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FeedsHome: December / January 2012 › Staying one step ahead with the next generation of CCTV
Staying one step ahead with the next generation of CCTV
05/01/2012 | Channel: Security
DAVID THOMASSON, transport specialist at Axis Communications, discusses the need to ensure a safe environment for passengers in stations and across the rail network
More and more rail authorities are either replacing or upgrading their existing analogue CCTV systems with network video which is transforming their surveillance capabilities. In the transportation sector, many authorities and companies are familiar with the benefits of network video, and many are either upgrading their existing traditional analogue systems or replacing them altogether. This technology, also known as IP surveillance, is the next generation of CCTV.
Over the years, CCTV has developed a reputation for delivering unclear images that aren’t fit for purpose. The benefits of network cameras don’t stop at the fact the images are crystal clear and can even be high definition; but the fact they are digital makes them far more user friendly in terms of searchability and when it comes to sharing footage.
One of the main differences between IP and analogue video is that the latter is mainly used forensically by viewing the recordings to investigate incidents after they have occurred However, as IP cameras incorporate video surveillance into a rail authority’s IT infrastructure it is possible for any authorised person to access relevant information from anywhere, at any time, and in real time, allowing automatic incident alerts and alarms which creates a cost-efficient, flexible and future-proof video surveillance platform.
There are many operational areas to be considered within transportation, for example within a freight environment network video can efficiently monitor cargo and property. Whereas, in public transport it is mainly used to deter criminal activity, reducing incident response times and keeping staff and passengers safe.
Public transport
For many cities, it is important to promote the benefits of public transportation and to attract more passengers. To achieve this, unplanned interruptions need to be avoided and it is essential that there is a secure environment for both passengers and staff. Rail authorities need be able to identify potential threats to staff, passengers and infrastructure, staying one step ahead of vandalism and crime.
At stations, Axis network video cameras enable rail authorities to cost-effectively monitor platform and boarding areas, entrances and exits, and much more. Axis also has a range of onboard solutions which are specifically designed for mobile video surveillance on trains and other modes of transport. These cameras are able to endure tough environmental conditions, with built-in protection against dust, water, temperature fluctuations and are able to withstand vibrations, shocks and bumps as well as vandalism.
Metal theft and graffiti
A big challenge for the rail sector is that many incidents take place under the cover
of darkness.
Graffiti vandals are deliberately tripping rail signals and stopping commuter trains in order to gain kudos for ‘tagging’ property in extremely risky circumstances. Further disruptions and delays can be caused by metal theft, a problem that is escalating with the rising scrap prices and which is costing transit authorities millions of pounds in cable replacement and compensation to train operators.
However, even the highest resolution security cameras would struggle to provide images from dimly lit corners of a network. Moreover, the cost of illuminating every nook and cranny of every station makes night lighting unfeasible and the same goes for security patrols around the clock.
One of the most powerful tools for detecting these types of incidents is thermal imaging. The introduction of thermal technology in rail surveillance means that cameras are able to function outside the range of visible light. This is possible because all objects emit a certain amount of infrared radiation as a result of their temperature. A thermal network camera detects this radiation and displays it as a black and white image, which typically is digitally coloured to visualise objects of different temperature levels.
By integrating applications such as motion detection and a tampering alarm, these thermal network cameras can send automatic alerts to the control room when there is activity in the monitored area. The operator can then evaluate the situation and decide on an appropriate response. Axis’ thermal network cameras are perfect for deployment in dark tunnels, for perimeter surveillance, detecting activity along the tracks and in deserted areas at night that are prime targets for vandals.
Investment in network video within the rail sector can deliver many key benefits. It reduces costs associated with vandalism and the replacement of stolen infrastructure. It reduces delays or interruptions, enabling a more efficient service. Most importantly though, it helps to identify and prevent criminal activity, which is keeping staff and passengers safer and happier.
For more information please contact:
Axis Communications Ltd
Tel: 01462 427 910
Web: www.axis.com
Over the years, CCTV has developed a reputation for delivering unclear images that aren’t fit for purpose. The benefits of network cameras don’t stop at the fact the images are crystal clear and can even be high definition; but the fact they are digital makes them far more user friendly in terms of searchability and when it comes to sharing footage.
One of the main differences between IP and analogue video is that the latter is mainly used forensically by viewing the recordings to investigate incidents after they have occurred However, as IP cameras incorporate video surveillance into a rail authority’s IT infrastructure it is possible for any authorised person to access relevant information from anywhere, at any time, and in real time, allowing automatic incident alerts and alarms which creates a cost-efficient, flexible and future-proof video surveillance platform.
There are many operational areas to be considered within transportation, for example within a freight environment network video can efficiently monitor cargo and property. Whereas, in public transport it is mainly used to deter criminal activity, reducing incident response times and keeping staff and passengers safe.
Public transport
For many cities, it is important to promote the benefits of public transportation and to attract more passengers. To achieve this, unplanned interruptions need to be avoided and it is essential that there is a secure environment for both passengers and staff. Rail authorities need be able to identify potential threats to staff, passengers and infrastructure, staying one step ahead of vandalism and crime.
At stations, Axis network video cameras enable rail authorities to cost-effectively monitor platform and boarding areas, entrances and exits, and much more. Axis also has a range of onboard solutions which are specifically designed for mobile video surveillance on trains and other modes of transport. These cameras are able to endure tough environmental conditions, with built-in protection against dust, water, temperature fluctuations and are able to withstand vibrations, shocks and bumps as well as vandalism.
Metal theft and graffiti
A big challenge for the rail sector is that many incidents take place under the cover
of darkness.
Graffiti vandals are deliberately tripping rail signals and stopping commuter trains in order to gain kudos for ‘tagging’ property in extremely risky circumstances. Further disruptions and delays can be caused by metal theft, a problem that is escalating with the rising scrap prices and which is costing transit authorities millions of pounds in cable replacement and compensation to train operators.
However, even the highest resolution security cameras would struggle to provide images from dimly lit corners of a network. Moreover, the cost of illuminating every nook and cranny of every station makes night lighting unfeasible and the same goes for security patrols around the clock.
One of the most powerful tools for detecting these types of incidents is thermal imaging. The introduction of thermal technology in rail surveillance means that cameras are able to function outside the range of visible light. This is possible because all objects emit a certain amount of infrared radiation as a result of their temperature. A thermal network camera detects this radiation and displays it as a black and white image, which typically is digitally coloured to visualise objects of different temperature levels.
By integrating applications such as motion detection and a tampering alarm, these thermal network cameras can send automatic alerts to the control room when there is activity in the monitored area. The operator can then evaluate the situation and decide on an appropriate response. Axis’ thermal network cameras are perfect for deployment in dark tunnels, for perimeter surveillance, detecting activity along the tracks and in deserted areas at night that are prime targets for vandals.
Investment in network video within the rail sector can deliver many key benefits. It reduces costs associated with vandalism and the replacement of stolen infrastructure. It reduces delays or interruptions, enabling a more efficient service. Most importantly though, it helps to identify and prevent criminal activity, which is keeping staff and passengers safer and happier.
For more information please contact:
Axis Communications Ltd
Tel: 01462 427 910
Web: www.axis.com
