Day: October 21, 2020

  Open video management systems (VMS) is the preferred choice today for video surveillance as they are independent of proprietorship and closed solutions. This has led to VMS platforms integrating feature-rich software that provides a high level of control and functionality designed to make end users’ lives easier. IP-based cameras record the footages and share it with a network that is connected via the internet. IP cameras are the outputs of the Internet of Things (IoT) revolution. Understanding IP-cameras IP is internet protocol and hence IP-devices can be connected to any network of the IoT. Any electronic device that is connected to the IoT network, which can connect with a server and exchange information in an internet network, has its own IP address. IP-cameras are fundamentally a digital video camera that can receive and send data via the Internet. IP-based cameras are not dependable on local recordings but require a LAN-connection to transmit and process data. Advantages of IP-based cameras I P-based surveillance comes with scalability, flexibility and cost-effectiveness. These qualities are crucial for its application in a wide range of industries. With an IP-based video surveillance setup, users can monitor and record video remotely using an IP network as the system’s backbone. IP video installations can then be deployed in any environment, and offer many benefits previously unavailable with analog CCTV systems. Remote monitoring An IP surveillance system makes it possible for security monitoring teams to remotely view live camera feeds from any computer, mobile or handheld device with internet access. Additionally, the recorded surveillance footage can be stored at remote locations. Scalability IP-based cameras do not require cables as it is not connected to any physical computer device to function. Hence, it is easier to expand the network of surveillance in any location or even multi-locations, together in the same network. Storage capabilities Since network cameras capture digital video images, large amounts of footage can be stored on servers, where archived video can be quickly accessed and searched. In comparison to analog systems where video was stored on VHS cassette tapes, this is much more efficient. Application and features of IP-based surveillance I P-based surveillance cameras are a part of the VMS that serves the purpose of live viewing, recording, and retrieving of video footage. IP cameras support advanced motion detection, audio recording, and integration with other security systems – alarms, automated licence plate reading, facial recognition technologies etc, can auto-generate alerts itself and can also be used as a video analytics device for edge computing. For instance, IP-based camera can fire an alarm, if an individual is seen to leave a package or luggage in a public place like in a busy lobby, in the bus stop or inside the metro. With its sophisticated features, IP-based cameras have been helpful in solving several issues that are crucial in certain industries. For example, in the retail industry, there have been several concerns about mischievous employees indulging in widespread fraudulent money transactions that has led to the leakage of large amount of revenue annually. IP-based video surveillance system here has been successful in solving this, by electronically linking all transactions together with video recordings of the actions. All the information is stored in a local database so the retailer can see all the events of any given transaction and conduct a search on different parameters. Integration with other surveillance technology The open platform VMS can integrate with other security systems such as automated license plate recognition (ALPR) and facial recognition systems, and a host of many others. The integrated systems provide real-time notifications and add a searchable database. It can be easily integrated with an IP video surveillance security system. Automated license plate recognition Analytics embedded into IP cameras can capture the image of a licence plate and convert the image to digitized computer data that can be compared to a database. This system can be broken down into four major components – image collection, image analysis, image and data storage and data transmission. These aides in enhancing security, enforce toll collection, compare license plates to a list, provide parking revenue management, and provide access control, and more. IP-based door access control I P camera system can be connected to doors at the entrance of commercial buildings and workplaces, where access to individuals can be controlled via VMS. IP-based door access systems provide better security and ease of management at a much lower cost than earlier technologies as unlike, traditional door access systems. IP access nullifies the need for expensive control panels, hardware connections, and separate administrative maintenance. These devices use Power-over-Ethernet (PoE), meaning it is powered by the network switch via the Ethernet cable, instead of the building power, providing a more flexible and scalable security system installation that does not depend on expensive hardware fittings and elaborate wiring connection. IP-based door access can use facial recognition tools and help in maximizing the safety and security in different security-crucial locations such as hospitals, schools, government, military, and other organizations. The camera will be able to read the face of the individual and after matching the data with