposed or underexposed images. Intelligent video analytics As part of the Wisenet X series, these cameras feature intelligent video analytics and offer movement, loitering and intrusion detection. They are also equipped with audio analysis functionality which recognizes critical sounds such as gunshots, explosions, screams and broken glass. “Thanks to the Hanwha Techwin’s Wisenet security solution, we were able to build a safe video surveillance system that can match the size and the cutting edge facilities of Asia’s largest logistics terminal,” said an official at CJ Logistics. “Now we can safeguard every corner of our terminal including vehicles, parcels, and personnel, not to mention indoor and outdoor spaces.”

With its capacity of 32 million tons per year and water frontage of 6 kilometres, Chernomorsk sea port is one of the largest transport terminals in Ukraine, providing trade links with more than 100 countries all over the world. This port is a part of Eurasian transport corridor connecting the Western European countries, Ukraine, Georgia and the Asian countries. Its territory embodies the unique multimodal terminal that serves railway-ferry and auto-ferry lines as well as roll-on/roll-off vessels. The mission was to implement round-the-clock monitoring of the port territory and port waters in order to detect violations and prevent them. Monitoring in challenging light conditions PTZ cameras with integrated Axis Lightfinder are used for monitoring Experts from Inlimited suggested fitting the port with thermal technology platforms using 11 Axis network thermal cameras aboard (including models with two sensors: optic and thermal). PTZ cameras with integrated Axis Lightfinder technology are used, among others, for monitoring in challenging light conditions with low object contrast or difficult light sources. Thermal network cameras support guard tour function that can be used for continuous monitoring of a particular area according to the preset guard tour. In the context of modernization, the existing port security system was extended with the following video surveillance solutions: computer-aided continuous visual monitoring of the water frontage, the adjacent port area and the port waters of Sukhyi Estuary, the area along the port perimeter as well as monitoring of vehicles (license plate recognition) and approaches to the mounting locations of the main cameras. Integrated video surveillance Centralized security service control center offer video analysis capabilities. Video surveillance solutions integrated into a single software and hardware platform provide high-quality digital video real time record and store the archive for a minimum of 30 days. The integrator considered all the challenging conditions that cameras may encounter at sea and in the maritime area Integrated video surveillance and alarm system modernization project developed by Inlimited Ltd. for Chernomorsk sea port is of strategic importance for the customer since it is aimed at increasing the reliability of the guard tours and critical infrastructure of the port and its entire water area. When developing the architectural concept, the integrator considered all the challenging conditions that cameras may encounter at sea and in the maritime area, such as hurricane hazards, lightning strikes, salt air impact, as well as restricted visibility due to fog, heavy rain, snowfall and direct sunlight. Installation of PTZ network cameras Thermal platforms with Axis PTZ network cameras installed on the top became the ultimate solution for the port. Optical and thermal sensors combined into one system is the specific feature of bispectral modules. With this capability, such a device can substitute a significant number of conventional optical cameras and partially the security alarm system. Hence, the extensive territory of the port was covered by turntables with a total of 11 Axis network cameras: bispectral, optical and outdoor. Due to the intelligent capabilities of Axis network cameras, a real-time detection signal is automatically transferred to operator screen, immediately providing a very clear image of an object and ensuring reliable detection under any visibility and weather conditions. Moreover, the system can also detect suspicious objects even before an intrusion attempt. Recognizing person, car or watercraft We chose to go with Axis cameras because they are flexible and yet can be customized to solve particular problems"Automatic systems facilitate the work of security service operators displaying only actual violations, which helps to minimize the percentage of false responses. With this intelligent system, it is possible to immediately recognize a person, car or small-sized watercraft as well as detect possible smoke spread and other abnormal situations. Thus, the security staff has extra time to provide quick response. The video surveillance and alarm system of Chernomorsk sea port is integrated with IP-video control system Milestone Xprotect and vehicle license plate recognition system VIT AutoCode. “We chose to go with Axis cameras because they are flexible and yet can be customized to solve particular problems. Axis network cameras gained an excellent reputation as a part of the video surveillance system currently operating at the port and for this reason, we selected them again for additional security platforms,” noted the Chernomorsk sea port security service.

