Moving Complex Functionality to the Network Camera
- By Fredrik Nilsson
- Apr 01, 2010
The trend of shifting functionality to the edge began a decade
ago with the introduction of network cameras to video surveillance
systems. The first efforts to leverage the capabilities of this new
IP-based technology were in-camera digitization and video compression
so streams could be transmitted over an IP-based computer
network rather than an analog coax cable run to a head end.
A few years later, manufacturers began equipping network
cameras with full duplex audio, eliminating the need for installers
to provide separate dual-communication equipment at the surveillance
site. I/O ports were then added, enabling the use of a
standard PC to remotely control door latches and passive infrared
sensors via the cameras attached to the network. More recently,
the network gained basic video intelligence, such as video motion
and audio detection, for greater situational awareness.
Other trends that encouraged moving functionality to the edge
include advanced analytics, intelligent installation and maintenance,
and onboard storage.
Cameras that Reason
The advantage of enabling analytical processing capabilities inside
the network camera is that the video is accessible in the uncompressed
format required for analysis. If the same function is
performed in the video management system, the previously compressed
video stream must be uncompressed and then analyzed.
This two-stage sequence requires a lot of processing power from
the server running the video management system.
Basic in-camera video analytic functions, such as video motion
detection and camera tampering alarms, work very effectively
today. The emergence of thermal network cameras that
can detect any object that radiates heat -- such as humans, animals
or vehicles -- despite poor lighting, challenging weather
conditions like fog and smoke, and even total darkness further
enhances analytics capabilities in perimeter protection and
detection applications.
Many of the more advanced analytics -- such as license plate
recognition, facial recognition and “bag left behind” -- required
several years of development. Even today, only a few companies
have the special knowledge to make those algorithms accurate
enough for common deployment. This has led to a partnering
between the network camera vendors that provide platforms with
video and processing power and the analytics companies that create
specialized applications to run on those network camera. The
concept is similar to Apple’s approach to the iPhone, in which
third-party applications have seen incredible success.
Cameras that Diagnose
In addition to advancements that extend the usefulness of the
technology to areas beyond security, safety and loss prevention,
a portion of research and development also has been channeled
into tools that can expedite set-up and fine-tuning of the camera
for the surveillance environment as well as remote ongoing
maintenance.
Remote focus. Small optics motors enable installers to adjust
the focus and zoom angle of a camera using a remote computer.
It’s a more efficient way to optimize the field of view compared
to having to go on site and make manual adjustments. Once the
deployment goes live, it is less disruptive to use the motorized lens
for remote maintenance checks and ongoing adjustments. Installers
can even program these new network cameras to automatically
self-adjust their focus on a regularly scheduled basis.
Intelligent enclosures. Intelligent temperature control sensors
constantly adjust heating and cooling parameters to keep network
cameras operating reliably even in extreme climate variations. For
PTZ cameras specifically, this includes automatically heating the
internal mechanism and lubricant to an acceptable temperature
after a power failure so the camera can move freely without damaging
or shortening the lifespan of its moving parts.
Outdoor-ready assembly. Newer outdoor-ready network cameras
come pre-assembled for out-of-the-box installation. They’re
quick and easy to mount because the robust weatherproof casing
that encloses the camera contains a pre-installed heater, fan
and dehumidifying membrane, as well as a weather shield to protect
the camera against reflective sunlight, downpours and snow
build-up. To simplify installation even further, these outdoorready
network cameras are powered through Hi PoE and come
with the Ethernet cable already mounted in the assembly. A specially
designed gasket, also included in the assembly, allows flush
wall mounting without additional sealant.
Camera-tampering alarm. Built-in sensors can detect attempts
to tamper with the camera’s field of view, such as blocking or
spray-painting the lens. Such events trigger an alarm at the central
monitoring station, notifying security that the cameras are
experiencing optical problems.
Cameras that Archive
Many network cameras come equipped with SD-HC cards that
have a storage capacity of up to 32 gigabytes. Provided the camera
uses efficient H.264 compression, a user could conceivably store
several days’ worth of full-frame-rate video inside the camera.
By recording at a reduced frame rate or using intelligent video
motion detection embedded in the camera to trigger recording
events, users could store several weeks of video in the camera.
As manufacturers continue to expand the storage capability
of SD-HC cards, the amount of video that can be stored in the
camera also will grow.
Though it is generally more expensive to localize storage
than to implement a central recording solution, there are some
environments -- such as remote water treatment plants and
cell phone towers -- where in-camera storage might be a more
appropriate alternative.
Industry indicators show that the trend of moving security
functionality to the edge will continue to accelerate in the future
as more processing power, increased intelligence and larger memory
chips become available at the edge.
This article originally appeared in the April 2010 issue of Network-Centric Security.
About the Author
Fredrik Nilsson, general manager for Axis Communications, oversees the company’s operations in North America. In this role, he manages all aspects of the business, including sales, marketing, business expansion and finance.