Day: September 11, 2019

Traditional CCTV systems use a set of cameras and a local network to connect these cameras to a video management software. The video management system typically runs on a network video recorder (NVR) or a digital video recorder (DVR). The fundamental difference between the two – NVR records IP cameras while DVR records analog cameras connected via coaxial cables, hence a DVR system would not require a network but connect cameras to the DVR as point to point connections. In traditional CCTV system, monitoring is done by using a central monitoring system where human beings would watch multiple screens to make security-based decisions and take appropriate actions. With the technology advancement to IP, most of the earlier DVR systems have been replaced by NVR systems. This is because the IP cameras can be controlled remotely, and more importantly, they produce a digital video stream. The video stream could be in a raw or compressed form to save bandwidth as well asstorage space. Both network bandwidth and storage space are of premium significance and hence they need to be optimized for cost considerations. Analog video streams cannot be processed by software unless they are converted into a digital stream, and in the conversion process from analog to digital video, detail, color and resolution are lost from the original analog video stream. Many deployments use this technique to process video because it is cheaper than replacing the existing system with an IP system. This is a trade-off between cost and losing key video data that could have been otherwise processed accurately to build a superior video surveillance system. Any green field project should implement an IP system as the flexibility, long term costs and future scalability of the system are at stake. For the corporate business and high security installations such as nuclear power stations, hydro-electric power generators, airports, highway monitoring systems etc., an NVR based system is no longer an option because of its limited ability to scale. If the software processing engine is a server-based system then the scaling of the surveillance system is easily solved. A server gives one the option of building a custom solution based on the project requirements by including other surveillance and security software and hardware components besides cameras. These can be integrated into the VMS easily to build a comprehensive surveillance and security system. The other security components are access control systems, radar, signage, facial recognition, fire alarms etc. By now one must realize that an NVR based surveillance system is incapable of providing all the features to build a comprehensive surveillance and security system. Software components that make a comprehensive Actionable Video Intelligence System The following diagram illustrates the various security and surveillance components that are built around a central VMS software that runs on the main server. The key points to note are as follows: A central VMS component. A VMS that runs on a separate client-server. A VMS client software that runs on a separate client workstation. The above three components are well integrated with each other. An optional video analytics module that is tightly coupled with the main VMS, which analyzes each video frame from a camera and executes programmed video analytics. This constitutes the basis of actionable video intelligence (AVI). The ability to integrate other security software components into the main VMS software core. This is accomplished using application programming interfaces (API) and a software development kit (SDK). Popular video analytics algorithms Following is a capture of some popular video analytics algorithms: Motion detection Seamless integration of motion detection results available from cameras. Motion detection processing from application. Independent motion detection settings for every camera. ‘Motion detected’ and ‘No motion’ alarms to indicate start of motion and end of motion. Advanced motion detection algorithm with high accuracy and low resource utilization. ● Record on motion. Motion detection meta-data overlay on videos with configuration for overlay level – no overlay, only motion indicator, motion grids, full overlay. Option to exclude motion detection alarms from alarms database entries. Video analytics Video analytics on IR cameras and thermal cameras. Support for video analytics on PTZ cameras, while the camera is in ‘home’ position. Video analytics is automatically disabled when camera moves from the home position and video analytics is automatically started when camera is moved back to home position. Seamless integration of video analytics module as video analytics is not a separate software application. No manual synchronization and maintenance is needed. Dedicated video analytics