A multi-division and multi-location conglomerate in Kutch (Gujarat, India), engaged in manufacturing, trading, exporting and supplying a finest assortment of Roofing Accessories Roofing Sheets, Metal Coils, Roofing Accessories, Metal Roofing Sheets, Coated Roofing Sheets and Tiled Sheets for Roofing has trusted Matrix with providing top grade security solutions for its site. Matrix IR bullet cameras and VMS VMS Software with Inbuilt Weighbridge Application Module: SATATYA SAMAS PLT IPC Channel Wise ANPR/LPR License (ANPR1) Cameras installed at the site: 2 MP Varifocal IR Bullet Camera with 2.8-12 mm Lens- SATATYA CIBR20VL12CWS 2 MP Fixed Lens IR Bullet Camera with 3.6 mm Lens- SATATYA CIBR20FL36CWS The company was using conventional Weighbridge system that performed basic functionalities. This traditional system had certain limitations, such as Data spoofing due to manual system Lack of centralized solution for multiple branches Dependency on more than one system Lack of evidence for auditing purpose Matrix Weighbridge integration solution Looking at all the challenges that the company was facing, Matrix offered an optimized solution with Weighbridge Integration. Matrix Weighbridge Integration solution provides the following functionalities: Vehicle Number Snapshot (ANPR) Driver Snapshot (Evidence) Material Snapshot (Auditing) Weighbridge Snapshot (Avoid Data Spoofing) Safeguard Evidence Bookmark Video Recordings Print Evidence Record Periodic Report Generation Benefits Client will be able to track in-bound and out-bound material movement by capturing the details of respective material weight. Enables the client to make easy comparison of weights between supplying plant and receiving plant with the help of captured screenshots. Record weight of the material and then use the data to post good’s receipts, production bookings and dispatch documents, etc. Limits Weighbridge Vendor dependency by providing interoperability without depending much on other APIs.

