LiDAR based Motion Detection Technology

 LiDAR based Motion Detection Technology

White light comprises every color of the visible spectrum, with multiple colors having different frequencies and wavelengths. As a result, it's very challenging to beam this type of light onto a single point. LEDs commonly utilized for visual indication in electronic devices and equipment generate light containing electromagnetic waves of varying frequencies.

Laser diodes (LDs), on the other hand, produce "coherent light," which consists of a focused light beam of a specific frequency and wavelength. Their unique properties make them highly useful in today’s fast-changing world.

LDs are semiconductor devices similar in function to LEDs, but capable of producing coherent laser light. LEDs generate light via electroluminescence — the process of passing an electric current through the device to create photons by creating excess electron and hole pairs. LDs, on the other hand, amplify visible light via stimulated emission of radiation.

Laser light has the following distinct properties:

Coherence: Laser light can be termed coherent since the wavelength of the light waves emitted is in phase.

High-power and Intensity: Laser is incredibly bright since it is emitted by continuous emissions with more power per unit surface area.

Monochromaticity: Laser comprises light waves of a single wavelength.

Directionality: Light emitted from laser diodes is highly directional, as it shows minimal divergence.

Laser diodes are designed by doping semiconductor materials like aluminum gallium arsenide to create n-type and p-type layers. Doping is the process of adding small amounts of impurities to pure semiconductors to improve conductivity.

LDs give off light when electric current applied to the device causes the holes and electrons in a semiconductor material to interact at the p-n junction, also known as stimulated emission. They can also accurately measure an object’s shape and distance by taking advantage of the laser beam’s linearity. This technology is known as Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR).

The time of flight (ToF) method is the most used distance measurement method in LiDAR. In the ToF method as depicted in the image below, distance is calculated by measuring the time it takes for the light emitted from the light source to be reflected by the object and returned to the detector (flight time).

LiDAR follows a simple principle — throw laser light at an object on the earth surface and calculate the time it takes to return to the LiDAR source. Given the speed at which the light travels (approximately 186,000 miles per second), the process of measuring the exact distance through LiDAR appears to be incredibly fast. However, it’s very technical. The formula that analysts use to arrive at the precise distance of the object is as follows:

The distance of the object = (Speed of Light x Time of Flight)/ 2

Motion detectors have long been key tools in a security designer’s & customers. Some of devices / detector gives nuisance alarms and installer frustration. The first motion sensor was invented in the 1940s by Samuel Bagno using technology developed during World War II. Using his military knowledge of radar, Bagno developed a device that used ultrasonic waves and the Doppler Effect to detect motion. By the 1970s, these motion detectors were popular components in home burglar alarm systems; however, they were prone to false alarms, as the ultrasonic waves could easily be disrupted by innocent disruptors such as wind or a clock chime.

In the 1980s, advancements in technology brought us the infrared motion sensor. Active infrared sensors work by emitting infrared radiation, detecting differences in temperature between an object and its surroundings. Many motion detectors combine multiple technologies to reduce false alarms. Passive infrared, for example, is commonly paired with microwave detection. Both sensors should be activated before an alarm is triggered.

Fast-forward to today, and companies at the forefront of motion detection have been implementing a new technology: Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR). Popularized by the autonomous vehicle industry and smartphone manufacturers, LiDAR uses a pulsed laser to calculate the distance from the laser source to an object. By measuring the light from the laser’s reflection, 3-D representations of surfaces can be created. Once a static scene is established, changes to that scene can trigger a motion alarm.

The advantage of LiDAR in this application is how finely the detection area and target object size can be tuned, and how well a target can be tracked. By adding intelligence to how these values are programmed, the days of the security technician “walk test” to determine the detection area may be numbered. LiDAR sensors enhance motion sensor capabilities by providing more detection customization and on-board laser analytics that give you the ability minimize false and nuisance alarms.

The LiDAR sensors themselves have rectangular detection areas, which drastically simplifies design and implementation over traditional fan-shaped detection areas. This enables coverage of large areas with fewer sensors, since they can be placed in locations that eliminate overlap. Rectangular detection areas can be easily used to create detection “planes” along a perimeter, building face or rooftop, for example.

The amount of intelligence built into the device had me wondering whether these motion detectors have jumped categories and are in competition with motion analytics-equipped video surveillance cameras. Motion detectors outperform video analytics because they are purpose-built for the application and have detection technology superior to video cameras. The major value add for using a sensor with a motion detection analytic is to create an IP video double knock.

Motion sensors can transmit coordinate data to integrated video management platforms to help direct cameras to track a target. Because visible light is not a requirement, they can help track targets in darkness, in conditions when a video surveillance camera may be challenged. If a camera is not present to help validate the motion detector alarm, the device itself can store a snapshot of the alarm-inducing condition for retrieval by a security operator.

With motion detectors joining the evergrowing Internet of Things (IoT), ensuring the devices have the appropriate level of cyber features must be considered.

Ref:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lidar
https://www.neonscience.org/resources/learning-hub/tutorials/lidar-basics
https://www.optex.co.jp/e/products/intrusion-detection/redwall/

Use Backup Power For EM Locks

Use Backup Power For EM Locks 

Access control, one of the key components of a comprehensive security solution, comes in many different varieties. Essentially there are two components, the lock (i.e. the physical mechanism keeping the door locked) and the access control system (such as a card reader, biometric reader, keypad etc, which opens the lock).

