Category: Case Study
Opticom™ Emergency Vehicle Preemption solution
Denver in Colorado & Pasco in Washington Expanded Pasco in Washington and Denver in Colorado have expanded their Opticom™ traffic preemption solution from Global Traffic Technologies, LLC (GTT). The cities benefit from their faster response times, and safer journeys for emergency services vehicles with the expansion of the solution that works alongside intersection controllers to help ensure emergency vehicles can move through intersections quickly and safely. When an emergency vehicle needs to navigate an intersection, the Opticom emergency vehicle preemption (EVP) system onboard the vehicle sends a request to the intersection’s controller ahead of its arrival. If the request is granted, the light turns green and the vehicle gets a clear path through the intersection. In Denver, 60 of the city’s busiest intersections have been included as part of an expansion and upgrade to the existing EVP system, ensuring emergency vehicles and personnel proceed to incidents swiftly and safely. Pasco has expanded the existing EVP system to include eight more of its busiest intersections. This will allow emergency vehicles to respond to incidents even faster, and to avoid the danger of navigating an intersection against the flow of traffic. GTT’s President Jason Lund said, “GTT is delighted to continue our relationship with the cities of Pasco and Denver, and their emergency services. The further expansion and modernization of EVP system will help them improve operational safety for residents and emergency services, as well as to decrease response times for emergency vehicles.”
ULISSE Secures Schio, Italy
14 HD cameras deployed in sensitive areas The Italian town of Schio has bolstered its video surveillance system with 14 new digital cameras that will cover as big an area as possible. There has been 75,000 Euro worth of investment, in an effort to protect those who want to feel safer at home. Thanks to a pilot project that saw a collaboration between the local council, Videotec, Pasubio Tecnologia (a company that offers public administration digital services) and the local police force, not only will the field of surveillance be widened but it is the best technology available that has been installed and tested. Supplied by Videotec, these new devices don’t just provide daytime surveillance, they also allow for monitoring at night, thanks to the in-built infrared. They also come with Full HD sensors, 30x zoom and a wiper for cleaning the lens. In addition, they rotate, allowing for full 360° recording. The pilot project also allowed Videotec to use the spaces made available to the town to test new devices, and experiment with new video surveillance solutions designed specifically for cities. The Mayor of Schio said, “We came to notice that the town’s surveillance system was inadequate; some areas were not covered and many cameras were not modern enough to provide pictures to use. We tackled this problem immediately because the security of our citizens, our businesses and their capital is of the utmost importance. Through this project, we’ll replace two obsolete systems and add 12 cameras, giving us 45 in total with which to monitor the town. In particular, the system will be upgraded through the industrial region and other sensitive areas, chiefly to prevent acts of vandalism. Laura Locci, President of Pasubio Tecnologia said, “Video surveillance is important, but it’s only effective if the system works properly. Thanks to our fibre optic infrastructure, the digital technology of the new devices, connected to the monitoring station that has been installed at the HQ of the local police force, offers the very best performance for the whole system.” Loris Revrenna, Deputy Commander of the local police force continued, “The knowledge that there are recording systems in place is already proving to be an excellent deterrent. Increasingly, video surveillance is a tool for investigation as it allows the perpetrators of crimes to be tracked. Previously, they probably would have gone unpunished. It, therefore, allows us to take preventative and repressive action as an increasingly indispensable solution.” Alessio Grotto, President of Videotec, concluded, “For us, collaborating with the municipality of Schio is a moment of pride. We are a company of Schio, with activities in fifty countries around the world, and we specialise in the creation of outdoor video surveillance systems that are resistant to extreme conditions, both weather-related and environmental. At sites made available by the town, we will be able to experiment with new products and invest in a product that’s dedicated exclusively to city surveillance.”
