IC2 is the UK installer for a new application known as Videalert, which provides real intelligence to CCTV systems while also increasing efficiency and effectiveness.Videalert can be attached to an existing CCTV system and operates like 'many pairs of unblinking eyes' - constantly alert to suspicious behaviour.

The technology can recognise abandoned objects, such as a bag or a vehicle, and can also identify loiterers. It also measures traffic flow, so has the additional benefit of being a footfall counter.

Martin Justice, commercial director of IC2, says: "We believe that the Videalert system delivers a 'real-time' opportunity to resolve security incidents as they happen, rather than after the event."

CCTV maintenance company Leigh Visual Surveillance Systems, previously Sight Services, is finding a lot of interest within shopping centres in a new 360-degree camera technology.

Merseyway shopping centre in Stockport has installed three revolutionary 360-degree cameras in its loading bays, providing a continuous image, so that no incident is missed.

The cameras have no moving parts and work by using a fish-eye lens to capture a full 360-degree image. An onboard digital processor is then used to 'flatten' the image and provide the viewer with a traditional picture.

Ken Bickers, director at Leigh Visual, adds: "The absence of moving parts in the camera will greatly improve reliability."

The camera is ideal for use within the malls themselves to ensure every spot is covered continuously. "The resolution is not that good at the moment," says Bickers. "The technology is not there to give the picture quality, but we do guarantee a record of the incident."

A further innovative piece of technology, which is coming out this month, is the Tracking Dome."Say you have a closed area: no one should be in there. If there is then a movement correlating to a man-sized object, then the Tracking Dome will follow it," says Bickers. "It's basically an added enhancement to a standard dome camera."

Bickers believes there is still a long way to go in improving CCTV technology, with facial recognition and tracking on the agenda, along with greater recording capacity.

Contacts

IC2: http://www.IC2CCTV.com

Leigh Visual Surveillance Systems: 0117 975 9758

Printer friendly version

Email this article to a friend