Most locks can be set to function in one of the following ways:

Fail-safe: in the event of a loss of power supply, the lock will automatically unlock, ensuring that people can still exit through the door (safety first)

Fail-secure: in the event of a loss of power supply, the lock will automatically lock, meaning people are unable to enter (or exit) through the door (security first)

It therefore only takes a loss of power to make a fail-safe lock ineffective. Of course there can be a battery backup supply installed, but the battery will have a limited lifespan, perhaps not more than a couple of hours, which limits the time available for the power supply issue to be resolved. Fail-secure locks are therefore better for doors which require higher security, but carry greater risk for safety as there could be people trapped inside the building.

When the main power fails, many believe maglocks must leave doors unlocked.

However, battery backed up maglocks are allowed according to IBC / NFPA code. It just needs to be done properly. We examine the five critical steps for using backing up maglock power correctly:

·        Understanding Codes

·        Calculating Power Budgets

·        Factoring In Power Source

·        Connecting Power Supply Fire Alarm Loops

·        Including The AHJ

In this note, we look at what the code actually says about power backups for maglocks, where they might be illegal, and how to do it right when allowed.

Multiple Factors

When it comes to preventing your Electromagnetic locks (mag-locks) doors from being unsecured when power drops, there are three basic considerations to make:

·        Codes: Understanding the applicable codes and how they apply to a building's use of maglocks is the fundamental start.

·        Engineering: Translating those code requirements into a compliant design.

·        The AHJ: Getting approval from the relevant authority is the last, and maybe most critical aspect of the process.

Codes

Accounting for about 80% of the access control in use, mag-locks operate by an electromagnetic strip attached to the door frame which aligns with an armature attached to the door. The lock can be fail-safe (whereby the electromagnet releases the armature) or fail-secure (whereby the electromagnet attracts the armature) depending on the use and safety standards.

Surprising to many, national codes do not forbid the use of battery backed up maglocks, despite the dominant 'free egress must always be possible' theme. If codes indeed forbid battery backups, these exceptions are made at the local level. However, their use is allowed if done correctly. Take a look at these passages, covering the full scope of controlled openings regardless of occupancy code:

·        NFPA 101 (2012) 7.2.1.5.6 (Electrically Controlled Egress Door Assemblies)

·        NFPA 101 (2012) 7.2.1.6.2 (Access-Controlled Egress Door Assemblies)

·        NFPA 72 (2012) 21.9.1 Electrically Locked Doors

·        IBC 1008.1.9.9 (2012)

The fundamental relevant clause cited is:

Loss of power to the listed hardware must automatically unlock the door.

However, the clause does not prohibit the use of backup power. Any electric lock in the direction of egress shall be connected to the fire alarm system and unlock when the system is activated or when power is lost.

The local jurisdiction may have a variation of these 'model codes' that take exception to the rules, so maintaining local awareness of using maglocks or backup power to them is a crucial step, often undertaken when meeting the AHJ. (See the last section in this artical.)

Calculating Power Budgets

Knowing how long a battery will keep a maglock locked is crucial. Maglocks are typically high demand devices that can drain batteries rapidly as the current draw of maglock is continuous, unlike other lock types that only use power when unlocking.

Take this example 500 pound maglock that requires 320mA at 12 VDC or 170mA at 24VDC:

Assume a 12VDC backup system furnished with two 5 amp hour batteries that must keep four maglocked doors (two sets of double doors) energized. The locks alone consume over 1.25 amps per hour, so with a 10 amp supply, doors will fall unlocked in less than eight hours. As such, prolonged outages may still require manual security response, such as guard staff mechanically locking normally maglocked doors.

Calculating this demand is complicated by other devices that must also be powered in the access system, typically the controllers, readers, and even some RTE devices like PIR motion detectors. The total demand associated with the backup supply may quickly shave the backup power duration to mere minutes in a large system, and ample capacity is a matter of careful design.

Designing Battery Backup - Device / Door Priority

Part of designing a battery backup system may be prioritizing specific (perimeter) doors to stay locked, but leaving others (inside) unlocked when power drops. Of course, the decision must conform with facility security management plans, but in the interest of maximizing uptime for critical doors, others may need to be excluded.

Factoring In Controller Power Support

However, even if one specifies sufficient batteries, a door controller may not support passing sufficient power for the period desired for battery back up power.

Normally, the maglock will be powered by main power and power will be switched on/off by controller contacts.  However, in cases when main power fails or the access designer connects maglocks as field-powered devices, power may then supplied and routed through the controller itself. Flat out, many controller contacts are not designed or rated to deliver substantial amps for long periods.  

While card readers may draw modest amounts of power (ie: 35mA - 100mA), the controller's output relay contacts may not be rated to pass through sufficient amperage to power maglocks (ie: 125mA - 850mA+)

(Note: Later versions of eIDC32 do not include this output power limitation.)

It is because of this limitation, and the way that codes address 'direct interruption' of power to maglocks, that most maglocks are best installed using a separate linear power supply, not powered by pass-thru capacity in the controller.

Batteries vs UPS vs Generators

It is worth noting that batteries are not always the only, or even preferred method, of backup power. UPS devices or batteries, as noted in UPS Backup Power for Security Guide, are the most unitized and least expensive to deploy, but run duration is always a concern. As a result, especially in critical infrastructure or services facilities, the entire building may be backed up by a generator. In this case, the supply is generally much more substantial and runs into hundreds of amps per hour. In these situations, the run length of the backup system may simply not be a realistic problem.

