Traffic surveillance

Global channel services provider, Agilitas IT Solutions, is pleased to announce its strategic partnership this week with Solink, a world-class business that provides trusted, cloud video surveillance systems. Driven by a shared commitment to safety and customer service, paired with Agilitas’ global footprint and Solink's best-in-class technology, the partnership will empower both organisations to serve a broader global customer base. Video surveillance systems This partnership comes at a time when businesses are striving to take back control of their operations, resolve issues, and boost their bottom line. The companies will work together to deliver video surveillance systems to a range of industries, including retail, hospitality, enterprise and logistics. Solink’s platform offers one of the most comprehensive series of cloud video surveillance systems on the market. It provides businesses with a smart way to manage security, with visibility across all locations in real-time and advanced features that allow users to search, investigate, and share incidents with authorities. Global support network Solink provides a full suite of loss prevention tools enabling users to investigate a specific location For brick-and-mortar retailers looking to transform their business, Solink provides a full suite of loss prevention tools enabling users to investigate a specific location, a region of the floor, or even a particular transaction type. The platform can also align with an organisation’s POS system, offering the visibility needed for smart operations, staffing, and compliance. With over 30 years of experience, Agilitas has built a global support network that is aligned with the needs of today’s channel market. Its extensive service, logistics, and technical expertise can be accessed 24/7/365 to ensure companies remain operational around the clock. With this flexibility, Agilitas will be able to deploy Solink’s platform to Channel partners with ease, enabling them to scale and innovate with confidence. Customer deployment standards Speaking on the partnership, Josh Rudder, Sales Director at Solink said, "As we expand Solink in EMEA, more loss prevention teams can now leverage the power of the complete Solink platform to solve critical issues like ORC, fraud, and employee safety. A partner like Agilitas provides the integration expertise, reach, and scalability to help us meet high customer deployment standards." John Hayes-Warren, CEO of Agilitas concluded, “At Agilitas, we have a passion to innovate, exceed expectations and put our customers at the heart of everything we do. Solink shares this passion and has created a crucial hub for global business operations, security, and loss prevention strategies. Leveraging our growing network, we will be able to help more organisations gain complete visibility of their business.”

Global security manufacturer, Gallagher Security, has defended Command Centre’s title as Best Integrated System for HSPD-12/FIPS 201 Compliance with a Platinum award at the 2023 ASTORS Homeland Security Awards. This is Gallagher’s 7th overall ASTORS win and the second year in a row that the Command Centre has been recognised in the HSPD-12/FIPS 201 Compliance category.   Adaptable and streamlined solution “Federal compliance mandates change rapidly in response to technology improvements, new threats, and evolving requirements, which means a highly adaptable and streamlined solution is required to serve their needs,” says Jeff Fields, Director of Federal Government at Gallagher Security, who accepted the award at the AST Homeland Security Awards luncheon.  He adds, “That we can demonstrate how Command Centre continues to evolve alongside those changing requirements year after year is a significant win for Gallagher, and I’m thrilled that this year’s judges have honoured us with this title.”  Gallagher’s Command Centre It natively supports reading and verifying the complete secure certificate information Gallagher’s Command Centre is an enterprise-grade Physical Access Control System (PACS) that delivers exceptional security and provides robust, real-time authentication of all federally issued, high-assurance credentials. It natively supports reading and verifying the complete secure certificate information on government cards and is scalable to meet organisational requirements no matter how big the site, or the number of cardholders involved.  HSPD-12/FIPS-201 compliance Command Centre was also recognised by the ASTORS for heading the way in federal compliances and standards in the United States and among the Five Eyes. With one centrally managed platform, the Command Centre meets the HSPD-12/FIPS-201 compliance requirements from both a 13.01 and 13.02 topology, including FICAM compliance, FIPS 140-2 Level 3 validation, and SOC2 certification among a long list of others.  Curb-to-core technology As the chosen platform for many of the world’s most high-consequence sites such as military and defence; federal, state, and local governments; commercial; education; healthcare; and transportation, Command Centre’s curb-to-core technology protects lives, creates efficiencies, and safeguards assets around the world.   “Command Centre is an access control solution that does it all,” Jeff says confidently. One highly intelligent platform Jeff Fields adds, “It enables federal organisations to manage complete site security from one highly intelligent platform and has been proven to deliver superior security that keeps even the most sensitive of sites protected.”  ASTORS winners were announced at a ceremony at the ISC East Show the Northeast’s largest security trade show hosted by the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City on Thursday, November 16, 2023.

ISS (Intelligent Security Systems), a global provider of video intelligence and data awareness solutions, announced that it has hired Joe Harvey to serve in the newly created role of ITS Market Sector Leader.    With the widespread adoption of network surveillance cameras and other connected devices in cities around the world, there has been a subsequent effort to leverage this “smart” infrastructure to create what is known as Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), which provide municipalities with the real-time data and analytics necessary to design safer and more efficient highways.    Extensive experience Harvey comes to ISS having worked in various leadership positions at traffic and parking safety solutions Harvey comes to ISS having worked in various leadership positions at traffic and parking safety solutions provider TAPCO (Traffic and Parking Control Co., Inc.) for more than 10 years. During his time with the company, Harvey led market development efforts for its Wrong Way Alert System and also served as Product Manager for its DMS product line.     AI video analytics “ISS is manufacturing the physical hardware necessary to monitor the ever-changing transportation world,” said Joe Harvey, adding, “Leveraging our renowned AI video analytics to provide solutions to the traveling public and ITS sector will enact real-world change and we will be a part of shaping what ITS provides for our future and I am excited to be a part of that process.” Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) “ITS is in the DNA of SecurOS®, from our first LPR analytic that was released over 20 years ago to the development of new, cutting-edge products like our Soffit system for pedestrian safety,” said Matt Powell, Managing Director for North America at ISS.  He adds, "Our North American customers and partners understand the importance of our global experience with transportation and smart cities and how it brings value to the market." Development of SecurOS® Matt Powell continues, “Joe, with years of experience and industry expertise, will help guide our teams in the development of SecurOS® as the platform of the future in transportation. We are thrilled he will be the North American face of our global experience, educating our partners and the industry on the power of video intelligence in the intelligent transportation space.” Joe Harvey is a graduate of Western Michigan University and resides in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, USA.

SIOS Technology Corp., an industry pioneer in application high availability (HA) and disaster recovery (DR) announced the release of a verified integrated solution with Milestone Systems, a world-pioneering provider of open platform IP video management software (VMS). The new integration between the Milestone XProtect platform and SIOS LifeKeeper for Windows guarantees continuous access to the surveillance system's control and configuration capabilities, preventing disruptions and enhancing operational efficiency. Milestone xProtect Milestone xProtect enables companies in a range of industries, including building security, airport access control, and traffic management, to centralise their video management surveillance to protect people and property, ensuring staff can easily monitor activity and that proactive or reactive measures can be quickly set in motion. SIOS LifeKeeper for Windows provides reliable, easy-to-use, high availability for Milestone xProtect which uses Microsoft SQL Server as one of its critical components. Data integrity, and seamless access SIOS LifeKeeper empowers organisations relying on video data to ensure uninterrupted operations" “SIOS LifeKeeper provides a robust HA solution for protection of key Milestone components, and flexible deployment,” said Margaret Hoagland, VP Global Sales and Marketing, SIOS Technology. “SIOS LifeKeeper empowers organisations relying on video data to ensure uninterrupted operations, data integrity, and seamless access to their surveillance systems.” SIOS LifeKeeper SIOS LifeKeeper extends its protection to critical Milestone components, such as the Milestone Management Server, which is responsible for the central management and administration of the xProtect system. By ensuring high availability for the Management Server, SIOS LifeKeeper guarantees continuous access to the surveillance system's control and configuration capabilities. Flexibility and optimising performance SIOS LifeKeeper offers flexibility in deploying Milestone xProtect by eliminating the requirement for separating the Management Server from the SQL Server. Organisations have the option to run both servers on the same physical machines or distribute them across separate servers, based on their specific requirements and resource availability.  This flexibility simplifies the architecture design and provides administrators with more options to optimise performance and resource allocation. SIOS LifeKeeper for Windows joins SIOS DataKeeper Cluster Edition as a Milestone-verified product.

