Page 16 - Security Today, May 2018

needs grow and change.
Another possible integration being tested involves video inter-
coms and facial recognition technology. Video intercoms are typi- cally mounted at facial height, making them an ideal tool for helping improve facial recognition. Schools are interested in registering par- ents and caretakers, so they’ll be recognized as an authorized adult to pick up a child. Another application might one day let registered employees walk through entries without the need of an access control reader and card. The intercom will still serve as a video sentry to as- sist unregistered visitors.
Like any company exploring new technology, Aiphone takes pride in how it develops new products. The process starts and ends with the customer—whether it’s a dealer, integrator or end user. Company sales, support and engineering teams frequently ask customers for ideas to improve products. That input is vetted by a product planning committee. Hefty remembered one idea coming from an integrator.
“He suggested we add an optional HID access card reader to eliminate the need for an extra piece of equipment at the door,” Czer- winski said. “That was one of those ideas that had us all asking why we hadn’t thought of it before.”
Another request from the field asked for a way to put durable
audio-only stations on a network, similar to what was being done with analog cameras. Hefty said the solution was the IX-1AS adap- tor allowing the use of existing wiring that saved time, cut installation costs and eliminated the need to replace a perfectly working product.
With all the attention video intercoms receive today, there’s still a place for audio-only systems. Communication is vital in healthcare applications where privacy laws may bar the use of video. Audio in- tercom technology serves as the heart of many nurse call stations.
Remember the campus-wide announcements that started each school day? Audio intercoms are still big in schools. You’ll also find audio intercoms in manufacturing facilities, warehouses and even remote logging camps—virtually any place people need reliable communication.
Organizations always want more security and they still need to communicate as they have since the first intercoms were installed. As technology keeps evolving so, too, will security solutions for customers.
Ralph C. Jensen is the editor in chief of Security Today magazine.
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