Prama Hikvision partnered with the Sanjivani Group of Institutes to offer latest surveillance and security solutions. For the first time that Artificial Intelligence was offered, and enabled face recognition terminals in India’s education sector. Sanjivani Group of Institutes situated at Kopargaon, Ahmednagar is a premier institute for Engineering, Pharmacy, Nursing and Diploma in Ahmednagar District. Sanjivani took its names and inspiration from the famous epic of Ramayana where ‘Sanjivani buty’ was brought for revival of life. The Sanjivani Rural Education Society (SRES), was established by Honorable Shri. Shankarrao Genuji Kolhe in 1983, at Kopargaon, rural domain in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, India. Identify Unauthorized Person The entire campus of the Sanjivani Group of Institutes is spread out in more than 100 acres land As the educational scenario changed with time, SRES understood the need and added a number of courses under the umbrella of the Sanjivani Rural Education Society (SRES) and consequently it gave birth of the Sanjivani College of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Sanjivani Senior and Junior College, Sanjivani Academy, a CBSE school and Sanjivani International school. The entire campus of the Sanjivani Group of Institutes is spread out in more than 100 acres land. There are different departments in various buildings, playgrounds, hostels and staff quarters. Due to vast area and huge numbers of students, it’s very difficult for management to identify unauthorized person inside the campus. In the past, many instances of bullying, robbery, theft, ragging and pick-pocketing were reported. Up-To-Date Surveillance Solution With the expansion of the Sanjivani Group, there were many challenges faced by students and staff in terms of safety and security. “Consequently, we took our first step towards it by installing Hikvision IP CCTV surveillance in all our campus areas for monitoring. The clarity and the quality of the camera is appreciable and satisfying,” said Amit N Kolhe, Managing Trustee, Sanjivani Rural Education Society (SRES). He further added, “Presently the security technology has changed a lot. While understanding the need of safety and security of the students, we decided to go for an up-to-date surveillance solution. We contacted Prama Hikvision team and their system integration partner Om Agency for an advanced solution. After understanding our requirements, they introduced some of the latest technologies related to security surveillance.” Facial Recognition Devices The same software can be used by seamless integration for time attendance, access control and surveillance" He further elaborated, “After this we finalized the key areas by conducting the security survey in the campus. We got many advanced solutions implemented with help of SI partner and Prama Hikvision team. The solutions included, ANPR cameras for number plate recognition of cars and bikes at entry and exit gates, facial recognition devices for time attendance and access control of students & staff members.” “The advantage of Hikvision security and surveillance products is that things can be monitored through a single software platform, i.e. IVMS 5200E, which comes as all in one software. The same software can be used by seamless integration for time attendance, access control and surveillance,” concluded Amit N. Kolhe. Access Control Systems By visiting Sanjivani Group of Institutes along with System Integration Partner Om agency, the following solutions based on the latest technology and products were adopted: Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras Tripod turnstile integrated with face recognition panels HD IP cameras A broadcasting solution for the seminar rooms Face recognition based access control systems Hikvision solutions delivered results: ANPR Cameras helped the institute to identify unauthorized vehicles at entry gates, through which they stopped many outsiders in getting entry into campus area. Face recognition panels and access control panels helped institute in getting entry and exit record of students as well as visitors. Through the large number of cameras installed at various locations, the management is able to keep an eye on the entire campus. One-Stop Solution We are proud to execute this project with support of Prama Hikvision" “Implementing IP Surveillance project for Sanjivani Group of Institutes, Kopargaon was a great learning experience. We have built a strong relationship with Prama Hikvision over the past 10 years. They work with vendor partners to deliver solutions that suit the requirements. The efficient professionals and quality of service is appreciated.” said Mr. Hemant Rokade – Director Sales, OM Agency. “We are proud to execute this project with support of Prama Hikvision. It was a huge challenge to execute the project of such gigantic proportions. While implementing the project, Prama Hikvision helped us through the project at every step. We appreciate the level of details and accountability, which Prama Hikvision has demonstrated in this project. This reaffirms our faith that Hikvision is the one stop solution for all security and surveillance solutions,” said Mr. Pravin Rokade – Director Operations, OM Agency.

Sony 4K security cameras act as ‘intelligent eyes’ at EDGE Olympic, one of Amsterdam’s most technologically advanced sustainable buildings. The rugged minidome cameras give a clear picture of the flow of workers and visitors into and around the premises. In addition, their excellent low-light sensitivity is an asset for the reinforcement of security at entrances and car parking areas. Playing a key role in EDGE Olympic’s intelligent design are thirteen Sony SNC VM772R 4K minidome cameras EDGE Olympic is an exciting landmark in sustainability. Opened in May 2018, the building constructed by EDGE offers over 11,000m2 of innovative co-working space close to Amsterdam’s Olympic Stadium. Providing a creative and energy-efficient workspace for commercial tenants, the building’s design is focused on a sophisticated digital infrastructure that connects people, devices, sensors and information via a secure cloud platform. Sony SNC VM772R 4K Minidome Cameras Playing a key role in EDGE Olympic’s intelligent design are thirteen Sony SNC VM772R 4K minidome cameras installed by Netherlands security specialist, Lancker Wolters. The cameras are integrated with Genetec’s video management system to create a comprehensive video security and monitoring solution. Ruggedly built for all-weather outdoor operation around the clock, the SNC VM772R camera features a large, highly sensitive 1.0-type back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor. Offering four times higher resolution than Full HD, the camera is capable of capturing smooth, crisply detailed 4K video in conditions of near darkness. This allows people and objects to be seen clearly in a wide range of lighting conditions – and thus helps to ensure round-the-clock safety and security of employees, co-workers and visitors to the building. Video Data In Building Operations Optimization In the future, it is expected that video data will also be used to optimise building operations In the future, it is expected that video data will also be used to optimize building operations. For example, intelligent analysis of traffic patterns could enable more efficient room bookings and use of resources such as heating, lighting and cleaning services. Further, SNC-VM772R cameras monitor the EDGE Olympic car park, scanning the registration license plates of vehicles and checking the number against a database to admit authorized staff and visitors only, while automatically raising the barrier to let vehicles exit. This also allows instant confirmation whether a particular employee is present in the building: this overview can be beneficial, for example, in the event of an emergency evacuation. Sony 4K Surveillance Cameras "The initial price of a particular camera doesn’t matter" comments Erik Ubels, CTO, EDGE Technologies. "It’s the usability over its lifetime that makes it a better investment. That's why we chose Sony 4K cameras for this landmark building and other properties that we’re planning in the near future."