ISS (Intelligent Security Systems), a global provider of video intelligence and data awareness solutions, announced the launch of its new SecurOS® Motus Pro 702 camera series. Purpose-built for licence plate recognition (LPR/ANPR) applications, the Motus Pro 702 series is available in four different models – 702-E (IR), 702-E (WL), 702-S (IR), and 702-S (WL) and have been designed to deliver unrivaled performance in a wide variety of operating environments. Motus Pro 702-E and 702-S series While both the Motus Pro 702-E and 702-S series are available with built-in and remotely configurable infrared (IR) or white-light (WL) illuminators for increased deployment flexibility, the 702-E line also boasts the capability to run our industry-pioneering SecurOS® Auto LPR software at the edge to provide onboard class, colour, make, and model recognition at speeds of up to 155 mph (250 km/h). Assembled at our manufacturing facility in Miramar, Florida, the SecurOS® Motus Pro 702 series is NDAA-compliant and IP66-, IP67-, NEMA 4, and NEMA TS-2-rated to ensure our high-trust LPR algorithms continue to perform reliably in even the harshest of weather conditions. Maximum accuracy Motus Pro 702 series was also designed to withstand the intense vibrations present on many roadways Featuring an impact-resistant, IK10-rated aluminum enclosure, the Motus Pro 702 series was also designed to withstand the intense vibrations present on many roadways, making them ideal for tolling environments as well as more traditional LPR and traffic monitoring applications.   “Our new Motus Pro 702 camera line represents a new stage of camera evolution, with software designers optimising a ground-up camera development to achieve maximum accuracy that other manufacturers will have a hard time catching for years to come,” said Matt Powell, Managing Director for North America at ISS. SecurOS® Auto LPR/OCR software “We released our first LPR analytic in 2003, and currently our SecurOS® Auto LPR/OCR software is the most advanced licence plate recognition software in the world, with deployments ranging from North America to Saudia Arabia to Brazil." "The same engineers who have developed that level of capability in software have developed the Motus Pro 702 to be the most elite LPR / OCR camera in the world.” Both the Motus Pro 702-E and 702-S series come with a one-year warranty and are currently available to purchase.

With the ever-increasing number of vehicles on the road, it is imperative to constantly improve the quality of transportation monitoring and traffic management in both urban and rural areas. As a world-pioneering video-centric AIoT solution and service provider, Dahua Technology released its Intelligent Traffic Solution to provide comprehensive and intelligent road transportation solutions and smart technologies, enabling safer and more sustainable roads and ensuring people's safe and efficient journeys. Multiple scenarios need One violation enforcement unit integrates ANPR, traffic violation detection, speed measurement, traffic flow detection, driver behaviour analysis, and other intelligent functions to meet the needs of effective traffic enforcement in various scenarios.  Utilising SPC, Glowlight, and others to enhance 24/7 monitoring  Strong ambient light during the daytime can lead to insufficient illumination in the vehicle and a poor data acquisition rate. Therefore, supplemental illumination of the target is required while suppressing the ambient light.  The SPC constructs an optical model by modulating the spectral channels and adding polarisers to effectively capture violations inside a vehicle throughout the day.   GS-CMOS image sensor Moreover, Dahua also adopts an advanced GS-CMOS image sensor and high-performance AI processor, integrates deep learning algorithms, and upgrades image effects using Darklight technology. It realises clear and vivid images without colour deviation under 80lx ultra-low illumination, reducing light pollution while improving the effectiveness of traffic enforcement and ensuring driving safety 24/7.  RVF (Radar and vision Fusion) technology This solution utilises a Doppler Radar that can cover 4, 6, and 8 lanes and detect up to 128 targets In addition, the RVF (Radar & Vision Fusion) technology enables a complete movement path of the vehicle in one visual display page. Traffic-related deep learning algorithms are used to capture vehicle metadata (e.g. ANPR, colour, logo, model) and to detect traffic violations (e.g. overspeeding, not wearing seatbelt/helmet, beating the red light, etc.), with capturing rate and accuracy rate of more than 99% and 98% respectively.  Also, this solution utilises a Doppler Radar that can cover 4, 6, and 8 lanes (customisable) and detect up to 128 targets with a speed range of 5-300 km/h and speed measurement error of ± 2%.  Using AI-based enforcement units to minimise costs  The cameras can simultaneously support violation detection, speed measurement, and traffic flow detection, realising full-service edge intelligence in road scenarios. The number of devices is also narrowed down from at least 3 to 1. What’s more, the Dahua Intelligent Traffic Solution also eliminates the need for intelligent servers and transmission devices, which reduces the cost of constructing an intersection surveillance by at least 80%.  Providing low-carbon traffic management solution  This solution can significantly reduce equipment and installation costs, and minimise carbon emissions This solution presents an integrated all-in-one design to generate a variety of products and meet various customer requirements. With a reduced number of devices needed for traffic enforcement, this solution can significantly reduce equipment and installation costs, and minimise carbon emissions and carbon footprints at the same time.  Safe society and smarter living Overall, the Dahua Intelligent Traffic Solution integrates high-performance devices and management platforms with constant innovation and customisation to cover a variety of urban road traffic and smart parking scenarios such as intersections, expressways, bridges, and city roads. Dahua’s  ITS products can help solve transportation system issues with professional capabilities and aim to respond to low-carbon actions, promote green living, and help cities develop sustainably, enabling a safer society and smarter living.

Open platform video technology software is more than just a product; it's a tool that helps customers achieve their desired business outcomes. Safety, round-the-clock security, and increased operational efficiencies are now the norm due to video technology. Responsible Technology Despite humanity’s impressive technological advances, we also recognise the immense responsibility that comes with technological innovation. It's not enough to focus solely on the positive impact video technology can make, we must also be vigilant in identifying and addressing any potential negative consequences it can have on society and its citizens. This is the role of Responsible Technology. Data privacy We want to use all the good things that technology innovation brings, whether it be video, AI, ML, facial recognition, etc. We want to use all the good things that technology innovation brings, whether it be video, Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, facial recognition, etc. to serve people in societies in a responsible way. That means making sure that we regulate technology in a way that respects human rights and data privacy. Addressing the challenges The challenge is, that rather often technology leaders and policymakers either have conflicting interests or collaborate too late. To be responsible, business leaders must support their societies and policymakers in making regulations in the interest of the common good. At Milestone Systems, we are actively looking at how we develop our software responsibly, how our partners responsibly sell our software, and very importantly, how our customers use our software with a responsible mindset. Ensuring good corporate governance As a long-time partner within the security industry, we’re celebrating our 25th Anniversary this year, we are supporting the regulation of video technology for the good of society. However, it of course needs to strike the fine line between the right legislation and not hindering innovation.  UNGP The UNGP is the most authoritative and widely adopted set of principles for responsible business At Milestone Systems, we want to play an active role in this and that is why we have pledged our support to the UN's Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP). The UNGP is the most authoritative and widely adopted set of principles for responsible business. The principles call on governments and companies to identify, prevent, mitigate, and remedy actual and potential human rights abuses. Since its launch in 2011, the UNGPs have received wide support from states, civil society organisations, and the private sector, making them the key global foundation for business and human rights. Protect, respect, and remedy Through this commitment, we are taking steps to ensure good corporate governance and ethical standards in the development of our technology. We're generating mechanisms to prevent misuse and we are building educational practices internally. Based on the UNGP’s three pillars: protect, respect, and remedy, we are developing a set of Responsible Technology Principles and procedures for the development, selling, and use of our products. Need for video technology regulation In addition, we are currently evaluating all the various technology areas in which our video software can be used, such as with third-party integrations that utilise e.g., facial recognition. We are mapping out the advantages and disadvantages for societies. One key area of concern is how local authorities are mapping and storing data about us as individuals. This is the reason why we're inviting more legislation to regulate video technology rather than less. Engaging With policymakers We are meeting ministers and trade organisations as we believe this needs to be a joint effort where all parties are heard We are proactively reaching out to and connecting with policymakers and other relevant stakeholders to discuss our approach to and take on Responsible Technology and encouraging the political landscape to work with us around regulation and legislation. We are meeting ministers and trade organisations as we believe this needs to be a joint effort where all parties are heard and where we can openly weigh the advantages and the challenges of technology, whether it is video, facial recognition, machine learning, Artificial Intelligence, or other technologies. Striking a balance Implementing Responsible Technology is a journey, not a destination. To give it the focus needed, we have created a dedicated team to implement this initiative at Milestone Systems. At the same time, we are reaching out to the political landscape to discuss how we balance regulation without hindering innovation. Video technology used ethically We are a global company with worldwide operations, and we are having dialogues about how video technology is being used and how we can have meaningful talks about what regulation and legislation should look like. However, we don’t necessarily want to limit access to the technology itself. Facial recognition We encourage the policymakers to engage with us in the industry so that together we can strike the fine line Facial recognition is a great example of this. The EU is considering making live facial recognition illegal. That would be a huge inhibitor of proactive terrorism prevention. For example, if a well-known terrorist is walking down the street and is being mapped out against Interpol’s most wanted list, the authorities should be able to react. However, if a person walking down the street but is not mapped out or does not have any priors then the city should not be allowed to store the data of that individual’s whereabouts at that point in time. This potential legislation is concerning to me as a citizen of Europe. Instead, we encourage the policymakers to engage with us in the industry so that together we can strike the fine line for the better good of all of us. Maintaining high ethical standards We have a firm understanding and expectation that ethical standards are a huge driver in the security business. Citizens are not in favour of technology companies abusing data about them and monetising from things that they have not opted in to do. Soon, I think we will see many more companies and governments leaning toward suppliers that do have a responsible mindset and high ethical standards for partnerships. Ethical practices Our journey toward Responsible Technology is an ongoing process, and we must remain steadfast in our commitment to ethical practices and the protection of human rights. We recognise that the rapidly changing technological landscape continually presents new challenges and opportunities. For this reason, we continuously look into how we can improve, for example, our end user licence agreements to avoid potential human rights abuses. An industry responsibility Security companies must prioritise careful planning and preparation, including developing policies and procedures For Responsible Technology to truly become a reality, compliance with international human rights laws and data privacy regulations is critical. Security companies must prioritise careful planning and preparation, including developing policies and procedures that govern the ethical use of video surveillance systems. The secure and ethical community In today's technology environment where deep integrations, machine learning, and artificial intelligence are becoming the norm, Responsible Technology is more relevant than ever. The security industry has a unique opportunity to set an example for other sectors by promoting a secure and ethical development community that prioritises Responsible Technology, trustworthy data collection, and the protection of human rights. We must all rise to this challenge and embrace our role as ethical leaders for the greater good of both people and societies.

