Benchmark looks at 12 trigger-based products and systems of interest for security installers and system integrators involved in the delivery of security systems which include added value event and business management functionality.
Texecom: Micro Contact-W
The Premier Elite Micro Contact-W is a miniature low profile wireless magnetic contact switch. The contact makes use of Texecom’s Ricochet mesh-based network and so forms a part of a self-healing wireless environment.
The interesting aspect of this contact that makes it more suitable for event triggering is its size. It is small and therefore less obtrusive than traditional contacts; however, it is so small and boasts a very low profile, allowing it to be concealed in the frame of uPVC windows and doors, in drawers and cupboards, on devices, etc., allowing the introduction of automation triggering.
Measuring 57 x 27.5 x 8.2mm, the contact will be virtually invisible in many applications. It is powered by a single CR2450 battery and has a claimed battery life of up to four years.
The Micro Contact-W is available in three finishes: white, brown and anthracite. This means it can be used with white, wood effect and aluminium finishes with little to no visible impact.
The Grade 2 868Mhz device is tamper protected, and is compatible with Premier Elite and Premier control panels and Ricochet expansion packs. It features a single push button and tri-colour LEDs to simplify set-up. It is supplied with a battery, adhesive mounting strips and an instruction leaflet.
The potential of the discreet device is only limited by the imagination of the installer or integrator designing the system.
OPTEX: ViiK
ViiK is a new vehicle detection mdevice that can be used for a wide range of applications including gate and barrier automation, vehicle tracking and event triggering. As an ‘above ground’ option it is more cost effective than ground loops and is also simpler to install with no need for ground works.
For more information on the ViiK detector and its other options see this Innovation Focus article.
GJD Security: GJD500
The GJD500 D-TECT Laser is a laser-based security sensor with a range of up to 25 metres. It is designed to create virtual curtains and surveillance security zones.
Because of the exact nture of laser detection, the GJD500 is programmable to within 100mm and deliver high levels of precision for accurate detection
Laser-based detection is suitable for sensing pedestrians and vehicles. Due to its ability to create curtain-type coverage it is ideal for perimeter protection and intrusion detection. However, this also makes it ideal for a wide range of event-based tasks that can deliver business intelligence, health and safety or system automation.
Laser detection delivers exact X-Y coordinates, allowing triggered actions to be based upon the exact location of any activity. This allows bespoke responses to be generated.
Axis: AXIS Perimeter Defender
AXIS Perimeter Defender is very much billed as a securty tool and it certainly enhances the level of protection available at the perimeter of a site. Detection capabilities include intrusion into a protected area, passing through a protected area in a specified direction, loitering or dwelling in a protected area and condition-based intrusion. The latter is of specific interest as it allows a high degree of customisation.
With conditional detection, this will create an event when a target enters a protected area without having first passed through another designated area. For example, if a vehicle arrives in a loading bay without first having passed through or started from a designated checkpoint, this is classed as an alarm event.
AXIS Perimeter Defender can detect multiple events occurring simultaneously across the site. It analyses all events, eliminating innocuous activity but sending notifications for potential alarm situations.
AXIS Perimeter Defender automatically adds a visual metadata overlay in the form of bounding boxes and trajectory lines that highlight the detection and tracking of moving targets. These can be applied to live and recorded video.
Takex: MS-12FE
The MS-12FE from Takex makes use of reliable dual-zone sensing to deliver a detection zone of 180 degrees. This wide angle volumetric protection can be applied with a range of between 2 and 12 metres.
The detector, which is a well established and proven part of the company’s sensor range, makes use of four pyroelectric sensors. These are two sets of dual zone sensors. Both zones need to be triggered in order to generate an activation.
The sensor heads can be rotated to give complete coverage of a 180 degree area if required.
Alternatively, two detectors can be used to create a rectangular detection area, which can be beneficial if a system is being used to monitor activity in a processing area, warehouse or depot.
To allow a high degree of flexibility, the sensors can be configured for AND/OR operation.
Configurations are simple to implement via DIP switches. Pulse count and detector sensitivity can also be adjusted in the field to ensure accurate performance.
