Month: February 2023

Companies demonstrate 3D depth vision through stereo cameras fusion for fast-motion object tracking in AIoT and autonomous guided robots and industrial devices Reference designs leverage ST’s high-performance, near-infrared, global-shutter image sensors to ensure best quality depth sensing and point-cloud creation STMicroelectronics, a global semiconductor company serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, and eYs3D Microelectronics, a fabless semiconductor design house that focuses on end-to-end hardware and software systems for computer vision, including advanced vision-processing System-on-Chip (SoC) devices, revealed the results of their collaboration on high-quality machine vision at CES 2023 in Las Vegas during January 5-8, 2023. Using live demonstrations, the companies showed how stereo video and depth camera made from advanced active-coded infrared technology can enhance capabilities like feature recognition and autonomous guidance at mid-to-long working range. “STMicroelectronics’ advanced image sensors, using proprietary process technologies, offer class-leading pixel size while offering both high sensitivity and low crosstalk,” said James Wang, Chief Strategy & Sales Officer, eYs3D Microelectronics, “Such high-performance image sensors at a competitive price point enable us to achieve extremely compact system size while ensuring outstanding machine-vision performance. The strong connection we have established with ST increases our confidence to develop new products that will lead the machine vision market.” “The collaboration with eYs3D Microelectronics, through their expertise in capture, perception understanding, and 3D-fusion, offers ST additional business opportunities, use cases, and ecosystems addressing demands for stereo vision in applications such as robots, home-automation, home appliances, and many others,” said David Maucotel, Business Line Manager at ST’s Imaging Sub-Group, “While the reference designs showcased at CES are using monochromatic sensors, we can already foresee exciting enhancements and further use-cases using the RGB and RGB-IR versions of our sensors.” The CES demonstrations highlighted two jointly developed reference designs – the Ref-B6 and Ref-B3 ASV (Active Stereo Vision) video and depth cameras. Both combine the eYs3D CV processor and eSP876 stereo 3D Depth-Map chipset with ST’s global shutter image sensors that provide enhanced near-infrared (NIR) sensitivity. The embedded eYs3D chipset enhances object edge detection, optimizes depth de-noising, and outputs HD-quality 3D depth data up to 60fps frame rate. ST’s image sensors enable the cameras to output data streams in various combinations of video/ depth resolution and frame rate for the best quality depth sensing and point-cloud creation. In addition, optimized lenses, filters and a VCSEL active-IR projector source optimize the infrared optical path and maximize immunity to ambient light noise. A specially developed control algorithm turns the IR projector on and off alternately to permit capturing artifact-free gray scale images. Leveraging this advanced hardware design, the Ref-B6 stereo-video camera achieves a 6-centimeter baseline and 85deg(H) x 70deg(V) depth field of view. Both eYs3D reference designs include the SDK (Software Development Kit) supporting Windows®, Linux and Android OS environments with multiple different programming languages and wrapper APIs.  

Quanika access and integration technologies highlighted in partnership with Axis Communications Quanika made its first Intersec appearance on 17-19 January, demonstrating its next generation silo-free security and site management software, including seamless integration with best-in-class video, access, and audio tech from Axis Communications. Quanika was on Axis Communications’ stand  showcasing its Enterprise access control and VisitorPoint visitor management software seamlessly integrated with Axis’s complete range of software and hardware as well other third-party systems. Show visitors were able to experience an immersive, next generation security and safety management solution from a single user interface. Quanika, a certified Axis Communication Technology Integration Partner (TIP), has a rapidly growing user-base globally, leveraging a more practical, affordable migration route away from outdated, siloed systems and technology stacks. Quanika’s integration model combines off-the-shelf affordability with customisation whenever required and leverages the power of corporate databases – including Microsoft Active Directory – to help customers operate their sites more securely and efficiently. Visitors to Intersec got to see how Quanika leverages Axis’s powerful A1601 door controller, and powers-up Axis Camera Station VMS to extend its surveillance capabilities by encompassing an unlimited number of cameras and devices. The Quanika team also was on hand to demonstrate operability of the latest Axis camera range. The line-up includes specialist LPR cameras using Vaxtor’s optical character recognition (OCR) to deliver over 99% accuracy on license plate reads, making security operations and site management more efficient. Quanika Enterprise, supporting up 150,000 cardholders per controller, is ideal for larger and multi-site applications in the Middle East, including logistics and warehousing sites, hotels and hospitality, oil & gas facilities, manufacturing plants, commercial office hubs, retail applications and the new wave of multi-use developments which are increasingly popular across the GCC. Quanika Enterprise transforms the way staff access facilities and workspaces as well as networks and IT applications. It unlocks the benefits of using frictionless and touchless QR codes, NRF technology and facial recognition. And it reduces the burden on security teams, making it easy to grant and revoke physical and digital passes, while improving the workplace experience for users and automating building systems. It allows energy consumption to be reduced by aligning services with occupancy. VisitorPoint makes first impressions count, enabling a white-glove concierge welcome for VIPs, and efficient access for regular guests and contractors by automating workflows through visitor pre-screening. VisitorPoint lets users maintain access ID authorisations and permits to work, streamlining deliveries, and allowing employees to easily allocate parking spaces and meeting rooms. VisitorPoint ensures that everyone arriving on site has a pleasant experience from the moment they arrive, and makes it simple for employees to host and welcome visitors. “As organisations across the Middle East look to streamline their operations, improve security and ensure the most frictionless user experiences, we are delighted to be working with Axis Communications to deliver on their priorities,” said Phil Campbell, Quanika Sales Director, “We are looking forward to expanding our presence with more projects across the region.”  

