New In-Camera Chip Paves the Way for Vastly Improved Analytics

Axis Communications, with North American headquarters based in Chelmsford, Mass., introduced the newest version of its in-camera chip: ARTPEC-4, which stands for Axis Real Time Picture Encoder. This latest version of the system-on-chip (SoC) specifically designed for network video products, enhances image quality and video analytics performance in Axis’ network cameras and video encoders. Increased processing power paves the way for improved light sensitivity, enhanced H.264 compression, and next generation of in-camera analytics.

“Axis has developed chips in-house since the start in 1984, 12 years before we created the first network-enabled camera,” said Johan Paulsson, CTO, Axis Communications. “The ARTPEC chip is a major differentiator for Axis. The chip is at the core of our product offering, enabling us to deliver network video products with high performance, impressive image quality and a strong intelligence platform, all without draining bandwidth.

“‘Standard’ chips in our market are, in fact, designed for the consumer market. Unlike ARTPEC, they are not created to meet the very specific demands of the surveillance industry,” Paulsson asserted. “This in-house chip development, which is a result of Axis’ substantial reinvestment of revenue into R&D (13 percent), allows us to provide the best cameras at the best price.”

ARTPEC-4 is designed to offer video with lower noise and higher light sensitivity for sharper images of moving objects. In fact, the chip is a key enabler of Axis’ unique Lightfinder technology, which allows an IP camera to “see” colors and detail clearly in dark and low-light conditions. Lightfinder is found in the award-winning AXIS Q1602 Network Camera, which Axis calls the market’s most light-sensitive surveillance camera.

In this latest chip, Axis has added support for the H.264 Main Profile, which is a more efficient compression method. ARTPEC-4 supports simultaneous H.264 and Motion JPEG streams, which means that video streams can be optimized individually based on the needs of the customer. This leads to better HDTV video, increased flexibility and lowered costs for network infrastructure and storage.

With a powerful CPU and a coprocessor for accelerating video analytics, ARTPEC-4 also boasts more processing power for intelligent video analysis. This is particularly beneficial for applications running on the AXIS Camera Application Platform for scalable, distributed analytics in video surveillance.

Furthermore, as the shift from analog to IP video surveillance solutions accelerates, video encoders are generating significant interest from the market as a migration strategy to digitizing working analog cameras.

Because ARTPEC-4 offers improved de-interlacing and multi-channel video ports on one chip, it lowers the cost per port for video encoders and enables more affordable, multi-channel video encoder products.

“The development of ARTPEC-4 underlines the importance of our in-house development in cementing our leadership in the technology field. With our newest chip we see improved image quality leading to more usable video surveillance systems, broadening the usage of Axis cameras in more applications and extending the scope of where they can be used,” said Johan Paulsson, CTO, Axis Communications.

ARTPEC-4 is optimized for Axis’ video encoders and IP network cameras, and will complement the existing chip portfolio, which also includes what Axis terms the world’s first HDTV-enabled network camera chip, ARTPEC-3.

“Those who visit our booth at ISC West will see the impressive affect ARTPEC-4 has on some of our newer products, including color-at-night Lightfinder technology, improved WDR and lower cost encoders with high performance for migration from analog to IP video,” Paulsson said. “We also anticipate that our software partners will take full advantage of ARTPEC-4’s powerful CPU and coprocessor to develop the next generation of in-camera analytics on the AXIS Camera Application Platform.”

HID Global & ASSA ABLOY Strengthen Patent Portfolio

HID Global stated that the company and its parent, ASSA ABLOY, were notified by the United States Patent Office that their patent, US 2008/0163361, titled “Method and Apparatus for Making a Decision on a Card,” has been allowed and will issue shortly. This invention covers the use of portable credentials in a secure access network, in which the access decision can be made within a portable credential (such as the secure element of a mobile device), using data and algorithms stored within the credential.

