SECURITY: IP video systems are changing surveillance
by Kevin Bozarth
November 17, 2012
The development and advancement of IP video
systems has increased the effectiveness of casino surveillance in a number of
ways. But along with these advantages, the new networked systems also require
adjustments in surveillance operations.
Technical differences
in how the systems function—related to live viewing, reviewing archived footage
and system maintenance—have several ramifications for casino surveillance
operations. Here are some ways these systems are different and the operational
impact of those differences:
• Operator interface has changed.
Most analog systems were controlled by a CCTV-specific
joystick, but the main control of IP systems involves a PC keyboard and mouse.
This combination provides the user greater control of the system, usually
through a graphical or logical layout that is more intuitive than having to
memorize monitor and camera numbers. Some IP systems still use a joystick to
aid in pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) control, but the joystick usually supplements the PC
keyboard and mouse. Simplified user interface creates a more effective use of
monitors and monitor walls and prevents operators from missing events because
they can’t remember which camera is in the area.
• Latency is a challenge for PTZ control.
Latency is defined as
the time lag between when a user sends a PTZ control command and when that
action is displayed on the screen. Latency often leads to over-panning when a
user stops at a desired position but the camera continues to pan for the
latency time. Because of latency, zooming should not be used to the same extent
as with analog systems. When zoomed-in on an object, it is more difficult to
pan and tilt the camera. With the introduction of megapixel PTZ cameras,
increased resolution is used to compensate for limited usability of zooming. To
further compensate for the limitation of IP latency, manufacturers have
introduced 360-degree cameras that use virtual PTZ to pan and tilt throughout
the scenes.
• More flexibility in viewing.
Monitor viewing options have increased dramatically with
IP systems. Multiplexers have been embedded within the viewing applications,
allowing system flexibility by displaying multiple cameras on a single monitor.
These multi-view displays, in conjunction with high-definition monitors,
provide the needed detail for effective surveillance.
• Expansion of investigation review areas.
IP systems have the
ability to display live video and play back archived video on the same monitor.
This ability allows investigations to occur anywhere, no longer limited to
review areas. Operators can identify a current situation and review archived
video to see exactly how it came to occur. A single operator can actively
monitor and review any situation.
• More integration with other systems.
IP surveillance systems take integration to the next
level. Everything is on the network, from human resources to point-of-sale
systems to inventory control. Merging data from the various departments with
the surveillance system can allow departments to see video corresponding to
data. This ability requires the surveillance department to change its operation
by sharing viewing and control of the video with other departments.
• Broader skill set required of surveillance
technicians. There is also a shift in the qualifications needed for
a surveillance technician. Technicians must now have broader training that
incorporates both camera knowledge and networking. Many surveillance
departments supplement their network knowledge by working more closely with the
IT department. Schools and training programs do not teach the needed skills as
a single curriculum. Even with IP megapixel cameras, there are still required
analog camera skills to focus, adjust the brightness, change the color balance,
etc. Because networking is digital, technicians need to know about network
protocols, bandwidth IP addressing and subnetting in order to configure and
expand a system. Finding a new technician with both skills is rare; finding two
technicians with complementary skills is sometimes the optimal maintenance
solution.
The goal of new IP
video systems is greater efficiency, which also requires adjustments in
surveillance operations. The adjustments relate to everything from how a user
interfaces with the system to the needed skill set of surveillance technicians.
IP systems offer benefits such as greater integration with other networked
systems and departments, and more flexibility in how systems are configured and
operate. However, transitioning to IP surveillance is more than a technology
change. It also involves a multi-faceted adjustment in how surveillance
departments operate. Re-thinking the operational aspects of video surveillance
in the context of the greater functionality and greater efficiency is essential
to realizing the maximum benefit of the transition to an IP system
Kevin Bozarth
is
manager of large systems sales engineering for North American Video, a Brick,
N.J.-based integrated security technology company. He can be reached at www.navcctv.com.
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