The Pursuit of Perfect Perimeter Protection
How CCTV Advancements Are Affecting Perimeter Protection
A valuable asset to any quality perimeter security system is a robust CCTV system.
In a recent white paper presented by Fairport, N.Y.-based Bosch Security Systems, titled “AutoDome™ Modular Camera System,” it was pointed out that, when selecting CCTV systems for perimeter applications, some newer technology f
eatures should be considered. They are:
- A dynamic lens range with fast response; zoom lenses can now quickly go up to 26x and 30x magnification. Look for new improvements in the wide angle arena
- Auto-switching between daytime and nighttime infrared with focusing compensation
- A rugged dome component system designed to resist a hostile environment and harsh weather conditions
- Multiple predefined areas of observation that include the capability of masking areas of non-observation. These should be able to cover a 360° range
- Multichannel video motion detection (VMD) allowing for automatic tracking of a suspect through predetermined scenes
- Intelligent camera tracking allowing for automatic pan/tilt/zoom (p/t/z) tracking. If the target moves further away, the camera will automatically adjust lens zooming
- Built-in vertical and horizontal video stabilization to compensate for natural camera vibration and movement. A mere quarter-inch movement of the camera mount can shift the field of view by more than 20 feet when the camera is zoomed out to a high value. This can render images unusable
- A hybrid connectivity allowing for simultaneous IP streaming and analog video
- Modular component design allowing for easy repair and upgrading
Unique Challenges May Require Creative Solutions
Establishing a secured perimeter for facilities and properties that share common access with local municipalities can be challenging. Many jurisdictions will not allow property access roads to be physically secured, as it will impede emergency vehicles.
A creative concept for solving this municipal access problem was developed by inventor Pete Sutsos, a former law enforcement veteran who founded Sonoma, Calif.-based Click2Enter and currently serves as its president and CEO.
The Click2Enter® (C2E) system uses the existing emergency vehicle phone system to control the opening and closing of perimeter roadway gates. Security gate controls and other devices will only respond to the closely restricted radio frequencies of the public emergency vehicles.
A simple radio carrier clicking routine will activate the controls. The systems are designed to provide logging and communication to other security systems.
The C2E provides emergency response personnel improved response times and immediate, stealthy, secure, and universal access without the need to find unique keys or remote control actuators, or to radio dispatch for gate codes.
Perimeters can sometimes change quickly or at times be loosely defined, especially in remote areas, thereby providing a challenge in adjusting appropriate perimeter security measures. Standalone remote surveillance towers such as the Raptor made by Remote Systems Automation of Tucson, Ariz., can provide video surveillance, communications and perimeter sensors.
These towers, which are solar powered for independent operation, can transport data and images back to a guard station or to security management’s PDA and cell phone. They can be set up as repeaters, allowing for a perimeter of sensors and observation towers. For temporary applications, the towers can be set up in less than 5 minutes. Systems like this are very popular when establishing temporary military security perimeters such as protecting ships at port.
Another exciting area of perimeter security video is the increased use of immersive high-resolution, wide-area viewing. One company providing an interesting product and concept is IMove Inc. of Portland, Ore. Its immersive management assessment response console (iMarc) uses a display image of dual 46-inch immersive display monitors with up to 3,200 X 1,200 pixels.
Video images are provided by a multiple imager array called the FlexG sensor, which allows for an extra-wide image of up to 11.5 megapixels. This technology will allow an image sensor array of six image sensors to simultaneously view the same area of 25 conventional CCTV cameras. For perimeter coverage of a 1/2-mile by 3/4-mile area, the iMove can deploy nine such FlexG sensors, as contrasted with conventional CCTV solutions involving 250 cameras.
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About the Author
Bob Dolph, SSI Contributor
Bob is currently a Security Sales & Integration "Tech Talk" columnist and a contributing technical writer. Bob installed his first DIY home intercom system at the age of 13, and formally started his technology career as a Navy communication electronics technician during the Vietnam War. He then attended the Milwaukee School of Engineering and went on to complete a Security Management program at Milwaukee Area Technical College. Since 1976, Bob has served in a variety of technical, training and project management positions with organizations such ADT, Rollins, National Guardian, Lockheed Martin, American Alarm Supply, Sonitrol and Ingersoll Rand. Early in his career, Bob started and operated his own alarm dealership. He has also served as treasurer of the Wisconsin Burglar and Fire Alarm Association and on Security Industry Association (SIA) standards committees. Bob also provides media and training consulting to the security industry.
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