Power Supply Fire Alarm Loops

The codes are clear on one engineering point: when the fire alarm activates, all power to maglock must drop. This typically is implemented by tying the linear power supply into the fire alarm via an input loop.  When the alarm is pulled, it sends a signal to the supply that it must cut power to whatever device is wired to it.

Most access panel and maglock manufacturers include these instructions, although they are typically vague on details in how to connect their components so that it happens.  In many cases, the install instructions state 'Installer must wire controller and/or power supply to stop issuing power when local fire alarm is activated', or similar. However, connection plans for doing this are not hard to accomplish if understood graphically. 

For example, take this Kisi access control knowledge base schematic that shows this common connection graphically: 

Power to the maglock is directly issued by a linear power supply, that in turn is triggered to drop power when a fire alarm is detected at the controller.  Alternatively, the power supply itself may include fire alarm input contacts instead of connecting to a door controller. As previously noted, however, this power drop may apply to every device connected to the supply: readers, controllers, RTE and more.

This may leave the door unsecured, and the main motivation of 'occupant safety' takes a clear precedence over 'building security'. Therefore, schematically planning out where each device is powered, and under what conditions backup power is supplied, should not be oversimplified.

Including The AHJ

Even after all this is done, the answer might still be "no".  If the local authority having jurisdiction, or AHJ, does not approve, the idea is dead. There are two basic reasons why local AHJs may not accept the idea:

·        First Responder Access: AHJs simply do not want any possibility that firefighters cannot enter a building because the door is locked.

·        System Malfunction: Alternatively, some AHJs refuse backed up maglocks because if the fire alarm interface malfunctions, the batteries could potentially keep the door locked and trap panicked occupants inside a dangerous building.

As a result, some areas outright forbid using backup power of these types of door locks as a matter of local exception and take any decision out of the hands of local inspectors.

Proceed Cautiously

These issues describe why maglocks are hated or deemed too difficult to work with by many. While using maglocks may be less expensive or easier to install that other types of electric locks, they are not always the best choice. If the opening design is too restrictive or costly to employ other lock types, then backup power must be supplied to keep doors locked.

Working through a code compliant design and getting approval of the AHJ become a priority for the new access system.

Before you make any decisions about what lock is best for your site, it's important to first think carefully about what your site requires in terms of safety and security, and to evaluate how risk can be reduced to ensure that security related incidents won’t interrupt your business operations.

Another key consideration is the state of the site itself: if you are adding access control to a site after its completion, it may be easier (and certainly more cost effective) to opt to use wireless locks as installing all the components and wires for mag-locks and electric strike locks will require a lot of additional time, labor and effort.

Some end-user opt for a combination of locks, installing a mag-lock and an electric strike lock on a single door to ensure that it is safe, secure and is able to accurately record movements of people in and out of the door at all times. However, in this case, it may just be simpler and more cost effective to install a wireless lock. 

If you still aren't sure what type of lock and access control system best meets your needs, feel free to get in touch with one of our experts via ssaintegrate@gmail.com. Before selecting vendor / installer check and verify they are authorized or not to execute your access control system.

Luxriot Video Management Software

 Luxriot Video Management Software

A video management software (VMS) is a part of video surveillance system that allows the user to access real time videos, record, store, & playback recorded videos and derive useful insights of the surveillance site.

Current Video Management Systems are capable of offering much more than just surveillance, hence, upgrading a VMS system becomes as important as upgrading the other assets of the business. A VMS system can be upgraded when an organization is:

·        Using a traditional CCTV surveillance system (Old equipment and cameras)

·        Incurring increased maintenance costs of the existing surveillance system.

·        Expanding from Single site to multiple sites (Small to medium to large sized enterprises)

·        In the need of Intelligent Video Analytics for monitoring sites, employees or business processes.

·        Requiring Video Analytics for improving the site operations to benefit the customers, users of the VMS or employees.

·        In need for standardization of VMS system equipment.

There are few things that users must consider while selecting Video surveillance cameras for their VMS system. Users must check:

·        The camera resolution (image quality)

·        Indoor or outdoor camera compatibility

·        Wired or wireless cameras

·        Light sensitivity of the camera (ability of a surveillance camera to work in low light)

·        Shape of the camera (box type, bullet camera or dome camera)

·        Frame rate (more frames per second –fps defines more clear video)

Video Management Software can be classified into three main categories are per the surveillance sites ― small, medium and large sized VMS installations. Small size VMS installations support 10-20 cameras and are suitable for small enterprises, primarily operating in single sites. Mid-sized VMS installations (connecting 20 -50 cameras) are suitable for small to mid-sized enterprises and large-sized VMS installations (more than 50 cameras) are suitable for big multi-site or multi location enterprises. Small enterprises can just purchase plug-and-play VMS packages and get it installed by any technician. In medium or large sized VMS projects, companies can either outsource the services to VMS service providers or system integrators.

Third party systems are compatible devices, systems, and applications (from another vendor) that can be integrated with a Video Management System to improve its functionality. Security devices like access control devices, IP cameras, alarms, fire, and smoke detectors or devices like barcode scanners, speakers, Point of sale systems, electronic tags, etc., which can help businesses to streamline their operations are a few of the third-party systems for a video management software. Luxriot VMS is an open architecture Video Management System (VMS). Luxriot VMS accepts MJPEG, MPEG4 and H.264 as well as HD and megapixel video streams from Network (IP) cameras, encoders and video capture boards. Luxriot® VMS is integrated with over 3000 devices from all major manufacturers including ACTi, Arecont Vision, Axis, Hikvision, Messoa, Samsung, SONY, UDP, Vivotek and others. This along with Luxriot® VMS client-server architecture allows to build hybrid scalable solutions from a single NVR/DVR to the multiple server system handling thousands of cameras. Indian Country business partner is SSA Integrate.

