The essence of the findings is that IP is poised to play a more mainstream role in security installations around the world, having now reached a worldwide value of around $500 million. This reminded me that just a few short years ago, IP was seen as something pretty fringe, and that the reality of what it could deliver fell some way short of the marketing hype. Fast forward to 2007/2008 and two things have made a big difference. Big bandwidth is not just far more readily available, but has become relatively cheaper. And faster computers and open communication protocols have become concepts that are now widely appreciated – witness the uptake of video across computer networks and now even on mobile devices.
These trends are confirmed by the report Convergence of Physical Security with IP in European Markets, which points to a greater diversification and interoperability of IP networks. The report suggests that increasing numbers of end users are integrating video surveillance and access control with specialist software, so that system components can communicate seamlessly. But there are challenges to be faced too: high prices are an obstacle for some and open platforms need to be universally adopted to provide widespread potential for true integration. As Frost & Sullivan says in the executive summary of the report: “For more efficient integrated security, companies are considering advanced intelligent technologies such as video analytics. The use of advanced security systems, integrating a variety of inputs from multiple sensors using intelligent software, is starting to transform the European security landscape. For more on the report click here.
Information overload?
It’s one thing having more and more video data available, but quite another how to optimise it to provide the best level of security for a given budget. After all, most video footage will be just that – an archive of no consequence. This is where intelligent video – or video analytics – comes into play. Again, not so long ago, this was viewed as so sophisticated and expensive that it was really only fit for high security places such as defence sites and airports. These days, however, the technology has entered the mainstream, and in some surprising places too. In London, for example, video analytics are being used at the 10-acre Duke of York Square development in Chelsea to alert security officers to abandoned packages, vagrancy, vehicle theft and intrusion into secure areas. The site has a mix of retail and leisure facilities that includes 12 hotels, a concert hall, a cinema and a theatre. To read more on this installation, click here.
Sports and leisure venues in London are also embracing video analytics. The technology is being used to help protect one of the capital’s landmarks – the London Eye. The surveillance system uses thermal imaging cameras to help distinguish between real threats and false ones – such as and the shadows often thrown by the huge structure. Click here to read more on this unusual installation. And at one of the word’s most famous cricket grounds – the Brit Oval – the surveillance system has been upgraded to include content analysis to monitor the main approaches to the ground, to detect vehicles stopping in restricted areas. It’s also used to flag up abandoned objects, overcrowding and some types of suspicious behaviour. Click here for more.
On the move
Wireless and mobile applications are also becoming more mainstream and more sophisticated. The Spanish city of Bilbao, for example, is installing an integrated solution enabling data, voice and video communication among strategic and emergency services. The system is designed to allow faster and easier collaboration between the city’s fire, ambulance and police services, as well as the airport and other transport operators.
And back in the UK, vehicles to support a new chemical and hazardous response service will be using satellite broadband technology to run a range of voice, video and data applications. As well as providing users with a choice of GSM or VoIP communications and body worn cameras to transmit or record video, each vehicle is equipped with ptz cameras that can provide conventional or thermal images. You can read more about this fascinating application by clicking here,
Until next time.
Ron Alalouff
