Showing posts with label video analytics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label video analytics. Show all posts

Saturday, July 1, 2023

AI, Cloud and Cybersecurity Open New Opportunities for Integrators

AI, Cloud and Cybersecurity Open New Opportunities for Integrators 

I was recently asked which technologies are going to have the most significant impact on the physical security industry in the next few years. With the rapid pace of change in technology today, there is no simple answer to this question.

One thing that is certain is that companies are under pressure to become more efficient, secure and operationally aware. That, in turn, is driving the need for real-time data capturing and processing from every part of their business, including security.

We are just beginning to see how emerging technologies and concepts such as artificial intelligence (AI), Cloud computing and cybersecurity are impacting our industry. As companies plan for the future, budgets are increasingly focused on innovative solutions that can help to process the growing amount of data being captured and consumed.

Manufacturers and systems integrators that understand this shift have been quick to identify opportunities to win new business through the introduction of value-added applications or new services capable of generating recurring monthly revenue.

We explore some of those technologies and opportunities below.


Artificial intelligence and analytics

AI analytics is the product of automating data analysis—a traditionally time-consuming and people-intensive task—using the power of today's artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies.

AI analytics refers to a subset of business intelligence that uses machine learning techniques to discover insights, find new patterns and discover relationships in the data. In practice, AI analytics is the process of automating much of the work that a data analyst would normally perform.

Customers are looking to AI and data analytics to gain better insight into their operations. These offerings can enable security-related intelligence or operational and customer insights. The key to AI is self-learning algorithms that, over time, get better at identifying certain targeted behaviors or transactions and reducing false positives.

We have also begun to see several chip manufacturers introduce next generation processors with AI built into the core firmware. As a result, systems integrators can expect to see many product innovations in 2018 focused on advanced video analytics, data integrations and application software.

The challenge for their customers will be clearly defining which data is most valuable to them, who will have access to it, and how to best manage it. Systems integrators can play a key role in this process by having those discussions with customers up front and encouraging a proof-of-concept phase before fully rollouts are undertaken.

 

Cloud-based services

Cloud based services provide information technology (IT) as a service over the Internet or dedicated network, with delivery on demand, and payment based on usage. Cloud based services range from full applications and development platforms, to servers, storage, and virtual desktops.

In addition to AI and data analytics capabilities, we are seeing demand from customers for Security-as-a-Service (SaaS) offerings. The combination of low, upfront capital costs and outsourced services has made Cloud-based video and access control popular, especially in the hospitality and small-to-medium enterprise markets. Examples of SaaS cloud service providers include Dropbox, G Suite, Microsoft Office 365, and Slack. In each of these applications, users can access, share, store, and secure information in “the cloud.”

As technology providers add more sophisticated applications and services to further drive customer insight and efficiencies, expect enterprise retail customers to begin moving to this model as well in 2018. For systems integrators, SaaS solutions can represent a recurring revenue stream and a great opportunity to generate new business.

 

Cybersecurity impacts

Cyber attacks can cause electrical blackouts, failure of military equipment, and breaches of national security secrets. They can result in the theft of valuable, sensitive data like medical records. They can disrupt phone and computer networks or paralyze systems, making data unavailable.

Cybersecurity is crucial because it safeguards all types of data against theft and loss. Sensitive data, protected health information (PHI), personally identifiable information (PII), intellectual property, personal information, data, and government and business information systems are all included.

The sheer scope and size of the data breaches we saw in 2017 – Equifax being one of the most notable – has heightened concerns over cyber-preparedness. Increasingly, customers are evaluating their own level of cybersecurity preparedness, as well as that of their suppliers.

There’s no doubt that our industry is taking cybersecurity seriously, however there is still work to be done, and both systems integrators and their manufacturer partners need to be prepared. Information technology (IT) departments will continue to play an expanded role in approving products for deployment on corporate networks. The use of third-party cybersecurity audits will also become more commonplace, which will significantly impact how products are developed and deployed.

In addition to ensuring that their products are secure, manufacturers and system integrators will also need to improve their own organizational security. For video solution providers, that could mean demonstrating how they protect their software code and architect their software, and how compliant their solutions are with data privacy standards in North America and globally.

The need to bolster cyber defenses will also create demand for new equipment and software upgrades as the vulnerabilities of customers’ legacy equipment are exposed.