Landmark projects across Middle East are taking advantage of eFusion’s expanding ecosystem Maxxess was at Intersec showcasing the extended ecosystem of integrations now available with its eFusion access control and integrated security management platform, as well as the latest, powerful functionality available with its eVisitor visitor management solution. Visitors to Digifort stand S1-F09 also learnt about the run of recent major integration projects taking advantage of the technology, including high-end hotels, landmark mixed-use developments, and major corporate and industrial sites. eFusion, now widely used in industrial settings, the hospitality sector, and mixed-use developments, is a feature-rich platform that allows seamless off-the-shelf integration with more than 60 leading technologies. These include video surveillance, fire and building management systems, as well as site specific applications and hardware. Expanding customers’ choice to a wider range of VMS and camera brands managed through the eFusion interface, new integrations will include the full suite Digifort’s of video management as well as the latest facial recognition technology. Recent major projects taking advantage of eFusion’s modular building block approach include the Jumeirah Al Marsa hotel and harbour development, the multi-use Wasl Tower, Bluewaters Island including the Ain in Dubai, and the Yanbu Aramco Sinopec Refinery (YasRef) in Saudi Arabia. eFusion’s transparent price structure ensures affordability but gives users a level of power and functionality previously only associated with more expensive, tailored solutions. “By bringing together previously siloed systems, eFusion users can leverage operational efficiency by removing the need for operators to continually switch between screens and interfaces,” said Lee Copland, Managing Director EMEA, Maxxess, “This allows busy operational teams and control room managers to focus on priority tasks rather than having to juggle with disparate technologies.” Meanwhile, he added that eVisitor’s growing popularity is due to its successful focus on enabling frictionless and touchless access to premises, increasing efficiency and security, while removing the inconveniences for visitors, staff, and contractors typically encounter when accessing car parking and facilities. “eVisitor integrates with multiple systems and popular corporate databases, including Assa Abloy Hospitality and Microsoft Active Directory, and facilitates hassle-free time and attendance management to further eliminate the inefficiencies of siloed systems and technology stacks,” Lee concluded.  