Video Management Software can be classified into three deployment types:

·        On-premise VMS
On-premise VMS solutions are best suitable for managing video surveillance of a single site. All the streaming, recording & management servers, storage devices & applications are installed locally on-site. This allows user to manage their security and connected device ecosystem from the site itself.

·        Cloud based VMS
The cloud based VMS, unlike the on-premise VMS possesses higher flexibility and scalability. It allows the user to manage multiple sites, all at the same time – from any location and at any time.

·        Hybrid VMS
Hybrid VMS solution is a flexible surveillance solution, which generally comes with the capability of managing both analog and IP video signals simultaneously. It allows the enterprises to have traditional VMS solution to coexist with the functionalities of cloud Video Surveillance.

Latency in Video Management System can be defined as a delay in time between the frames captured by the surveillance camera and video feeds displayed on the screen. Latency is measured in seconds and milliseconds (ms). The delay in video feeds (Latency) in a VMS system can occur at different stages of the system; right from IP cameras, transmission network, streamer server to display monitors. To have efficient and real-time video surveillance, VMS systems are intended to function with zero or low latency.

Small businesses with a single location can be secured using on premise video management systems, which may require IP cameras as per requirement (up to 9 / 16 cameras), a DVR for on premise storage, a monitor to display footage, and an open software for basic surveillance functionality. Users can also upgrade their systems with additional security analytical features by purchasing specific licensed versions of the VMS software. Small businesses can also integrate systems like POS software, time and attendance software, and security alarms to manage important business processes with the VMS system.

Video analytics is a capability of leveraging structured algorithms in a video management software to analyse the unstructured video data and generate actionable insights for immediate response and effective decisions. Video analytics continuously scans the live video footage and captures the incidents according to the user configured criteria.  The data generated through live and recorded videos, via video analytics, helps in establishing a comprehensive security solution for retail, fleet transportation, city surveillance & other industry verticals.

Luxriot VMS Software Features

·        English, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Czech, Polish, Russian, Hebrew, Hungarian, Chinese, Danish, Estonian, Finnish, Greek, Simplified Chinese, Turkish, Korean, Japanese and Dutch localizations

·        DATA MINING with smart search filters for all Analytics

·        Luxriot API/SDK (Client Kit) 

·        License Plate Recognition (add-on product)

·        Broadcast Server for web and mobile clients

·        Video Analytics (add-on product) (people counting, car counting, object counting, intruder perimeter detection, direction filter, dwell filter, removed object detection, abandoned object detection, tailgating, calibration, camera shake cancellation, camera tamper detection, enter exit filters, stopping filter and more.

·        JPEG, MPEG2, MPEG4, H.264 video compressions 

·        HTTP, RTP, RTSP, TFTP  protocols 

·        Certified ONVIF Profile S compliancy

·        4K Ready

·        Chromecast support

·        Two-way audio for Audio enabled devices

·        Multicast for multicast enabled cameras

·        Support for multiple capture boards for hybrid installations

·        Video and Audio recording, playback and export. Export both remotely and locally

·        Full, time-lapse, motion-controlled, scheduler-controlled recording

·        SAN, DAS and NAS storage support (DAS support for Luxriot® VMS servers)

·        Multiple monitors support 

·        Extensive user/group permissions control

·        Web access from IE, Firefox, Chrome, Safari browsers

·        Mobile Applications for Android and iOS devices

·        PTZ control by Joystick and CCTV Keyboard

·        Bandwidth, FPS and resolution control 

Insights from video analytics not only helps retail stores in improving security, but also helps in improving customer’s shopping experience through in-depth insights on their buying behavior.  Devices like cameras, temperature sensors, handheld scanners, smart shelves, smart carts & access control devices, etc. generate in-store video analytics data.

Multi-site businesses require Video Management Software to be installed as a combination of On-premise and Cloud based VMS systems (Hybrid VMS). While, on premise Video Management Software allows each site to secure its premise through video surveillance, at the same time, cloud based VMS on multi-tenant federated architecture ensures interconnectivity and centralized monitoring of the sites. A federated cloud architecture based VMS also provides scalability and multi-tenancy to VMS system of geographically distributed multi-site enterprises.

Mail us to know more: ssaintegrate@gmail.com

Video Wall Magic

Video Wall Magic 

Whenever people talk about CCTV, one of the first associations is video walls. No matter how powerful the servers behind, it is the visual that produces the "wow" effect — even on the most tech-savvy customers. Yet, they often back off, having heard the price. And this is where all EVO Global customers clearly benefit: EVO video wall has just got a major enhancement, and it does not cost you a rupee. EVO by LUXRIOT.

Video walls are widely used everywhere from airports to rock concerts. Traditionally, in CCTV their application includes, but is not limited to, showrooms and control centres. To build a video wall, you take narrow bezel monitors, projectors, or TV sets, and tile them together. Depending on the goal, some or all of them may form one huge screen. This resulting "transformer" display is much better rather than just one large display: it offers customizable shape and size, distributed processing, and superior reliability.

