Page 16 - Campus Security Today, May/June 2024

COVER STORY
investigations by allowing security personnel to search video ar- chives to track all activity of a vehicle over time on campus grounds. Video intercoms. New video intercom solutions provide the dual function of enabling two-way audio, close area surveillance and access control. Unlike consumer intercom products commonly found in residential settings, professional video intercoms can be integrated with various other security and communications systems such as access control and IP phone systems. Paired with other imaging technologies like LPR, the video intercom can be strategi- cally placed to view a drivers face and speak to an individual, while capturing their license plate information. This effectively eliminates the need to station a guard at an external guard house, effectively
lowering operations costs.
ZONE 2: GROUNDS SURVEILLANCE
Corporate and educational campuses can be expansive with a wide range of outdoor amenities ranging from ballfields and outdoor entertainment spaces to gardens and utilities. The combination of outdoor physical features from the perimeter of a campus to building entrances varies from one location to the next.
As a result, there are several viable imaging technologies and camera configurations that can be combined to provide the high- est levels of security and cost-efficiency.
Intelligence at the edge. AI embedded cameras provide a high degree of versatility and efficiency with the ability to deploy the specific features best suited to each individual camera location. With the proliferation of AI embedded technology, users now also have a wide selection of camera form factors that employ new and powerful feature sets. The most prevalent AI embedded camera form factors for general surveillance are available in turret, dome and PTZ configurations.
Wide area surveillance. New Fisheye and multi-sensor cam- eras provide exceptional wide area surveillance with up to 360° coverage ideal for traffic intersections and parking lots, vastly re- ducing the number of cameras that would otherwise be required for comprehensive surveillance of the area. New fisheye cameras, for example, provide new levels of imaging performance and clarity that make them extremely cost-effective, while their more expensive counterparts, multi-sensor cameras, provide the ability to electronically zoom in on events of interest for each individual sensor. And these cameras also are available with AI intelligence at the edge further adding to their utility for a wide range of campus surveillance applications.
Two-way audio. Empowering security personnel with a di- rect means of communication, surveillance cameras with two-way audio enable real-time interaction with individuals who may be in need of assistance or directions, and to confront individuals with ill intent. Video with two-way audio enhances security and access management, enforcing verification procedures and heightening
security services with a positive user experience. These versatile cameras can also be integrated with automated alarms to sound pre-recorded audio messages with real-time warnings and noti- fications when manned personnel aren’t available, delivering an added level of protection.
Image tracking. The physical makeup of a campus will greatly determine which camera configurations are most appropriate to provide the highest levels of situational awareness. Perhaps the most popular choice being PTZ cameras that provide operators with real-time manual camera tracking control, as well as the abil- ity to program automated patrols.
To maintain widespread awareness while tracking a specific vehicle or individual, some PTZs feature the capability to maintain the larger image scene while zooming in specific potential suspects and precise details. There is a wide range of intelligent AI-embedded PTZ cameras available today, providing users with a wide range of solutions to address virtually any general surveillance application.
Loitering detection/trip detection. AI cameras have ability to detect and differentiate humans from other objects is critical in providing loitering detection, which can be as innocent as a group of students sitting on a lawn, or an individual stalking an ATM ma- chine. Similarly, trip detection can sound an alert if an individual violates a preset area within a scene. For example, to prevent peo- ple from entering public fountains, utility areas, or construction areas. The ability to autonomously monitor areas of interest with defined rules provides security personnel with a highly effective and efficient security tool.
ZONE 3: INTERIOR LOCATIONS/SYSTEM MANAGEMENT
There are some surveillance imaging challenges that are typical across all facility interiors covering a broad range of topics ranging from lighting conditions to aesthetics, system management and control, and of course budget. Conducting a thorough site survey and needs analysis is critical to help determine what you need and where you need it most. In any event, here are a few critical tech- nology considerations to consider.
Changing lighting conditions. In environments subject to changing lighting conditions, such as lobbies and public spaces with large windows, the combination of artificial lighting and varying degrees of natural light can render many imaging devices useless during specific times of the day.
Cameras with Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) automatically com- pensate for changing lighting conditions including bright sunlight, shadowed areas. Balancing exposure levels, WDR ensures clear and detailed image capture, regardless of the lighting challenges pre- sent in common areas. WDR maintains finer details and improves the discernment of crucial features and shapes.
Maximizing area coverage. Wide area coverage is as impor- tant to monitoring interior campus spaces as it is for open exterior
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