Inadequate security measures on your essential infrastructure can have severe consequences.  Consequences  Consider the rail industry: If a vandal cuts the cables on a vital mechanism that controls train signals, train safety is jeopardised. To avoid train collisions or derailments and thus significant damage to property and potential loss of life, the operating company must shut down the service until the infrastructure is repaired and the network is up and running again. The disruption affects the rail ecosystem itself, but also the people using the trains, the transportation of cargo, and more. The financial cost of repairing the damage, restoring signal functionality, and compensating for delays can be substantial. For another example, consider electrical substations: A fire or targeted attack can damage the system and lead to devastating power outages.     Traditional surveillance limitations  Traditional video surveillance has its limits when it comes to protecting transformer stations Traditional video surveillance has its limits when it comes to protecting transformer stations. The facilities are often located in rural areas, where straying animals or flying leaves trigger false alarms. 3D Surveillance solutions overcome these challenges by volumetrically securing the area and immediately detecting intruders only raising the alarm in the event of a human intruder and even identifying drone attacks.  Protecting critical infrastructure with 3D surveillance  Critical infrastructure must be monitored. It remains at risk if operators do not have systems for monitoring entire areas rather than just the periphery if security personnel has limited information in case of an intrusion and if security response protocols are not automated.  3D Surveillance solutions 3D Surveillance is an important tool for protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring the safety of those who rely on it. Integrating LiDAR technology, 3D Surveillance solutions provide a comprehensive view of the area being monitored with real-time monitoring and response, protecting critical infrastructure from damage and providing a more comprehensive security system. Advanced analytics and artificial intelligence Security personnel can identify and verify threats more easily and track the movements of individuals or vehicles, as well as respond to incidents as they happen. 3D Surveillance systems can be equipped with advanced analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities to detect patterns and anomalies that may indicate a potential threat. This can help to prevent potential attacks or accidents before they occur, as well as enable more accurate responses to incidents.  Talent challenge  Turning to autonomy by implementing sensor- and software-based solutions requires fewer if any, in-person patrols 3D Surveillance can also help tackle the talent challenge in the industry: Recruiting security professionals involves extensive background checks, and jobs in the industry are notorious for their low salaries, which results in high staff turnover. Turning to autonomy by implementing sensor- and software-based solutions requires fewer if any, in-person patrols and ensure reliable infrastructure protection.   Additional security measures In many countries, more stringent legislation now mandates the implementation of additional security measures to safeguard critical infrastructure, particularly at a country's points of entry, such as airports and harbours. Protecting the perimeter is no longer enough. For instance, airport management must ensure that critical areas, including the space around aircraft and near unauthorised access points, are secure. While multi-layered screening of individuals at the perimeter is a valuable security measure, it must be complemented by smooth and efficient surveillance of the entire area, which can only be achieved through advanced technology.   Different adoption rates 3D Surveillance technology is only beginning to gain traction in most locations, and adoption rates differ significantly from one region to another. For instance, Scandinavia and Eastern Europe have embraced 3D Surveillance to a greater extent than Western Europe. Regions with lower adoption rates will likely catch up as they seek to reinforce the security of their critical infrastructure, especially given the conflict in Eastern Europe.  Vandalism and damage protection 3D Surveillance enhances the security of critical infrastructure, reduces the risk of downtime and loss of revenue 3D Surveillance offers reliable protection against vandalism and damage - major concerns for companies that rely on critical infrastructure. LiDAR-based, software-enhanced 3D Surveillance solutions provide real-time insights and enable automatic processing of the information so that operators can autonomously and quickly detect and respond to potential threats. These solutions are scalable and customisable, allowing companies to adapt their security measures to their unique needs and changing environments. 3D Surveillance enhances the security of critical infrastructure, reduces the risk of downtime and loss of revenue, and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements. Asset management and maintenance planning Beyond its security benefits, 3D Surveillance can help with tasks such as asset management and maintenance planning. It can help identify potential problems or maintenance needs before they become more serious issues by providing a real-time view of the monitored infrastructure. This can help to reduce downtime and keep critical infrastructure running smoothly.  Real-time management  The same technology can also perform volume monitoring tasks and thus facilitate the management of valuable resources such as bulk material, grain, wood chips, or chemicals. By scanning the stock 24/7 and automatically calculating stock volume updating records in real-time, this technology supports lean production systems and automated processing. 

Nowadays the Internet of Things has become an integral part of business around the world. The enhanced functionality made possible by the Internet of Things (IoT) and associated technologies are responsible for many of the major changes seen across society today. Video surveillance Video surveillance is one area that experiences substantial evolution driven by IoT technology. The intelligent monitors and sensors of the IoT combined with emerging high-speed network solutions promise to improve the performance and capabilities of video surveillance systems. At the same time, the video surveillance system also enables the data of IoT applications more intuitive, effective, and practical. What Is the Internet Of Things (IoT)? Internet of Things is several physical devices connected, working, and sharing data in tandem via the internet. How can IoT devices work with video surveillance? The network video cameras can be connected and work with any IoT devices such as temperature sensors, humidity sensors, fire detection sensors, etc via the internet. And all the data from IoT devices can be overlaid on the video. See the image captured by one IoT video management system below: This allows these IoT machines to be “seen” in real-time. Incident management with video cameras  To detect changes and mitigate threats like theft, vandalism, fire, intrusion, etc, video cameras must interpret effectively However, it needs more than just an internet connection. To detect changes in the environment and to mitigate threats like theft, violence, vandalism, fire, intrusion, etc, video cameras must also be able to interpret such incidents effectively. For this, they need to function in tandem with other systems like IoT-based alarms, alarm management systems, fire alarm systems, motion detection, etc, and trigger various actions, such as audible warnings, a pop-up video on the video wall, email, SMS, etc. Actuators  While the cameras and sensors sense the undesired conditions in the environment, actuators are responsible for carrying out the actions to bring back the equilibrium. This not only ensures safety from intrusion but a number of other hazards that can possibly happen in that area. The devices can be trained to detect motion, light, objects, vibrations, change in temperature and moisture levels, smoke and fire, excessive carbon particles in the air, and so on, to ensure the security of the premise in every thinkable way. Not only do these systems provide security, which is the most obvious part of its operations, but it also gives you workable insights by analysing data gathered so far, assisting in improving the overall performance of the enterprise. IoT-based alarms Set IoT-based alarms, for example, users can set temperature alarm thresholds, when the environment temperature arrives at a certain alarm threshold, it will trigger actions to let users know what is happening. See the image below: With real-time remote monitoring and quickly detecting changes in the environment, users can adjust the facility’s condition and avoid any loss due to environmental changes, such as avoiding spoiling stock. That’s how the Internet of Things has diversified the benefits of a video surveillance system. Real-time insight Intelligent video surveillance systems can easily search IoT device data to identify environmental changes And at the same time, video surveillance systems make everything of IoT be seen intuitively. Intelligent video surveillance systems can easily search IoT device data to identify environmental changes, and easily found the location of different IoT devices and their corresponding videos on maps. Automated analysis of current conditions provided by IoT systems can generate real-time insight enabling a rapid response to incidents which makes the whole system more effective and practical. Predictive analytics Using the raw material provided by video feeds, predictive analytics can alert organisations to potential issues so they can proactively mitigate risks before they become problematic. That is how this enhanced IoT video surveillance system enables network cameras to be interoperable and function effectively with IP-based IoT systems to create a wholesome ecosystem of Smart Safety. Benefits of an enhanced IoT video surveillance system It can prevent disasters and ensure facility safety With real-time remote monitoring and control, facility managers can know and adjust the facility’s condition. Track stock as it moves through the facility. Consistently monitor the facility conditions and quickly detect changes in the environment to avoid spoiling stock. Act quickly on security alerts without the need to review footage. It can avoid unnecessary intervention for false alarms IoT video surveillance systems can help facility managers determine if an alarm has been triggered by an accident or threat without law enforcement or an in-person inspection. It protects critical assets from loss Safety and security issues can be costly. Real-time alerts and comprehensive visibility help business owners and facility managers identify risks. It makes informed decisions to improve processes Business owners and managers can improve security processes by collecting and analysing data from connected devices.