Cybersecurity will be a challenge for some systems integrators, but a great business opportunity for others. Customers will increasingly look for integrators that can meet their cybersecurity standards and possibly pass a cyber audit. If there’s a weak link in the chain – from product design to installation or service – then everyone loses. System Integrators know major China manufacturers like Dahua, Hikvision, Uniview are not impacted, from everything we have seen. We executed the proof of concept code from the disclosure on multiple devices and were unable to gain access using the backdoor. The backdoor primarily impacts devices using HiSilicon SOC with Xiongmai software, which is dozens of small OEM manufacturers, using minimally modified OEM firmware, Open Source OS and drivers, and enabling telnet on port 9530.

So it’s important that integrators and manufacturers work closely together and ensure that they share the same high cybersecurity standards. Integrators should also demand that their manufacturer partners be diligent about educating them on products and keeping software up to date to reduce potential vulnerabilities.

 

Knowing your market

Many of today’s leading system integrators have begun investing in the additional resources needed to educate staff and align their organizations so they can successfully adopt and provide these new capabilities to their customers.

It’s important that your organization have conversations with both your end user customers and your technology providers so you can take advantage of new opportunities while also helping to clarify what’s possible today and what’s still on the horizon.

As integrators move from equipment sales to consultative solution sales, it is important to understand the unique business problems of the customers in your target market. While this concept is not new, a growing number of integrators are putting vertical market initiatives in place to concentrate their expertise.

The top five business challenges of yesterday may no longer be the top five challenges of tomorrow. Integrators need to understand what those unique challenges are for each vertical they play in, and work with manufacturers that can provide proven solutions for specific markets.

Tuesday, February 14, 2023

Trends at the intersection of video and AI

Trends at the intersection of video and AI 

Installation and use of CCTV Cameras for security & surveillance is a no-brainer. Cameras are considered a fundamental commodity for setting up any surveillance infrastructure, but at the same time, 24×7 monitoring of hundreds or thousands of video feeds by operators doesn’t serve the purpose of providing proactive surveillance and quick response to breaches.

2022, where most security cameras deliver HD performance, with more and more models offering 4K resolution with 8K on the horizon. Advanced processing techniques, with and without the use of infrared illuminators, also provide the ability to capture usable images in total darkness; and mobile devices such as drones, dash cams, body cams, and even cell phones have further expanded the boundaries for video surveillance. Additionally, new cameras feature on-board processing and memory to deliver heightened levels of intelligence at the edge.

But video has evolved beyond the capabilities of advanced imaging and performance to include another level:  Artificial Intelligence. Video imaging technology combines with AI, delivers a wealth of new data, not just for traditional physical security applications, but for a much deeper analysis of past, present, and even future events across the enterprise.

This is more than a big development for the physical security industry; it is a monumental paradigm shift that is changing how security system models are envisioned, designed, and deployed. Much of the heightened demand for advanced video analytics is being driven by six prevalent industry trends:

 

1) Purpose-built performance

Several video analytics technologies have become somewhat commoditised “intelligent” solutions over the past few years, including basic motion and object detection that can be found embedded in even the most inexpensive video cameras. New, more powerful, and intelligent video analytics solutions deliver much higher levels of video understanding.

This is accomplished using purpose-built deep learning, employing advanced algorithms and training input capable of extracting the relevant data and information of specific events of interest defined by the user. This capability powers the automation of two important workflows: the real-time monitoring of hundreds or thousands of live cameras, and the lightning-fast post-event search of recorded video. Vintra video analytics, for example, accomplishes this with proprietary analytics technology that defines multi-class algorithms for specific subject detection, classification, tracking, and re-identification and correlation of subjects and events captured in fixed or mobile video from live or recorded sources.

 

2) Increased security with personal privacy protections

The demand for increased security and personal privacy are almost contradictory given the need to accurately identify threatening and/or known individuals, whether due to criminal activity or the need to locate missing persons. But there is still societal pushback on the use of facial recognition technology to accomplish such tasks, largely surrounding the gathering and storage of Personally Identifiable Information (PII).

The good news is that this can be effectively accomplished with great accuracy without facial recognition, using advanced video analytics that analyse an individual’s whole-body signature based on various visual characteristics rather than a face. This innovative approach provides a fast and highly effective means of locating and identifying individuals without impeding the personal privacy of any individuals captured on live or recorded video.

