An integrated solution for effective video alarm verification

Abstract

The growing application of video to the remote verification of alarms has highlighted a number of deficiencies in adding video transmission products to conventional alarm systems. The ideal result would be no false alarms and accurate verification of each real alarm. However many installed systems offer no improvement in the false alarm rate and pose a substantial risk of the incorrect classification of real alarms. An alarm panel with fully integrated local and remote video functions is described. It combines both the alarm generation and verification processes in order to improve the false alarm rates and the accuracy of verification. A unique BiSensor is a key to the systems success. Data fusion concepts are applied to passive infra red and video movement sensors to ensure a low false alarm rate and to provide reliable images of the alarm cause. The BiSensor also incorporates a strobed infra red illuminator to provide for correct detection and verification under all lighting conditions. Particular attention has been paid to obtaining even scene illumination for high quality verification images. By incorporating the illuminator in the sensor it has also been possible to automatically control the infra red output to suit a wide variety of installations. In addition to the remote video-functions, the system provides for site control and full duplex audio communications. Local site management is catered for with a comprehensively featured alarm panel while a full duplex video multiplexer provides continuous recording of all site activity. The multiplexer uses direct to tape recording for the highest possible picture quality and each image is time stamped to match the images sent off site. One of the key requirements of the product has been to ensure that the verification system fits well with existing central monitoring station facilities. The receiver has been designed to support both stand-alone operation or full scale integration into the conventional alarm monitoring environment.