A new generation of video cameras is poised to boost capabilities dramatically at the edge of the IP network, including more powerful artificial intelligence (AI) and higher resolutions, and paving the way for new applications that would have previously been too expensive or complex. Technologies at the heart of the coming new generation of video cameras are Ambarella’s newest systems on chips (SoCs). Ambarella’s CV5S and CV52S product families are bringing a new level of on-camera AI performance and integration to multi-imager and single-imager IP cameras. Both of these SoCs are manufactured in the ‘5 nm’ manufacturing process, bringing performance improvements and power savings, compared to the previous generation of SoCs manufactured at ‘10nm’. CV5S and CV52S AI-powered SoCs The CV5S, designed for multi-imager cameras, is able to process, encode and perform advanced AI on up to four imagers at 4Kp30 resolution, simultaneously and at less than 5 watts. This enables multi-headed camera designs with up to four 4K imagers looking at different portions of a scene, as well as very high-resolution, single-imager cameras of up to 32 MP resolution and beyond. The CV52S, designed for single-imager cameras with very powerful onboard AI, is the next-generation of the company’s successful CV22S mainstream 4K camera AI chip. This new SoC family quadruples the AI processing performance, while keeping the same low power consumption of less than 3 watts for 4Kp60 encoding with advanced AI processing. Faster and ubiquitous AI capabilities Ambarella’s newest AI vision SoCs for security, the CV5S and CV52S, are competitive solutions" “Security system designers desire higher resolutions, increasing channel counts, and ever faster and more ubiquitous AI capabilities,” explains John Lorenz, Senior Technology and Market Analyst, Computing, at Yole Développement (Yole), a French market research firm. John Lorenz adds, “Ambarella’s newest AI vision SoCs for security, the CV5S and CV52S, are competitive solutions for meeting the growing demands of the security IC (integrated circuit) sector, which our latest report forecasts to exceed US$ 4 billion by 2025, with two-thirds of that being chips with AI capabilities.” Edge AI vision processors Ambarella’s new CV5S and CV52S edge AI vision processors enable new classes of cameras that would not have been possible in the past, with a single SoC architecture. For example, implementing a 4x 4K multi-imager with AI would have traditionally required at least two SoCs (at least one for encoding and one for AI), and the overall power consumption would have made those designs bulky and prohibitively expensive. By reducing the number of required SoCs, the CV5S enables advanced camera designs such as AI-enabled 4x 4K imagers at price points much lower than would have previously been possible. “What we are usually trying to do with our SoCs is to keep the price points similar to the previous generations, given that camera retail prices tend to be fairly fixed,” said Jerome Gigot, Ambarella's Senior Director of Marketing. 4K multi-imager cameras “However, higher-end 4K multi-imager cameras tend to retail for thousands of dollars, and so even though there will be a small premium on the SoC for the 2X improvement in performance, this will not make a significant impact to the final MSRP of the camera,” adds Jerome Gigot. In addition, the overall system cost might go down, Gigot notes, compared to what could be built today because there is no longer a need for external chips to perform AI, or extra components for power dissipation. The new chips will be available in the second half of 2021, and it typically takes about 12 to 18 months for Ambarella’s customers (camera manufacturers) to produce final cameras. Therefore, the first cameras, based on these new SoCs, should hit the market sometime in the second half of 2022. Reference boards for camera manufacturers The software on these new SoCs is an evolution of our unified Linux SDK" As with Ambarella’s previous generations of edge AI vision SoCs for security, the company will make available reference boards to camera manufacturers soon, allowing them to develop their cameras based on the new CV5S and CV52S SoC families. “The software on these new SoCs is an evolution of our unified Linux SDK that is already available on our previous generations SoCs, which makes the transition easy for our customers,” said Jerome Gigot. Better crime detection Detecting criminals in a crowd, using face recognition and/or licence plate recognition, has been a daunting challenge for security, and one the new chips will help to address. “Actually, these applications are one of the main reasons why Ambarella is introducing these two new SoC families,” said Jerome Gigot. Typically, resolutions of 4K and higher have been a smaller portion of the security market, given that they came at a premium price tag for the high-end optics, image sensor and SoC. Also, the cost and extra bandwidth of storing and streaming 4K video were not always worth it for the benefit of just viewing video at higher resolution. 4K AI processing on-camera The advent of on-camera AI at 4K changes the paradigm. By enabling 4K AI processing on-camera, smaller objects at longer distances can now be detected and analysed without having to go to a server, and with much higher detail and accuracy compared to what can be done on a 2 MP or 5 MP cameras. This means that fewer false alarms will be generated, and each camera will now be able to cover a longer distance and wider area, offering more meaningful insights without necessarily having to stream and store that 4K video to a back-end server. “This is valuable, for example, for traffic cameras mounted on top of high poles, which need to be able to see very far out and identify cars and licence plates that are hundreds of meters away,” said Jerome Gigot. The advent of on-camera AI at 4K changes the paradigm Enhanced video analytics and wider coverage “Ambarella’s new CV5S and CV52S SoCs truly allow the industry to take advantage of higher resolution on-camera for better analytics and wider coverage, but without all the costs typically incurred by having to stream high-quality 4K video out 24/7 to a remote server for offline analytics,” said Jerome Gigot. He adds, “So, next-generation cameras will now be able to identify more criminals, faces and licence plates, at longer distances, for an overall lower cost and with faster response times by doing it all locally on-camera.” Deployment in retail applications Retail environments can be some of the toughest, as the cameras may be looking at hundreds of people at once Retail applications are another big selling point. Retail environments can be some of the toughest, as the cameras may be looking at hundreds of people at once (e.g., in a mall), to provide not only security features, but also other business analytics, such as foot traffic and occupancy maps that can be used later to improve product placement. The higher resolution and higher AI performance, enabled by the new Ambarella SoCs, provide a leap forward in addressing those scenarios. In a store setup, a ceiling-mounted camera with four 4K imagers can simultaneously look at the cashier line on one side of the store, sending alerts when a line is getting too long and a new cashier needs to be deployed, while at the same time looking at the entrance on the other side of the store, to count the people coming in and out. This leaves two additional 4K imagers for monitoring specific product aisles and generating real-time business analytics. Use in cashier-less stores Another retail application is a cashier-less store. Here, a CV5S or CV52S-based camera mounted on the ceiling will have enough resolution and AI performance to track goods, while the customer grabs them and puts them in their cart, as well as to automatically track which customer is purchasing which item. In a warehouse scenario, items and boxes moving across the floor could also be followed locally, on a single ceiling-mounted camera that covers a wide area of the warehouse. Additionally, these items and boxes could be tracked across the different imagers in a multi-headed camera setup, without the video having to be sent to a server to perform the tracking. Updating on-camera AI networks Another feature of Ambarella’s SoCs is that their on-camera AI networks can be updated on-the-fly, without having to stop the video recording and without losing any video frames. So, for example in the case of a search for a missing vehicle, the characteristics of that missing vehicle (make, model, colour, licence plate) can be sent to a cluster of cameras in the general area, where the vehicle is thought to be missing, and all those cameras can be automatically updated to run a live search on that specific vehicle. If any of the cameras gets a match, a remote operator can be notified and receive a picture, or even a live video feed of the scene. Efficient traffic management With the CV52S edge AI vision SoC, those decisions can be made locally at each intersection by the camera itself Relating to traffic congestion, most big cities have thousands of intersections that they need to monitor and manage. Trying to do this from one central location is costly and difficult, as there is so much video data to process and analyse, in order to make those traffic decisions (to control the traffic lights, reverse lanes, etc.). With the CV52S edge AI vision SoC, those decisions can be made locally at each intersection by the camera itself. The camera would then take actions autonomously (for example, adjust traffic-light timing) and only report a status update to the main traffic control centre. So now, instead of having one central location trying to manage 1,000 intersections, a city can have 1,000 smart AI cameras, each managing its own location and providing updates and metadata to a central server. Superior privacy Privacy is always a concern with video. In this case, doing AI on-camera is inherently more private than streaming the video to a server for analysis. Less data transmission means fewer points of entry for a hacker trying to access the video. On Ambarella’s CV5S and CV52S SoCs, the video can be analysed locally and then discarded, with just a signature or metadata of the face being used to find a match. No actual video needs to be stored or transmitted, which ensures total privacy. In addition, the chips contain a very secure hardware cyber security block, including OTP memory, Arm TrustZones, DRAM scrambling and I/O virtualisation. This makes it very difficult for a hacker to replace the firmware on the camera, providing another level of security and privacy at the system level. Privacy Masking Another privacy feature is the concept of privacy masking. This feature enables portions of the video (say a door or a window) to be blocked out, before being encoded in the video stream. The blocked portions of the scene are not present in the recorded video, thus providing a privacy option for cameras that are facing private areas. “With on-camera AI, each device becomes its own smart endpoint, and can be reconfigured at will to serve the specific physical security needs of its installation,” said Jerome Gigot, adding “The possibilities are endless, and our mission as an SoC maker is really to provide a powerful and easy-to-use platform, complete with computer-vision tools, that enable our customers and their partners to easily deploy their own AI software on-camera.” Physical security in parking lots With a CV5S or CV52S AI-enabled camera, the camera will be able to cover a much wider portion of the parking lot One example is physical security in a parking lot. A camera today might be used to just record part of the parking lot, so that an operator can go back and look at the video if a car were broken into or some other incident occurred. With a CV5S or CV52S AI-enabled camera, first of all, the camera will be able to cover a much wider portion of the parking lot. Additionally, it will be able to detect the licence plates of all the cars going in and out, to automatically bill the owners. If there is a special event, the camera can be reprogrammed to identify VIP vehicles and automatically redirect them to the VIP portion of the lot, while reporting to the entrance station or sign how many parking spots are available. It can even tell the cars approaching the lot where to go. Advantages of using edge AI vision SoCs Jerome Gigot said, “The possibilities are endless and they span across many verticals. The market is primed to embrace these new capabilities. Recent advances in edge AI vision SoCs have brought about a period of change in the physical security space. Companies that would have, historically, only provided security cameras, are now getting into adjacent verticals such as smart retail, smart cities and smart buildings.” He adds, “These changes are providing a great opportunity for all the camera makers and software providers to really differentiate themselves by providing full systems that offer a new level of insights and efficiencies to, not only the physical security manager, but now also the store owner and the building manager.” He adds, “All of these new applications are extremely healthy for the industry, as they are growing the available market for cameras, while also increasing their value and the economies of scale they can provide. Ambarella is looking forward to seeing all the innovative products that our customers will build with this new generation of SoCs.”

