Perimeter Protection: Intuitive Control

As different security systems are added and grow over time, a confusing mix of separate control systems each with their own proprietary method of displaying information to the operator can be the result. When quick reactions are called for, or simply to avoid incorrect operation of these essential systems, it is essential that information is displayed and objects represented in a uniform and easily understandable form. This is one of the motives for Sicurit to develop an icon-based user interface.

Sicurit's new security monitoring and control system handles incoming alarms and presents these in the most ‚human‘ way possible. The Hyperpower Industrial Multi-system Management Control Unit (HPCU) is a modular and programmable multi-system control unit suitable for any industrial integrated application. Being programmable, it is highly flexible in its application and is ideal for the supervision of complex perimeter security systems. It has been developed for the supervision and control of different systems within one unique management interface, and is equipped with high security peripherals which make use of a proprietary multi-point bus.

The HPCU already allows the full integration and management of Sicurit‘s own dual technology barriers from the Absolute Plus range as well as the Peridect pin-point fence perimeter detection system. But not only the company‘s own products are considered: also other alarm signals and input from third party manufacturers can be connected too. The number of remote interfaces can be configured as required by adding the appropriate expansion boards. In total, the system can accept over 3,000 different inputs via RS-485 together with a host of TCP/IP inputs or outputs over the Gigabit Ethernet port, only limited by the number of available IP addresses.

Status in Color
The display of the system is created in graphic mode using site maps that immediately make the status of the systems apparent. Icons are placed accordingly that assume different colors and shapes depending on the status of the object that they represent (inputs, outputs, locations etc,). Through the icons, the operator can send commands to the system (control areas or exits, position cameras, request video images etc.) taking all the actions necessary to manage the entire system. They can easily arm or disarm selected areas, grant levels of access and set timed access to specific zones as well as configure user groups.

As well as recording the alarm events coming from the field, all actions by any of the registered operators on the supervision terminal (computer) are logged, allowing a subsequent analysis of everything that has happened on the system (alarms, operator reactions to alarms, images from the alarmed area etc.). The HPCU also informs the operator about any possible failure or anomaly of the Absolute Plus dual technology barriers. All this work is handled in the central control unit by a fanless industrial PC in a 2U 19" rack enclosure that coordinates all the various interfaces. A power supply of either 12 VDC or 230 VAC ensures continuous 24/7 operation.