Month: October 2023

Prakash Prabhu – Chief Business Officer & Co-Founder, VisionBot The use of cloud is rising across the globe as more organizations look to reap the benefits of a flexible and scalable service-based business model. The growth of cloudbased business functions and increase within the cloud services market is making way for Surveillance-as-a-service (SaaS) options that typically have been unavailable up to this point – especially for growing small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Not all physical security industry cloud offerings are true cloud systems A true cloud system’s architecture makes maximum use of modern cloud computing technology, its reliability and scalability, through a ‘pay per use’ subscription model. A true cloud system affordably and securely provides scalable capabilities that can’t possibly be achieved in client-server on-premises systems. VisionBot cloud NVR (CNVR) is the true cloud platform and artificial intelligence (AI) to dramatically transform your video surveillance system into an even more powerful tool. Features of Cloud NVR VisionBot cloud NVR is a flexibly scalable enterprise-grade platform, allowing to eliminate the need for redundant, complex on-site hardware gateways and NVRs. Connect your cameras directly to the cloud for failsafe surveillance. Scale without additional hardware, software and enable quick and easy plug & play connection. Allow authorized viewers to access multi-site surveillance from web clients or on an APP. Get the freedom to choose multi product cameras, setup without single vendor lock-in. Leverage the cloud services for centralized remote administration of users, cameras, alerts, roles and monitor events in real-time. Centralize camera footage from different locations into one platform –transforming even the most basic of systems into an intelligent, cloud-based system. Architechture of Cloud NVR New installations – No computer hardware required on site Existing installation- Existing Hardware can be repurposed as local storage or removed altogether Benefits of Cloud NVR Compatible with any camera: Connect any stream source such as IP, webcam and NVR to the cloudNVR platform. Plug and Play Setup: Eliminate the complicated network setup and connect IP cameras and NVRs to the cloud quickly. Ideal for Multi-Site & Multi Brand hardware: Centralize the management of multiple surveillance locations to be able to troubleshoot and control settings remotely. True Cloud Security and Reliability: Get a secure 99.9999% uptime promise by Industry standard cloud. Modern video infrastructure: H.264 video streams from any camera as input, Recorded video can be accessed instantly from any web browser on any device. Advantages of VisionBot Cloud NVR Easily scale on a camera-by-camera basis. Freedom from Gateways and other hardware modules. No binding to the MAC ID of devices allows easy interchanging of cameras streams on demand. Subscription model allows customer to Hop ON/Hop OFF at their discretion. Progress to cloud AI analytics. Easily upgrade or migrate from VisionBot cloud NVR to use Cloud-based AI-driven analytical models that enable maximum resource utilization. Transform your business with the VisionBot Visual AI Operations Cloud. Connect with our experts to understand how companies are using VisionBot™ AI driven Computer Vision to strengthen security, safety and streamline operations. https://Visionbot.com/contactus We welcome Technology Integrators and sector specific VAR’s to become a VisionBot™ channel partner, and discover the opportunity to offer a cutting-edge AI-powered computer vision solution to your customers. https://Visionbot.com/partnering *Views expressed in the article are solely of the Author  

Milind Borkar – Expert Security Consultant An often-overlooked critical component in video surveillance systems is the lens. The security industry has moved steadily toward providing cameras with integrated lenses taking out the ‘guess work’ for integrators. Given the increased competitive pressures, it is understandable that cameras companies make trade-offs in lens performance to meet budgetary price targets for dome and bullet offerings. This can result in less-than-ideal solutions to specific imaging tasks. Most camera companies still offer traditional box cameras that come without a lens or with the ability to remove the accompanying lens and replace it with a better, more tailored solution. Being able to select a compatible high-performance lens can ensure the investment in a high resolution system is not wasted. The following two case studies tell a story of lens selection gone wrong, and right. Through this story we will illustrate some of the most important considerations in lens selection. Both cases are from the public school sector. Both schools had defined goals, both did research, evaluation and testing of the selected lenses before installation. Yet one project failed, while the other was a success. What made the difference? Case study 1 New Jersey High School The school described their problem as a safety issue. They had unacceptable aggressive student physical behavior they did not want to escalate into violence, as well as some limited theft. They thought that an improved video surveillance system would help with deterrence as well as post event response. Their existing video surveillance system was composed of