A market-leading CCTV system, based on behaviour-recognition software and state-of-the-art intelligent cameras, has been installed by Portsmouth City Council, to increase the effectiveness of the camera monitoring.
Perceptrak™, supplied by Smart CCTV Ltd of Havant, has been set up to watch quiet areas such as car parks, stairwells or corridors in buildings and streets at nighttime. Perceptrak™ uses the latest software to analyse images using up to 18 pre-defined criteria such as ‘converging people’, ‘fast car’ and so on. When it sees something untoward happening, the system sends an alert to the control room. This allows the security officer to make a human decision on whether to monitor the scene and make an appropriate response. It also ensures that many more scenes are being watched than is normally possible, hence helping to make Portsmouth city a safer and more trouble-free zone.
Ray Stead, CCTV manager at Portsmouth City Council, who decided to install Perceptrak™ for the City, said: “Following a successful trial period in 2006, we decided to install the system on a more permanent basis to prove proof of concept after improvements had been made to the software and because of the quantifiable benefits to the control room outcomes.”
Nick Hewitson, managing director of Smart CCTV, added: "We believe that this is the first fully installed example of video analytics being used in a city centre control room in the UK. As a local company we are very pleased to be working with Portsmouth City by providing leading edge technology to make their CCTV control room one of the most effective in the UK."
In the area covered by the Portsmouth City Council control rooms, there are 142 cameras with live monitoring, and the CCTV operators watch over 24 monitors simultaneously. Perceptrak™ is run in the background looking at some of those cameras that are not displayed to the operators until an alarm sounds.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
ioimage Video Analytics Installed to Protect the Vatican
HERZLIYA, Israel November 18th, 2008 – ioimage, the pioneer of intelligent video appliances designed for simplicity, announced today that it has been selected to protect sensitive areas of the Vatican.
ioimage intelligent video appliances, monitored by an ioiware Command Center, are being used to detect intruders along a 60-kilometer perimeter of sensitive areas, entry and exit gates and the wall surrounding the Vatican.
ioimage was selected from several other video analytics suppliers for this major contract. The first unit was installed in 2005 following a year of intensive testing which demonstrated the system’s superior ease of installation, stability and reliability. Since then, it has proven itself as an effective deterrent against intruders and has optimized the daily tasks of those responsible for surveillance.
Additional ioimage units are currently being installed. These units ─ composed of ioimage’s IP camera with built-in self-sustained video analytics, the ioicam wdc100dn and ioibox video encoders using autonomous PTZ (Pan Tilt Zoom) tracking ─ will be centrally monitored and managed by the “Corpo della Gendarmeria”, the Vatican’s security force from their control room.
Millions of people visit the Vatican’s public areas every year. Its library and museum collections, which belong to the extra territorial part of the Vatican state, are of the highest cultural significance, while buildings such as St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel house some of the world’s most famous art, including works by Bernini, Botticelli, Michelangelo and Raphael.
“As one of the world’s most important sites, the Vatican presented unique challenges,” said Boaz Harpaz, CEO of Picksec International Group, the system integrator. “The security system had to be extremely reliable 24/7 in very crowded, surroundings and under varying weather conditions. It also had to be capable of automatically adjusting to frequent changes in public access schedules while ensuring a low incidence of false alarms. Last but not least, it needed to be easy to install and maintain. After extensive testing of a number of different video analytics products, we found that ioimage offered the optimal solution for this critical site.”
“This project represents a milestone for ioimage and underscores our position as the pioneer and leader in the field of intelligent video,” said Zeev Farkash, VP Sales and Customer Support. “Our solution was rigorously tested by the Corpo della Gendarmeria’s technical personnel before being selected over those of several competitors to monitor this world-famous site.”
About ioimage
ioimage, the pioneer of intelligent video appliances, provides high-performance video encoders and cameras with built-in self sustained video analytics, designed and packaged for simplicity. ioimage offers a new approach to video security by transforming surveillance into a proactive, event-driven process. Founded in 2000, ioimage uses edge and centralized DSP-based devices for real-time detection, alert and tracking of intruders, vehicles and other threats, leading to enhanced safety and security for government, public and commercial organizations. Recognized as the world’s market leader for intelligent cameras and encoders since 2005 with over 37 percent of the market, ioimage operates in 35 countries through a network of more than 100 partners. For further information, visit www.ioimage.com.
To receive regular updates on ioimage, sign up for the ioimage newsletter at http://www.ioimage.com/newsletter.html
For international media inquiries:
Fiona Ungar
Marketing Communications Manager
Tel: +972-9-954-6003
fiona@ioimage.com
For US media inquiries:
Chelsie Woodsioimage
Public Relations
Tel: +1-207-510-0029
cwoods@eclipsemediagroup.net
ioimage intelligent video appliances, monitored by an ioiware Command Center, are being used to detect intruders along a 60-kilometer perimeter of sensitive areas, entry and exit gates and the wall surrounding the Vatican.
ioimage was selected from several other video analytics suppliers for this major contract. The first unit was installed in 2005 following a year of intensive testing which demonstrated the system’s superior ease of installation, stability and reliability. Since then, it has proven itself as an effective deterrent against intruders and has optimized the daily tasks of those responsible for surveillance.
