Dedicated Micros has focus on analytics
Increasingly, we are seeing the deployment of intelligent video analytics as very much an integral component of the latest CCTV solutions. When applied correctly, there is little doubt that this intelligent approach can make a real difference to how CCTV is managed and controlled, transforming monitoring by operators into a pro-active process, writes Salim Idris general manager (Middle East), Dedicated Micros
With an ever growing number of cameras, an operator is presented with a real challenge in terms of maintaining their effectiveness in identifying events across multiple views, often displayed in a control room video wall scenario. Video analytics can help to enhance the operator's effectiveness by alerting them to events, live as they happen, allowing them to take action quickly to intervene or call the authorities. Equally, the retrieval of events is significantly improved by allowing the operator to find suspicious activity retrospectively as it is stored in a searchable database. There is also the potential for additional data to be collected which can assist business owners - such as retailers - with day-to-day operations.
The reality on the ground however is – that despite this obvious promise – and the growing demand amongst specifiers, installers and end-users for video analytics to provide intelligent security and management information capabilities – to date many solutions have simply not lived up to the manufacturers’ claims, due in part, to hardware or software limitations and crucially, not being integrated properly with the other elements of an application.
An embedded future for analytics
As a result of the worrying shortcomings in existing provision, at Dedicated Micros – part of AD Group – we have been determined to transform this situation for the better and add real value to security installations. Following an intensive research and development effort, we recently launched an ambitious range of analytics capable CCTV products – particularly targeted at the mid-range CCTV market – that have an embedded video analytics capability designed-in from the start. With this move we are looking to take a lead role in the marketplace by being the first company to introduce a truly integrated, embedded software and hardware, platform providing intelligent CCTV solutions for a wide range of applications from transport to retail.
In-house expertise
To deliver this functionality we have been able to unlock the benefits of AD Group’s own NetVu Connected ViSP (Visual Signal Processor) architecture, provided by ChipWrights, combined with sister company DTec’s long-term expertise in the area of image processing. This has been gained through its proven, award-winning, video smoke detection products which have already proven their worth in projects in the Middle East, including the prestigious Royal Airwing Hangar complex at the Dubai International Airport in the UAE – the world’s largest privately owned aircraft hangar. A new range of capabilities, developed by the AD Group Image Processing Team, will now be provided though D-Tec Analytics. These will work on DM’s analytics capable products via a simple upgrade license.
Video analytics capable systems now available from Dedicated Micros comprise: the SD range, DV-IP, DV-IP RT, DV-IP Codec, CamVu 2000 megapixel camera, HighVu Excel and TransVu (an AD network video product).
Video analytics packages
Looking in more detail at industry leading video analytics capabilities that can now be enabled on a wide range of NetVu Connected hardware platforms, the current video analytics packages on offer include: ‘object left’, ‘object removed’, ‘people counting,’ ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) and perimeter protection.
With ‘object left,’ for instance, it is now possible to identify objects that have remained stationary for a redetermined period – this could be applied, for example, to identify a suspicious package at an airport.
Another capability, ‘object removed,’ allows video analytics techniques to be applied to monitor spaces that contain valuable property, with operators alerted to the disappearance of a static object. This would be ideal in a hospital environment where valuable drugs are stored or in a retail situation where high value stock items need additional protection.
In the case of people/object counting, this can be applied by a retailer to monitor footfall or to count people/vehicles entering or leaving an area with a predetermined threshold generating an alert if densities reach above a certain level.
When applied ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) offers the potential for a NetVu Connected DVR or server to alert an operator in the case of petrol station drive-offs and unauthorised vehicle removal and to track vehicles entering and leaving a site. The number plate is automatically logged with the associated video for later retrieval or to provide evidence for a potential prosecution.
Intrusion detection/perimeter protection (sterile area) can support the real-time identification of an intruder crossing a software generated perimeter – invaluable for a large, extensive site and could be applied in conjunction with other measures, such as remotely monitored, detector activated CCTV, for out-of-hours security.
The capabilities highlighted above are in addition to the already available smoke and flame detection through D-Tec.
NetVu Connected
The new analytics capable solutions offered by Dedicated Micros can all be deeply integrated with other NetVu Connected products which means that on a practical level end-users can rapidly expand the capability of their existing installations without the need to upgrade their whole CCTV solution. Compatible products can be simply upgraded with software to enable the analytics capability either during installation or after, allowing the deployment of analytics without the need to replace any part of the installation. Alarms raised by events generated through video analytics can be viewed and recorded on the associated DVR which means that the user has the ability to review both live and recorded footage as required. By taking full advantage of this seamless integration, it is possible to link their analytics solution into the existing CCTV installation, connecting the alarms raised with alarm settings and relays controlled via the DVR.
Single user interface
Certainly, one of the key operational advantages with regards to the NetVu Connected approach we are taking to delivering intelligent video is that our analytics portfolio has been designed to be fully integrated with the NetVu ObserVer GUI (Graphic User Interface). From a security management perspective, this provides the user with seamless control and viewing from a single platform, irrespective of the device's location. All products, including those containing analytics capable technology can be readily controlled from this one, common, interface, with the result that only one viewing platform is required to handle a number of capabilities from 'object left' to ANPR. This dramatically reduces the need for operator training as it removes the requirement for the user to be familiar with a number of disparate, and sometimes incompatible, systems and ultimately speeds deployment.
Embedded benefits
Looking ahead, potential users can now be assured that there is a provider out there who can offer a video analytics capability which is actually embedded in the hardware platform - something unique in the marketplace - to deliver enhanced reliability and performance to meet their demands for truly effective and capable intelligent surveillance solutions.
 Dedicated Micros will be highlighting its analytics capable solutions at Intersec Middle East, hall 1, stand 3215C. For more information on Dedicated Micros please Tel: ++971 4 390 1015/6/7, GSM: ++971 50 4500 149, Email: SIdris@dmicros.com or visit
www.dedicatedmicros.com
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