Where Are Video Analytics Needed?

Video analytics can measure congestion or alert managers that it needs to be cleared up.

Depending on the installation, different levels of video intelligence can be deployed in certain cameras.

“We would not say every camera or every channel should be truly intelligent video-enabled, but we would submit that a good portion of those should be where the risk is the highest, or the threat is the greatest, or where the personnel may be less able to respond to an alert, or where there are fewer personnel to respond if there’s a false alarm,” recommends Edward Troha, director of marketing for ObjectVideo Inc., Reston, Va.

But Nik Gagvani, Ph.D., chief technology officer of Cernium Corp., Reston, Va., disagrees. “We take a different approach — we think you should deploy video analytics on every camera, as opposed to picking and choosing the cameras,” he recommends.

Gagvani argues that analytics on specific cameras with specific rules can miss dangerous events that were unanticipated by those who wrote the rules.

“We can process 100 cameras on a single server,” Gagvani asserts. “We are processing all analytics on all channels all the time. Once you dial down the processing requirements, it does become economical enough that the payoff is worth the investment.

“Analytics is not a technology that will help you find the bad guys — it’s more of a force multiplier,” Gagvani insists. “There is always a human in the loop. Analytics is not meant to replace the human; it is meant to augment human capabilities.

“Analytics is not the magic bullet — it doesn’t get you better security,” he advises. “What analytics alerts you to gets you better security.”

VisualGate Systems & Tri-Ed to Distribute Surveillance Video over Power Line Solutions

VisualGate Systems, Toronto, has partnered with Tri-Ed Distribution Inc., Woodbury, N.Y., for the delivery of its surveillance video over power line (SVoP) products and solutions.

VisualGate Systems’ technology can set up instant networking within any building by enabling video, audio and control data to be transmitted over the building’s existing AC wiring. VisualGate Systems offers two solutions for video surveillance requirements that incorporate power-line technology and are based on HomePlug-compliant standards.

PL-VUE is a sophisticated system created for commercial and government use, while VueKIT has been created for small business and residential customers. Both VisualGate offerings have been developed to provide security dealers and installers with a secure, cost-effective video surveillance solution without the need to run new cabling.

PL-VUE captures high-resolution images from up to 16 cameras and offers multiple motion detection areas, search-and-record capabilities, and a wide range of alarm settings. VueKIT is a low-cost surveillance solution which also offers motion detection and recording options, but can only support up to four cameras. For more information, visit www.visualgatesystems.com and www.tri-ed.com.

Vicon Publishes 40th Anniversary Product & System Guide

Vicon Industries Inc., Hauppauge, N.Y., has published an updated, 40th Anniversary Product and System Guide that is available from Vicon sales representatives. The 17-page booklet, sporting a 40th-anniversary seal, serves as a short-form catalog, summarizing all Vicon product lines.

To request a copy of the 40th Anniversary Product and System Guide, contact a Vicon sales representative. A list of representatives by territory, as well as complete information about Vicon and its line of products, can be found at www.vicon-cctv.com.

New Intuitive Web Site Provides Technical Resources for Wall Mounts

Peerless Industries Inc., Chicago, delivers a comprehensive online resource for installers, architects, designers and the hands-on do-it-yourselfers for mounting flat panel televisions and projectors. The newly redesigned Web site puts information in visitor’s hands.

Simple one-click navigation on the home page gives visitors access to the product spotlight section, product center, customer center and Peerless News.

The product spotlight provides information and specifications on the latest mounting solutions for current and emerging visual display technologies, including LCD and plasma flat panel displays, projectors, CRT televisions and other electronic equipment used in the commercial and consumer markets.

The product center is a comprehensive information source offering one-click navigation to:

• Technical information — instructions, tech data, drawings, images, and descriptions;
  
  
• Product interface lists;
  
  
• Product catalog and brochures;
  
  
• Certifications and associations;
  
  
• Peerless custom solutions;
  
  
• Explanation of mounting patterns.

For more information, visit www.peerlessmounts.com.

Verint Partners with EMC

Verint Systems Inc., Melville, N.Y., will partner with EMC Corp. to deliver integrated, enterprise-class networked video management and storage solutions to the security market.

As part of the agreement, Verint will resell EMC’s networked storage systems and enterprise content management software as part of a tightly integrated and tested, enterprise-class video management solution for the physical security market.

Verint and EMC also have entered into a technology agreement to ensure efficient testing and certification of new products and technologies from both companies. In addition to technology collaboration, EMC and Verint have established joint go-to-market strategies.

Verint’s portfolio of networked video solutions includes video management software, integrated analytics, encoders and IP cameras, intelligent DVRs, SDKs and integrations for use in a variety of vertical market environments. For more information, visit www.verint.com.

Biometrics Can be Used at Mobile Workplaces

Construction sites will be more secure with a biometric-enabled mobile workplace management solution (WMS) that uses mobile fingerprint readers. Because construction companies are only at work sites for a short period, it is not practical for them to set up phone lines or broadband connections. This makes it difficult for them to share and track information.

The WMS from Donseed Ltd., County Kerry, Ireland, enables construction companies to manage time and attendance of employees and provides them with a structure through which to manage health and safety compliance. Donseed is a provider of Internet-hosted construction industry management services.

Donseed’s secure Web-based solution allows all parties to access information in real time in a secure environment. The V-Station fingerprint reader from Bioscrypt Inc., Markham, Ontario, Canada, which has been mobile-enabled, ensures that time and attendance data is accurate.

Contract workers use their fingerprint scans to authenticate their identity when they arrive at and leave a construction site, eliminating buddy punching — the practice of punching in and out for a fellow employee.

The time and attendance information is transmitted back to a central office using the mobile technology solution. Once the job is completed, the mobile GPRS-enabled fingerprint scanner units can be moved to the next construction site.

The Web-enabled units also can be used to share all project documents and data on the health and safety training of an employee. For more information, visit www.bioscrypt.com and www.donseed.com.