Access Control: Putting the Face to the Name

Combining access control and digital video in a single system is easy with Bosch's new generation of access controllers. The controllers support direct integration with the company's latest IP cameras, enabling essential security functions such as video verification and video surveillance both live and via playback, all performed within a web browser and with no additional software needed.

There's no question that video verification enhances the security of access control systems. It enables, for example, the operator to immediately spot attempts at tailgating (several people trying to pass through a door on a single card), ensuring that the credential belongs to the person who is carrying it. It also aids in granting access only to authorized persons to designated areas. When a person requests entry, the cardholder's image and a live camera view automatically appear on screen for verification, giving the operator the power to grant or deny entry based on the image received on his monitor. In addition, live video can be displayed if an alarm is received from a door, if a door is held open or an unauthorized credential is presented for example, and it is also possible to view archived video associated with the alarm.

One of the easiest ways of setting up such a system is with Bosch Security Systems' Access Easy Controller (AEC) 2.1 combined with a CCTV system based around the company's new IP Camera 200 series. This is an easy-to-use, web-based access control solution that uses a built-in web server for access management. It enables a range of sophisticated security features to be integrated into a system, even by users with relatively little IT knowledge and access control experience. The AEC can be accessed via a standard IP network or the Internet and, once installed, the controller can be managed from any PC connected to the network or Internet using any standard web browser. It can support up to 16 readers, monitor up to 32 input points and control up to 32 output points, and with its highly intuitive graphical user interface, it's easy to set up and operate. Once integrated with video, the controller offers the advantage of enabling up to three cameras to be added per door with the operator being able to toggle between the different view points.

Card Storage
The company's IP Camera 200 series was recently introduced as a cost-effective solution to enable small businesses and enterprises to protect and monitor their property. Ready-to-use straight from the box, the new compact cameras can operate without a DVR or PC. They start recording as soon as they are installed, and they can store several days of video footage on an SD memory card.
Cameras in the IP 200 series can also be seamlessly integrated into the AEC 2.1 system to provide a wide range of sophisticated features, such as verification of alarm-related images and guided playback of archives, without losing the system's inherent ease of use. Additional security features can be customized by the operator, such as display of photo ID and notification or alerts via email/SMS. More advanced I/O programming is also available for additional security functions such as integration of third-party intrusion systems for arming/disarming the system via a standard access credential.

Search and Find
With the correct minimum firmware, the VSDK and ActiveX software installed, the cameras can be selected by using the camera auto detection function in the configuration menu. This auto detects any connected IP cameras. The storage location for snapshot and exported video is then selected and installation of the access control system with digital video is then complete. Once all cameras are correctly configured with the Access Easy interface, the system gives operators the ability to easily use video images together with access control to increase the security of any premises in a faster and more convenient manner.

To perform video surveillance, the required camera is selected from a drop-down button which then delivers live images from the connected camera. It is also possible to toggle between live and playback modes in which the date and time of the required video can be entered and recorded material viewed. All events on the logbook that have an associated video image are displayed with a camera icon next to the event. To view the image, the operator can simply click on the icon. This time-saving function avoids the need to access the digital video recorder and search for images manually.

Open Sesame
Another useful application is video verification to verify the credentials of the person who is requesting access to a door. With this function, when an entry is requested, the system will display the stored image of the person associated with the card at the time of enrollment alongside the live video. The operator is then given the choice with two buttons to grant or deny entry by opening the requested door or keeping it closed and calling for further security measures.