The patent complements an earlier patent, US 7,706,778, titled “System and Method for Remotely Assigning and Revoking Access Credentials Using a Near Field Communication Equipped Mobile Phone,” which issued last year. Both patents are part of HID Global’s rapidly growing investment in developing mobile access solutions using Near Field Communications (NFC) technology.

“As a trusted leader in solutions for the delivery of secure identity, HID Global and ASSA ABLOY invested heavily in developing an extensive intellectual property portfolio to protect our investment in state-of-the-art, industry-leading products,” said Denis Hebert, president and CEO with HID Global. “We remain focused on continuing to expand the size and breadth of our patent portfolio. These latest additions strengthen HID’s IP and patent portfolio with two more core patents for physical and logical access control on mobile platforms.”

Dr. Tam Hulusi, senior vice president of strategic innovation with HID Global, exclaimed, “HID is excited to be issued these patents, which protect key innovations in our recently announced iCLASS Secure Identity Object™-Enabled (iCLASS SE) access control solutions and Trusted Identity Platform®. Our large IP portfolio includes many patents that are essential to industry standards such as those established by Global Platform, a cross-industry, not-for-profit association that identifies, develops and publishes specifications to facilitate the secure and interoperable deployment and management of multiple embedded applications on secure chip technology. We invite interested companies to contact us to discuss the opportunity of licensing applicable IP from us.”

ASSA ABLOY’s and HID Global’s patent portfolio currently consists of more than 500 issued worldwide patents and more than 300 pending patent applications plus foreign patents and applications, the companies said. The portfolio also includes IP from the company’s recent acquisitions of Lasercard and Actividentity, as well as ActivIdentity’s earlier acquisition of Corestreet, whose patent portfolio is also heavily oriented towards physical and logical access control.

Tri-Ed / Northern Video Adds Intransa as Vendor Partner

Intransa and Tri-Ed / Northern Video together announced a new distribution agreement in which Intransa’s award-winning physical security appliances are now among Tri-Ed / Northern Video Distribution’s roster of vendor products.

“Intransa brings simple, scalable, and affordable video optimized appliances to our customers,” said Pat Comunale, president and chief operating officer for Tri-Ed / Northern Video Distribution. “These customer-proven platforms will be of immediate benefit across small projects to the most demanding physical security needs in video surveillance, access control, video analytics and PSIM.”

Intransa platforms leverage the power of Intransa’s patented and patent-pending Video and Data Management & Retention (VDMR) software technology, and the hundreds of physical security products that have been tested and certified for risk-free integration.

“We are truly proud to announce Tri-Ed / Northern Video Distribution will be offering Intransa physical security platforms to the market,” said Bob Gitre, senior director and business unit manager, distribution, for Intransa. “Our mutual customers will benefit from one-stop shopping for complete security solutions available from Tri-Ed / Northern Video Distribution, built around Intransa optimized platforms.”

For information, visit www.tri-ed.com.

Axis Certifies American Fibertek’s PoE Series Ethernet to Fiber Transceivers

American Fibertek Inc.’s series of 3-port and 4-port PoE mini-switches (also known as “Fiber Optic PoE Midspan devices”) has been certified by Axis for use with the company’s Q60XX-e series outdoor PTZ cameras. The outdoor PTZ cameras include heaters/blowers that require 60 watts of power. To facilitate high-powered PoE operation in harsh conditions, AFI’s High Power PoE series can source up to 60 watts of power to Axis Q60XX-e series cameras over an operating temperature range of -40C to +75C. This power requirement is higher than currently supported by the IEEE 802.3af (15 watt) or 802.3at (30 watt) standards.

“Axis’ certification is testimony to the design integrity and functionality of the AFI high-powered products,” said Jack Fernandes, CEO and president of AFI. “Not only do they meet the demand for 60 watt PoE operation in extreme temperatures, they offer the inherent benefits of fiber transmission over long distances without any degradation in signal quality or speed.”