Protecting Against Fentanyl Exposure
Smiths Detection Technology protects first responders against the threat of Fentanyl exposure Smiths Detection Inc. (SDI) is at the forefront of arming first responders with solutions to safeguard against the presence of Fentanyl. Working directly with international law enforcement and hazmat agencies, SDI has adapted a range of existing technologies to be able to quickly and accurately detect Fentanyl and its analogues on scene. Fentanyl, if inhaled, may lead to respiratory arrest, is 50 times more lethal than heroin and 100 times more lethal than morphine. It is prompting fears of a public health crisis and a threat to the safety of first responders who may not be aware of its presence during a response. SDI has adapted three of its leading technologies to detect and identify Fentanyl, including: IONSCAN 600: Used in airports, corrections facilities and security checkpoints across the world, this portable system detects invisible amounts of narcotics like Fentanyl, and explosives, in seconds. HazMatID Elite/ Target ID: An infrared handheld chemical identifier performs chemical analysis on bulk amounts of solids and liquids, which may be used as court-admissible evidence. ACE-ID: Utilizes laser Raman technology which allows users to test bulk quantities of unknown substances without contact, including through plastic and glass. The technologies were designed to complement each other in response scenarios but can work independently. SDI also enhanced its ReachBackID 24/7 hotline to give first responders using these technologies access to Ph.D. scientists to support the field-based analysis of Fentanyl and several of its analogues. Shan Hood, Vice President of Product & Technology for Smiths Detection said, “The new Fentanyl threat to first responders is real and severe since accidental contact with or inhalation-of very small amounts can be life threatening. The right technology can help first responders make better informed decisions about how best to protect themselves from Fentanyl and its analogues during emergencies.”
CP PLUS Secures Shah Abdul Latif University
The vast premises are now under the vigilant eyes of CP PLUS high definition security cameras Shah Abdul Latif University is one of the most recognized bodies providing higher education in the field of arts, commerce, and science and technology. It is located in Khairpur – a former princely state that joined Pakistan in 1955 – right at the heartland of Upper Sindh. The main campus is located just 3 kilometers away from the town, spanning an area of 340 acres of land, plush with greenery and demarcated playgrounds. The university houses over 8000 students and staff across its campus, and the management wanted to ensure their safety and security. The existing security manned by a few security personnel was, by far, insufficient and hence they required a specifically designed intelligent surveillance system that would ensure not only the safety of premise but also help in maintaining discipline within the university. They required monitoring the entire expanse, especially the entrance, exits and boundary walls; and expected from the system to facilitate real-time recording and crystal clear display. Solution The university’s vast premise required careful screening to determine the locations and angles where cameras could be installed to fetch the best results. The choices of cameras, cabling, and related equipment/ peripherals were also the matter of careful evaluation. It was important to ensure that the installation was tamper proof. After a thorough survey and analyzing, high definition CP PLUS cameras were selected along with one of the best recorders and a VMS to ensure high definition images, 24 hour recording and hassle-free operation. A central control room was also set up where footage could be monitored and recorded. The control room has distributed monitoring units connected by underground optical fiber cabling. Results The conceptualization of this project has ensured easy identification and immediate action. Shah Abdul Latif University has greatly benefited from the installation of this surveillance system. The installed surveillance system has been able to efficiently monitor the campus round-the-clock, zoom-in where needed and provide real-time images to authorities to enable authorities to tackle emergency situations and take corrective actions. “The client wanted to deploy a surveillance system that would seamlessly integrate into their organizational design without requiring major infrastructural overhauls. The image clarity offered by the CP PLUS cameras we installed impressed the client and they were very happy with the end results,” said Yogesh B. Dutta, COO – CP PLUS.
