Thanks to Digital Video technology, video surveillance can be smarter. This is important and now available for any size implementation. The leaders in digital video and IP networking cameras have added intelligence directly into the cameras and while many of the enterprise-size VMS solutions can integrate with this intelligence, sometimes, going with an enterprise-size solution for say, a 32 camera install is overkill (unless there are plans for enormous growth). I was recently presented with the Bosch VMS software, linked to their latest DVS IP cameras and was pleased with how simple it was to actually configure their video analytics. Sure, it’s not the level of sophistication of IBM’s SVSS Video Analytics used in homeland security, but do you need that level of sophistication with facial capture, and heat mapping capabilities? What you do need is a smart video management system that adds value and depth to your security objectives.
This Bosch VMS can also integrate into their Access Control and Intrusion Detection systems as well, creating a smarter multi-dimensional surveillance interface.
DVS can do that and here’s an example from Bosch:
This is the main web page:
Bosch Integrated Video Analytics
To access the IVA page click on Settings Alarm VCA
Click on configuration, this will show you your current tasks and allow you to edit, create new, or delete tasks. Along with this you can also configure the camera itself in regards to mounting height, roll, tilt, and pitch, etc. This helps to orientate the camera for things like size and speed.
Once a new task is selected you can choose from a number of wizards.
Some tasks are very easy, like line crossing
Some, like loitering, are a little more involved. Here you make a detector field.
Choose the time
All tasks can incorporate other elements, like size, aspect ratio, speed, direction and color.
Once your task is complete, select finish and set. When triggered your task can do a number of things from simply firing a relay to (with Bosch cameras) camera to camera interaction (changing PTZ preset positions, tracking, etc). Management systems can also start a cascade of events on an IVA alarm such as send emails, alerts, and messages.
Video Analytics can expand and improve your security operations by contributing to the actual surveillance.
Big thanks to Mike Kosinski at Denning Electronics for the screen captures!