the server, it will allow entry only to authorised individuals. IP cameras can also be connected to audio or video intercoms that are network-attached providing a completely integrated solution for the manual unlock of doors. Long-range and night vision cameras Dual sensor IP cameras with long-range cameras with PTZ functions can work at any lighting condition and can also function as thermal imaging and night-vision cameras. These cameras can detect, make visible objects that are miles away and in total darkness. There are also PTZ cameras with built-in infrared (IR) illumination that can be used to see about 600ft away. These IP cameras are used by the military to view borders, military operations, and rocket launches. Conclusion As IP-based surveillance is getting a lot smarter, the video surveillance as a service (VSaaS) market is also growing by USD 6.16 billion during the period of 2020- 2024. This will undeniably see…

  The need for crisp and clear video images in low-light environments always exists. The data confirms it – when committing crimes like burglary and vehicle theft, criminals definitely prefer to hide under the cover of darkness.1 So to both prevent and tackle crime, it’s vital to have security cameras that can record quality, discernible footage in a variety of light conditions, especially in near total darkness. For years, improvements in sensor technology and algorithms to enhance the image have helped deliver better surveillance in low-light conditions. Besides IR illumination, other availabilities include the addition of visible light in the vicinity of the field of view, the use of image intensifiers, low-light lenses, and thermal cameras. In this blog, we talk you through different types of cameras – including some of the latest Prama Hikvision technologies – to help you understand the workarounds for low-light and pitch-black monitoring. See in low light Low light means anything down to 0.002 Lux – that’s the same conditions as a moonless, clear night. Many surveillance cameras built today for low-light performance can deliver usable and high-quality images by applying better optics and advanced sensors. To put it simply, the lens used thereby gets as much light as possible onto the image sensor. In this way, Hikvision has two options. The first is the Prama Hikvision ColorVu cameras, which are ideal for monitoring at a closer range. With an F1.0 super aperture and an advanced sensor, these intelligent eyes pull in four times the light of a conventional camera, for daylight-like color images in low-light conditions. Should light levels fall to zero, the built-in warm supplemental lighting ensures the camera can still capture vivid color images within up-to 40 meters range. If you need low-light security monitoring over larger distances, then Prama Hikvision’s DarkFighter camera range are ideal. Featuring a large-sized progressive scan CMOS sensor and a DarkEye SLA lens with a super large F0.95 aperture, DarkFighter cameras can deliver excellent HD high color images down to 0.002 Lux. The camera’s increased field of view allows security operatives to pan around and cover a large area of attention, particularly ideal for city streets monitoring, and open environments like ports, squares, parking lots etc.     See in total darkness When there is zero ambient light, there is one industry-standard option – Infra-red cameras. Security camera manufacturers have created true day/ night cameras that add IR illuminators to capture monochrome images when the light level falls to zero lux. Specifically, IR illuminators emit infrared light that is reflected by objects and is further collected by the camera sensor to produce a sharp, black and white image. Today, the vast majority of cameras on the market come with built-in IR illuminators. But if you want to take things a step further, it’s worth considering the Prama Hikvision DarkFighterX camera range. Based on the human eye, these cameras use a single lens featuring two sensors – one for IR imaging – which ensures that video footage is bright and sharp, and the other for visible light – which allows video images to be reproduced in full and vivid color. Both signals work together to create a single, bright, full-color image in light conditions as low as 0.0005 Lux. In zero light, the cameras enable mixed supplemental lighting to render color images. See in all weather conditions But what if it’s pitch black, and your view is obscured by rain, fog or even thick foliage? If you’re trying to see in the most challenging conditions, there’s one trusty option – thermal cameras.   Rather than using light, thermal cameras measure heat – or thermal radiation – to generate images from their field of view. In this way, the rendered image is far less affected by rain, snow, fog, smog or indeed anything that can obscure light. The way thermal cameras ‘see’ allows them to pick up movements with high accuracy, giving security operatives eyes on objects, vehicles and intruders. Combined with Video Content Analysis (VCA) technology, thermal cameras can offer a range of perimeter security solutions such as line-crossing detection and intrusion detection. This means they can easily detect intruders moving through bushes or under the cover of complete darkness. Prama Hikvision offers a range of cutting-edge thermal cameras including those that deliver the best of both worlds – bi-spectrum cameras, which combine thermal and optical images to create a hybrid image, making it easier to find hidden objects and document unusual events.