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Protecting cultural artefacts

Fascinating sculptures, important paintings, valuable furniture, archaeological testaments to the history of mankind – museums are dedicated to the vastly diverse manifestations of human creativity and adopt different approaches to showcasing and conveying the meaning of their respective ­collections. However, all museums share the same ­concern, regardless of their didactic differences: the security of the items on display and in their inventories, and the safety of their visitors.

The Dallmeier museum solution, incorporating the SEDOR (Self-Learning Event Detector) art video analysis system, has already proven its value in practice many times over. Besides the video solution that provides security for both outdoor and indoor areas, automatic switching to a security centre and an intuitive video management system with integrated site plans, many other forms of connection are also possible. Thus, for example, third-party touch-sensitive alarm systems can be connected to video observation systems via ONVIF and other standard or individually configured integration protocols

Using intelligent analysis software, the video system by itself is able to detect position changes, of paintings for example, and alert the security personnel. But the appropriate software can also create an additional, wider protective barrier in front of the display item.

Adaptable virtual perimeters around the display item make it significantly more difficult to touch the object. As with people counting, stepping over or simply touching the virtual barrier triggers an alarm and initiates further response. The analysis forms an illegitimate approach/protection against contact and is ­insensitive to cast shadows and normal daily light fluctuations. The false alarm rate is therefore very low. It can also be used to report unattended packages in the exhibition rooms, for example.

But ideally, the technical security installations indoors will not be set off in the first place. Their main purpose is not so much to prevent a careless visitor from touching a free-standing exhibit by mistake, but rather to detect professional thieves. In order to make it as difficult as possible for such individuals to get into a museum, Dallmeier offers an extensive portfolio of camera systems designed to protect outdoor areas, also including high-resolution infrared cameras for protection at night.

With the help of modern video analysis, it can be reliably detected when the escape routes and emergency exits are blocked by objects. Furthermore, emergency exits, particularly doors and gates that open to the outside, can pose a potential security risk after the building is shut. Video surveillance therefore offers an effective alerting opportunity and validation of alarm system messages.

Additionally, intruders can be detected and the alarm raises as soon as they enter the building. With the ‘escape route and emergency exit surveillance’ analysis mode, these sensitive areas can be controlled effectively to ensure the highest level of security for the visitors and avoid uncontrolled usage. Besides the complete video solution that provides security for both outdoor areas and the paintings indoors and automatic switching to a security centre, Dallmeier offers an intuitive video management system with integrated site plans. This facilitates proactive monitoring and when necessary rapid response by the museum staff.

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