analog cameras they considered ‘high resolution,’ but not high enough resolution for use with wide angle lenses that they felt would cost effectively meet their coverage needs. They did not have or wish to have PTZ cameras as they had limited staff and would not have enough time to control and monitor such equipment. The goals they identified included having forensic quality identification at entry and exit points, people recognition in parking lots, and forensic quality identification in an unusually shaped hexagonal central hallway. The school security staff conducted an extensive online search for products to meet their needs. They felt that upgrading to megapixel cameras would provide them higher image resolution and still allow them to use wide angle lenses to cover wide areas. They looked for megapixel cameras and did a comparison of numerous camera brands, models, and features. They discovered that not all megapixel cameras could meet their needs. In addition, they researched wide angle lenses looking for coverage of their wide areas; they consulted local integrators for advice. They evaluated lens samples from 4 manufacturers. They found most wide-angle lenses they tested presented a severe fisheye effect. And to their surprise they found that some of the lenses tested resulted in a fuzzy, or ‘blurry image,’ even when using a 5 megapixel camera. After the research and evaluation, they selected two 8-megapixel, 360-degree multi-sensor cameras, one for the cafeteria and another for the computer lab. They also selected thirty-four 5-megapixel cameras, 11 of which were outdoor domes, 6 were indoor domes, and another 17 were 5” indoor domes. They chose eighteen 25-degree horizontal field of view lenses, and eight 90-degree lenses. In addition, they selected twelve 135-degree horizontal field of view, low fisheye distortion lenses from Theia Technologies – six to cover their hexagonal hallway, two to cover the parking lot and an open field area, two covering the corners of building wings, one covering the front entry, and one more covering 2 temporary buildings. They achieved the results expected when the project came in 30% under budget, they were able to achieve what they considered great resolution with the selected equipment in the designated placements, with excellent image fluidity, and fast response time. The administration was fully satisfied and planned to upgrade other schools in the district as well. The unique hexagonal hallway in the New Jersey school was a challenge. According to the school district project manager, “Every installer we contacted said the angles were way too aggressive in the ring and wanted us to double our cameras and halve the angles at the very least. The same for the parking lots. We did the math, and we knew the new 5-megapixel camera could pull it off, we just had to find a lens that could prove them all wrong. We went searching and the only thing that met our specs was the Theia lens. Jaws dropped when they saw the pictures. Not only did we get the massively wide angles we needed, but we did it without the fisheye everyone told us was impossible to avoid, and every single dot in the 5.1million pixel image is fully utilized and warp-free. The combination of the 5-megapixel cameras and the 5-megapixel Theia lenses provided the resolution they expected. You can tell if someone is holding a pencil.” Case study 2 Southern California High School Similar to the problems outlined in the New Jersey high school, the safety of students and staff was the primary concern for the administration at the California high school. Their existing video surveillance system consisted of 170 analog cameras. The system did not provide enough resolution for wide angle lenses and a legally acceptable description of individuals. They also suffered from poor system reliability, with frequent breakdowns and down time. In addition, the system was complex and costly to maintain and monitor. As to be expected, the administration’s goals were to achieve greater spatial coverage than with their existing analog system, improved image clarity, increased system uptime, and a more manageable system size. With a new system they expected to be able to zoom in to get legally acceptable descriptions of individuals from 60 to 70 feet away and have wide and continuous coverage; they also did not want any PTZ cameras. Their approach was a little different. The school district hired a consultant to design a system to meet their needs. The consultant met with the school to understand their needs, selected the equipment,…

Dr. Rajiv Mathur, Regional Advisor Asia, OSPAs India’s roadways, often described as a bustling symphony of chaos and courage, present an intricate tapestry of challenges and contradictions. From heart-stopping traffic snarls to jaw-dropping acts of road rage, the nation’s road safety woes have been well-documented. In this expansive exploration, we’ll delve deeper into the harrowing statistics, dissect the weird irregularities of Indian road culture, and shed light on potential remedies. Buckle up, for this rollercoaster ride is equal parts shocking, amusing, and ultimately, a call to action The Road Safety Odyssey: India’s Worrying Statistics To truly grasp the perplexing nature of India’s road safety crisis, let’s take a closer look at the numbers and dive into some hair-raising examples from various cities