screen to display analyzed videos from multiple cameras, with analytics meta-data overlay.Quick access to video analytics settings for each camera. Independent video analytics settings for every camera. Easy to manage, tightly integrated simple user interface. Enhanced algorithms which need only few parameters to be configured to get good results from video analytics in most of the deployment situations. Advanced parameters are available to handle special situations. Local or remote processing of video analytics. Availability of wide range of standard analytics features. Intrusion detection Wrong direction movement detection. Line crossing/ trip-wire. Camera tamper/ scene change detection. Crowd detection Un-attended object detection. Queue length detection. Asset protection. Loitering detection. Tailgating detection. Object stopped detection. People counting, Vehicles counting. Object trace/ travel path. Object speed calculation. Digital auto-tracking. Vibration removal. Flexible architecture to quickly support customized video analytics features. Option of project specific combined analytics on data generated by multiple external devices and video streams. Option to use 3rd party video analytics libraries using their SDKs. VMS integration techniques There are several challenges when it comes to integrating several diverse security components with one another such as integrating several diverse software stacks e.g., ALPR, FR, PIDS (including radar/ thermal cameras), ACS, IVAS, VMS, and others. VMS integration needs following points to take into consideration such as: Assess integration cost Integration is an expensive and time-consuming process. Establish performance and functionality metrics for all vendors. Establish due diligence process to assess impact to first deployment. Ensure seamless integration of all security components The integrated system should work seamlessly. No change to…

ATMs have become a cornerstone for the day-to-day life of millions, but they are vulnerable to attacks. The global ATM Industry Association has reported a 12% increase in ATM crimes during 2017. Attacks often involve ATM users, potentially injuring them, and thereby causing them trauma. Since ATMs are mostly situated outside buildings and are made for use at all times of day and night, securing them is a challenge – and therefore banks are turning to more intelligent solutions. An outdoor vulnerability According to ATM Industry Association (ATMIA), there is an estimation of about 3.5 million ATMs in the world serving those in need of cash 24/7, 365 days a year. This, coupled with the fact that they hold hard cash, makes them an attractive target. Criminals target these machines, or more precisely, the people using them in numerous ways. They distract customers at ATMs in an attempt to take their cards or cash, or to steal their PINs for later use. At cases, they also install false card readers that sneak customer’s card details for reuse. On the other side of the story, banks need to deal with customers’ disputes. In the situation of a very small percentage of ATM transactions, customers question whether the transaction has been carried out as requested – or even dispute at all in real time for any error while making the withdrawal. Thus, security precautions for ATMs are an important part of an overall security solution for financial institutions. When deep learning technology steps in Inside an ATM machine, two covert cameras are installed – one trained on the user and the other on the ATM panel. Deep learning technology embedded in the ATM security system can detect any ‘abnormalities’ in the facial scenes in front of it, referring to the existing data patterns. So, if there is another face in the picture (for example someone looking over a user’s shoulder, or if the person wearing a mask), an alarm can be triggered in the security center. By using the same technology, the security system can also flag if the number pad is covered with a strip to steal PIN codes, or if a false card reader (or ‘skimmer’) is present to steal card details. All of these ‘smart’ alarms streamline the security monitoring processes, meaning that security personnel can react to real-time scenarios and would not waste time on false alarms. The footage can also provide evidence for any investigation. Hikvision solution Hikvision DeepinMind NVR – a robust deep learning ‘engine’ – takes information from the camera and analyses it using deep learning algorithms. This also ‘manages’ footage in conjunction with other NVRs and a video management system, providing a powerful tool set for security and business intelligence. Securing assets and mitigating risks through security solution is a lot easier with deep learning technology. Even ATMs outside a building can be safer, avoiding fraud and protecting customers every day.  

