Bosch FLEXIDOME IP panoramic camera series - 360-degree overview in a single image

With the launch of its FLEXIDOME IP panoramic camera family, Bosch introduces the highest image quality within the field of panoramic video surveillance solutions. The FLEXIDOME IP panoramic 7000 MP indoor camera offers a full 180-degree or 360-degree overview of a particular area with twelve megapixel sensor resolution at 30 frames per second combined with a fish-eye lens. For indoor and outdoor applications the FLEXIDOME IP panoramic 5000 MP offers the smallest 360-degree dome design available on the market combining a five megapixel sensor resolution at 15 frames per second with a fish-eye lens. Both camera models ensure a complete overview in a single image without blind spots and the easy capture of moving objects, significantly improving the performance of any video surveillance solution. Combined with the Video Security Client software the user can select up to six different viewing modes. The FLEXIDOME IP panoramic 7000 MP camera features a full suite of on-board intelligent video analytics to ensure that operators are alerted when needed and relevant information is delivered most efficiently both live and in retrospect. 

Reduced network strain and storage requirements

The innovative technologies within these FLEXIDOME IP panoramic cameras help to improve image quality and lower the costs of video surveillance. Firstly, built-in Intelligent Dynamic Noise Reduction reduces bitrates by up to 50 percent to significantly reduce storage costs and network strain. Since excess noise is reduced at the source during image capture, the lower bitrates do not compromise the video quality. Secondly, possible disturbances caused by fluctuating front or backlight are eliminated by the Bosch unique built-in Intelligent Auto Exposure. This technology, embedded in the FLEXIDOME IP panoramic 7000 MP, dynamically adjusts the exposure of the camera to automatically adapt to changing light conditions providing perfect exposure of objects of interest at any time of day. 

The FLEXIDOME IP panoramic 7000 MP offers a full overview image of an area, while enabling users to simultaneously zoom in on and select multiple regions of interest. The close-up images are transmitted in separate streams so that both overview and detail can be viewed at the same time – and all in high resolution – making video images easier to manage without losing the bigger picture. Client-side and built-in (edge) dewarping capabilities add to the easy management of video images by eliminating the image distortion caused by the fish-eye lens. 

Edge dewarping, offered exclusively by the FLEXIDOME IP panoramic 7000 MP, also eases integration with third-party Video Management Systems by offering undistorted images directly from the camera and lowering requirements at client-side. Also with edge dewarping the user can select up to five viewing modes directly from the camera. It enables bitrate reduction and lessens network strain by streaming only relevant parts of the scene. Edge dewarping is performed in the camera, so no additional computation power is needed.

24/7 access and control from anywhere at any time

Security managers cannot be everywhere 24 hours a day. The FLEXIDOME IP panoramic cameras, in combination with either a DIVAR IP recording solution or VIDEOJET XTC, fully support the Dynamic Transcoding technology from Bosch, which – in combination with the Video Security Client software – provides 24/7 remote access to camera controls, live video streams, recordings and HD dewarped images from anywhere, regardless of available bandwidth. Dynamic Transcoding automatically adjusts the transmission bitrate to the available bandwidth on a network to ensure smooth video streaming, when the video stream is paused at an incident, a full HD still image is provided instantly. 

On-board intelligent video analytics to add sense and structure

The FLEXIDOME IP panoramic 7000 MP features Intelligent Video Analysis (IVA) from Bosch that triggers alarms when needed and helps to trace back important events from hours of video in seconds. IVA technology enriches a video surveillance solution by adding sense and structure to video material by means of metadata ensuring effortless forensic searches. By smartly combining up to 8 out of 16 available IVA rules, complex tasks are made easy and false alarms are minimised. IVA also intelligently keeps track of moving objects within the overview image, either automatically or based on a predefined alarm rule. 

Low profile panoramic cameras designed for easy installation

All panoramic cameras from Bosch are designed for extremely easy installation. The FLEXIDOME IP panoramic 7000 MP, for example, offers a unique twist-click installation concept reducing installation times substantially. After the installation of the designated mounting ring, the camera can be simply installed by a twist and a click without the use of special tools. Camera configuration and SD-card changes are possible without demounting the camera. Firmware updates, ensuring latest features, can be performed remotely for all models. The design of all Bosch panoramic cameras make them almost invisible and therefore ideal for situations where highest performance must also come with highest aesthetics, e.g. museums and designer stores. Offering an overview image in full discretion with the highest level of detail while meeting the requirements set by architecture. Based on its outstanding and innovative design the FLEXIDOME IP panoramic 7000 MP received the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2015. 

Bosch IP high-definition cameras, encoders and analytics work seamlessly with a wide range of security software and recording solutions from Bosch and many other industry providers. This is backed by ONVIF conformance (Open Network Video Interface Forum), edge dewarping and the Integration Partner Program (IPP), which gives developers immediate access to software development tools to easily integrate Bosch products with third-party systems. Further details of the Bosch Integration Partner Program are available on the Bosch security website.