Typically, you would employ additional technologies to make several output devices work as one. EVO Global allows casting a single picture onto a combination of displays from separate workstations. Most importantly: without anything other than just regular Windows display management. EVO is one of the most comprehensive enterprise-level VMS solutions on the market, featuring interactive maps linked to alarms; an advanced event and action manager; analytics tools; video wall support and other components you will definitely appreciate. To ensure the safety of your data, the software also offers edge recording for synchronising all data with IP devices storage, archive replication, advanced system health monitoring and failover, which will reduce the disruption of your video surveillance recordings to zero. SSA Integrate is India Regions business partner.

Fantastic Flexibility

Video walls have been available in EVO Global since its very first versions. So what's different now?

Earlier, we already saw how the Luxriot virtual video wall helps organize collections of displays, including those in different locations. Now, EVO Global offers another option: mosaic display, or, according to a customer, "the real video wall". Previously, you could have a virtual collection of screens, scattered across the place, managed from your office. From now on, EVO Global also gives you an opportunity to combine several local screens into one. Both approaches fit into the video wall definition, yet they have different use case scenarios. And, both retain EVO's convenient and flexible management instruments.

In other words, EVO now acts as your video wall controller — no middleware required. The displays may be independent, maybe even driven by different workstations. But, in EVO they behave as a single canvas. Clever algorithms ensure full synchronization between the screens, guaranteeing zero delays.

Such architecture provides notable flexibility. Not only can you re-arrange the displays or add new ones at any point, but you also are free to use variegated hardware. This is true for both workstations and display brands. While a consistent video wall solution looks best on homogenous LCD/LED panel sets, a temporary replacement or a quick demo set-up becomes a piece of cake.

As you would expect, the rest of EVO Global video wall functionality remains the same. Once configured, any video wall screen contents can be controlled from anywhere in the universe.

Smooth Setup

Let's consider a use case. 

Four display panels tiled contiguously, driven by two workstations. The task for EVO will be to display one high-resolution picture using all four screens. Simultaneously, an extra display in the operator's room should preview the same layout.

Briefly, the plan is: create a video wall, install clients, assign client displays to the video wall screens.

Add a single screen video wall in EVO Console

Detailed description

Step 1: in your EVO Console, add a new video wall. For the current setup, the wall layout will be simply one screen, 1x1 grid. We shall use the same video wall screen for both the showroom and the operator's room.

Step 2: install EVO Monitor on all client workstations. The client application does not require a license, and you can use either 32- or 64-bit packages. Each application instance may have one or several windows. Therefore, the four panels can be split between two, three, or four workstations. Let's assume we have two client PCs here, each driving two displays.

Step 3: link physical displays to video wall screens. In this case, we have only got a single video wall screen, and we shall use it twice.

First, in the showroom, all 2x2 displays will belong to the video wall screen with a "tiled" option. To do this, open the multi-display settings, select a window, tick the Video wall screen setting, then also tick the Tiled display option on the right. In the mosaic preview, enter the grid size and then select the part of the big screen that is occupied by the underlying physical display.

Second, in the operator's room, simply point the monitor to the same video wall screen, without selecting the "tiled" setting. As a result, the same output will be produced on a single preview display.

Create a tiled video wall in EVO Monitor via multi-display setup

Step 4: have fun managing the video wall remotely or with E&A. For manual remote administration, there is a separate tab in the EVO Monitor application called — who would have thought? — Video wall. To start, drag and drop your video wall from the Resources section on the left. And then, place the desired layouts, channels and maps onto the preview area below. All adjustments will take instant effect and you will notice the changes in both rooms. Don't forget to save the current layout as start-up by clicking the "three stripes" button in the upper right corner of the preview area.

Tips & Tricks

To make the most out of the tiled video wall, remember a few aspects:

• make sure the video cards meet the hardware requirements for EVO Monitor
• calibrate your displays to match the brightness and color settings
• use displays with the same aspect ratio and resolution
• choose displays with the near-zero bezel (frame) and minimize the gap between them

Hardware requirements

Refer https://www.luxriot.com/support/hardware-calculator/

Benefits

EVO Global video wall feature is a strikingly simple yet powerful solution for anyone. All the more, we are proud to present the "stretchy" video wall option as a further advantage.

• Feel free to experiment with any size or shape, and re-build your video wall at any time. Any alterations to the original layout only need a few fine-tune clicks on the client side.
• The feature is already included with your EVO Global license - no additional costs involved.
• On top of that, the EVO Global video wall does not have strict requirements for the used display type. You do not have to stick to a particular brand, never mention additional software or hardware drivers. This also means you can start with the existing infrastructure, and the final solution may implore little or no extra investments at all.
• Easy setup and re-configuration.
• EVO Global redundancy covers for video walls, too, — have you set up your mirroring server?
• Control your video walls remotely from anywhere in the world. All changes are effective immediately. For routine scenarios, use our advanced Event & Action management: any video wall contents will pop up and disappear automatically.

Luxriot Evo Global, is not only offering 64-bit speed and all the necessary tools for setting up an absolute situational alertness system aimed to respond quickly to events, but also introduces a central server governance hierarchy of all the components. To know more on this, can mail to ssaintegrate@gmail.com

Intelligent Building Looks

 Intelligent Building Looks

Over the past 20 years, many different buildings have been labeled as intelligent. However, the application of intelligence in buildings has yet to deliver its true potential. For the last three decades, the so-called intelligent buildings (IBs) were only a conceptual framework for the representation of future buildings. However, today, IBs are rapidly becoming inherent constituents of influential policies for design and development of future buildings. Undeniably, urbanized areas are expected to be highly influenced by IBs in order to promote smart growth, green development and healthy environments (Hollands 2008; Choon et al. 2011; Berardi 2013a). Various studies have tried to map the evolution of the concept of IBs (e.g. Clements-Croome 1997, 2004; Buckman, Mayfield, and Beck 2014). In essence, the emergence of information and communication technology (ICT), together with the development of automation, embedded sensors, and other high-tech systems are key elements in IBs (Kroner 1997).

