Hikvision Overcomes Weather and Obstacles to provide Frankfurt's light rail stations with a complete and efficient monitoring system. The implementation of the project was carried out by the company Indanet AG.
by Finn Wu*
As a major financial, commercial and transport centre of Germany, Frankfurt prides itself on the progress of the city's total infrastructure. While advanced transport systems are trademarks of the city, the implementation of a comprehensive solution for all of its 31 metro stations and 16 light rail stations – with the latter completely located on the surface of Germany – marks an integral moment.
The security solution for light rail stations, implemented by the German-based company - Indanet AG, was developed to improve the existing analog surveillance system and thus better meet customer demand for higher image quality and remote monitoring in a more timely manner, and in particular, in response to emergency situations. However, the ability to achieve these security improvements were a direct result of the use of Hikvision products, both in the design and assembly of IP cameras in these outdoor facilities.
Project conditions
It has been mentioned above that there was a significant obstacle that these 16 light rail transit stations had to overcome and that many other civic projects in Frankfurt had not: these light rail stations were open-air.
Jürgen Fuchs, Director of Strategic Projects at Idanet explained: "Germany's climate can be very unforgiving. These stations are fully outdoors, so the challenges we face are very different from those of an indoor hub, such as the metro. On the outside, we have to deal with everything, absolutely everything. "
Using German ingenuity, Idanet AG confirmed a two-pronged security solution that would better accommodate this environment. One aspect would be for the larger platform area, and the other would be tailor-made for a specific area located on the platform itself. However, both aspects needed Hikvision to turn these ideas into reality.
The platform
Fuchs chose to monitor the overall platform area with the DS-2CD762MF-FB(H) 1.3 MP vandal-proof and weatherproof Red Hikvision Dome Camera. This was done for a number of reasons, as Mr Fuchs explained: "This chamber was a natural choice. It worked very well with the IP network we built for the public transport system in Frankfurt, and these cameras provided the system operators with "a video image that had presented great resolution. However, and very importantly, they met the IP65 weather standard – something specifically requested by this customer."
The DS-2CD762MF-FB(H) 1.3 MP fulfills all of this through a variety of Hikvision technology applications. The highly clear look is provided through 1280 x 960 pixels of digital resolution, while the ability to function successfully in Frankfurt's extreme outdoor weather is a direct result of the vandal-proof and weatherproof housing contained in this camera.
In fact, this housing ensures an IP66 climate rating, which actually exceeds the already existing requirements reported in this project. Fuchs explained in more detail that "the housing is a very complex and vital part of this camera. There is an internal heater to control temperature differences in the winter, and there is a waterproofing element that prevents the entry of rain, snow and condensation so that they do not adversely affect the chamber. Without them, a camera wouldn't be able to work in the Frankfurt climate."
Emergency columns
While in most cases the overall platform was monitored by the DS-2CD762MF-FB (H) 1.3 MP, there were some stations that presented a special challenge: finding a location to mount the camera that allows an unobstructed view of the emergency columns.
Fuchs overcame this problem creatively and with Hikvision's 2MP DS-2CD7153-E mini network dome camera. These cameras were installed on the spine and next to the emergency button. In the event of an emergency, the passenger only needs to press the button. This immediately triggers the camera and transmits the image in real time to the control center, alerting security personnel to the situation. In addition, a voice panel allows staff to talk to the passenger.
Fuchs also noted: "This camera allows a complete realization of security with an efficient all-in-one tool to immediately diagnose the situation. Importantly, the staff in the security center is able to receive in real time the high-definition video with H.264 video compression from these cameras; therefore, greatly helping security personnel to recognize the nature of the problem and respond correctly "In addition, all video footage is permanently recorded and stored for 48 hours, which is the maximum duration allowed by the authorities.
The overall effect
Joining these Hikvision cameras to a main security center is an IP network solution compatible with Nexus VMS codec.
And while this network is monitored centrally, IP also presents an additional advantage: the possibility of using computers to watch the video of the cameras. Idanet's Director of Strategic Projects noted, "This feature is especially important for first responders, such as firefighters. There is a vital need for these people to be able to visually see what is happening in real time. "
And it is precisely this fusion of security solutions that has allowed Frankfurt not only to respond to emergencies, but to prevent them as well.
Considering studies that have shown the tangible deterrent value of a visibly localized security camera, Fuchs explained how this concept of deterrence fits into a public transport project: "Frankfurt has been and is, a very quiet city. We have installed these cameras, both for prevention and for a real response. Fortunately, with these cameras serving as a visual deterrent, we've had very few cases where security has to step in. "
Through a combination of Hikvision technology and Germany's integration skills, this solution has met and avoided each of the climate and security challenges frankfurt continues to face.
* Finn Wu is part of the company Hikvision Digital Technology Co. Ltd., which is one of the world's leading suppliers of video surveillance products and solutions. Established in 2001, Hikvision has grown from a small company of just 28 employees to a global company with more than 5,000 employees, including 1,400 R&D engineers. With the largest R&D equipment in the industry and the ability for continuous innovation, Hikvision offers products including hybrid DVRs, NVRs, standalone DVRs, digital video servers, compression cards, high-definition IP cameras, and high-speed domes. These products are used in more than 100 countries and have been used to secure various security applications around the world. For more information visit the Hikvision website in www.hikvision.com
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