Page 26 - Security Today, April 2018

to maximize the benefit of the higher resolution.
PTZs have long been used to reduce the number of single-sensor
cameras to cover a specific area. The design of a PTZ leads to only a single area being the focus of attention at any one point in time, leav- ing the rest of the area without coverage.
Multi-sensor megapixel cameras, first introduced by Arecont Vi- sion in 2006, are now commonly used replacements for legacy PTZ technology, and available from many vendors. While switching PTZs from analog to megapixel improved their image quality, the optics package, no matter how good, can still only cover one area at a time.
Multi-sensor panoramic cameras have grown in popularity because they offer non-stop high-resolution area coverage indoors or out. When zoomed into a particular area, the rest of the scene is still moni- tored, streamed, and recorded with no loss of situational awareness.
Digitally zoom into any scene, without interrupting situational awareness.
Above: 180 panaramic monitoring entrance gate. Below: 180 panoramic monitoring warehouse. Either can be digially zoomed in as needed without dirupting recording or viewing.
typically offer four megapixel sensors, requiring only single PoE ca- ble, IP address, and VMS/NVR license.
The main difference from a panoramic camera is that in an om- nidirectional version, all four sensors can be thought of as separate cameras in a single enclosure. A wide range of views can be selected, an assembly line view perhaps, a corner view with three sides covered plus the area below, a traffic circle, an entire large room or facility, or much more. Each sensor can be adjusted for specific coverage requirements.
The lowest cost omnidirectional cameras are completely manual for setup, allowing the user to move each sensor to the correct posi- tion and then focusing individually.
Midrange models can be remotely focused once the sensor has been positioned, simplifying the process.
The newest omnidirectional models can be completely setup up remotely. The installer simply hangs or mounts the camera, then dis- mounts the ladder or lift, and moves the sensors to the correct posi- tion and focuses as required, from the safety of the ground using a computer. This allows different views to be selected when needed, such as in a stadium for a concert one night and professional sports the next, or for other desired viewing adjustments without requiring physically touching the camera.
Cybersecurity
The biggest concern regarding megapixel cameras today is around cybersecurity. This issue was not on most security professional’s list of issues only a short time ago.
This has changed as a result of many high-profile media reports of security exploits that maliciously repurpose cameras, NVRs, and supporting infrastructure for use in cyberattacks or in propagating viruses and malware. Others may call home to a foreign country, pro- viding unknown amounts of video and data.
Some megapixel cameras, like the Arecont Vision-brand, are by their internal architecture unable to be repurposed for use in cyberat- tacks. Other vendors are developing or already deploying technology to protect cameras from cyberattack, either as victims or propagators.
Following industry standards, implementing security recommen- dations, and educating users are all cornerstones to cybersecurity while the industry develops new technologies to better combat the threat to cameras and supporting infrastructure.
Security professionals can immediately address many of the issues in the short term by following IT best practices. Here’s a short list of recommendations to consider.
Every environment and risk level is different for surveillance sys- tems, and the devices that compose them.
In closing, megapixel cameras were a disruptive technology when introduced for manufacturers, installers, users, and the industry overall. Beneficial and exciting new technologies and features will continue to make their way into network camera
technologies and video surveillance systems, and further increase their value and possible applica- tions. Keeping the topics discussed article in mind will help deliver successful surveillance projects.
Jeff Whitney is the vice president of marketing at Arecont Vision.
Four megapixel sensors offering either 180-degree or 360-degree panoramic views are standard in the best models. Multi-sensors fur- ther reduce costs, not just in requiring fewer cameras (as in image below), but also because the best models integrate with leading VMS/ NVR systems for more choices, and require only a single IP address, single PoE cable, and a single VMS license camera.
Analog PTZ or Single Sensor Cameras
24 cameras cover this outdoor campus area with aboutr 8,000,000 pixels
Megapixel Multi-Sensor Panoramic Cameras
8 medium-resolution panoramic cameras deliver better coverage with 96,000,000 pixels; higher resolution deliver even more
Panoramic multi-sensor cameras views are typically preset at the factory, so that once installed, only the focus needs to be adjusted, making installation quite easy.
Panoramic vs. Adjustable-View
Multi-Sensors
Another new technology emerged in 2014 when Arecont Vision intro- duced the industry’s first adjustable-view or omnidirectional multi- sensors. Other vendors have now begun introducing their own mod- els. Like their panoramic brethren, the best omnidirectional cameras
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MEGAPIXEL CAMERAS