 

"For commercial developments, intelligent-building technologies can result in above-market rents, improved retention, higher occupancy rates, and lower operating expenses," says Arindam Bhadra president and founder SSA Integrate.

 

Technology is changing what’s possible for buildings. With the advent of smart building technology, heating, cooling, electrical, lighting, fire/life safety, and other systems need monitoring and intercommunication for optimized efficiency and operation.

Learning objectives:
·         Distinguish the differences between smart buildings and their counterparts.
·    Demonstrate the benefits of system integration as they relate to smart buildings.
·        Apply smart building techniques in various commercial buildings in a general building example.
 
Most infrastructure systems deployed in today's buildings are inherently "smart," with self-contained logical control that includes embedded performance optimization and self-diagnostic algorithmic features. While it is understood that intercommunication of these systems provides tremendous opportunity in optimizing building operation efficiency, it is necessary for the engineer to think beyond the building automation system (BAS) as the link to systems interoperability. With sophistication comes the need for a BAS and building controls that allow for nearly seamless operation of this interrelated equipment. Smart buildings and smart cities integrate the design of the infrastructure, building and facility systems, communications, business systems, and technology solutions that contribute to sustainability and operational efficiency.
 
Today's truly intelligent buildings interoperate on a common converged network where data is shared through an open-source platform. Middleware collects, analyzes, and communicates in a two-way fashion with the smart systems to best optimize the building response and enhance the occupant experience. To do this effectively and efficiently, the engineer must bring together and align more stakeholders than in the past.

The BAS, with control over the building's HVAC systems, has long been viewed as the core smart system in a commercial building. However, modern construction contains many more inherently smart devices and subsystems. Electromechanical timers for irrigation and lighting control have given way to microprocessors with real-time clocks and the ability to network together. Racks of clicking elevator-control relays have been replaced by robust and reliable programmable logic controllers. Multiple networks crisscross the building, each one connecting its specific group of devices, such as surveillance cameras, card readers, or fire alarm initiating and notification devices. Audio/video systems have grown from stand-alone racks of analog-source electronics to building wide distribution of digital content. Ever more stringent building energy codes essentially mandate that networked microprocessor lighting control systems be installed instead of an array of interconnected sensors and power packs.

Smart features—such as microprocessor control, the ability to network together, and some form of user interface and configuration software—can now be found in irrigation systems, plumbing equipment, all sorts of submeters (including electricity, natural gas, domestic water, and hydronic energy), and even fire extinguishers and exit signs. The next generation of smart devices, coming to market under the Internet of Things (IoT) banner, promises the next stage in the evolution of building performance monitoring with wireless communication, low-power or completely battery-free operation, low cost, small form factor, and a wide range of esoteric applications.

These IoT devices frequently report to the vendor's cloud-based application for processing, analysis, reporting, and user interface. Google's $3.2 billion purchase of Nest is a clear indication of the bullish outlook tech firms have for future investment in building technology and the convergence of building systems and the information technology (IT) department.

Benefits of integration

Smart devices and IoT technologies are the conduits to capture better and more relevant building data; however, if that data remains solely contained within the boundary of the original smart building system—BAS, lighting control system, electrical power monitoring system, vertical transport system, etc.—the power of the collected data cannot be fully realized. These independent "silos" of smart devices are, at best, inefficient to install, manage, and maintain. Each is typically sold and installed by a separate contractor, each is operated or monitored by a unique software system, and the massive collection of disparate specialty devices makes it all but impossible for the average facility operator to become adequately trained to maintain most of it properly.

However, if these specialty devices become enabled to share their data through an open-source data platform, smart building systems become collectively intelligent and their effectiveness increases exponentially. When elevators, HVAC systems, lighting controls, and other systems are integrated with intelligent building platforms, they move beyond the collection of data to allowing communication across the systems to foster efficiency. Strong building data is the foundation of the intelligent building platform, which turns the collected data into building intelligence that can be applied to foster smarter use of the built environment.

Two generic examples take advantage of common scheduling and occupancy/vacancy programming across these systems, as well as provide occupants with more control over their space.

1.  Example No. 1: HVAC zones within the building can be reset to a "standby" condition during normal working hours either by time schedule or when unoccupied as sensed by a zone occupancy/vacancy sensor. During this "standby" mode, the associated HVAC equipment serving the respective zone will revert to an intermediate, relaxed temperature setpoint and the lighting can be reduced or turned off completely—all reducing energy consumption.

2.   Example No. 2: During off-hours, should an occupant (or occupants) enter the space, the elevator controls can signal the respective zone for which the occupant is destined and the associated HVAC and lighting controls—just in that zone—can be automatically activated to temporary occupancy. Once the occupant is in the zone, the occupancy/vacancy controls will adjust the HVAC and lighting controls as the occupant moves through or changes zones.

The real power of each smart device gets unlocked when incorporated into an intelligent building software platform. The traditional approach to integrating systems has been to expand the HVAC-centric BAS, but there are practical limits to what a building management system can achieve. Due to the wide variety of devices and applications for integration in a modern building, it is becoming more common to forgo the traditional approach and to, instead, provide a dedicated intelligent building platform separate from the building management system. In this approach, the intelligent building platform acts as a master to the various specialty devices and subsystems.