At worst, unplanned downtime in a critical environment can cause a catastrophic event that negatively impacts public safety and/ or the environment on a mass scale. At best, it could mean production losses costing thousands, or even millions, of dollars. A predictive maintenance strategy that incorporates Axis technology can help companies minimize costly downtime and improve their bottom lines. At worst, unplanned downtime in a critical environment can cause a catastrophic event that negatively impacts public safety and/ or the environment on a mass scale. At best, it could mean production losses costing thousands, or even millions, of dollars. A predictive maintenance strategy that incorporates Axis technology can help companies minimize costly downtime and improve their bottom lines. Considering the stakes, it’s no wonder that companies are transitioning from a reactive to a preventive and even predictive maintenance strategy. But many of these companies are still relying on an ‘old-school’ route-based approach – sending technicians out at scheduled intervals to physically assess and record critical asset findings. For a typical commercial petroleum company with over 20,000 well sites, this represents a significant cost. And inevitably, critical assets will either be over-maintained or under-maintained as they rarely break-down on schedule. When the cost of oil is low every barrel counts. But operational efficiency is key to a healthy bottom line. That’s why progressive companies are adopting a predictive maintenance strategy that includes distributed online monitoring. With advancements in automation, wireless technology, SCADA systems and solar powered hardened devices, remote data collection from permanent sensors provides much better insight on the status of critical assets and helps keep operations flowing smoothly. Let’s look at how Axis technology is ‘fueling’ this trend Thermal imaging for better flare stack monitoring The controlled combustion of excess gases in the chemical and petrochemical industry is essential to eliminate pressure on critical assets. Should the flame go out, it poses a serious health and safety risk for workers – and carries a hefty fine from environmental authorities. Axis thermal cameras provide better flare stack monitoring, ensuring a stable thermal profile and proactively sending an alarm to operators if the flame decreases. Explosion protected cameras improve health & safety In hazardous environments, preventing injuries and fatalities is paramount – both for the safety and well-being of workers, as well as the associated downtime cost. Certified for explosion-prone applications according to all applicable international standards, Axis explosion-protected cameras allow HSE site engineers to monitor areas where accidents typically occur – such as the working of tubulars on drilling rigs. Additionally, their temperature alarm camera monitors for temperature deviations and leaks in critical assets – to prevent an incident before it occurs. A new and attractively priced alternative to traditional steel housings, the AXIS F101-A XF P1367 is specifically designed for hazardous environments. Its lightweight aluminum housing is Class I/II/III, Division 1, Zone 1, ATEX and IECEx certified, it’s easy to configure remotely, and it delivers clear images in challenging light conditions. The red color also helps workers locate it to signal operators in emergency situations. Real-time condition-based monitoring With the advancement of video imaging and processing power, network cameras are a valuable redundancy in condition-based monitoring systems – providing visual confirmation of sensor alerts and full situational awareness in an emergency. Edge-based video analytics enable the cameras themselves to serve as a primary sensor for HSE engineers  to detect e.g., occupancy levels on a drilling rig, PPE compliance, or obstructed evacuation routes. Better communication with network speakers With Axis network speakers, it’s easy to communicate both live and alert-based pre-recorded messages to workers in remote locations – to warn of a safety risk or instruct them to take action on a sensor alarm. With the introduction of Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) speakers, oil and gas companies also save on the maintenance and implementation cost of PA systems. What’s more, the system can scale without having to upgrade proprietary, bulky amplifier racks, and the integration of Axis speakers and cameras is a simple one-click configuration process. Connected technology Axis network I/O relay modules extend the functionality of any Axis device and integrate with other facility systems such as fire alarm, HVAC and BMS. This technology is particularly useful in extending the I/O signals from any field-based temperature sensor to the central SCADA system to trigger, for example, strobe lighting, loudspeaker messaging and camera recordings in an emergency. Reliable intrusion protection Any unauthorized physical intrusion can have a major impact on critical assets and cause downtime. With an Axis intrusion protection solution, one can safeguard the whole site – from perimeter to critical core. A combination of thermal, radar and PTZ technology detects, identifies and tracks intruders. Access control limits free movement in critical or hazardous areas, and audio capabilities with alarm-based pre-recorded messages deter any unauthorized entry. Getting more from your technology It all comes back to operational efficiency contributing to a healthy bottom line. A complete system of Axis video, intelligent analytics, access control and audio address all key aspects of critical infrastructure protection – intrusion, operational efficiency and health and safety – all of which present risks to unplanned downtime. By incorporating Axis solutions in the condition-based monitoring strategy, the user can more easily detect incidents before they happen and keep production up and running.