Improving Security Along the Waterfront in Aalborg, Denmark
Hikvision and Milestone Systems are supporting a project to find an innovative solution for improving safety and security along the waterfront in Aalborg, Denmark. They teamed up with Aalborg Municipality, the North Jutland Emergency Services, Aalborg University’s Faculty of Engineering and Science, and security company Actas A/S to find a solution that utilizes Hikvision thermal cameras. The system works with a combination of thermal cameras (which will be set up between Limfjordsbroen and Honnørkajen during the trial period) and one controllable camera for use in active searches. Aalborg University is mapping risk areas and developing a ground-breaking program that can ‘recognise’ accidents and raise an alarm. When someone exhibits dangerous behaviour along the waterfront, either on land or in the water, the emergency services will be notified. A camera on Limfjordsbroen will be activated at the same time to record what is happening. This can also be used as an aid if a rescue operation is required. This means that the emergency services will be notified immediately if there is an accident, and live footage from the site can be streamed to their control center using the existing video platform. The control centre can then call out a lifeboat if required. Hans Henrik Henriksen, Councilor for the Planning and Landscape Department says, “Aalborg is very proud of its waterfront. The city has built up around the water, but this also means we need to ensure our water safety measures are the best they can be. We are working continuously to improve safety along the waterfront, and we have taken a number of initiatives towards this such as adding more lighting, more rescue stations, new ladders, and so on. Despite this, we have found that accidents are still happening, which is why I look forward to the opportunity to think outside the box during this trial and to be innovative in this area in collaboration with Aalborg University and the North Jutland Emergency Services.” “If things go well, it’s likely the project will also be adopted and used in other port cities in Denmark and perhaps also abroad,” concludes Hans Henrik Henriksen. Now, with the test phase a success, Aalborg is almost ready to go live with the system. The municipality is also planning an expansion with more cameras, due to the high levels of confidence they have in the system’s success.
Perimeter & Interior IP Surveillance over a Wireless Network
Bulk Oil Storage & Transport Accra Ghana As a result of incurring reported operational losses due to the theft of products and assets onsite, Bulk Oil Storage & Transportation Co. Ltd. (BOST) approached the security systems installer in the country, JIDEM Security, to design and specify a perimeter IP surveillance system, with Public Address over IP capability from a central location. The requirement outlined the provision of a dedicated CCTV monitoring control site within the facility to accommodate recording capabilities and monitoring staff on a 24/7 basis as part of an ongoing contract. The solution The design, planning and implementation of an end-to-end HD IP CCTV system, delivered to a dedicated control room facility within the site premises was carried out with the help of a Wavesight designed and provisioned wireless network infrastructure – utilising a host of Wavesight radio products and industrial interconnects to facilitate a comprehensive day/ night Megapixel perimeter surveillance system. Further the wireless network infrastructure was leveraged by integrating a Public Address system used by the security control room operators. JIDEM Security in partnership with Wavesight, scoped the project through the design and planning stages to include a total of 55 IP cameras comprising a combination of 1080p/ 720p IR equipped CCTV sensors, to be displayed across a 7 monitor video wall with operator client workstations. Wavesight designed the wireless network to accommodate all CCTV sensors and the interconnects, and integrated an IP Public Address system. Wavesight also provided on-site consultancy and commissioning support to ensure that the system was deployed quickly and efficiently in order to minimise any operational disruptions. Within a few hours of the first cameras coming online, evidence was already being collected that empowered the BOST management team to assess and plan to rectify the risks associated with theft related activities and other operational efficiency related activities. This is the first end-to-end IP CCTV system deployed over a wireless network in the country.
MAXIMUS FULL HD PTZ
Used in a Meter and Regulation Station in Indonesia Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN) is the largest company in Indonesia for the transportation and distribution of natural gas. The total length of distribution pipelines of this company is 3,187 km, serving around 84 million customers. As the owner and operator of four transmission pipelines, PGN is responsible for guaranteeing security along the entire chain of conservation and distribution of gas, and for delivering products and services in accordance with the needs of consumers. During the transport phase, the gas is pushed through the pipelines at a very high pressure. When it reaches the end users, however, its delivery pressure must be adjusted so that it falls within an acceptable range (as detailed in the contractual delivery specifications). This is to prevent consumers from being exposed to the full transport pressure reached within the pipeline. A meter and regulator station is used to regulate the natural gas outlet pressure, and reduce it to an acceptable value. To this end, PGN has developed a meter and regulator station (the Master Control Station) that works via remote control, directed from the control room. This project plays an active role in the PGN’s commitment to achieving operational excellence in process management, with the focus on optimising safety, improving efficiency and on maximising reliability throughout the gas supply chain operations. To guarantee reliability and security of the control function, it is necessary to monitor the process using specialised CCTV equipment for hazardous zones. 10 PTZ units from the MPXHD series have been chosen for the realisation of this surveillance system, because of their reliability in providing perfect video footage and their compliance with the highest security standards for operation in hazardous areas. The PTZ units are used to directly monitor the metering and regulating operations remotely from the master control room.