The UK Government has been working to reduce the risks associated with illegal drone use since a high-profile incident at UK’s Gatwick Airport in December 2018, when a drone sighting triggered a three-day shutdown of the UK’s second busiest airport, disrupting the travel plans of 140,000 people and affecting 1,000 flights. To address growing security threats by drones, the UK Government has released its ‘Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Strategy’. ‘Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Strategy’ This strategy sets out our approach to countering the threat the malicious or negligent use of drones can bring" “This strategy sets out our approach to countering the threat the malicious or negligent use of drones can bring,” says Brandon Lewis, the U.K. Minister of State for Security. “It will provide the security the public and drone users require to continue to enjoy the benefits of leisure and commercial drone use and facilitate the growth of the drone industry.” “Given the challenge posed by rapid advances in drone technology and the potential threat, the strategy will provide overarching direction to our efforts,” says Lewis. The strategy focuses on ‘small drones’, those weighing less than 20 kg (44 pounds). Countering malicious use of aerial drones The UK Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Strategy centres on mitigating the highest-harm domestic risks resulting from malicious use of aerial drones. They are: Facilitating terrorist attacks, such as modifying commercially-available drones to conduct reconnaissance or attacks. Facilitating crime, especially in prisons, where drones are currently used to deliver contraband. Disrupting critical national infrastructure, such as airports, where a malicious incursion using a drone can have serious safety, security and economic consequences. Potential use by hostile state actors. Maximising benefits of drone technology The initiative will also look to build strong relationships with industry to ensure high security standards Over the next three years, the strategy will seek to reduce the risks posed by the highest-harm use of drones while maximising the benefits of drone technology. It will develop a comprehensive understanding of evolving risks and take a “full spectrum” approach to deter, detect and disrupt the misuse of drones. The initiative will also look to build strong relationships with industry to ensure high security standards. Further, promoting access to counter-drone capabilities and effective legislation, training and guidance will empower the police and other operational responders. Tactical response to drone-based threats Because technology is rapidly evolving, the response needs to keep pace, according to the strategy document. Lewis adds, “We will therefore work to understand how drone-based threats might evolve in the future, both at the tactical and strategic levels.”  The strategy will be to build an end-to-end approach to tackling the highest-harm criminal use of drones. It will also work to make it easier to identify malicious drone use against a backdrop of increased legitimate use. Legal drone operators will be required to register with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and to pass an online competency test before flying a drone. Retailers who follow a specific set of safety guidelines when selling drones will be designated ‘DroneSafe’. Unmanned traffic management system The government is working toward future implementation of an unmanned traffic management (UTM) system, which provides a means of preventing collisions between unmanned aircraft and other manned or unmanned aircraft. The current strategy includes early planning for the system. An Industry Action Group will ensure a continuing relationship with the drone industry and help to improve existing counter-drone measures and identify new opportunities, such as use of ‘Geo-Fencing’ to restrict drones from flying in certain areas. Regulating commercial and domestic drones The UK Department of Transport is responsible for safe and lawful use of drones within the UK airspace The strategy will seek to communicate the UK’s security requirements to the counter-drone industry and to encourage a thriving sector that is aware of, and responsive to, the needs of government. Regulating drones is the responsibility of two UK government departments. The UK Department of Transport is responsible for safe and lawful use of drones within the UK airspace, while the Home Office has overall responsibility for domestic counter-drone activity. Fast-evolving drone and counter-drone technology Also, the Center for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI) has been involved in reducing the vulnerability of sensitive sites, including airports. New performance measures will track the strategy’s success. Due to the fast-evolving nature of drone and counter-drone technology, the intent is to review and, if necessary, refresh the strategy in three years.

Video, access control and visitor management are among the technologies that are enabling greater safety and security at hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Video surveillance systems enable hospital management and security professionals to know what goes on in and around a medical facility. Recording images in high resolutions (megapixels and gigapixels) is becoming more and more important in healthcare, says Jason Ouellette, Product Line Director – Access Control, Tyco Security Products. Video event management software Video analytics are now being leveraged for patient tracking, asset tracking, and operational purposes If an incident occurs in a medical facility, the security staff has to be able to identify faces easily and accurately. Storage and costs have to be considered, of course. With technology improving and prices decreasing, video solutions can even be used for purposes beyond traditional security. For example, video analytics are now being leveraged for patient tracking, asset tracking, and operational purposes, and captured video can be used to defend against liability claims. What’s next? Video analytics will continue to be a valuable addition to any surveillance infrastructure due to its ability to address patient needs, operational efficiencies and early risk detection, says Brandon Reich, Senior Director of Surveillance Solutions, Pivot3. Through video event management software (VEMS), hospitals can customise the statistics that are relevant to their individual buildings or campuses without having to spend extra time or money on rigorous employee training. Data capture form to appear here! Real-time access control security updates Furthermore, once healthcare facilities are able to digitise all of their patient records, secure any of their ingress and egress points with real-time access control security updates, and fully transition from analogue to IP video surveillance cameras, VEMS systems that house analytical software will be able to multiply the benefits offered to hospitals, not just in real time, but in planning ahead for future risk, expansion and safety protocols. It is vital to implement integrated and innovative access control solutions With large, complex facilities, directors of security at hospitals struggle with controlling access to various levels of the facility, according to Eric Widlitz of Vanderbilt Industries. To manage the risks that hospitals face and ensure a comprehensively protected atmosphere for patients and staff, it is vital to implement integrated and innovative access control solutions. For example, ease of access with controlled entrances is vital to medical crash teams, as is the need for a zonal access control lockdown in the event of a contagious disease outbreak. Strict access limitations Different hallways, rooms, floors and waiting areas within a hospital require different amounts of restriction, and sensitive materials, such as medical files, controlled substances and sterile environments (such as operating and procedure rooms) all necessitate an additional layer of protection. Access control in particular has advanced significantly to offer healthcare facilities the ability to control access remotely, through mobile applications, confirm identity quickly and easily and program varying levels of access for visitors, patients, doctors and staff. One area that is recently experiencing rapid growth – and drastic change – is the securing of narcotics within healthcare facilities, says Robert Laughlin, CEO and Chairman, Galaxy Control Systems. In the past, all medicine was controlled in a central pharmacy located somewhere in the hospital or health facility. These pharmacies were highly secured areas, with strict access limitations; only authorised staff could get near the medicine stocks. Fiber optic communication lines For vehicle access control, medical centers and hospitals prefer beam barricades and shallow foundation barriers To improve the speed of delivery, and to have the necessary medicines ready at hand for in-patients without retaining a large delivery staff, the current trend is to have distributed pharmaceutical closets or carts that hold medicines much closer to the intended patients. For vehicle access control, medical centers and hospitals prefer beam barricades and shallow foundation barriers, according to Gregg Hamm of Delta Scientific. Manual beam barricades are installed at the Fort Bragg Veterans Administration Hospital in North Carolina to shut down certain areas of the facility when a higher alert is sounded. They will stop a 15,000-pound vehicle traveling 50 mph. The Navy Hospital in San Diego uses high speed, high security and very shallow foundation barricades to control all vehicles going in and out of the facility. With their extremely shallow foundation, they obviate the concerns of interference with buried pipes, power lines and fiber optic communication lines. They will stop a 15,000-pound vehicle traveling 50 mph. At the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, even stronger shallow foundation barriers are used for traffic control and protection. These barriers will destroy a 65,000-pound (5.4 million foot-pounds) dump truck traveling 50 mph and continue to stand. Physical access control systems Controlling visitors to hospitals and healthcare facilities can directly impact security Controlling visitors to hospitals and healthcare facilities can directly impact security. Traditional methods of visitor management, such as paper visitor logs and handwritten badges are insufficient given today’s variety of security challenges. A hospital using paper-based systems cannot easily cross-check information, confirm patient information, check visitor names against up-to-date watch lists, or visually confirm identity. An increasingly popular and important application is secure and simplified visitor management, integrated with the physical access control systems (PACS). Today’s visitor management systems enable the screening, badging and tracking all visitors or, at a minimum, those visiting critical areas or during ‘after hours’ periods, Quickly identify inappropriate visitors One other growing technology is the ability to link to internal or governmental watch lists, to quickly identify inappropriate visitors before they gain access to the facilities. For example, Visitor Management systems can be configured to perform a Sex Offender search in both Children’s Hospitals and Pediatric areas, further decreasing the likelihood that someone of the list could gain access. Wayfinding is indoor navigation to guide a person step-by-step on the way to a desired destination HID Global and Phunware Inc. are addressing the need of healthcare institutions to deploy standardised technology to provide a better wayfinding and visitor engagement experience inside the hospital, across campus and even in parking lots. The companies are collaborating to improve the experience for hospital patients and visitors to find their way within medical facilities, using wayfinding on their mobile phones. Wayfinding is indoor navigation to guide a person step-by-step on the way to a desired destination. Enterprise-level mobile wayfinding “It’s easy for visitors and patients to get lost in hospitals, and every time they do it puts appointment times and patient satisfaction at risk,” says Rom Eizenberg, Vice President of Sales, Bluvision, part of HID Global “With our location-aware app on a mobile device, we equip the visitor to get instant, turn-by-turn navigation that creates a better experience than that which is currently available on the market.” HID’s healthcare IoT solution-enablement platform simplifies the delivery of real-time location of clinicians, patients and devices. The platform is enabled by Bluvision (part of HID Global). Phunware’s Multiscreen-as-a-Service (MaaS) platform also provides enterprise-level mobile wayfinding, engagement, data and more for other vertical markets, including retail, residential, hospitality, media and entertainment and more. Missed the rest our healthcare mini series? Read part one here and part two here.