Axis requested AFI to supply the high-powered PoE mini-switches for testing at their lab in Boston. The certification testing consisted of operating the AFI devices to power Axis Q60XX-e Series cameras in low temperatures for extended periods of time. Operating at low temperature triggered the cameras’ heater and blower units which require 60 watts of power to operate the camera system. The AFI products met all test conditions to fulfill Axis certification requirements.

For information and free software demonstration downloads, visit AFI’s new website at www.americanfibertek.com or call 877-234-7200.

New White Paper Describes How Printer Fits into the Market

HID Global recently announced its Fargo-HDP8500 High Duty Cycle printer for large-scale ID badge issuance. In preparation for its launch, HID Global developed a white paper to explain where this printer fits in the marketplace and why/how such a rugged, high-duty cycle printer is important to very large and highly secure organizations, the company described.

Titled “Achieving Increased Productivity, Reliability and Security in Organizations Employing Distributed Credentials Issuance,” the white paper describes: “High duty cycle distributed card issuance is easily scalable, lowers operational and service costs and optimizes credential output — whether each finished credential requires physical, electronic or visual personalization, or any combination of these elements. Scalability, cost savings and optimized output make distributed card issuance a viable, effective alternative to centralized issuance for government agencies, card service bureaus, large universities and corporations. This white paper highlights key elements of a productive, secure and reliable distributed credential issuance system.”

The white paper defines distributed card issuance and describes key printer selection criteria in depth.

PSA Takes on VES Fire Detection as a Vendor Partner

VES Fire Detection Systems’ VES Elite product line is now available through PSA Security Network. As a PSA vendor partner, both member companies and distribution customers are able to purchase VES product and become certified on Elite networked systems. The Elite line of analog addressable fire detection systems ranges from small single-panel applications to large multi-node networked systems up to 32,000 points.

VES also offers a set of Web-based tools for integrators, including online systems programming, troubleshooting and backup.

“With VES, PSA is now able to offer a competent and competitive solution to our network of integrators for every major product group to our members and customers. We have been searching a while for the right partner in fire alarm and we’re glad to welcome VES,” said PSA Security Network’s CEO, Bill Bozeman.

ASSA ABLOY Welcomes Security-Net™ to Partner Program

ASSA ABLOY announced that Security-Net™ joined the ASSA ABLOY Elite Integrator Partner Program. Exton, Pa.-based Security-Net Inc., established in 1993, maintains approximately 50 regional offices and 1,200 dedicated professionals positioned across the United States, Canada and abroad. Security-Net supports and services both private industry and the government sector with intelligent security system solutions.

The mission of the Elite Integrator Program is to partner ASSA ABLOY with the industry’s leading integrated systems providers to deliver world-class access control solutions, ASSA ABLOY stated. The ASSA ABLOY Group brands participating in the program include Adams-Rite, SARGENT, Corbin Russwin, Norton, HES, Securitron, McKinney, and Medeco.

The Elite Integrator Program provides myriad benefits to partner companies, such as performance rebates and cooperative marketing opportunities.

Mark Duato, director, Integrated Solutions Specialists Group for ASSA ABLOY and the head of the Elite Integrator Program, said that he is not only excited about the program but pleased that Security-Net is the first participant. “The Security-Net organization and its member companies exemplify the kind of high-quality, progressive integration services businesses that we envisioned partnering with when we established the program,” he said. “Having the group as a member of the program raises the bar very high for future participants.”

Tom Asp, president of Security-Net, said, “Security-Net is proud to be part of ASSA ABLOY’s Elite Integrator Program. We look forward to a long-term relationship whereby we are able to offer our customers top brands in the door opening and security solutions market.”

Thermal Cameras Enabled With PTZ Follow Capability

PureTech Systems Inc., a manufacturer of video analytic software, has teamed with FLIR to enable PTZ Auto Follow capability on FLIR’s range of high-performance thermal cameras. PureTech’s PTZ Auto Follow capability currently allows CCTV cameras to independently follow a target, with the software continuously identifying the target and adjusting the pan, tilt and zoom of the camera to keep the target centered in the camera’s field-of-view.