Illinois Electric Cooperative Selects Proxim Wireless
Customer demand for more Mbps pushes IEC to upgrade wireless network Illinois Electric Cooperative (IEC) has recently selected Proxim Wireless’ solutions to upgrade its network infrastructure delivering upwards of 50Mbps to each customer. Established in 1936 and covering a territory of about 2300 square miles, IEC provides public utility services including broadband services for residents and organizations across 10 counties in west-central Illinois. IEC was looking for a reliable solution to provide a rich broadband experience to its users. “When we started our fixed wireless internet service in 2006, a 1MB connection was more than adequate. Today, that won’t even adequately run their Netflix. We feel there is a constant need to keep pace with consumer expectations on bandwidth,” said Sean Middleton, Manager of Engineering, IEC, “We already owned substantial tower infrastructure with legacy products at lower bandwidth capacity. We needed more bandwidth for the same base station and CPE price point as our legacy system.” “Proxim offered us bandwidth speeds greater than our legacy offerings with better noise mitigation. We were also very impressed with Proxim’s provisioning platform and ProximVision® Advanced (PVA) software for management. None of the other wireless manufacturers had the same carrier class connectivity and throughput we were looking for with an organizing package such as PVA,” Sean Middleton concluded. Upgrading the network involved not only higher capacities to the end users, but increased throughput in the backbone was also necessary. The Tsunami QuickBridge® 10100 product with up to 650Mbps of useable throughput was deployed in the backbone. CPEs and Base Stations, over 1200 units to date, provide last mile connectivity. In addition to the Tsunami upgrades performed, IEC also began deploying Proxim’s outdoor rated WiFi AP, the ORiNOCO® AP-9100R. All of this is managed with ProximVision Advanced, a carrier class hybrid network controller. “In the recent years, we have taken our wireless solutions to a whole new level in terms of noise mitigation and higher QoS. We also realized the importance of an advanced carrier management and controller system. PVA gives experienced Service Providers like IEC the power to manage and differentiate their client offerings,” said Greg Marzullo, CEO and President, Proxim Wireless.
City of Troy Transforms into a Smart City
Networking platform from Extreme provides Alabama-based Troy with standardized connectivity for 10,000 devices across 70 locations Faced with a rise in the number of technology devices used by residents, visitors, and employees, cities are turning to wireless and wired solutions to increase operational efficiencies, promote economic growth and improve the quality of life for citizens. To support its increased role in providing seamless wireless networking solutions to smart cities, the City of Troy, Alabama selected Extreme’s software-driven end-to-end networking technology to provide reliable, fast, and secure connectivity across 70 locations. As a result, the City of Troy expanded its BYOD program to accommodate more than 10,000 wired and wireless devices with enhanced network reliability throughout areas including parks and recreational facilities, its public library, and senior complex. With a desire to streamline the city’s networking platform, and with a need for updated power and reliability, the City of Troy replaced its networking equipment from Cisco, Juniper, and others, with Extreme’s end-to-end technology solution. Following Troy’s decision to standardize with Extreme, the City has increased redundancy, which is especially important for the police department and their 911 operations, as network downtime is no longer a concern. Standardizing the network has also simplified operations for the City of Troy IT staff and brought time and significant cost savings to Troy’s employees, residents and visitors. Key facts The City of Troy is using Extreme Management™ software for streamlined management, visibility and control of its wired and wireless enterprise networking solutions. Both of these solutions are supported by Extreme’s underlying ExtremeXOS™ network operating system, which provides high performance and rich features required for each unique environment. Troy also standardized and simplified its switching platform with Extreme Switching™ to provide fast and reliable network connectivity for 70 locations, including its parks, recreational facilities, Colley Senior Complex, and the Troy Public Library. Troy’s network has been running smoothly with Extreme Switching, and has grown from 30 switches in 20 locations, to over 100 switches across 70 locations with seamless operations and zero down-time. Extreme installed a 10Gig ring around the city so that all departments, including EMS and firefighters, can directly connect to the network with complete redundancy. Extreme’s switches allowed the city to upgrade with intelligent smart water and electric meters so that they can remotely monitor water and electricity consumption and control their smart lighting. Troy’s next project with Extreme will be installing AP cameras around the