Axis Communications Q2901-E Some like it hot: Thermal cameras in surveillance - Page 8

8. New ground for thermal cameras Although the investment costs are high, thermal cameras are not unknown within security and surveillance; on the contrary. They are primarily used in high security buildings and areas, such as, for example, nuclear power plants, prisons, airports, pipelines, and sensitive railway sections. So far, however, incorporating thermal cameras into a conventional video surveillance system has not been a straightforward operation. With the development of thermal network cameras, compatibility will of course, be far less of an issue. New devices will more easily integrate with, for example, existing video management systems. Among other benefits that IP-Surveillance brings are Power over Internet (PoE), distributed intelligent video, standardized video compression techniques and audio support. PoE is a technology for safe and simultaneous transfer of electrical power and data in Ethernet networks, thus eliminating the need for power cables and reducing installation costs. Intelligent video is a comprehensive term for any solution where the video surveillance system automatically performs an analysis of the captured video, such as motion detection, audio detection, and virtual fences, or sets off an alarm when cameras are vandalized or tampered with. With thermal network cameras, this analysis can be distributed out to the cameras leading to improved efficiency and scalability. 9. An excellent complement With thermal imaging becoming relatively cheaper and an integral part of IP-Surveillance systems, a whole range of uses becomes both possible and economically viable. Thermal cameras can be an excellent complement in many situations where conventional cameras are inadequate or insufficient. They are, of course, unparalleled in a situation of total darkness. They can also be an option in areas that are very difficult to illuminate effectively, for example a sea front, a harbor, or any other vast expanse of open water. Similarly, artificial light not only runs the risk of revealing where the cameras are placed, enabling parties to avoid or vandalize them, but can also create projected shadows in which an intruder can avoid detection. Furthermore, spotlights can blind as well as illuminate. So cameras that do not rely on light can be the preferred solution in many different traffic situations, whether it is in railway tunnels, on air strips or on regular streets. Thermal cameras, on the other hand, cannot be blinded by bright lights or laser beams. All in all, thermal network cameras perfectly complement and complete a network video system, making sure that objects, people, and incidents are detected 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The first true thermal network cameras, AXIS Q1910, for indoor applications, and the AXIS Q1910-E, with tailor-made protective housing for outdoor installations. 8