With a new version of its video-based fire detection system AVIOTEC IP starlight 8000, Bosch Building Technologies now enables the early detection of fires with cameras, even in low-light conditions. Both flames and smoke are detected down to an ambient lighting level of 2 lux. For this purpose, Bosch has extended its video analytics in the camera, which processes the results of more than 20 algorithms and makes an alarm decision on this basis. This leads to improved sensitivity without compromising the solution’s robustness against false alarms, according to the company.

With the new firmware version 7.61, AVIOTEC IP starlight 8000 is suitable for application in areas with very low light, such as warehouses and production plants at night. With changing environmental conditions, the sensitivity can be adapted to the requirements using programmable schedules. Thus, for example, it is possible to optimize the robustness against false alarms during busy daytime operation, while deserted buildings, where quickest detection is required, benefit from high sensitivity at night.

Since the solution from Bosch works with minimal ambient light, it can save costs for planning, installation and operation of lighting. Furthermore, it can reduce the risks for applications with high fire load in those low light conditions. This benefits, for example, operators of multi-story car parks where risk is typically quite high.

In all environments, the installed cameras can be used simultaneously for fire detection and video surveillance, which further reduces installation and operating costs. The video-based fire detection AVIOTEC IP starlight 8000 is now delivered with the new firmware. Existing installations can be upgraded to the new technology by a free firmware update.