 

3) Creation and utilisation of computer vision

There are a lot of terminologies used to describe AI-driven video analytics, including machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL). Machine learning employs algorithms to transform data into mathematical models that a computer can interpret and learn from, and then use to decide or predict. Add the deep learning component, and you effectively expand the machine learning model using artificial neural networks which teach a computer to learn by example.

The combination of layering machine learning and deep learning produces what is now defined as computer vision (CV). A subset but more evolved form of machine learning, computer vision is where the work happens with advanced video analytics. It trains computers to interpret and categorize events much the way humans do to derive meaningful insights such as identifying individuals, objects, and behaviours.

 

4) Increased operational efficiencies

Surveillance systems with a dozen or more cameras are manpower-intensive by nature, requiring continuous live or recorded monitoring to detect and investigate potentially harmful or dangerous situations. Intelligent video analytics, which provides real-time detection, analysis, and notification of events to proactively identify abnormalities and potential threats, transform traditional surveillance systems from reactive to proactive sources of actionable intelligence. In addition to helping better protect people, property, and assets, advanced video analytics can increase productivity and proficiency while reducing overhead.

With AI-powered video analytics, security and surveillance are powered by 24/7 technology that doesn’t require sleep, taking breaks, or calling in sick. This allows security operations to redeploy human capital where it is most needed such as alarm response or crime deterrence. It also allows security professionals to quickly and easily scale operations in new and growing environments.

 

5) A return on security investment

The advent of advanced video analytics is slowly but surely also transforming physical security systems from necessary operational expenses into potential sources of revenue with tangible ROI, or as it is better known in the industry, ROSI – Return on Security Investment. New video analytics provide vast amounts of data for business intelligence across the enterprise. Advanced solutions can do this with extreme cost-efficiency by leveraging an organization’s existing investment in video surveillance systems technology.

This easy migration path and a high degree of cost-efficiency are amplified by the ability to selectively apply purpose-built video analytics at specific camera locations for specific applications. Such enterprise-grade software solutions make existing fixed or mobile video security cameras smarter, vastly improving how organizations and governments can automatically detect, monitor, search for and predict events of interest that may impact physical security, health safety, and business operations. For example, slip-and-fall analysis can be used to identify persons down or prevent future incidents, while building/area occupancy data can be used to limit crowds or comply with occupancy and distancing guidelines. In this way, the data gathered is a valuable asset that can deliver cost and safety efficiencies that manual processes cannot.

 

6) Endless applications

The business intelligence applications for advanced video analytics platforms are virtually endless including production and manufacturing, logistics, workforce management, retail merchandising and employee deployment, and more. This also includes mobile applications utilising dashboard and body-worn cameras, drones, and other forms of robotics for agricultural, oil and gas, transportation, and numerous other outdoor and/or remote applications.
An added benefit is the ability to accommodate live video feeds from smartphones and common web browsers, further extending the application versatility of advanced video analytics.


Indian Army to be equipped with AI-based threat assessment software linked to national databases
The Indian Army will soon get help from artificial intelligence to analyse threats during operations, especially in sensitive areas like Jammu and Kashmir. The ministry of defence is planning to equip the army with an AI-based threat assessment software that can be linked to national databases such as UIDAI and MoRTH.
According to an official communication, this software will be used to “track vehicular movement, monitor online presence of individuals, including on social media platforms, and derive linkages and patterns”.
The software will help the army in tracking and predicting incidents and the reason behind acquiring such a software is that operations require a detailed threat assessment. As of now, details of threat assessment are not available with either security forces or law enforcing agencies but only restricted information is available in the form of registers, both at company operating base (COB) levels and with other headquarters.
“Since the data is either non-existent or is recorded in legacy formats (documents and registers), no methods are available with SF for historic correlation of incidents due to which incidents cannot be tracked or predicted,” the official communication states.
The solution: “an AI-based networked solution that will enable storage and analysis of data to track and predict incidents. Details can be linked with national databases such as UIDAI, MoRTH in order to track vehicular movement, as also monitor online presence of individuals including on social media platforms and derive linkages and patterns”.
The software will have the ability to import data available with other agencies. It will enable central collation of details from various patrols with real-time data visibility at all outstations. According to the MoD, this software will be able to integrate legacy unstructured data available in different formats and provide actionable intelligence by combining different databases through the use of AI and data analytics techniques.
The software application is designed to integrate AI and machine learning (ML) aspects with existing known datasets, thereby giving commanders and staff a comprehensive and common picture with regard to operations intelligence, including the capability to carry out data processing in terms of staff checks, query management, use of business intelligence and visualisation to arrive at a course of actions and also assist in ruling out less viable options.
“As the system is being planned keeping in mind the automation requirements of the Indian Army for intelligence generation, the system will be designed for exploitation by AI and ML aspects,” the MoD said. The software will facilitate display and exchange of information over encrypted and secured internet connection and facilitate day-to-day functioning of operations and intelligence gathering and collating at various headquarters, and also facilitate commanders in decision making by incorporating appropriate inputs.
Adequate security measures will be ensured as per the latest guidelines or policies of army cyber group (ACG) system. It will have NLP (natural language processing) models in English, Hindi, Pashto, Arabic, and Urdu to automatically extract intelligence from generated reports, inputs, open source documents and memos.
It will be capable of conducting video and image analytics for raw camera footage from CCTV cameras, social media videos, images among others. The whole idea is to generate actionable intelligence and ability to do dark and deep web monitoring and analysis.