PureTech now takes this capability to the next level, capitalizing on the advantages provided by the FLIR thermal camera family to auto-follow in conditions where visible light cameras do not perform well, such as no-light, haze, smog and precipitation, sunrise/sunset, and low-contrast scenes. The feature is designed to follow many target types; people, cars, trucks and boats can be initiated through a variety of ways including a cue from a video management system, a video analytics device, an intelligent fence, access control system, GPS or radar.

The PTZ Auto Follow capability, optimized for FLIR’s thermal sensor and pan-tilt mechanism, has the added flexibility to be deployed as a server-based installation, or as an edge device using PureTech’s Scene Analyzer. The PTZ Auto Follow feature can be supported through PSIM and VMS systems including PureTech’s PureActiv.

“In cooperation with PureTech Systems, we’ve created a force multiplier for our customers, allowing hands-free control of our cameras during an intrusion event,” said Bill Klink, vice president of Security and Surveillance at FLIR Systems.

Video footage of the PureActiv-FLIR PTZ Auto Follow integration can be viewed at http://puretechsystems.com/video-library-puretech-ptz-follow-flir.html. For general information, visit www.puretechsystems.com or www.FLIR.com.

MobileView™ Receives QATT Designation Under DHS SAFETY Act

MobileView™ is the first and only mobile surveillance solution to receive Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technology (QATT) designation under the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Support Anti-terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies Act of 2002 (SAFETY Act), announced Bradenton, Fla. based Interlogix. MobileView is a part of Interlogix, which provides security and life safety solutions for both residential and commercial enterprises. Interlogix is a part of UTC Climate, Controls & Security Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp.

The SAFETY Act encourages the development and deployment of new and innovative anti-terrorism products and services by providing liability protections. MobileView technology leverages digital video recorders, cameras, audio microphones, and a variety of other ancillary devices to capture high-quality video and data on and around public transit vehicles, such as buses, paratransit vans, and light rail and commuter rail vehicles, the company explained.

“We’re excited to receive this important designation, which presents enormous value for our customers,” said Al Cavagnero, general manager, MobileView. “MobileView helps improve public safety in cities around the world, with enhanced driver and passenger security in threatening situations.”

When connected to a MobileView advanced wireless network with fleet management software, customers can save time and labor by managing their video and data from a centralized location. Platforms include the MobileView 3, 4 and PENTA systems.

MobileView said its products have been deployed on more than 27,000 transit bus and rail vehicles at more than 150 government agencies and have aided in numerous criminal prosecutions and investigations of suspicious activities. In addition to providing customers with protection from fraudulent claims, it serves as a deterrent to criminal activity and vandalism, the company said. With QATT designation, MobileView also can be used to aid in the detection, prevention and deterrence of terrorist attacks, as well as to improve incident response and post-event investigation.

For information, visit www.interlogix.com/mobileview.

Convergint Technologies to Use Video Synopsis Technology from BriefCam

BriefCam®, the developer and provider of Video Synopsis® solutions for rapid reviewing, analyzing and indexing of video, announced a partnership with North American systems integrator Convergint Technologies. Convergint is ranked No. 7 on SDM’s Top Systems Integrators Report.

Convergint customers now will be able to benefit from BriefCam’s award-winning Video Synopsis, a technology that enables users to browse hours of video in minutes. The synopsis is made possible by simultaneously presenting multiple objects and activities that have occurred at different times. Events are indexed to the original video; both synopsis and original footage can be exported for investigation in one click.

“We are delighted to announce our partnership with Convergint,” said Dror Irani, CEO and president of BriefCam. “Convergint professionals aim to solve problems expressed by customers, many of whom have experienced increasing frustration with the amount of time, effort and personnel needed to browse recorded video. Video Synopsis provides an elegant solution to that problem, cutting review time, reducing manpower and storage costs and increasing efficiency along the way.”