across the nation. Accidents Unleashed: A Multitude of Mishaps As per the last Road Safety Report of Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), Government of India, in the year 2021 alone, India reported a staggering 4,12,432 road accidents. This translates to an average of 1130 accidents every day. But what do these numbers mean in the context of real-life incidents? Mumbai’s Traffic Squeeze: Mumbai, the city that never sleeps, witnessed an astounding 29,442 road accidents in 2021. That’s like having an accident every 18 minutes. Delhi’s Dismal Distinction: The national capital, Delhi, is no stranger to gridlock, recording 17,939 accidents in 2021. To put it in perspective, there was an accident every 29 minutes. Fatalities: Lives Interrupted In the same year, 1,53,972 lives were claimed by these accidents, averaging 422 deaths every day. The grim statistics are more than just numbers; they are lives abruptly cut short. Kolkata’s Perilous Pedestrians: Kolkata saw 4,654 lives lost on its roads in 2021. That’s like losing an entire community every week. Chennai’s Challenging Crossings: Chennai, known for its sweltering heat and dosas, recorded 4,157 fatalities. That’s as many lives lost as the number of dosas served in a bustling eatery. Injuries: The Unseen Suffering Road accidents also resulted in injuries to 3,84,448 people in 2021, illustrating the hidden trauma that survivors endure. Bengaluru’s Bruised Bikers: Bengaluru, the Silicon Valley of India, had 11,347 injuries in 2021. Imagine a room filled with injured individuals, each one battling their own road to recovery, every day. Hyderabad’s Hurt Hikers: Hyderabad had 7,899 injuries, enough to fill a small sized stadium with people nursing their wounds. The Eccentricities of Indian Road Culture India’s roadways are an arena where the bizarre, the chaotic, and the audacious intersect. Let’s dissect some of these quirks and qualms that make driving in India an experience unlike any other. Aggression on the Road: The Battle for Dominance In the chaotic realm of Indian roads, the unspoken motto, opposite to the old Lucknowi culture of pehle aap, appears to be ‘me first.’ It’s a world where the law of the jungle reigns supreme, where the strong assert their right of way. Northern Bravado: In the northern regions of India, a peculiar brand of bravado prevails. The phrase ‘Tu Janta Hai Mera Baap Kaun Hai?’ (Do you know who my father is?) is the trump card of choice when it comes to asserting dominance. It’s a unique form of assertiveness that can be heard echoing through the streets, often used to leave others in no doubt about one’s lineage. Mumbai’s Bhai: In the bustling streets of Mumbai, the term ‘Bhai’ (brother) is tossed around like a secret code, and nobody’s quite sure who’s who. Each vehicle seems to carry a sense of mystery, leaving you to wonder if that stern-looking gentleman in the SUV is, in fact, some bhai or just another commuter. It’s a city where the lines between real-life bhai and everyday people blur into a web of ambiguity. Rajni’s Effect: Head down south, and you’ll encounter a phenomenon of an entirely different kind. It’s as if the spirit of Rajnikanth, the legendary actor known for his fearless on-screen persona, infects every road user. No matter the vehicle they’re in, drivers and pedestrians alike exude an invincible attitude. It’s not just about confidence; it’s about embracing the Rajnikanth-like aura, navigating the roads with an air of fearlessness, as if they’re the ultimate road warriors. Traffic Violations: Rules, What Rules? Traffic rules in India often seem like mere suggestions, with drivers taking it upon themselves to rewrite the road code. Dash through Red Lights: In almost all the bustling streets cities of this vast country, the act of running red lights has been elevated to nothing short of a daring sport. Here, traffic signals often appear as mere decorations, their authority overshadowed by a collective rush to cross the intersection. It’s a mesmerizing yet heart-pounding spectacle, where drivers flirt with the boundary between safety and audacity. The red signal might indicate a halt, but for many, it’s an invitation to test their mettle in the race against time. Wrong-side Warriors: Across India, the practice of wrong-side driving is not merely a deviation from traffic norms; it’s an art form. It’s an exhibition to the road user’s audacious belief that it’s not about choosing the right lane; it’s about taking the lane that feels right at that precise moment. Whether it’s a shortcut to evade congestion, a faster route to reach a destination, or a sheer disregard for conventional rules, wrongside warriors navigate the road with a flair for the unconventional. It’s a driving dance where the choreography is anything but predictable. Honking: India’s Unending Symphony In India, honking isn’t a mere form of communication; it’s an intricate symphony composed by a flock of impatient souls. At any given junction, in the heart of the road, or while awaiting the changing of a traffic signal, the air resonates with a disharmony of horns. It’s as if drivers participate in a collective belief that the volume of their honk directly correlates with the speed at which they’ll reach their desired destination. This deafening orchestra of horns, often akin to a well-rehearsed ensemble, plays on, day and night. Honk Happy Habits: At…