Sunday, May 19, 2013

45% of End User Security Budgets Increasing



With much talk of budget cuts, many US-based organizations are still willing to pour dollars into their physical security initiatives, at least according to a recent study from by IMS Research. In fact, 45 percent of end users say that their security budget increased in 2012, the study found.

"It's clear that end users are still feeling the risk to their facilities -- and that means there's plenty of opportunity for manufacturers of physical security equipment," said Niall Jenkins, manager for video surveillance and security services research at IMS, in a press statement. "Just having a budget available was actually one of the top two reasons for end users paying to replace or upgrade their systems as well."

The survey, which polled 200 end users of physical security equipment across North America, found that the majority of these organizations are dedicating large amounts of resources to physical security. In fact, 44 percent reported that their organization's annual budget exceeded Rs. 5000K.

"Budgets either stayed the same or increased last year for those that spent approximately Rs. 1Cr and also for 85 percent of the overall market," Jenkins noted. "I wouldn't say that the security boom is over just yet."

Even with bigger budgets, users report concerns. Despite investing in new equipment, buyers say that their biggest worry is that vendors will suspend support for newly-acquired security products while they are still being productively used within the organization, the survey found.

Especially as the market in the US transitions from analog to network-based video surveillance, vendors are shifting their product mixes and ending support for products, said Jenkins in an interview with IFSEC Global. "There's also a transition to the use of video analytics, PSIM, and wireless infrastructure," he added. "In the fire market, you don't see that pace of development, while intruder alarm and access control are probably somewhere in the middle."
In addition, some vertical markets feel better served by security vendors. "The majority of end user markets, when asked about whether security meet their needs, were positive, but the transportation industry overall jumped out as one vertical that said the security industry wasn't meet their needs," Jenkins told us.

So, let us know. Is your budget on the rise? Where do you plan to invest?

Indian Company also increase there Security Budgets in 2013.

We hope that you have found this resource page to be helpful.  
 
If you have any questions about this page or anything related to CCTV or surveillance systems, please contact us at bhadra_1980@yahoo.com

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Security Camera Selection Guide

ON Sunday, November 8, 2009 we discuss a Guide for choosing the CCTV system, now we know how to select a Security camera.( http://arindamcctvaccesscontrol.blogspot.com/2009/11/guide-for-choosing-cctv-system.html )

Security cameras are literally the eyes of a video surveillance system. Cameras should be deployed in critical areas to capture relevant video.
The two basic principles of camera deployment are (1) use chokepoints and (2) cover assets.
Chokepoints are areas where people or vehicles must pass to enter a certain area. Examples include doorways, hallways and driveways. Placing cameras at chokepoints is a very cost-effective way to document who entered a facility.
Assets are the specific objects or areas that need security. Examples of assets include physical objects such as safes and merchandise areas as well as areas where important activity occurs such as cash registers, parking spots or lobbies. What is defined as an asset is relative to the needs and priorities of your organization.

1. Security Camera Selection

Once you determine what areas you want to cover, there are four camera characteristics to decide on:
1. Fixed vs. PTZ: A camera can be fixed to only look at one specific view or it can be movable through the use of panning, tilting and zooming (i.e., moving left and right, up and down, closer and farer away). Most cameras used in surveillance are fixed. PTZ cameras are generally used to cover wider fields of views and should generally be used only if you expect a monitor to actively use the cameras on a daily basis. A key reason fixed cameras are generally used is that they cost 5 to 8 times less than PTZs (fixed cameras average Rs.12000 to Rs. 22000 whereas PTZ cameras can be over Rs. 75,000 INR).