Tony Varco, Convergint Technology vice president, Electronic Security Division, said, “This partnership reflects Convergint’s commitment to providing clients with the best technologies available today. Security cameras have been a major source of our growth and we’re pleased to be able to offer those customers a way of maximizing their security investment. We see Video Synopsis as a game changer and a key tool for improving safety and security, moderating loss prevention and limiting liability.”

For information, visit www.briefcam.com or www.convergint.com.

Software Saves Fire Alarm Install & Service Time — and it’s Free

Fire-Lite Alarms by Honeywell offers an upgraded time-saving software tool designed to simplify fire alarm system installs and service while building a database of information on each installation. The PS-TOOLS program assists users in system configuration, including component selection and panel programming in addition to helping with remote diagnostics. It can be used with nearly every Fire-Lite Alarms’ addressable and conventional control panel on the market today. The software and user instructions can be downloaded free-of-charge from www.firelite.com. Users also can register online to receive software update notices via email.

Fire alarm installers can set up and verify the configuration of a Fire-Lite Alarms system using PS-TOOLS before downloading any programming to the panel. Details on multiple installations, including location, components, settings and facility contacts, can be logged and tracked through PS-TOOLS to help dealers provide more organized, proactive services to customers. To quickly diagnose troubles remotely, the software can provide access to a system’s event and history logs either locally or via remote connection.

Virtually every function available to an installer standing at the panel is replicated in the software tool. The PS-TOOLS software is Windows®-based and features a more intuitive interface to accommodate users with varying levels of fire alarm experience. For example, the software provides graphical layouts of each system’s components and the correlation between input and output devices.

For information, visit www.firelite.com.

FLIR & VideoIQ Announce New Thermal Analytics Processor

FLIR and VideoIQ have partnered to announce a premium solution to provide analytics, edge NVR storage, and IP video encoding optimized for FLIR’s range of high-performance thermal cameras. When joined with FLIR’s SR- and F-Series cameras, the Thermal Analytics Processor creates the most effective and affordable off-the-shelf solutions available for perimeter thermal security, the companies jointly stated in a press release.

The Thermal Analytics Processor’s adaptive analytics are specially tuned to get the most out of FLIR’s high-resolution thermal cameras, with analytic solutions that go beyond video motion detection. The Analytics Processor, in conjunction with FLIR’s thermal imaging cameras, enables users to automatically classify detected objects as people, vehicles or boats.

The Thermal Analytics Processor optimized for FLIR provides 160GB of on-board NVR storage, eliminating the need to stream images across a network to a central NVR and reducing network traffic and bandwidth by up to 90 percent, the companies stated. By automatically encoding analog video from a FLIR camera into an IP video signal, the Thermal Analytics Processor makes them plug-and-play compatible with existing IP networks.

The Thermal Analytics Processor supports integration with many VMS systems including Genetec, Milestone, ONSSI, Lenel, and VideoIQ View, according to the companies.

For information, visit www.FLIR.com or www.videoiq.com.

Verint Launches Library of 3D, Dynamic BIM Objects for IP Cameras

Verint® Systems Inc. launched a library of three-dimensional, dynamic Building Information Modeling (BIM) objects for its Nextiva® IP camera portfolio. Designed to provide architects, engineers, consultants and security specifiers with security product options during the planning, design and specification stages of projects, the Verint library of BIM objects enables users to select and specify Nextiva IP cameras in designs, drawings and specifications of enterprise and critical infrastructure projects.

BIM is the process of generating and managing building data using three-dimensional, real-time, dynamic building modeling software to increase productivity in design and specification. The Nextiva IP objects will provide design-build teams with direct access to the cameras required to help ensure the safety and security of people, property and assets.

The library of BIM objects are embedded with the product’s technical specifications, allowing architects, engineers, consultants and security specifiers to review product dimensions, weight, performance characteristics, environmental specifications, installation requirements, tools, accessories and price. The library of BIM objects includes Verint’s Nextiva S5000 Series H.264 network cameras.

For information and to download the BIM objects, visit www.verint.com/videosolutions.