city for increased security. “With Extreme’s solutions, we modernized our city with a flawless and reliable end-to-end networking infrastructure. The solutions help our employees respond faster and access work resources quicker. Downtime is now a non-issue, which allows employees to be more efficient. Extreme’s support services have been unparalleled, as its solutions engineer is always there whenever assistance is needed. We look forward to expanding Troy’s relationship with Extreme with its SDN and analytics solutions to pave the way for the city’s continued growth.” – Jason Bell Network Administrator, City of Troy “We are thrilled to partner with City of Troy and witness its network transformation with our end-to-end networking solutions. Troy offers its residents and employees plenty of small town charm, with a robust and powerful network to support an increasing number of computers, phones and other devices. We understand the importance of maintaining manageable, reliable networks across a city space bustling with people, and we’re proud to outfit Troy with solutions that lower costs with standardization and simplify overall network management for its citizens and IT administrators.” – Robert Nilsson Director of Vertical Solutions, Extreme Networks
Hampshire Firefighters Safer and Public Better Served with Integrated Communications
Motorola Solutions, Inc. and Radiocoms have announced that Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service will deploy 1,000 MOTOTRBO radios and WAVE 5000 mobile communicator service. The agreement will enhance communications and the safety of fire staff both in-vehicle and on the frontline. The new MOTOTRBO DP4601e portable radios will provide the fire service with a range of innovative features such as push-to-talk instantaneous communication, enhanced audio quality, integrated accelerometers for man-down protection, Bluetooth, GPS and Wi-Fi. The agreement will also see command support vehicles use Motorola Solutions’ WAVE 5000 mobile communicator service to provide reliable access to the Airwave network, as well as to Hampshire’s own DMR talk group. This will drive real-time collaboration and enable staff to communicate via voice or text using a range of networks, in any location and in any environment via an easy-to-use application. The result is a unified communications network that will enable Hampshire fire and rescue service staff to experience a superior level of fire ground communication in even the most difficult or hazardous of conditions. The integrated service will see over 1,800 members of Hampshire fire and rescue service benefit from superior in-vehicle, in-building and frontline communications allowing the fire service to provide a superior level of support to 1.8 million Hampshire citizens. “The safety of our local Hampshire citizens and wellbeing of our firefighters is of paramount importance to the fire service, which is why we have chosen to upgrade our communications equipment to an advanced digital system. Hampshire fire and rescue service aims to be fully digital by August 2017,” said Peter Clarke, Station Manager Operational Technologies. “As a fire and rescue service we cover 1,455 square miles of the country, protecting millions of Hampshire residents and visitors. We require a communication service that could provide an enhanced level of safety, clarity and functionality that is simple and intuitive to use so that our teams can concentrate on our primary objective – responding to incidents and protecting the public. We want our firefighters to have the best possible technology to feel equipped to deliver excellence in their roles,” concluded Clarke. If frontline firefighters have to enter into a hazardous environment, the fire service has the option of switching to an ATEX version of the MOTOTRBO radios. Featuring the highest ATEX/ IEC Ex gas explosion group rating, the DP4801Ex radios are ideal for working in hazardous areas with loud noise, rough weather and dangerous conditions including combustible dust, explosive chemicals, gas leaks and flammable hydrocarbons. “Our experience providing mission-critical communications systems for public safety organisations throughout the world has told us that providing reliable, crystal-clear communication is only half the challenge. In the middle of an emergency situation, a firefighter’s radio is not just a communication device but one of the most important pieces of equipment they carry, providing a link to support staff, critical information, location data and access to safety services such as man-down alerts,” said Phil Jefferson, MSSSI Vice President, Sales and Service for UK and Ireland at Motorola Solutions. “We launched the MOTOTRBO Professional Digital Two-Way Radio System 10 years ago. Since then it has gone from strength to strength as we have added new features in response to feedback from our customers. We are now on our third generation of devices, and Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service is an example of how public safety organisations are turning to the MOTOTRBO range to connect teams effortlessly and efficiently wherever they work, driving workforce productivity and most importantly safety,” concluded Jefferson.