Comcast Smart Solutions, a division of Comcast Corporation that specialises in smart technology solutions for businesses and communities, announced that it will provide the Town of Braselton, Georgia, with smart video camera technology with AI capabilities to improve public safety and emergency response. The deployment of smart video camera technology at the Town Green and Braselton Park will provide the town with real-time visibility into its community spaces, and insights into traffic patterns during events, and will increase peace of mind for residents. New technology nonprofit The town saw it as a natural progression to continue upgrading the area with technology “These advanced cameras will play a vital role in bolstering safety efforts within our town and surrounding municipalities,” said Jennifer Scott, Braselton Town Manager and Clerk. “With real-time monitoring and intelligent analytics, this technology presents an efficient and cost-effective approach to creating safer public spaces and fostering a stronger sense of security for our community members." The Town of Braselton has a history of embracing smart technology, evidenced by its support of a new technology nonprofit that provides startup incubator space in partnership with local community members and a technology-focused university. Given this background, the town saw it as a natural progression to continue upgrading the area with technology. AI video analytics solution These cameras are planned to minimise false alarms and provide quick and valid forensic hunts Now, at the Town Green, multiple smart video cameras will oversee the parking lot and areas behind the concession stands. Additionally, smart video cameras at Braselton Park will monitor the playground and parking lot near the park’s tennis courts.  Equipped with multi-sensor and multi-directional capabilities and AI video analytics, these cameras are designed to minimise false alarms and provide quick and accurate forensic searches. The video information captured, along with the AI video analytics solution will integrate seamlessly into a cloud-based application, providing the town with actionable data insights, including alerts for suspicious activity and recommendations based on traffic patterns. Smart video camera solution In collaboration with Comcast Smart Solutions, Braselton will receive comprehensive project management and continuous support. This includes a dedicated Comcast Smart Solutions project manager overseeing installations, conducting analyses, providing product training, and maintaining an ongoing support team to assist Braselton. “Delivering a seamless and reliable solution was essential to assist the Town of Braselton in enhancing safety and revitalising communal areas,” said Mike McArdle, Senior Regional Vice President, Comcast. “We’re excited to not only provide a comprehensive smart video camera solution but also offer continuous support, ensuring that Braselton residents can enjoy their parks with confidence and peace of mind.”

San Luis Obispo (SLO), the gem of California's central coast, is renowned for its picturesque vineyards, historic architecture, and vibrant community life. Quiet but lively, it is also home to the California Polytechnic State University, located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Ensuring safety and security Because of its distance from major metropolitan areas, SLO has retained its rural, small-town character, along with a bustling downtown and beautifully preserved Spanish Mission.  The San Luis Obispo Police Department (SLOPD) is focused on ensuring safety and security across expansive terrains, reducing crime, and enhancing the quality of life while upholding the principles of service and integrity.  The challenge The secluded Reservoir Canyon is just one area that has been a hotspot for vehicle break-ins For San Luis Obispo, two priorities were crime prevention and the protection of sprawling outdoor spaces popular for hiking and biking. Hidden from public view, the secluded Reservoir Canyon is just one area that has been a hotspot for vehicle break-ins. However, its remote nature made installing a traditional security system nearly impossible. The initial cost to secure three city parking structures was also cost-prohibitive, with quotes of over $1 million for network connectivity alone. Need for a robust and reliable solution "We've dealt with products that were essentially consumer-grade equipment repackaged as professional security solutions,” said Chad Pfarr, Administrative Lieutenant. "We needed a more robust and reliable solution. Creating our own was time-consuming and beyond our expertise, highlighting the need for a specialised, cost-effective solution.” Why Verkada A system that could operate in remote locations, areas typically beyond the reach of standard CCTV “We were drawn to the hardware and software quality. But what truly set Verkada apart was the willingness to innovate in ways that traditional security solutions did not. We can now bring Verkada devices into the wild, in the middle of nowhere, without traditional city network infrastructure." A system that could operate in remote locations, areas typically beyond the reach of standard CCTV technology was a leap forward for community safety. Use cases include: Protecting remote locations with the GC31 Cellular Gateway. Licence Plate Recognition (LPR) monitoring to streamline vehicle investigations. Protecting evidence in cold storage with Air Quality Sensors. Improving check-in and registrant compliance with Workplace solutions. "Verkada's willingness to venture into uncharted territory with us to ensure security systems could be deployed where they were most needed, regardless of existing connectivity, was what got us so excited. Beyond just adapting to what’s available, it’s continuously improving to meet our needs." Protecting remote locations with the cellular gateway In San Luis Obispo, the GC31 Cellular Gateway bridges the gap between the need for remote security and limited infrastructure. The police department protects areas previously deemed inaccessible without the high costs of traditional network installations, leading to savings of over $1 million for connectivity alone. Bridging the connectivity gap "Before Verkada, the idea of installing a security system in remote locations was a logistical nightmare. The cost of establishing connectivity alone was prohibitive, not to mention the technical hurdles of operating without power or a network." "But with the Cellular Gateway, we've been able to overcome these barriers, bringing security and peace of mind to once vulnerable areas." Licence Plate Recognition (LPR) capabilities SLOPD can install Verkada products in locations that are hard to wire or lack connectivity SLOPD can install Verkada products in locations that are hard to wire or lack connectivity, such as parking lots, construction sites, trailheads, and natural terrain. Within the city, the GC31 also protects busy intersections by supporting cameras with Licence Plate Recognition (LPR) capabilities. Streamline vehicle investigations Paired with the cellular gateway, CB62 outdoor bullet cameras are deployed on streetlight poles to monitor moving traffic, covering up to three lanes with a single camera. Using Verkada’s edge-based processing and computer vision technology, the LPR solution captures licence plates at speeds of up to 80 mph (128 kph). Flexibility and versatility The cameras' versatility in both covert and overt operations allows SLOPD to adapt its security tactics The cameras' versatility in both covert and overt operations allows SLOPD to adapt its security tactics to each location. This includes monitoring busy intersections, remote trailheads, or railroad crossings. This flexibility is crucial in a community that values its open spaces and balances accessibility with safety. "We've not only deterred potential criminal activities but also enhanced the overall safety for residents and visitors alike. The ability to monitor these areas remotely has been a game-changer, allowing us to extend our reach without stretching our resources too thin." Protecting evidence in cold storage with air quality sensors The introduction of Verkada's air quality sensors into the SLPD’s evidence management protocol has marked a significant improvement in securing critical evidence that requires refrigeration. “Sensors protect the evidence entrusted to us." "They monitor the conditions within our cold storage facilities in real-time, ensuring that any deviation from the norm is immediately flagged. This allows us to act swiftly to address any issues before they impact the evidence.” Sensors mitigate the risk of loss and help maintain the overall integrity of the evidence, which is crucial for the judicial process. Ensuring that evidence is stored under optimal conditions preserves its validity and reliability, which can be decisive in court cases. Guest and Workplace Solutions Verkada Guest supports security and compliance as well as administrative processes At the police department, Verkada Guest supports security and compliance as well as administrative processes and community interactions.  "We're not just looking at improving how we manage security systems; we're also opening up opportunities to better serve our community in every interaction they have with us. This is about making our department more accessible, efficient, and responsive to the needs of San Luis Obispo.” Automated notification "Registrants can sign in digitally, similar to the check-in process at a doctor's office. This system automatically notifies the assigned detective, who can then prepare before meeting the registrant." "It's a welcome shift from our current, more manual process, and we're excited about the potential to make our operations more efficient while improving the experience for everyone involved.” Digitisation of visitor check-in The registration of certain types of visitors is a legal requirement that, until now, has placed a burden The registration of certain types of visitors is a legal requirement that, until now, has placed a burden on the department's space and resources. By digitising the initial check-in and form completion process, the department can handle sensitive registrations with greater discretion and efficiency. "We can integrate specific forms and requirements into the Guest system." Minimising congestion "This customisation ensures that we can maintain legal compliance while respecting the needs of our community and the constraints we operate under." "Guest reduces wait times, frees up essential space in the lobby, and minimises the congestion that can occur during peak registration periods.” Solar and Battery SLOPD is also exploring alternate power options to enable more deployments across San Luis Obispo, further ensuring the safety and security of their community. "Our partnership with Verkada has already improved our operations. The next step involves incorporating solar and battery backup systems for our cameras and bridge devices. This will not only expand our public safety reach but also ensure that our security measures are sustainable and resilient against power outages."

