Safety and security requires ­visibility

August 2018 Surveillance

In security, the significance of visibility cannot be overstated. However, the biggest issue in gaining visibility over a perimeter through CCTV surveillance lies in the lighting conditions of the area to be monitored. This is because conventional CCTV cameras (even the ultra-high definition cameras) require sufficient light to capture a usable image. Previously, such lighting dependency could only be solved with the installation of spotlights to provide adequate lighting at night for surveillance cameras to be able to function.

Laurence Smith.
Laurence Smith.

As thermal cameras have come down in price and increased in availability, these devices have shown they have what it takes to eliminate all the traditional headaches associated with perimeter protection through video surveillance, especially with the addition of intelligent video analytics to the technology mix. Gaining visibility over a large perimeter is exponentially easier with thermal cameras as such cameras are not dependent on light for imaging. Working rather on thermals, these cameras can present an image regardless of the weather conditions, always ensuring total visibility. When combined with the power of video analytics, it becomes possible to automatically detect perimeter threats and distribute alerts in real time.

In addition, artificial intelligence in the analytics can positively identify and protect against intrusion with up to 98% accuracy and can differentiate between animals, humans and vehicles, this is clearly a smart choice to make to unlock true visibility and ensure efficiency for perimeter security.

More visibility, more control with technology

Once the physical perimeter has been established, it becomes important to do a risk assessment of the property or business that needs to be secured to determine the level of security required. For access control points, CCTV monitoring and surveillance can be used to visually identify people, here, it is advisable to use ultra-high definition or 4K cameras.

To bring visibility to the rest of the perimeter, thermal cameras will play a vital role. Thermal cameras are military-spec and can work both in total darkness and daylight. These cameras can penetrate through dust, smoke and any adverse weather conditions with an effective detection range of up to 1 km, depending on the lens used. Best of all, using thermal cameras can reduce the overall number of cameras required in a surveillance setup, given their extensive range.

Making perimeter surveillance more effective, video analytics is a critical component in ensuring the efficiency of the security control room, as it is now possible to use a computer or analytics engine to do most of the work that a human would have done in the past. Monitoring live feeds from CCTV cameras is now much more reliable with the addition of an analytics engine, which delivers real-time incident alerts and fewer false alarms.

Visibility that doesn’t rely on the human eye

Video analytics enable what is essentially blank screen monitoring, in that the analytics system will give notifications of risks according to specific rules set up. Allowing the operator to minimise the labour that goes into 24/7 surveillance with sophisticated algorithms and pixel-by-pixel analysis that enables video analytics to pick up on the smallest of details. Video analytics also removes the scope for human error and, by automating many of the functions previously performed by humans, makes the surveillance element of perimeter security far more dependable.

The software gives the response team the benefit of knowing exactly where along the perimeter a threat has presented, which can make all the difference for reaction time and appropriate response especially where a perimeter stretches over many kilometres.

Where the perimeter necessitates an even higher level of visibility, this is made possible using live surveillance cameras in patrol vehicles (the same as is used in cash-in-transit vans) and can even extend to wearable CCTV tactical jackets, which enables the control room to see exactly what the guard on patrol does, to send backup if necessary. Such wearable CCTV jackets, capable of transmitting low-bitrate live footage with GPS tracking functionality, will also serve to ensure that guards carry out their duties according to set procedures or policies with the ability to monitor their performance from a central station.

Manage and monitor risks with visibility

The key to achieving safety and security depends on unlocking complete visibility of the perimeter to be secured. This can be done through a combination of 4K cameras for access control points, and thermal cameras to secure the remainder of the perimeter in all weather and lighting conditions. To maximise the benefits of both types of cameras and ensure that the perimeter is monitored intelligently 24/7, it is important to have the necessary video analytics platform to automate feed monitoring and risk alerts to ensure that security resources are not wasted on a constant stream of false alarms. Furthermore, intelligent technology helps to eliminate the possibility of human error, making the entire perimeter security operations more effective and reliable than ever before.

For more information contact Graphic Image Technologies, +27 11 483 0333, [email protected], www.git.co.za.



Credit(s)




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

Vivotek partners to enhance retail management
Surveillance Retail (Industry) Products & Solutions AI & Data Analytics
Recognising the growing demand from retail enterprises to boost operational efficiency through cloud security solutions, Vivotek has announced a partnership between its AI-powered cloud surveillance platform, Vortex, and Kabob.

Read more...
Protect your assets with Visual Verifier
Secutel Technologies Surveillance Products & Solutions
To ensure your valuable assets and secured areas remain protected during this high-risk time, Secutel offers the Visual Verifier (VV) – a solution delivering comprehensive security and peace of mind.

Read more...
Smart surveillance and cyber resilience
Axis Communications SA Surveillance Information Security Government and Parastatal (Industry) Facilities & Building Management
South Africa’s critical infrastructure sector has to step up its game regarding cybersecurity and the evolving risk landscape. The sector has become a prime target for cybercriminals on top of physical threat actors, and the consequences of an incident can be far-reaching.

Read more...
Dallmeier launches new entry-level camera
Dallmeier Electronic Southern Africa Surveillance Products & Solutions
Dallmeier electronic is expanding its product portfolio with the Picoline, an entry-level camera that offers a compact and cost-effective solution for applications that require day and night recording with the highest resolution (IR mode).

Read more...
ONVIF launches new online learning initiative
Training & Education Surveillance News & Events
ONVIF has released the first course in a new online learning initiative designed to promote greater knowledge and understanding of ONVIF's workings. The first “Introduction to ONVIF” course is now available.

Read more...
Axis introduces ACS Edge and cloud storage
Axis Communications SA Surveillance Infrastructure Products & Solutions
Axis Communications has launched two new solutions within the AXIS Camera Station ecosystem, AXIS Camera Station Edge (ACS Edge) and AXIS Camera Station Cloud Storage (ACS Cloud Storage).

Read more...
Axis announces ARTPEC-9 SoC
Axis Communications SA Surveillance News & Events
Axis Communications has announced the 9th generation of its system-on-chip (SoC). ARTPEC-9 builds on and refines the capabilities and features of previous generations of the company’s in-house designed SoC, including exceptionally low bitrate, AI-powered analytics, quality imaging, and enhanced cybersecurity.

Read more...
Enhanced remote video management
Duxbury Networking Surveillance News & Events
Duxbury Networking has announced the release of Milestone Systems’ XProtect 2024 R2 advanced video management software (VMS), offering improved remote management, optimised video performance, and further enhancing the operational efficiency of businesses across various sectors.

Read more...
Elvey to distribute Tiandy
Elvey Security Technologies Editor's Choice Surveillance News & Events
Tiandy’s presence in South Africa was boosted in November with the announcement that Elvey Security Technologies will distribute a broad range of Tiandy equipment through its channel partners and provide project assistance.

Read more...
Transforming safety with smart cameras
Surveillance AI & Data Analytics
Most of us grew up thinking good security amounted to an alert man at a boom. Today, security is no longer just about being watchful. It is about understanding, anticipating, and acting, all in real time.

Read more...