2. Color vs. Infrared vs. Thermal: In TV, a video can be color or black and white. In video surveillance today, the only time producing a black and white image makes sense is when lighting is very low (e.g., night time). In those conditions, infrared or thermal cameras produce black and white images. Infrared cameras require special lamps (infrared illuminators) that produce clear image in the dark (but are significantly more expensive than color cameras - often 2x to 3x more). Thermal cameras require no lighting but product only silhouettes of objects and are very expensive (Rs. 300,000 to Rs. 1000,000 on average) In day time or lighted areas, color cameras are the obvious choice as the premium for color over black and white is trivial.

3. Standard Definition vs. Megapixel: This choice is similar to that of TVs. Just like in the consumer world, historically everyone used standard definition cameras but now users are shifting into high definition cameras. While high definition TV maxes out at 3 MP, surveillance cameras can provide up to 16 MP resolutions. In 2008, megapixel cameras only represent about 4% of total cameras sold but they are expanding very rapidly.
4. IP vs. Analog: The largest trend in video surveillance today is the move from analog cameras to IP cameras. While all surveillance cameras are digitized to view and record on computers, only IP cameras digitize the video inside the camera. While most infrared and thermal cameras are still only available as analog cameras, you can only use megapixel resolution in IP cameras. Currently, 20% of cameras sold are IP and this percentage is increasingly rapidly.

Most organizations will mix and match a number of different camera types. For instance, an organization may use infrared fixed analog cameras around a perimeter with an analog PTZ overlooking the parking lot. On the inside, they may have a fixed megapixel camera covering the warehouse and a number of fixed IP cameras covering the entrance and hallways.

2. Connectivity

In professional video surveillance, cameras are almost always connected to video management systems for the purpose of recording and managing access to video. There are two main characteristics to decide on for connectivity.
IP vs. Analog: Video can be transmitted over your computer network (IP) or it can be sent as native analog video. Today, most video feeds are sent using analog but migration to IP transmission is rapidly occurring. Both IP cameras and analog cameras can be transmitted over IP. IP cameras can connect directly to an IP network (just like your PC). Analog cameras cannot directly connect to an IP network. However, you can install an encoder to transmit analog feeds over IP. The encoder has an input for an analog camera video feed and outputs a digital stream for transmission over an IP network.
Wired vs. Wireless: Video can be sent over cables or though the air, whether you are using IP or analog video. Over 90% of video is sent over cables as this is generally the cheapest and most reliable way of sending video. However, wireless is an important option for transmitting video as deploying wires can be cost-prohibitive for certain applications such as parking lots, fence lines and remote buildings.

3. Video Management System
Video management systems are the hub of video surveillance solutions, accepting video from cameras, storing the video and managing distribution of video to viewers.
There are four fundamental options in video management systems. Most organizations choose one of the four. However, it's possible that companies may have multiple types when they transition between one to another.
DVRs are purpose built computers that combine software, hardware and video storage all in one. By definition, they only accept analog camera feeds. Almost all DVRs today support remote viewing over the Internet. DVRs are very simple to install but they significantly limit your flexibility in expansion and hardware changes. DVRs are still today the most common option amongst professional buyers. However, DVRs have definitely fallen out of favor and the trend is to move to one of the three categories below.

HDVRs or hybrid DVRs are DVRs that support IP cameras. They have all the functionality of a DVR listed above plus they add support for IP and megapixel cameras. Most DVRs can be software upgraded to become HDVRs. Such upgrades are certainly a significant trend and is attractive because of the low migration cost (supports analog and IP cameras directly).
NVRs are like DVRs in all ways except for camera support. Whereas a DVR only supports analog cameras, an NVR only supports IP cameras. To support analog cameras with an NVR, an encoder must be used.

IP Video Surveillance Software is a software application, like Word or Excel. Unlike DVRs or NVRs, IP video surveillance software does not come with any hardware or storage. The user must load and set up the PC/Server for the software. This provides much greater freedom and potentially lower cost than using DVR/NVR appliances. However, it comes with significant more complexity and time to set up and optimize the system. IP video surveillance software is the hottest trend in video management systems currently and is the most frequent choice for very large camera counts (hundreds or more).