Challenges: The capital city and the largest city of Karnataka, Bengaluru, is a city of stark contrasts. It's a city that effortlessly marries the old and the new, the traditional and the modern. Being India's IT hub and a thriving metropolis, Bengaluru has inevitably attracted people from all over the country. The increase in population has subsequently led to problems like traffic congestion, violations of traffic regulations, and accidents. Local authorities were dependent on measures like generating violation tickets manually, human interventions in managing traffic conditions, and an automated red light violation system at a few intersections. The Bengaluru Traffic Authority also observed that violations like riding without a helmet, triple riding on two-wheelers, over-speeding, etc., need to be mitigated with a silver-bullet solution that holistically makes Bengaluru roads safer for citizens. They were looking for a hypermodern solution that automates traffic management & enforcement while monitoring traffic conditions at all times and providing statistical data for analysis. Enhanced situational awareness Solution: The Bengaluru Traffic Authority wanted an advanced AI-based solution that is both scalable and delivers accurate results. The increased traffic problems and violations have also led to an increase in the number of accidents. This situation demanded a solution that captured multiple violations in real-time, enhanced situational awareness, inculcated discipline among citizens, and most importantly, made Bengaluru roads safer. The next and most crucial part of the process was finding the ideal technology partner for this project After identifying the problem and formulating a proposed solution, the next and most crucial part of the process was finding the ideal technology partner for this project. After rigorous evaluation and intensive discussions, the Bengaluru Traffic Authority, the stakeholders, and a panel of traffic authorities selected Videonetics as the perfect technology partner in collaboration with MATRIX Security and Surveillance Pvt. Ltd. as the system integrator. Number plate recognition solution Acclaimed as a market pioneer, Videonetics has secured 150+ cities and monitored 25K+ traffic lanes across many geographic regions. The administration was keen to have an open platform that would help them add more capabilities and applications over time. With these goals in mind, the AI-powered Videonetics Traffic Management System (TMS) and various use cases such as Automatic Number Plate Recognition, Red Light Violation Detection, Speed Violation, No Helmet Detection, and a few more, deployed at 50 significant intersections. The automatic number plate recognition solution helped the local authorities identify all suspicious, wanted, and stolen vehicles by accurately capturing and recognising the number plates of cars, taxis, buses, trucks, and autorickshaws (tuk-tuk). This enabled the operators to identify and stop all such vehicles as soon as they were captured by ANPR. Permissible speed limits Many road accidents involving two-wheelers result in head injuries when the riders do not wear helmets The red light violation detection is an end-to-end solution that revolutionised road monitoring by generating round-the-clock alerts in various forms whenever a vehicle violates a red light at a traffic intersection. Over-speeding detection feature identifies vehicles that do not adhere to the permissible speed limits on roads and highways, while the built-in ANPR engine captures license plate information to record the violations. As the city roads are narrow, vehicles plying at high speed can often become the cause of an accident. Many road accidents involving two-wheelers result in head injuries when the riders do not wear helmets. The no helmet detection use case assists traffic police personnel in detecting, identifying, and penalising offenders. Analyse live video streams Triple riding detection has also been deployed to ensure the safety of citizens riding two-wheelers. The application captures violations if more than two riders are spotted riding on a two-wheeler. Triple riding detection has also been deployed to ensure the safety of citizens riding two-wheelers To force drivers of 4-wheelers to wear seat belts for their own safety, the Bengaluru traffic authority deployed the no seatbelt detection use case solution to analyse live video streams and quickly detect drivers (& co-driver) who are not wearing seat belts while driving. Another major cause of accidents due to distracted drivers is the usage of cell phones. Videonetics Traffic Management System also provided the use case of detecting a Driver Using a cell phone in real-time by analysing his (or her) gestures and body movement. Witness regular congestion All the AI-powered traffic applications described above have helped the city’s law enforcement monitor traffic round-the-clock, record traffic violations in real time, and send alerts to authorities for further action. Phase - 1 of the project has been completed and covers 50 of the busiest intersections, entry-exit avenues, and areas known to witness regular congestion & accidents. Smarter traffic management Smarter traffic management and faster decision-making with Videonetics TMS Dashboard: Bengaluru traffic officials don't just receive data on traffic violations in real time but also obtain significant insights on citywide traffic characteristics such as density, headway, and traffic composition at regular intervals, thanks to the Videonetics TMS dashboard. Moreover, they also have access to statistical analysis of the traffic flow at various intersections across the city The dashboard assists traffic officials in making informed decisions, as it keeps them updated on the distribution of vehicles, violations, and incidents across the city. Moreover, they also have access to statistical analysis of the traffic flow at various intersections across the city, filtered by attributes of vehicles such as class, colour, & registration types, and even compare it to the data in the past. Video management solution “We are elated to be working with Videonetics on this project. Their AI-based video management solution is revolutionary for government entities, especially in terms of road monitoring. They offer holistic and scalable solutions that empower local authorities to maximise the use of their visual data. Additionally, these solutions ensure enhanced security and governance, promote law-abiding behaviour among citizens, and contribute to making the roads safer.” Aditya G, Vice President – Technical, MATRIX Security and Surveillance Pvt Ltd. Facilitating traffic management Impact: The collaboration between Videonetics, MATRIX Security and Surveillance Pvt. Ltd., and Bengaluru Traffic Authority has been exemplary. Success of this project could be measured by a noticeable impact in various aspects related to road traffic safety and reductions in the number and frequency of violations. There have been significant reductions in red light/stop line violations. The number of traffic accidents and violations, such as no helmet, triple riding, driving without a seatbelt, and using phones while driving has also plummeted. 24x7 active monitoring of traffic and reduction in overall traffic congestion in the city, has helped law enforcement to manage traffic efficiently. The city traffic authority receives thorough insights about each intersection from the dashboard, which has facilitated traffic management, especially in peak hours. The dashboard has empowered officials to overcome their immediate and long-term traffic management challenges. Now, they are equipped to visualise the trends and patterns related to traffic violations, incidents, and vehicle flows.  It also combines historical and real-time traffic data to help traffic officials understand key traffic trends, helping them to make better decisions.  The increased awareness about the traffic rules amongst the citizens of Bengaluru has made them more law-abiding and the roads of Bengaluru are now more organised and safer than ever before.  The Videonetics Traffic Management System has also hugely aided the local police in solving cases of stolen or hot-listed vehicles, as they can now trace vehicles in real-time using ANPR technology. With Videonetics TMS, operators keep a 24x7 watchful eye on the traffic situation, gaining insights about traffic data and responding to threats and accidents proactively, from the Bengaluru Management Center. The holistic success of the project stands as a model for other city departments to improve their traffic awareness and make their roads safer. The open and modular architecture of the Videonetics TMS empowers city authorities to continue adding more applications for robust traffic management, making it future-ready for expansion.