As part of a new centrally controlled vehicle security system, The North West Ambulance Service has recently updated the security of its premises at its Lancashire regional headquarters using Nortech’s stainless steel bollards that house Nedap ANPR cameras. The North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) NHS Trust operates around 1,000 vehicles to provide 1.1 million emergency and non-emergency patient journeys. It was established in 2006 by the merger of ambulance trusts from Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Merseyside, Cumbria and Lancashire. The Lancashire regional HQ is based near Broughton in Preston. Securing The Perimeter Nortech supplied the ANPR camera housed in a robust stainless steel bollard to protect the camera from any potential vehicle knocksThe trust needed to secure the perimeters of their premises at the Lancashire regional HQ and appointed Expert Security UK, Frank Whittle Partnerships and W. Monks Ltd to design and install the new centrally controlled vehicle security system. Expert Security UK approached Nortech in order to integrate the Nedap Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) into the system and new automatic barriers were installed to secure the perimeter and prevent unauthorized vehicles. Nortech supplied the ANPR camera housed in a robust stainless steel bollard to protect the camera from any potential vehicle knocks. As vehicles approach the new barriers, the ANPR reads the number plates and converts each valid number plate into a Wiegand ID string, which it sends to the access control panel in the same way as a standard card reader. The Wiegand number can then be checked centrally for access rights so that vehicle access can be granted or denied accordingly. Preventing Unauthorized Parking The barrier system is a great security measure for us and has prevented unauthorized parking"Danny Scholfield, Sales Director at Expert Security UK, commented, "We are all delighted with the final result. The system is very fast and ticks all the boxes for us. As we are already using the Net2 system here at the HQ, it is great to see the ANPR integrating into the system without complication. The barrier system is a great security measure for us and has prevented unauthorized parking." The benefits of the Nortech ANPR system is that it integrates with most access control software, avoids the need for manned gates or vehicle tags, allows automatic vehicle identification at between three and six metres and prevents unauthorized vehicle access. Nortech has supplied products and solutions to the security industry for over 25 years as an independent British company. The company uses extensive experience and expertise to create new security products to fit their clients’ needs and designs everything with the customer in mind. 

ISC West 2019 is in the industry’s rear-view mirror, and what a show it was! The busy three days in April offered a preview of exciting technologies and industry trends for the coming year. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What was the big news at ISC West 2019?

There is no expectation of privacy in a public space. That’s the premise on which most video surveillance applications are justified. But new concerns about privacy, specifically the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe, are changing expectations. And what if a camera must be positioned where a private area happens to be within its range? Fortunately, there are technology approaches to solving these dilemmas, as our Expert Panelists explain. We asked: What new technologies are helping video systems overcome concerns about privacy?

Where does the time go? Before you know it, here we are at mid-year reflecting on an eventful first half of 2018 in the physical security market. It’s also a good time for our Expert Panel Roundtable to pause and look ahead at what we might expect in the second half of the year. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What technology development will have the greatest impact in the second half of 2018?