Additional ioimage units are currently being installed. These units ─ composed of ioimage’s IP camera with built-in self-sustained video analytics, the ioicam wdc100dn and ioibox video encoders using autonomous PTZ (Pan Tilt Zoom) tracking ─ will be centrally monitored and managed by the “Corpo della Gendarmeria”, the Vatican’s security force from their control room.
Millions of people visit the Vatican’s public areas every year. Its library and museum collections, which belong to the extra territorial part of the Vatican state, are of the highest cultural significance, while buildings such as St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel house some of the world’s most famous art, including works by Bernini, Botticelli, Michelangelo and Raphael.
“As one of the world’s most important sites, the Vatican presented unique challenges,” said Boaz Harpaz, CEO of Picksec International Group, the system integrator. “The security system had to be extremely reliable 24/7 in very crowded, surroundings and under varying weather conditions. It also had to be capable of automatically adjusting to frequent changes in public access schedules while ensuring a low incidence of false alarms. Last but not least, it needed to be easy to install and maintain. After extensive testing of a number of different video analytics products, we found that ioimage offered the optimal solution for this critical site.”
“This project represents a milestone for ioimage and underscores our position as the pioneer and leader in the field of intelligent video,” said Zeev Farkash, VP Sales and Customer Support. “Our solution was rigorously tested by the Corpo della Gendarmeria’s technical personnel before being selected over those of several competitors to monitor this world-famous site.”
About ioimage
ioimage, the pioneer of intelligent video appliances, provides high-performance video encoders and cameras with built-in self sustained video analytics, designed and packaged for simplicity. ioimage offers a new approach to video security by transforming surveillance into a proactive, event-driven process. Founded in 2000, ioimage uses edge and centralized DSP-based devices for real-time detection, alert and tracking of intruders, vehicles and other threats, leading to enhanced safety and security for government, public and commercial organizations. Recognized as the world’s market leader for intelligent cameras and encoders since 2005 with over 37 percent of the market, ioimage operates in 35 countries through a network of more than 100 partners. For further information, visit www.ioimage.com.
To receive regular updates on ioimage, sign up for the ioimage newsletter at http://www.ioimage.com/newsletter.html
For international media inquiries:
Fiona Ungar
Marketing Communications Manager
Tel: +972-9-954-6003
fiona@ioimage.com
For US media inquiries:
Chelsie Woodsioimage
Public Relations
Tel: +1-207-510-0029
cwoods@eclipsemediagroup.net
Next Generation CCTV: Video analytics
By Anthony Hildebrand
http://www.info4security.com/story.asp?sectioncode=9&storycode=4120956&c=1
Video analytics is the most important breakthrough in the application of CCTV. This was the message from Patrick Meaney at last week’s Next Generation CCTV conference.
Meaney, founder of website www.videoanalytics.info, gave his presentation at the event in London, and said that CCTV had been initially installed as a crime prevention measure, but hadn’t delivered the goods in this respect – which is where video analytics comes in.
He said video analytics had the potential to become “the third forensic science, in addition to fingerprinting and DNA”.
Operator assistance
He quoted figures on control room operator fatigue and concentration loss, and said the review of recorded video could be equally as impaired.
Meaney said the advantage of video analytics for monitoring live video is in being able to automatically draw the operator’s attention to relevant events, while for recorded video it can automate the analysis of the footage, extracting only events or incidents of interest.
But, he said, the analytics industry had been damaged by the performance of the earliest systems to hit the market. These were oversold, and failed to deliver on exaggerated claims, Meaney said. He said he had seen one major control room where staff routinely switched off the analytics system due to the constant alarms it triggered.
“The technology is still being oversold,” Meaney said. “The customer has got to be absolutely clear about what they want, and not take things at face value.” He said the technology is till being oversold, and that customers need to be educated about “the art of the possible”.
For instance, he said: “To make it work to its ideal level you do really need real-time video.” He said that for the first time, “scene depth” can be considered when using real-time, high definition video.
Changing conditions
Meaney went into the differences between simple motion detection – which is still sometimes described as ‘analytics’ or ‘intelligent video’ – and the more discriminatory video analytics.
To cope with changing environmental conditions, he said you need a video analytics system with adaptive algorithms specifically designed to take these factors into account.
He said there were a number of factors to be considered when implementing a system: Does it do what you need it do? Is it configured for the application and environment?
Training criticism
He also had some criticism for the levels of education and training being provided to operators, both from suppliers and the end-user management.
“It staggers me,” he said. “Usually the operator training is pretty lamentable in terms of operators understanding and knowing what they’re working with.”