4. Storage

Surveillance video is almost always stored for later retrieval and review. The average storage duration is between 30 and 90 days. However, a small percentage of organization store video for much shorter (7 days) or for much longer (some for a few years).
The two most important drivers for determining storage duration is the cost of storage and the security threats an organization faces.
While storage is always getting cheaper, video surveillance demands huge amount of storage. For comparison, Google's email service offer about 7 GB/s of free email storage. This is considered to be an enormous amount for email. However, a single camera could consume that much storage in a day. It is fairly common for video surveillance systems to require multiple TBs of storage even with only a few dozen cameras. Because storage is such a significant cost, numerous techniques exist to optimize the use of storage.
The type of security threats also impact determining storage duration. For instance, a major threat at banks is the report of fraudulent investigations. These incidents are often not reported by affected customers until 60 or 90 days after the incident. As such, banks have great need for longer term storage. By contrast, casinos usually know about issues right away and if a problem is to arise they learn about it in the same week. Casinos then, very frequently, use much shorter storage duration (a few weeks is common).
Three fundamental types of storage may be selected:
Internal storage uses hard drives built inside of a DVR, NVR or server. Today this is still the most common form of storage. With hard drives of up to 1 TB common today, internal storage can provide total storage of 2TB to 4TB. Internal storage is the cheapest option but tends to be less reliable and scalable than the other options. Nonetheless, it is used the most frequently in video surveillance.

Directly Attached storage is when hard drives are located outside of the DVR, NVR or server. Storage appliances such as NAS or SANs are used to manage hard drives. This usually provides greater scalability, flexibility and redundancy. However, the cost per TB is usually more than internal storage. Attached storage is most often used in large camera count applications.

Storage Clusters are IP based 'pools' of storage specialized in storing video from large numbers of cameras. Multiple DVRs, NVRs or servers can stream video to these storage clusters. They provide efficient, flexible and scalable storage for very large camera counts. Storage clusters are the most important emerging trend in video surveillance storage.
http://arindamcctvaccesscontrol.blogspot.in/2013/10/analog-cctv-storage.html

5. Video Analytics
Video analytics scan incoming video feeds to (1) optimize storage or (2) to identify threatening/interesting events.
Storage optimization is the most commonly used application of video analytics. In its simplest form, video analytics examines video feeds to identify changes in motion. Based on the presence or absence of motion, the video management system can decide not to store video or store video at a lower frame rate or resolution. Because surveillance video captures long periods of inactivity (like hallways and staircases, buildings when they are closed, etc.), using motion analytics can reduce storage consumption by 60% - 80% relative to continuously recording.
Using video analytics to identify threatening/interesting events is the more 'exciting' form of video analytics. Indeed, generally when industry people talk of video analytics, this is their intended reference. Common examples of this are perimeter violation, abandoned object, people counting and license plate recognition. The goal of these types of video analytics is to pro-actively identify security incidents and to stop them in progress (e.g., perimeter violation spots a thief jumping your fence so that you can stop them in real time, license plate recognition identifies a vehicle belonging to a wanted criminal so you can apprehend him).
These video analytics have been generally viewed as a disappointment. While many observers believe that video analytics will improve, the video analytics market is currently contracting (in response to its issues and the recession).

6. Viewing Video
Surveillance video is ultimately viewed by human beings. Most surveillance video is never viewed. Of the video that is viewed, the most common use is for historical investigations. Some surveillance video is viewed live continuously, generally in retail (to spot shoplifters) and in public surveillance (to identify criminal threats. Most live video surveillance is done periodically in response to a 'called-in' threat or to check up on the status of a remote facility.
Four fundamental options exist for viewing video:
Local Viewing directly from the DVR, NVR or servers is ideal for monitoring small facilities on site. This lets the video management system double as a viewing station, saving you the cost of setting up or using a PC. This approach is most common in retailers, banks and small businesses.

Remote PC Viewing is the most common way of viewing surveillance video. In this approach, standard PCs are used to view live and recorded video. Either a proprietary application is installed on the PC or a web browser is used. Most remote PC viewing is done with an installed application as it provides the greatest functionality. However, as web applications mature, more providers are offering powerful web viewing. The advantage of watching surveillance video using a web browser is that you do not have to install nor worry about upgrading a client.

