Page 20 - Security Today, March 2021

The New Normal
Why IoT smart sensors improve monitoring and intelligent building management and efficiency
ty features including abnormal sound detection, chemical detection and air quality monitoring. Back then, the focus was on vaping and abnormal sound detection in schools and when introduced in April 2020, it included expanded capabilities such as spoken keyword alert- ing, gunshot detection and masking signature identification.
In the middle of 2020, the focus was still on schools and com- batting the vaping epidemic in our nation; but as the vaping epi- demic focus shifted to the health pandemic sweeping the nation; the IoT sensor naturally evolved into much more than a vape de- tection system. With the ability to capture more than a million data points per day, and 12 sensors included per device, the envi- ronmental monitoring functionality became a crucial focal point and was a natural fit for the healthcare market.
With an open platform philosophy, the solution can seamlessly integrate into a facility’s existing video surveillance system and now with its recent BACnet integration with its firmware release 2.2; it has become part of the overall building management system.
The integration with BACnet allows communication of build- ing automation and control systems for applications such as heat- ing, ventilating, air conditioning control (HVAC), lighting con- trol, access control and fire detection systems with no additional cost to end users. All alerts and sensor readings can now com- municate with these various building control systems to address and make improvements, which helps improve building efficiency.
Our preliminary data shows that there can be a significant en-
BWy David Antar
with ways to put out fires by working smarter and more efficiently
ith the waves of the COVID-19 pandemic spreading across our nation like wildfire in 2020, the new normal had to adapt itself quickly to all situations. Facilities across multiple vertical markets had to come up
in a short amount of time.
HEALTHCARE IMPACT
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we do business and has significantly impacted the healthcare market. Healthcare facilities across our nation had to react rapidly and adapt to the changing environment by relying on the latest technologies to help them navigate through these unchartered waters. From envi- ronmental monitoring to ensuring that all buildings are properly sanitized; the IoT Smart Sensor has become the new normal in the healthcare market.
As a pioneer for this type of sensor, IPVideo Corp. first intro- duced the HALO IoT Smart Sensor at the 2019 ISC West show in Las Vegas, it was known as a real-time vape detection and securi- ty device. A big draw was that this sensor not only detects regular vape; but can detect real-time smoke and vape with Nicotine or Marijuana (THC oil). It was also a great way to monitor privacy areas where video surveillance cameras could not be installed.
In addition to vape and smoke detection, HALO introduced safe-
20
MARCH 2021 | SECURITY TODAY
HEALTHCARE ENVIRONMENT
Zapp2Photo/Shutterstock.com