Meaney also stressed the cost benefits of using video analytics systems.
“In the current economic environment, technology is perceived to be adding real value into the mix,” he said. “For the first time we can talk about security in terms of a return on investment, and not a grudge purchase.”
This was able to be demonstrated through time savings in reviewing footage and in following up incidents.
http://www.info4security.com/story.asp?sectioncode=9&storycode=4120956&c=1
Video analytics is the most important breakthrough in the application of CCTV. This was the message from Patrick Meaney at last week’s Next Generation CCTV conference.
Meaney, founder of website www.videoanalytics.info, gave his presentation at the event in London, and said that CCTV had been initially installed as a crime prevention measure, but hadn’t delivered the goods in this respect – which is where video analytics comes in.
He said video analytics had the potential to become “the third forensic science, in addition to fingerprinting and DNA”.
Operator assistance
He quoted figures on control room operator fatigue and concentration loss, and said the review of recorded video could be equally as impaired.
Meaney said the advantage of video analytics for monitoring live video is in being able to automatically draw the operator’s attention to relevant events, while for recorded video it can automate the analysis of the footage, extracting only events or incidents of interest.
But, he said, the analytics industry had been damaged by the performance of the earliest systems to hit the market. These were oversold, and failed to deliver on exaggerated claims, Meaney said. He said he had seen one major control room where staff routinely switched off the analytics system due to the constant alarms it triggered.
“The technology is still being oversold,” Meaney said. “The customer has got to be absolutely clear about what they want, and not take things at face value.” He said the technology is till being oversold, and that customers need to be educated about “the art of the possible”.
For instance, he said: “To make it work to its ideal level you do really need real-time video.” He said that for the first time, “scene depth” can be considered when using real-time, high definition video.
Changing conditions
Meaney went into the differences between simple motion detection – which is still sometimes described as ‘analytics’ or ‘intelligent video’ – and the more discriminatory video analytics.
To cope with changing environmental conditions, he said you need a video analytics system with adaptive algorithms specifically designed to take these factors into account.
He said there were a number of factors to be considered when implementing a system: Does it do what you need it do? Is it configured for the application and environment?
Training criticism
He also had some criticism for the levels of education and training being provided to operators, both from suppliers and the end-user management.
“It staggers me,” he said. “Usually the operator training is pretty lamentable in terms of operators understanding and knowing what they’re working with.”
Meaney also stressed the cost benefits of using video analytics systems.
“In the current economic environment, technology is perceived to be adding real value into the mix,” he said. “For the first time we can talk about security in terms of a return on investment, and not a grudge purchase.”
This was able to be demonstrated through time savings in reviewing footage and in following up incidents.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
ioimage video analytics secures shipments moving through DHL major European hubs
DHL Express is the leading global provider of international road, air and rail-based courier and express services. In a project spanning the past three years, the company has been upgrading its security systems in Europe in order to enhance the security of its facilities and comply with EU regulations.
A key component in the upgrade is the incorporation of video analytics, serving to detect intruders and perimeter breaches, protect against theft and identify suspicious activity around the aircraft and in the facilities. These applications are crucial to secure DHL’s ground operation and airport sorting hubs, where thousands of packages are delivered every hour. Furthermore, once the cargo has been screened, EU security regulations stipulate it must be constantly monitored until take-off.
All of the sites presented unique security challenges with regards to size and structural and operational complexity. For example, the new aviation hub at Leipzig/Halle Airport, DHL’s main distribution hub measuring 48,000 sqm, entails surveillance of up to 1,500 tons of freight and up to 60 aircraft daily.
ioimage's video analytics solution has been implemented at several DHL Express sites throughout Europe, including Heathrow Airport in the UK and Leipzig Airport in Germany, as well as ground hubs, terminals and other facilities in Bonn, Germany, Genk, Belgium, and Budapest, Hungary. DHL locations in Spain and Italy are also currently being equipped with ioimage intelligent video while similar projects are in the pipeline in a number of other European countries.
Pinpointing only relevant incidents out of thousands of activities monitored by immense CCTV array, ioimage's video analytics enables DHL to conduct practical and effective surveillance.
After rigorously testing head to head several analytics vendors and sensor products, DHL selected ioimage intelligent video to monitor these critical sites. ioimage’s solution proved to be the most effective and the most efficient in dealing with environmental challenges and overcoming the problem of multiple false alarms, significantly reducing the number of human guards required to perform security tasks. ioimage’s intelligent video appliances were also able to seamlessly integrate with existing DHL security system components.
DHL European security management works closely with ioimage in developing security solutions, expressed with uncompromising support from ioimage in finding pragmatic and cost effective solutions in demanding field conditions.
“ioimage is pleased to have been selected to help secure the shipments moving through some of DHL’s major European hubs,” said Zeev Farkash, ioimage VP Sales & Customer Services. “Our video analytics solutions are proving to deliver the highest measurable Return on Investment for complex installations such as these.”
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