The traditional building management system (i.e., temperature control system) remains an integral part of the mechanical systems. The building management system is specified within the mechanical division of project specifications and is typically provided by a subcontractor to the mechanical contractor.

In similar ways, lighting controls are specified within the electrical division and provided by the electrical subcontractor, and plumbing controls are specified within the plumbing division and provided by the plumbing contractor, etc.

Key features of an intelligent building software platform are:

·        Multiple protocol capability to allow flexibility in procurement of the various subsystems and devices

·  A common object/data model to encourage the normalization of the assortment of protocols and subsystems into a consistent framework

·    Open-source software to enable software development to extend the core features 

·   Open distribution to ensure that the owner/end user will have maximum future flexibility when expanding or maintaining the system

·        A suite of software features that match up with owner requirements, which could include advanced visualization/user interface, dashboards targeting managers and occupants, fault detection and diagnostics, energy analytics, advanced reporting capabilities, and performance optimization capabilities.

Stakeholders

The best conditions for success when creating an intelligent building occur when the goals of the diverse stakeholders can be aligned with intelligent building goals at the project outset. Just as it is necessary for a project team to find agreement on basic architectural programming details like location, size, height, and cost before any detailed construction drawings can be drafted, the "size and shape" of the intelligent platform must be agreed upon before any meaningful design can begin.

Unfortunately, current practice is often to skip an initial programming phase with the stakeholders at the table. Instead, each subsystem design engineer or design-build contractor creates a solution in a vacuum or with minimal coordination between disciplines, and the opportunity to develop the most value at the lowest cost is lost. Much later in construction, as the various stakeholders come to the table, features get added in a patchwork manner, leading to higher costs and unfortunate compromises that result in a system with diminished effectiveness.

Avoiding this situation requires pulling together people from the organization who may be unfamiliar with the design and construction process and who may have never before been asked to envision the technology features of a building, and conducting early workshops or design charrettes. Quite a bit of education often is required at these early meetings, because many team members will need an understanding of what is possible. The potential positive results can be huge. When the team of traditional early-stage participants, such as architects, engineers, and general contractors, are all aligned around a set of minimum requirements for intelligence, the intelligence becomes a part of the DNA of the project.

There are a limited number of stakeholders for a traditional building management system, including operating/engineering staff, building-management staff, and perhaps energy-management staff. In an intelligent building paradigm, there are many more stakeholders that should become involved, because an intelligent building is able to deliver benefits across a much wider spectrum. Of course, the specific involvement on any project will depend greatly on the individual experiences and expectations of each stakeholder, from end user/occupant, to IT and network technicians, to corporate management-level executives, to regulatory compliance officers.

Some of the stakeholders in a modern building may be new to the idea of an intelligent building, and may be accustomed to performing their job functions without real-time software. For these stakeholders, additional conversations will be necessary to educate them and to encourage active involvement in the project.

A brief summary of the benefits of intelligent building strategy implementation:

·    Improved operational efficiency/use. This class of stakeholders (facilities manager, operations manager) is focused on keeping the building functioning on a day-to-day basis. Inwardly, they are concerned with occupant satisfaction, ease of operation, access to critical systems information, and productivity of the maintenance staff. The visibility provided by the intelligent building platform allows a real-time and more organized response to maintenance concerns, making their jobs easier and improving their ability to keep the occupants comfortable and happy. These stakeholders are concerned with the productivity of the non-staff occupants in the building and strive for optimal building comfort. They want access to information about the effectiveness of the building’s spaces and how integration can improve productivity.

·  Reduced utility consumption. Beyond improved maintenance practices that can reduce the amount of wasted energy, the aggregation and analysis of data from devices, such as power meters alongside HVAC controls, within the intelligent building platform can allow a facility to predict its utility demand and implement more focused energy-management strategies to maximize efficiencies and minimize costs. Facilities can reduce their dependency on the power utility grid when these strategies include the installation of onsite renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind. The power of integration is ultimately optimized when this intelligence from the building platform is used to drive a net zero facility.

·      Improved financial performance. Expanding from the objectives of those stakeholders concerned with operational efficiency, knowing the financial effects of operational inefficiencies can foster more informed decisions. More efficient responses to operating problems can lower the maintenance costs and inevitably promote a more optimal, therefore, more energy-efficient and cost-effective operation. Customized reports comparing financial metrics across the entire enterprise also can be provided to the financial stakeholders who are interested in how the intelligent building systems are impacting the company’s financial metrics and the bottom line revenue/profitability.

·   Enhanced occupant experience. These stakeholders (end user, owner, facilities manager, operations manager) are concerned with the comfort and safety of the building occupants. Many studies have associated a strong link between occupants’ comfort and productivity levels. These stakeholders also want the intelligent building to help disseminate messages during an emergency, including pre-action and warnings. Additionally, they are interested in how the building’s intelligence can be leveraged to maintain proper access control and improve emergency communications as well as tenant/employee attraction and retention.

·    Sustainability. Sustainability stakeholders are concerned with energy and water efficiency, utility optimization, and how to reduce emissions and save resources. These stakeholders will want to show performance data from throughout the intelligent building in lobby displays to promote the building’s sustainability initiatives.

·  Competitive advantage and value. When increased efficiencies, lower resource consumption, and positive financial performance are coupled with an engaged, empowered, and seamless occupant experience, real estate value and competitive advantages are created. A building where systems are integrated and converged is capable of capturing embedded opportunities that create value through both continuously improving performance and the ability to respond to marketplace desires and demands.