The IDIS Deep Learning Engine set to supercharge end-to-end solutions on stand S1-J27 IDIS, the leading manufacturer of trusted South Korean-made video tech, has displayed an exciting line-up of end-to-end video solutions that include the latest advances in AI-powered video analytics for businesses of any size, at the recently held Intersec. The company unveiled its new range of NDAA-compliant edge AI cameras and new appliances, including the DV-3200 AI in the Box, that leverage the power of the IDIS Deep Learning Engine, which is trained on vast datasets to deliver up to 98% accuracy and is designed to meet any budget and application. The new flexible and scalable range of deep-learning options lets organisations of any size reap the benefits of AI-powered analytics by eliminating the inefficiency of false alarms with more accurate alerts. This supports more proactive real-time monitoring and faster responses, while delivering on the IDIS promise of a low total cost of ownership (TCO). The AI Box for Surveillance, also launched, is a simple and affordable 4-channel add-on appliance that comes without any license fees, and provides unlimited scalability. It delivers all the benefits of AI object detection – including people, cars, and bikes – along with line crossing, loitering detection, and face detection. An easy upgrade option, it lets organisations leverage their existing investments in IDIS cameras by simply connecting the DV-1304-A box to their NVRs. And for new systems it enables a more proactive approach to security. Visitors can also get hands-on demonstrations of the comprehensive range of NDAA-compliant cameras, NVRs, pre-configured AI in the Box appliances, plus a choice of VMS suited to the specific challenges of the retail sector, banking, and logistics applications. For the banking sector, IDIS showcased its latest 64-channel NVR pre-configured with IDIS Solution Suite VMS and IDIS Deep Learning Analytics, and the IDIS Intelligent Video Wall Station. A new 8-channel encoder and HD-TVI recorder lets banks securely migrate to full IP surveillance without interruption to coverage. IDIS offers the option to retain analogue equipment, and to integrate with Bosch’s popular intrusion and fire detection technology, eliminating siloed systems and reducing operating expenditure. For logistics and retail customers, IDIS video innovations are cutting shrink, improving health and safety, and transforming customer service. The IDIS retail solution now includes the AI Box for Retail (DV-1304), giving even small stores the benefits of AI-powered in-store and customer intelligence. IDIS debuted a remote onboard camera system for vehicles used in logistics and warehousing, as well as a range of apps and cameras that can scan barcodes and track goods across large logistics centres and warehouses, improving operational efficiency and customer service. Dennis Choi, General Manager, IDIS Middle East and Africa said, “IDIS values Intersec as a perfect platform to launch the latest technologies powered by our self-developed IDIS Deep Learning Engine, showcasing our innovations to both visitors and local and international media. Our team will be on hand throughout the show to demonstrate how these flexible and scalable advances in AI will supercharge IDIS end-to-end solutions for organisations of all sizes.”    

Hanwha Techwin, a global leader in video surveillance products and solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with NXGEN Technology AG, a Swiss-based start-up that focuses on scalable alarm and event management. In particular, the partnership will benefit monitoring stations where real-time event management and alerts are critical. With the security landscape becoming ever more complex with multiple systems and devices required to work seamlessly together – including video, the Internet of Things, access control, perimeter detection, and more – the partnership between Hanwha and NXGEN aims to simplify this with the development of a single interface to connect all Hanwha Techwin video solutions with other systems using the NXG GENESIS cloud-based event and alarm management platform. Hanwha and NXGEN are already working together on several installations across Europe for large well-known organisations that require a single management system for all their video devices. The integrated solution can scale across complex installations utilising multi-vendor devices. Stéphane Verment, Co-Founder at NXGEN Technology AG, “We founded NXGEN Technology AG in recognition of the increasingly complex security needs of companies, as they added more advanced devices to their security tech stack. This partnership with Hanwha Techwin recognises a clear need for operators to have a timely, easy way to respond to alarms and stop intruders in their tracks before they can do any damage.”  

Global security manufacturer, Gallagher, celebrated its first win for the new Command Centre Web product in the Access Control category at the 2022 CyberSecured Awards hosted by Security Today. Launched in September 2022, Command Centre Web is the latest, most flexible evolution in the suite of Command Centre products. Gallagher’s first web-based solution enables sites to access their Command Centre workstation from any device, anywhere with an internet connection. And with cybersecurity controls baked into every stage of development, it’s been designed to protect against vulnerabilities and enable end users to control their data on site. “Having a cloud-based interface enables us to deliver a flexible, yet secure, solution that we can update quickly for added functionality and cybersecurity improvements, and this is awesome recognition of our continuing cybersecurity leadership,” said Steve Bell, Chief Technology Officer at Gallagher. Command Centre Web gives customers more choices for managing everything from cardholder access and credentials to systems updates. It’s an adaptable response to evolving site management needs and changes in the workplace, giving customers the full, secure control they need to protect what matters most, no matter where they are. Designed to complement the existing Gallagher suite of products, Command Centre Web creates operational efficiencies and delivers new enhancements quickly, with the added benefit of hands-off, regular updates for customers who previously needed to take manual action. Judged by an independent panel of security experts, the third annual CyberSecured awards honored security products and services with outstanding achievements in transforming the cybersecurity industry. The CyberSecured winners were announced by Security Today on December 22, 2022.