HID, a worldwide pioneer in trusted identity solutions, has been awarded a contract to provide Finland with a new high-security driver’s licence cards and personalisation services solution, incorporating the European second-generation smart Tachograph solution.  This collaboration reflects HID’s commitment to enhancing security and efficiency in Finland's transportation systems. Configurable solution Finland will benefit from a comprehensive, tailor-made, and configurable solution that integrates software, hardware, and equipment to align with the Traffic Authority's vision of a streamlined and efficient digital document issuance system. For the project, HID has joined forces with CardPlus Systems, a trusted partner that provides secure ID documents, services, and systems, to ensure an exceptional driver's licence solution with industry-pioneering features. Security, efficiency, and compliance We will be able to ensure that our card services continue to meet the highest level of security" Max Fogdell, Head of Services for Driving licences and Examinations at Finland’s Transport and Communications Agency, Traficom, stated, "The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency, Traficom, is pleased to enter into a partnership with HID." "We are convinced that with HID's broad experience in the field of trusted identity solutions, we will be able to ensure that our card services continue to meet the highest level of security, efficiency, and compliance with the European Union's safety regulations.” Enhance drivers licence Craig Sandness, Senior Vice President and Head of Citizen Identity and Secure Issuance expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, "We are proud to collaborate with the government of Finland and contribute to the enhancement of the country's driver's licence and tachograph systems." "Our commitment to security and innovation is unwavering, and this contract is a testament to our dedication to safeguarding citizens and infrastructure." Safety standards and tachograph regulations With the European Union’s new safety standards and tachograph regulations, commercial vehicles in the region are required to install second-generation tachographs by 2026. HID’s advanced solution fully complies with these stringent regulations and includes smartcards securing access to device data for drivers, law enforcement, companies, and workshops.

SeeTrue, a global AI software solution pioneer for security screening, disclosed its recent entry into the realm of urban security through a strategic partnership with Israel Railways. This collaborative effort has resulted in the seamless integration of SeeTrue's cutting-edge AI solution into security screening checkpoints at railway stations throughout Israel, including the country's largest stations, where more than 1,000 bags require screening every hour. Faster, smoother security process The integration of SeeTrue into train station security processes has proven to be transformative, maintaining a consistently high level of security and operating continuously around the clock. Passengers benefit from a faster, smoother security process minimising stress and ensuring that critical security checks do not result in bottlenecks that can negatively impact the journey. Security screening solution This incident offers concrete proof of SeeTrue's invaluable contribution to ensuring public safety In a recent incident at one of the busiest and most central train stations, SeeTrue's AI security screening solution identified a bag containing a concealed 30-centimetre knife, alerting security personnel in real-time. As a result, the potential threat was swiftly and effectively neutralised, resulting in the arrest of the individual carrying the concealed knife. This incident offers concrete proof of SeeTrue's invaluable contribution to ensuring public safety in high-traffic transportation hubs. AI technology Assaf Frenkel, Co-Founder and CEO of SeeTrue, "We take immense pride in deepening our expertise in AI technology to include urban security, an endeavour that complements our pioneering work in aviation, customs, and other urban security checkpoints." Assaf Frenkel adds, "Partnering with a high-quality, innovative mass-transit organisation like Israel Railways is a testament to our commitment to revolutionising safety and security across multiple domains, making our cities and transportation systems safer and more efficient." Innovation and intelligence in railway security Hagay Rozenfeld, Head of Innovation, Israel Railways, said "Innovation at Israel Railways is a key part of our strategy, and AI plays a pivotal role in strengthening our pledge to passenger safety, seamlessly infusing intelligence into our security strategies and enabling us to provide optimal security for our passengers and our employees." Shaked Bar, Head of Security, Israel Railways, said "Acknowledging our responsibility to top-tier security at Israel Railways, we harness the power of AI to provide the highest security standards, ensuring the best passenger experience and safety."

Brandýs nad Labem-Stará Boleslav in Czechia is known as “the city of two cities”, thanks to its history as a pair of towns spread over both banks of the Elbe River; located in the Prague-East District, the two towns were merged in 1960. The city is important economically and culturally, as it features numerous national cultural monuments, the oldest pilgrimage site in Bohemia and Brandýs nad Labem Castle at its centre. As such, it is a popular tourist destination, but around 20,000 citizens also call the city home.  Improving quality and safety City Council is passionate about improving the quality of life of its citizens, and safety is a big part The City Council is passionate about improving the quality of life of its citizens, and safety is a big part of that. In 2006, construction began on the municipal camera surveillance system (MKDS). There are multiple camera points across the city, including Komenského  Square, the bus station, the town hall, and the Garden ice rinks. As part of the wider public safety agenda, the City Council wanted to install ANPR cameras to better understand the flow of vehicles entering and exiting specific areas of the city to inform traffic management. This data can also be used in spatial planning.  A new installation protecting road users With its AI-powered Road AI and RoadWatch functions, the city turned to Hanwha Vision to provide 10 PNO-A9081RLP and 10 XNO-6123R/RW cameras, alongside an SSM recording server, decoders, the TID-600 intercom and more. It was a new installation that needed to provide control room staff and frontline police officers with high-quality footage of vehicle makes, models, colours and licence plates. The Police of the Czech Republic and crisis management authorities also have access to the system as part of their close cooperation with the city. The PNO-A9081RLP offers Brandýs nad Labem-Stará Boleslav an all-in-one solution featuring ANPR, Make/Model/Colour Recognition (MMCR) and vehicle classification analytics–all pre-installed, ready to use and fully licenced. This made deploying the cameras easy so the city could get up and running quickly with its traffic surveillance. The cameras cover one lane of traffic at speeds up to 70 km/h. Long-term insights  Since the launch of the system, several stolen vehicles and criminals have been detected With eyewitness accounts quite often being inaccurate or incomplete, and particularly so with regards to vehicle licence number plates, the ability to search for vehicles by make, model and colour is of great help to investigating teams when looking to find footage of a vehicle involved in an incident. Similarly, with criminals frequently swapping the licence number plates on vehicles in order to avoid ANPR identifying them as stolen, police can use the make, model and colour search criteria to cross-reference against reports of stolen vehicles. Since the launch of the system, several stolen vehicles and criminals have been detected. Vehicles are also classified into seven vehicle types (car, SUV, van, LCV, truck, bus, or motorcycle), allowing operators to provide quicker responses to traffic incidents or reports of dangerous driving. Moreover, operators can gain long-term insights into road and parking usage, with planners able to take any trends into account when considering widening roads or creating new bus and cycle lanes. Improving situational awareness and police responses Meanwhile, the XNO-6123R/RW cameras come pre-installed with RoadWatch ANPR, which gives an all-in-one ANPR and direction detection solution. It is ideal for monitoring urban traffic and can cover one lane of traffic travelling up to 90 km/h and 30 m IR (infrared). Key events and information are quickly and intuitively displayed for operators, aiding their situational awareness and response times. XNO-6123R/RW cameras come pre-installed with RoadWatch ANPR, which gives an all-in-one ANPR  Eventually, the plan is to connect the outputs from the two camera models to police databases to further improve incident response times and aid investigations. Currently, the city police can see what’s happening on a video wall or with remote footage on their phones and tablets. Improving mobile connectivity Since the traffic solutions were installed, the city police have used the footage for forensic investigations into crimes committed. The CCTV system is also a visible deterrent for dangerous drivers and other traffic violations.  Future expansion of the system is planned, depending on subsidies available to support it. The Brandýs nad Labem-Stará Boleslav team also plans to invest in Wisenet Wave to further improve mobile connectivity for frontline responders.

As physical security technologies become more complex, it is incumbent on the dealer/integrator to have the skills and expertise needed to ensure that a system operates smoothly. The value of integrators increasingly rests on the skill sets they bring to bear when installing a system. If the skills are missing, there is a problem. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What missing skills among security integrators can cause problems for customers? 

The topic of video analytics has been talked and written about for decades, and yet is still one of the cutting-edge themes in the physical security industry. Some say yesterday’s analytics systems tended to overpromise and underdeliver, and there are still some skeptics. However, newer technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) are reinvigorating the sector and enabling it to finally live up to its promise. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What new technologies and trends will shape video analytics in 2021?

The new year is several weeks old, so it is safe to say that many of our New Year resolutions have fallen by the wayside. Despite the limited success of our personal resolutions, the new year is a great time to take stock, look ahead, and plan to make 2020 the best year yet. Thinking about our industry as a whole, we asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What should be the security industry’s “New Year’s resolution?”