·     Prestige/recognition. Prestige and recognition are motivations for multiple stakeholders who want to create a high-profile image for the building, company, and/or community, showcasing the company’s commitment and dedication to all occupants, visitors, and investors.

Visualizing success

Strong visualization tools organize and present the building data so that stakeholders can better understand the building to make necessary adjustments for optimization. Individual dashboards for each of the building’s stakeholders can be built to concentrate on targeted data sets. For example, the day-to-day building operator will need the most inclusive dashboard that features an overall picture of the facility as well as certain granular-level statistics specific to each facility, while the financial stakeholder will want to know how the day-to-day numbers play out in the overall budget.

How a Smart Building may function

If a building is not performing to its designed standard, than a smart building should be able to gather information as to why and adapt to perform differently in the future. This ‘adaptableness’ should span across the four main principles of building progression. See below Figure.

·   Intelligence: the methods by which building operation information is gathered and how to respond

·    Enterprise: the methods by which a building uses information that is collected to improve occupant and building performance   

·        Materials: the building’s physical form

·        Control: the interaction between the occupants and the building

Building Management Pillar	Example 1	Example 2
Enterprise	Combining hardware, and software to overcome fragmented non-proprietary, legacy systems.	Integrating BMS and real-time systems with smart analytics to predict building faults before the BMS picks up an alarm.
Materials	Based on occupancy counts, a smart building could close or open zones during periods of low or high occupancy.	Adapting to future climate conditions by replacing features that can account for change.
Control	Warning occupants of the likely temperature of their building before they set off from home	Using real-time environmental information to enable occupants to see what part of the building suits their preferences best.

Cost and budget issues

With all the features and benefits that have been described, why are more buildings not incorporating the truly intelligent, converged building system approach? One common misperception is that it must cost more. If the intelligent concept is an afterthought and is applied as an overlay late in the building design process, there indeed could be a budgetary impact. However, if the intelligent building concept is a key initiative considered from the project inception and supported by the project owners and stakeholders, the individual smart systems can be planned and designed to minimize—and even remove—the budgetary impact.

Early involvement allows the project to eliminate common redundancies, such as multiple parallel networks, multiple software systems configured to create separate user interfaces, and even multiple electrical installation subcontractors. Early involvement also enables the many granular design decisions to be made in alignment with the overall intelligent goals. This can result in the elimination of costly details with marginal incremental benefit, with a corresponding budget shift into items that deliver maximum value. At the same time, it can prevent design-time gaps in the planning of smart systems that are sufficient to attain the intelligent goals, reducing costly last-minute change orders.
 
As an example, a recent client engaged Environmental Systems Design as a partner for the design of its new headquarters facility early in the project. This client recognized building occupants have high expectations in regards to their modern built environment. This client committed to providing their employees, colleagues, and customers a heightened experience in terms of efficiency, comfort, safety, and increased productivity through the implementation of the intelligent building concepts.
 
Environmental Systems Design was tasked with developing, designing, and delivering an intelligent building platform. Early involvement, in-depth coordination across all trades, and unwavering client support has led to an intelligent building design that will be implemented in a cost-neutral way when compared with the initial budgetary line item costs for the individual mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), and associated systems. The intelligent building design will integrate BAS (HVAC temperature control), an intelligent lighting control system, vertical transport systems, and building metering and submetering onto one common, converged platform where fault detection, diagnostics, building analytics, and informational dashboards are applied to deliver on the efficiency, comfort, safety, and productivity initiatives identified and agreed upon by the project stakeholders.
 
The demand for building intelligence through a converged platform is being recognized by building owners and operators as a primary and future-oriented component of meeting market expectations, creating value, and maintaining a competitive advantage. The intelligent facility of today and tomorrow will be strikingly different even from that of the current, high-performance building. While both feature smart MEP systems and the latest equipment optimization, the intelligent building will stand out behind the scenes for its ability to collect data from each disparate system, collaborate it into dashboards for individual stakeholders, and—most importantly—to use the collected data to impact the building positively and enable continuous improvements.

India’s Coolest Buildings

Below is the list of some of the coolest buildings of India.
1) i-flex solutions, Bangalore - Located at C.V Raman Nagar Bangalore,
2) Signature Towers, Gurgaon
3) Adobe-India’s Headquarters - Adobe-India’s Headquarters is located at NOIDA
4) Gateway Tower Gurgaon
5) Gigaspace IT Park Pune
6) HSBC Building Pune
7) Infinity Towers, Kolkata
8) Infosys Multiplex, Mysore
9) Statesman House, Delhi

Top Green Buildings In India

Green buildings are becoming an integral part of modern India. Maharashtra has 334 LEED-certified green buildings, while Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have 232 and 157 buildings, respectively.

1.   Suzlon One Earth, Pune
2.   CII- Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre, Hyderabad
3.   Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan, New Delhi
4.   Raintree Hotel, Chennai
5.   ITC Green Centre, Gurgaon
6.   Infinity Benchmark, Kolkata
7.   I-Gate Knowledge Centre, Noida
8.   Biodiversity Conservation India Ltd. (BCIL), Bangalore
9.   Olympia Tech Park Chennai

Ref:

https://realassets.ipe.com/offices/future-of-offices-smart-buildings-intelligent-by-design/10034646.article
https://www.esdglobal.com/news/article/665-what-does-intelligent-building-mean-today
https://digitaleweltmagazin.de/en/2017/09/12/was-macht-ein-gebaeude-intelligent/