TECH BRIEFS

OnSSI announced a strategic technology partnership with DataDirect Networks (DDN), which will enable OnSSI to deliver customers a highly scalable storage solution that is designed to meet the needs of organizations that require mission-critical surveillance infrastructure capable of scaling from hundreds to thousands of terabytes, while delivering real-time video quality of service. This partnership bundles OnSSI’s Ocularis with DDN’s award-winning Storage Fusion Architecture content-optimized storage platforms. With four feature sets, each scalable to virtually any number of cameras at multiple sites, Ocularis v2.0 is an IP video and security platform designed to provide greater functionality for organizations of any size, up to the enterprise level.

ASSA ABLOY recently received Lenel factory certification. Facilities that employ the OnGuard® now can easily extend access control to any opening using WiFi and Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) locks from ASSA ABLOY Group brands Corbin Russwin and Sargent. The IP-enabled devices include locks that connect to a host system through an existing 802.11b/g WiFi network, and IEEE 802.3af compliant PoE locks that connect to the LAN utilizing a single Ethernet cable for both power and data. “Lenel VARs can now offer facilities the ability to upgrade the security of interior openings by providing an affordable solution for expanding their access control system,” said Gidon Lissai, director of Strategic Alliances for Lenel. “We look forward to their continued involvement in the Lenel OpenAccess Alliance Program.” For information, visit www.intelligentopenings.com.

SentryNet staff has been busy over the past few months attending various national, state and regional trade shows, demonstrating its new smartphone app for dealers. The app allows dealers to search customers, review history, place systems on test and then monitor activity.

The app is powered by NetConnect 3 and the second product being demonstrated. This Web-based, user-friendly interface give dealers, their staff and even their customers (if needed) access to their account information. Office staffs use it to quickly call up information while on the phone with customers. Technicians use it in the field while troubleshooting, testing and installing equipment. Security professional are watching their account activity live, providing the ability to be proactive for their customers.

EverFocus Electronics Corp. selected Theia’s new megapixel auto-iris lenses for use on the EQH5200 series HDcctv and EAN3200 series IP cameras, which were released at ASIS Int’l Seminar & Exhibits in September. These two lenses, along with Theia’s SY110A lens are now offered as optional accessories across EverFocus’ portfolio of megapixel box cameras. “In addition to superlative image clarity, to fully leverage the capability of megapixel cameras to deliver greater pixel/foot resolution, virtual pan-tilt-zoom and the inherent ability to cover much larger areas with a single camera, one requires distortion-free lenses with very short focal lengths for wider views. Theia’s unique technology creates ultra-wide views without the fish-eye effect one would normally expect from focal lengths of less than 2mm. The end result eliminates any need to compromise image quality to achieve the benefit of lower equipment cost per foot or degree of covered field-of-view,” said Alan Schwartz, HDcctv product manager at EverFocus.

Barco announced that it enhanced the interoperability of its advanced control room management suite by integrating its new TransForm N universal visualization platform and its CMS-200 software with VidSys’ physical security information management (PSIM) software system. Barco, a provider of advanced control room management solutions, integrated its technologies with the VidSys PSIM software to deliver visibility of real-time situation awareness and management capabilities on high-end security walls.

A recent Barco/VidSys project, developed for a California IT company, entailed the integration of Barco’s TransForm N system, consisting of NGP-224 controllers and its CMS-200 software, with VidSys’ PSIM software to manage and display security camera feeds onto a large video display wall. Utilizing Barco’s universal decoding software and a variety of video camera feeds from across the enterprise, video is projected from the VidSys PSIM software to the display wall.

Barco also optimized its universal visualization platform to interface directly with Genetec’s Omnicast IP video surveillance system. With the established interface between CMS and Omnicast, public agencies can deliver IP video streams to an emergency operations center (EOC) in a secure, controlled way, permitting the EOC access to only those sources allowed, and centrally logging each activity to ensure the security of the information. Operators can capture information from more sources and easily manipulate and view camera streams, dragging and dropping them into various views using the CMS’ familiar graphic user interface, according to Barco.