By Ritesh Deokar – Country Manager, Milestone Systems India
Open Video Management Systems (VMS) is the preferred choice today for video surveillance as they are independent of proprietorship and closed solutions. This has led to VMS platforms integrating feature-rich software that provides a high level of control and functionality designed to make end-users’ lives easier. IP-based cameras record the footages and share it with a network that is connected via the internet. IP cameras are the outputs of the Internet of Things (IoT) revolution.
Understanding IP-Cameras
IP is internet protocol and hence IP-devices can be connected to any network of the IoT. Any electronic device that is connected to the IoT network, which can connect with a server and exchange information in an internet network, has its own IP address. IP-cameras are fundamentally a digital video camera that can receive and send via data via the Internet. IP-based cameras are not dependable on local recordings but require a LAN-connection to transmit and process data.
Advantages of IP-based cameras
IP-based surveillance comes with scalability, flexibility and cost-effectiveness. These qualities are crucial for its application in a wide range of industries. With an IP-based video surveillance setup, users can monitor and record video remotely using an IP network as the system’s backbone. IP video installations can then be deployed in any environment, and offer many benefits previously unavailable with analog CCTV systems.
- Remote Monitoring
An IP surveillance system makes it possible for security monitoring teams to remotely view live camera feeds from any computer, mobile or handheld device with internet access. Additionally, the recorded surveillance footage can be stored at remote locations.
- Scalability
IP-based cameras do not require cables as it is not connected to any physical computer device to function. Hence, it is easier to expand the network of surveillance in any location or even multi-location, together in the same network.
- Storage Capabilities
Since network cameras capture digital video images, large amounts of footage can be stored on servers, where archived video can be quickly accessed and searched. In comparison to analog systems where video was stored on VHS cassette tapes, this is much more efficient.
Application and Features of IP-based surveillance
IP-based surveillance cameras are a part of the VMS that serves the purpose of live viewing, recording and retrieving of video footage. IP cameras support advanced motion detection, audio recording, and integration with other security systems – alarms, automated licence plate reading, facial recognition technologies etc, can auto-generate alerts itself and can also be used as a video analytics device for edge computing. For instance, IP-based camera can fire an alarm, if an individual is seen to leave a package or luggage in a public place like in a busy lobby, in the bus stop or inside the metro.
With its sophisticated features, IP-based cameras have been helpful in solving several issues that are crucial in certain industries. For example, in the retail industry, there have been several concerns about mischievous employees indulging in widespread fraudulent money transactions that has led to the leakage of large amount of revenue annually.
IP-based video surveillance system here has been successful in solving this, by electronically linking all transactions together with video recordings of the actions. All the information is stored in a local database so the retailer can see all the events of any given transaction and conduct a search on different parameters.
Integration with other Surveillance Technology
The open platform VMS can integrate with other security systems such as Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) and Facial Recognition systems, and a host of many others. The integrated systems provide real-time notifications and add a searchable database. It can be easily integrated with an IP video surveillance security system.
- Automated License Plate Recognition
Analytics embedded into IP cameras can capture the image of a licence plate and convert the image to digitized computer data that can be compared to a database. This system can be broken down into four major components: image collection, image analysis, image and data storage and data transmission. These aides in enhancing security, enforce toll collection, compare license plates to a list, provide parking revenue management, and provide access control and more.
- IP-based Door Access Control
IP camera system can be connected to doors at the entrance of commercial buildings and workplaces, where access to individuals can be controlled via VMS. IP-based door access systems provide better security and ease of management at a much lower cost than earlier technologies as unlike, traditional door access systems. IP access nullifies the need for expensive control panels, hardware connections, and separate administrative maintenance. These devices use Power over Ethernet (PoE), meaning it is powered by the network switch via the Ethernet cable, instead of the building power, providing a more flexible and scalable security system installation that does not depend on expensive hardware fittings and elaborate wiring connection.
IP-based door access can use facial recognition tools and help in maximizing the safety and security in different security-crucial locations such as hospitals, schools, government, military, and other organizations. The camera will be able to read the face of the individual and after matching the data with the server, it will allow entry only to authorised individuals. IP cameras can also be connected to audio or video intercoms that are network-attached providing a completely integrated solution for the manual unlock of doors.
- Long-Range and Night Vision Cameras
Dual sensor IP cameras with long-range cameras with PTZ functions can work at any lighting condition and can also function as thermal imaging and night-vision cameras. These cameras can detect, make visible objects that are miles away and in total darkness. There are also PTZ cameras with built-in infrared (IR) illumination that can be used to see about 600 ft. away. These IP cameras are used by the military to view borders, military operations, and rocket launches.
Conclusion
As IP-based surveillance is getting a lot smarter, the video surveillance as a service (VSaaS) market is also growing by USD 6.16 billion during the period of 2020-2024. This will undeniably see some impact and other new opportunities being created due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as reported in the latest report by market research company, Technavio.
