High-definition megapixel cameras can cover larger areas with fewer cameras, while providing a higher level of detail and improving security operations
by Scott Schafer*
This translates into reduced infrastructure costs and improved overall return on investment (ROI), allowing users to install less expensive video systems with megapixel cameras while also gaining better performance and functionality. Such advantages become even more attractive when panoramic view megapixel camera systems are installed.
Protecting large surfaces with a suitable set of cameras can be challenging. It is usually not enough to use cameras with horizontal-vertical-zoom (PTZ) motion control in these types of applications. A PTZ camera can only be directed one direction at a time and may stop capturing important events or events that compromise the safety of facilities elsewhere in the coverage area.
Panoramic cameras do not stop capturing anything, a single 180° or 360° panoramic camera can cover a large area that with a different solution would require many conventional cameras or several PTZ cameras.
The following examples, taken from real cases, demonstrate that panoramic view cameras can simplify and decrease the costs of a video surveillance system:
* At a gas station in South Africa, three Arecont Vision 180° panoramic cameras provide highly detailed images of fuel islands, while an Arecont Vision 360° panoramic camera constantly monitors the inside of the business.
The cameras are strategically positioned to have complete surface coverage, with the ability to make digital zooms in on specific parts of a larger image – a person's face or a vehicle's license plate number – without losing any detail.
* In a distribution center of a Colorado supermarket, an Arecont Vision 180° panoramic camera was installed outdoors, next to the building to monitor the surveillance booth, truck lanes, parking area and shipping and /or reception operations.
The 20 megapixel panoramic camera day /night allows a complete visualization of the property, replacing a PTZ camera that only allowed to visualize a partial angle, both in live and recorded visualizations. By contrast, the 180° panoramic camera captures the entire scene in high resolution with a much wider field of view. A heater-fan allows the camera to operate in extreme temperatures.
* In a New York State police department, Arecont Vision's 8-megapixel 180° cameras were installed at the front and rear entrance to have video coverage of the outside.
The wide panoramic field of view eliminates the costs generated by the installation of additional cameras and horizontal-vertical-zoom motion control units. Arecont Vision cameras automatically go from color to black and white at night.
* An Arecont Vision 180° megapixel camera provides a comprehensive visualization that allows police to be vigilant about illegal dumping of waste at the Pennsylvania waste center.
The system has made it possible for police to identify and issue summonses to people who throw away unauthorized objects. The system can clearly see what people are throwing away and identify their faces as well as their vehicle license plates.
Functions of 180° 360° cameras
These examples demonstrate that panoramic cameras allow the user to visualize and record the entire field of view, and at the same time make a digital approach to various regions of interest, something that a PTZ camera cannot do.
Panoramic cameras come with 180° and 360° image coverage and 8 or 20 megapixel resolution (which will continue to expand). This makes it possible to visualize even larger surfaces, with the possibility of capturing precise details.
A panoramic camera with 20 megapixel resolution can replace many analog or standard cameras with IP definition in order to provide complete and continuous coverage of large surfaces. This includes PTZ cameras, which may be directed in the wrong direction at the time an event of interest occurs.
The latest 20- and 8-megapixel panoramic cameras have also been enhanced with the day/night function.
The use of a single camera, instead of many, sets a new standard of cost savings, since fewer software licenses, less network infrastructure are required and there is no need to install additional poles, cables and power supply.
Well positioned in conventional applications
Although it was once thought that panoramic megapixel cameras were exclusively for use in specialized applications, it is now clear that they offer performance benefits and cost savings that make them ideal for a wide range of conventional video surveillance applications.
Complete and continuous coverage of a surface is of particular importance to ensure that there is video material of an event with expert quality, in case of investigations and/or legal proceedings.
Resolution is also a fundamental aspect of video coverage, whether it's a parking lot, or a city street, or an auditorium, atrium or other large surface indoors or outdoors. High-resolution megapixel cameras can provide useful images of an event, for example, details of faces and identifiable license plate numbers, to help improve safety and security.
*Scott Schafer is the executive vice president of arecont Vision. If you want to know more about this company enter the website www.arecontvision.com