Mobile Viewing allows security operators in the field to immediately check surveillance video. As responders and roving guards are common in security, mobile viewing has great potential. Though mobile clients have been available for at least 5 years, they have never become mainstream due to implementation challenges with PDAs/phones. Renewed interest and optimism has emerged with the introduction of the Apple iPhone.

Video Wall Viewing is ideal for large security operation centers that have hundreds or thousands of cameras under their jurisdiction. Video walls provide very large screens so that a group of people can simultaneously watch. This is especially critical when dealing with emergencies. Video walls generally have abilities to switch between feeds and to automatically display feeds from locations where alarms have been triggered.

7. Integrating Video with Other Systems
Many organizations use surveillance video by itself, simply pulling up the video management systems' client application to watch applications. However, for larger organizations and those with more significant security concerns, this is an inefficient and poor manner to perform security operations. Instead, these organizations prefer an approach similar to the military's common operational picture (COP) where numerous security systems all display on a singular interface.
Three ways exist to deliver such integration with video surveillance:

Access Control as Hub: Most organizations have electronic/IP access control systems. These systems have been designed for many years to integrate with other security systems such as intrusion detection and video surveillance. This is the most way to integrate video surveillance and relatively inexpensive ($10,000 - $50,000 USD). However, access control systems are often limited in the number and depth of integration they support.

PSIM as Hub: In the last few years, manufacturers now provide specialized applications whose sole purpose are to aggregate information from security systems (like video surveillance) and provide the most relevant information and optimal response policies. These applications tend to be far more expensive (($100,000 - $1,000,000 USD) yet support a far wider range of security manufacturers and offer more sophisticated features.

Video Management System as Hub: Increasingly, video management systems are adding in support for other security systems and security management features. If you only need limited integration, your existing video management system may provide an inexpensive (yet limited) solution.

8.Video Resolutions

1.Analog Video Resolutions
Video surveillance solutions use a set of standard resolutions. National Television System Committee (NTSC) and Phase Alternating Line (PAL) are the two prevalent analog video standards. PAL is used mostly in Europe, China, and Australia and specifies 625 lines per-frame with a 50-Hz refresh rate. NTSC is used mostly in the United States, Canada, and portions of South America and specifies 525 lines per-frame with a 59.94-Hz refresh rate.
These video standards are displayed in interlaced mode, which means that only half of the lines are refreshed in each cycle. Therefore, the refresh rate of PAL translates into 25 complete frames per second and NTSC translates into 30 (29.97) frames per second..
Table of Analog Video Resolutions (in pixels)
Format
NTSC-Based (in pixels)
PAL-Based (in pixels)
QCIF
176 × 120
176 × 144
CIF
352 × 240
352 × 288
2CIF
704 x 240
704 x 288
4CIF
704 × 480
704 × 576
D1
720 × 480
720 × 576
Note that the linear dimensions of 4CIF are twice as big as CIF. As a result, the screen area for 4CIF is four times that of CIF with higher bandwidth and storage requirements. The 4CIF and D1 resolutions are almost identical and sometimes the terms are used interchangeably.


2.Digital Video Resolutions
User expectations for resolution of video surveillance feeds are increasing partially due to the introduction and adoption of high-definition television (HDTV) for broadcast television. A 4CIF resolution, which is commonly deployed in video surveillance, is a 4/10th megapixel resolution. The HDTV formats are megapixel or higher. Table lists the typical resolutions available in the industry.

Size/ Format
Pixels
QQVGA
160x120
QVGA
320x240
VGA
640x480
HDTV
1280x720
1M
1280x960
1M
1280x1024
2M
1600x1200
HDTV
1920x1080
3M
2048x1536
While image quality is influenced by the resolution configured on the camera, the quality of the lens, sharpness of focus, and lighting conditions also come into play. For example, harshly lighted areas may not offer a well-defined image, even if the resolution is very high. Bright areas may be washed out and shadows may offer little detail. Cameras that offer wide dynamic range processing, an algorithm that samples the image several times with differing exposure settings and provides more detail to the very bright and dark areas, can offer a more detailed image.
As a best practice, do not assume the camera resolution is everything in regards to image quality. For a camera to operate in a day-night environment, (the absence of light is zero lux), the night mode must be sensitive to the infrared spectrum. It is highly recommended to conduct tests or pilot installations before buying large quantities of any model of camera.