Siemens - keeping you in the picture

August 2003 Surveillance

In today’s fast-paced business world, it simply is not enough to monitor a single point on a premises at any given time. In fact, to be truly secure, you pretty much need to be everywhere at once – observing, watching out for any trouble – and even recording the action, just in case something goes wrong.

With this in mind, Siemens ESS offers a full coverage surveillance concept, allowing one to be present at as many locations as required, whilst simultaneously documenting everything going on. The company's full spectrum solution covers all the necessary consultation and installation services, as well as a comprehensive base of products for all surveillance needs. These include:

Cameras

The importance of investing in high quality cameras cannot be overstated. Siemens offers an extensive range of quality, high-resolution cameras for all applications, available in both colour and monochrome. Infrared cameras are available (for nighttime operation), as well as dual cameras for day/night time operation. Specific camera features include:

* Ergonomic and visually pleasing designs.

* Weather-resistant protective housing.

* Remotely controlled pan drive.

* Remotely controlled focus adjustment.

* Explosion protected equipment (optional).

Video switching matrix

What is the matrix? In this instance, it is a powerful switching system, designed to provide for automatic or manual connection of recorded signals and images, to various monitors.

Developed in South Africa, the product has been so successful that it is now being marketed all over the world. It may be configured as a single matrix - supporting up to 256 cameras and 64 monitors, or as a multiple matrix system. The system is modular in design, ensuring that you need only purchase a system catering to immediate requirements, upgrading by means of additional slave matrices, as the need arises.

The matrix is a standalone unit, with its own embedded controls. Configuration takes place using a Windows-based application. Features supported by the matrix include:

* Unique user defined camera numbering.

* Camera identification.

* Alarm and event action definitions.

* Camera sequences.

* Multiplexing (frame switching) of multiple cameras; allowing for the recording of multiple cameras onto a single recorder. This is normally used for simultaneous alarms.

Digital video recording

The recorders used to maintain a permanent record of security events truly are mission critical systems. Siemens ESS has chosen to use the Dallmeier range of digital video recorders. These are Linux-based and fully network compatible.

Every digital recorder unit comes standard with five framegrabbers, one of which is used for playback only. (Dallmeier supports simultaneously recording and playback.) The other four framegrabbers are used for recording, and can handle up to 18 cameras at a time. The system makes use of wavelet compression for stored images. Various compression levels (from 15 to 60 Kb a frame) are available, depending on your storage and quality requirements. At 60 Kb, files akin to DVD quality can be achieved. The Dallmeier DVR offers simultaneous viewing, recording and playback, all on a single screen.

Video management system

Interactive video management system for centralised surveillance and operation of larger systems with the following functions: video detection, video control unit, image storage or third party systems.

Video activity detectors

Siemens makes use of realtime video detection systems. Every video signal is analysed with its own processing unit, making use of complex algorithms to eliminate the possibility of any false alarms caused, for example, by animals, light reflections, changes in weather, shadows of trees or rain.

A remote maintenance facility (with alarm trigger viewing functionality) is provided, so as to allow the operator to manually ensure that there has been a real intrusion event. This interface also allows the operator to set up precise and complex rules governing the use of monitoring and alarms within the system.

Taking the holistic approach

Siemens principle of strength lies in the provision of a total security concept. Ideally, your surveillance system should not exist in isolation, but as part of a total security and building management solution, governing such areas as access and door control, alarm management, fire detection and safety - as well as the reporting systems for all activity within the building.

For more information contact Sharon Naude, Siemens ESS, 011 652 2000.





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

AI human detection cameras vs outdoor detectors
Provision ISR SA Surveillance
The advancement of technology has revolutionised many aspects of security systems, notably in the transition from traditional outdoor alarm detectors to modern, AI-based, human-detection IP cameras, which offer many benefits.

Read more...
Safeguarding farmland with digital solutions
Axis Communications SA Surveillance
Marlenique Estate, located in the Western Cape, opted for an Axis end-to-end solution to protect its premises with access management, remote monitoring, and property and asset protection.

Read more...
Cutting costs and enhancing security
Secutel Technologies Surveillance
[Sponsored] Visual verification, powered by the Secutel Visual Verifier, detects and verifies intrusions and physical attacks and ensures comprehensive protection in areas where high-value losses are at risk.

Read more...
Supercharge surveillance with AXIS Camera Station Pro
Surveillance Products & Solutions
Designed to put efficient surveillance at users’ fingertips with an intuitive interface that is easy to operate, AXIS Camera Station Pro 6.2 provides a customisable video management and access control solution for companies of all sizes.

Read more...
Easy, secure access for student apartments
Paxton Access Control & Identity Management Surveillance
Enhancing Security and Convenience at Beau Vie II Student Accommodation, a student apartment block located at Banghoek Road, Stellenbosch, with Paxton's access control and video management solution

Read more...
SMART Surveillance at the Indaba
SMART Security Solutions Editor's Choice Surveillance Videos
SMART Security Solutions hosted its second SMART Surveillance conference, focusing on a range of topics related to the video surveillance market, on July 11th, 2024, at the Indaba Conference Centre in Fourways.

Read more...
Horn speakers from Sunell
Forbatt SA Products & Solutions Surveillance Residential Estate (Industry)
Horn speakers are an effective tool for actively deterring intruders from entering estates. By emitting loud, clear audio warnings, horn speakers can alert trespassers that they have been detected and are being monitored.

Read more...
Sunell’s range of thermal cameras
Forbatt SA Products & Solutions Surveillance Residential Estate (Industry)
Thermal cameras offer significant value to estate security. Their ability to provide reliable surveillance in all lighting and weather conditions ensures continuous monitoring, providing a constant sense of security and reducing the likelihood of security breaches.

Read more...
Integrating radar and surveillance
Forbatt SA Products & Solutions Surveillance Residential Estate (Industry)
Integrating radar with CCTV video systems significantly enhances estate security by providing long-range threat detection and comprehensive monitoring capabilities. This combination leverages the strengths of both technologies, offering several key benefits.

Read more...
Sunell anti-corrosion cameras
Forbatt SA Products & Solutions Surveillance Residential Estate (Industry)
With Sunell’s anti-corrosion range of cameras, the initial investment in anti-corrosion CCTV cameras may be higher than standard cameras, but the long-term benefits outweigh the upfront costs.

Read more...