Quotation Junction GB 0800 612 9536
Photocopier, Vending Machine, Franking Machine & Phone System Quotes - Quotation Junction

Welcome
to our blog...

CCTV / Video Surveillance Blog
CCTV cameras are getting "more intelligent"  with scientists at the University of Portsmouth working on cameras that will use artificial intelligence software to detect sounds such as that of car window smashing, reports the BBC. The detection of sounds will enable cameras to capture crimes faster and thus improve response times.

This is part of a three-year surveillance study funded by the ESPRC.

Current artificial intelligence software is reportedly already powerful enough to not only detect minor visual indicators but also other complex activity. The endeavour of the artificial intelligence software will be to develop "shapes of sound", which will then be used to enhance algorithms to be used inside CCTV systems.

More details about this latest development in CCTVs can be found here.
A new report from Siemens Building Technologies, based on a study of about 10 universities, highlights the importance of security/surveillance technology in helping universities  enhance the safety of students and staff but also operate efficiently.

The report notes stark difference in the kind of security systems installed across the various universities, both in terms of age of the equipment as well as the level of sophistication.  While almost all universities surveyed had installed CCTV systems comprising upto 200 cameras, the report points out that these systems were yet to be state-of-the-art and scope for improvement.  Likewise, in the case of access control, there is a distinct move towards proximity cards and smart cards.

Cost seems to be a key deterrant in the use of the latest systems with the Universities opting to extend or modify their existing systems instead of opting for something totally new.

A detailed review of the Siemens  report can be found on SourceSecurity.com
According to an article published in the Channel Register, almost 95 percent of CCTV systems operating in the UK do so illegally. Statistics from Camerawatch, a non-profit body to raise awareness of CCTV, indicate that there are over 4.2 million CCTV systems installed in the UK currently.

Prevailing guidelines mandate that companies using CCTV to monitor their premises must not only inform the Information Commissioner about the use of such surveillance system, but also inform the public with adequate signage that they are being monitored within the premises.

Companies using CCTV surveillance have to ensure compliance with the Data Protection Act for them to enjoy the benefits of such surveillance, especially when the evidence is to be presented in a court of law.

A new law is being introduced in Scotland, which requires CCTV operators on contract to obtain a separate license for individuals operated by the Security Industry Authority (SIA).
Stretch Inc. and Pixim plan to introduce solutions for the video surveillance industry based on Pixim's ultra-wide dynamic range image sensors and Stretch's software configurable processor technology.

As part of the collaboration, Stretch's IP Camera Reference Design Kit (RDK), which is an intelligent network camera that supports multiple standards, will be compatible with Pixim’s image sensors.

The IP Camera RDK can perform H.264 encoding on 30 frames per second of images from the Pixim sensor while boasting 75 percent of the processing cycles available for the integration of third-party video analytics or the addition of other advanced features.

The collaboration between the two companies will extend to developing next generation video surveillance solutions, including developing new camera reference designs and aligning product roadmaps.
The future use and implementation of 4.2 million CCTV systems in UK are set for a major overhaul to improvise the integration between systems after the CCTV advisory board, CameraWatch reported a need to standardize the practices of CCTV.

A National CCTV Strategy Project is expected to be published by the end of June indicating the specifications required to standardize the use of CCTV systems. The report is expected to address issues with regard to picture technology and training for those working with CCTV systems.

A main concern reported by the project manager of the National CCTV Strategy Project, Ian Cunningham, is the quality of images that reach the police. The quality of images is reported to be far from ideal despite the growing use of CCTVs as an important security tool. Lack of training and technological knowledge by the staff operating the CCTV system also needs a change to employ the system more effectively. Also to be released in late summer is the CCTV Code of Practice which will focus on the definition of personal data and clearer restrictions and justifications of usage.
previous page12 | 3
Blog search
Blog categories

Categories

Monthly

Latest blog post

Stamps to cost more, rate hike less for those using franking machines

January 06th 2009

Royal Mail is increasing postal rates from April this year, with first class stamps costing about 39p and second class 30p. In 2... [ more ]

view blog >