SecuraConcept: intelligent video sensors

SecuraConcept: intelligent video sensors. The performance of a video surveillance system is increasingly dependent on the stage of development of the sensors used. The more precisely an individual camera can work in terms of picture resolution, object tracking and speed, the better it is a detecting, and therefore protecting. The tiny sensors are like highly developed sense organs which can test, see or even smell exponentially more accurately than a human. Although it is not possible, for example, to imitate the human eye completely, the sensor performs far better than the eye in certain abilities like speed and resolution.

According to information from AMA, the German association of sensor technology (www.ama-sensorik.de), the global market for sensors has grown from € 5.5 billion in 1998 to a projected € 11.4 billion in 2008 in the vehicle construction segment alone and the industry is enjoying similar popularity in other areas such as security. One of the greatest challenges for surveillance systems is the ever increasing external areas of sites like harbours, airports and train stations and the associated irregularly spaced crowds and accurate recognition of individuals.

This is where video systems with maximum detection precision, technical intelligence and economic efficiency are required. Their primary purpose is preventative, i. e. to help to reduce the likelihood of any assaults, thefts, vandalism or disasters. As a specialist in video technology, SecuraConcept is focussing on two areas with regard to the basic human right of security and the protection of building and assets: the development of intelligent, high-performance sensors and the targeted cross-linking of differing components to form a complete security solution that is consistently user-orientated and financially sensible.

Electronic Eyes

The key element to the solution is the video sensors developed and manufactured by SecuraConcept in Germany. The underlying principle is the Dome direct module integrated in the cameras, a tiny optical probe which senses movements and spatial changes in a pre-defined surveillance area.

Concrete information such as persons, animals or the sudden appearance of groups of people can be filtered from the movement data. The data generated this way by the reference cameras is then automatically run through software to be aligned with the algorithms of a Speed-Dome camera for movements, persons, animals and objects.

This difference-alignment-based image analysis enables erroneous recognition and the associated expensive and time-consuming false alarms to be largely avoided. Light reflexes, weather-related interference like snowflakes and rain, or small animals are already filtered out automatically and securely.

Certified Switching

In the event of an abnormality, the system reacts with an alarm, in accordance with the programme. If, for example, a person is moving around for too long in a pre-defined area, this prompts a corresponding reaction such as an SMS, a loudspeaker announcement, a siren or the alerting of a control centre. For this, SecuraConcept has appointed Accellence Technologies in Garbsen, Germany, for the connection to the standard image transfer system.

This software-based image transfer and display system, which integrates various video systems into a standard control station interface regardless of manufacturer, is ideal for alarm centres and assists in the processing of alarms, from transfer and display to evaluation and archiving of image data in digitally networked CCTV systems.

Developed primarily for implementation in public and private monitoring facilities, standard image transfer systems are recommended by the cross-associational image transfer working group of BDWS, BHE and ZVEI for use in emergency call and service control centres of surveillance and security companies as well as police alarm centres.

However, any equally high-performance optical sensor can only evaluate what it receives as an image. This means that the connected additional components such as cameras, camera lenses and image processing systems are just as important in determining the number of false alarms and the overall performance of the system. It is therefore important to have an intelligent system platform which gathers data from cameras, sensors and other system components and interprets it in accordance with previously defined guidelines.

Flexible technology portfolio gives many perspectives

In addition to high analysis precision with video sensors, the choice of hybrid system is also important. Both analogue and digital video technology have their known advantages and SecuraConcept enables the connection of IP-based and analogue cameras to the system as well as real-time analysis of video data, which shortens the response time to event enormously.

There is also a special client software package, which enables users to call up and send live images via the internet. Combination via contact or TCP/IP enables the system to be connected with entry control systems, fire and intrusion alarms, video interfaces for central offices and security interfaces.

All video surveillance solutions should have the option of adding further control and security components, such as those already integrated into the building technology. It is already simple, using software or RFID, to enable video connections to cash register systems, retail goods management systems or indicator recognition systems for fuel station security.

This is another area in which the company provides service packages whose scope is tailored to their area of usage – from entry and professional level to comprehensive industrial solutions.

Contact:

Michael Holldack
SecuraConcept GmbH,
Hagen, Germany
Tel.: +49 2331 3777 710
Fax: +49 2331 3777 719
info@securaconcept.de
www.secura-concept.de