A.I. Tech: AI-Intrusion
AI-Intrusion is an alarm-based video analytics module from the AI-Security range. It identifies intrusions into sterile zones and the crossing of virtual lines. The analytics module can either be run on a system server or can be implemented at the edge through compatible devices from either Hanwha Techwin or Axis Communications.
The AI-Intrusion PRO version supports traditional intrusion detection features. Users are able to define an unlimited number of crossing lines, allowing more complex scenarios to be detected with ease. With multiple lines it is possible to ensure a trigger is only generated if a valid target (for example a person of vehicle) crosses a sequence of virtual lines rather than just a single line.
This allows the generation of logical triggers, similar in concept to the traditional double-knock approach, increasing the reliability of intrusion detection as well as offering increased flexibility for business intelligence or automation triggering.
IPS: IPS Loitering Detection
Currently, IPS offers a wide range of different edge- or server-based video analytics modules via the IPS AnalyticsManager platform. The IPS Loitering Detection analytics rule is ideal for effective detection of people remaining in a protected area for a prescribed period of time.
The module detects if a person or group of people remain in a certain area or in a specified position for a time that is defined by the user. Differing time windows can be allocated to individual zones. Once an alarm zone has been created and an individual dwell time set, an alarm signal will be generated as soon as the time limit is exceeded.
The IPS Loitering Detection module is flexible and can be deployed in indoor and outdoor applications. It provides perimeter, site and intrusion protection of sensitive areas by reliably monitoring open areas, fences, train stations, industrial plants and buildings. A number of prisons throughout Europe also rely on the IPS solution.
As well as offering a wide range of security benefits, loitering detection can also be deployed for a number of other reasons including health and safety and site management.
All IPS video analytics include a graphical user interface which allows intuitive setting of the individual analytics modules. The parameters are critical to reliable performance and so have been made simple to implement to ensure high levels of accuracy. The definition of the object size, for example, ensures that only people are detected as alarm targets.
The use of numerous filters enables reliable detection, even in adverse weather conditions such as fog or snow.
Luminite: BoundaryShield
BoundaryShield from Luminite is a wireless active IR beam detector which is also compatible with the company’s Genesis wireless product range. This allows the beam sensors to be used side-by-side with long range PIR detectors on the same system.
Active infrared beams are well established as security sensors, especially where perimeters or entrance/exits need to be protected. However, they can also lend themselves to a wide range of triggering applications due to the fact that anything breaking the beam can be used to trigger actions or notifications.
The BoundaryGuard beams have a rear battery compartment that accommodates two Lithium D cells such as the LSH20 (batteries are not included when the detectors are purchased).
A Genesis wireless transmitter is included, built in to the battery housing. This ensures the BoundaryGuard is a compact single product solution. The battery housing and transmitter can be detached and mounted separately if required.
For larger systems, the use of repeaters can enable extended relay of signals around the site. However, the Luminite transmission capability is quoted as in excess of 1 kilometre without the use of additional repeaters.
Xtralis: ADPRO Pro-E PIR
The ADPRO PRO E-series of external PIR detectors have been engineered to provide high levels of reliability and accuracy. The Pro-E generation of sensors evolved from the Xtralis perimeter protection technology and the Pro series detetors.
Features include a 220 metre detection range, 360 degree tamper protection, the iCommission feature designed to enable one-person installation and wireless connectivity.
The Xtralis Adpro Pro-E devices are designed to deliver accurate and reliable performance in hostile environmental conditions.
The detector series includes a variety of models to optimally address a wide range of performance needs. It includes volumetric medium-range units, volumetric wide-angle detectors, curtain-based medium-range sensors, directional curtain-based units, as well as long range and super long range curtain units.
SICK: LMS1 Series
The LMS1 series detectors from SICK includes cost-effective 2D LiDAR sensors which are capable of delivering detection ranges of up to 50 metres. The sensors are designed with integral multi-echo technology and advanced algorithms to ensure reliable and consistent performance regardless of ther environmental conditions.
The compact detectors include a ruggedised housing which is rated to IP 67, along with an integrated heating which enables an operational temperature range between –40 degrees and +60 degrees C.
Detection data is output via an interface in real time, enabling numerous applications to benefit from the accuracy on offer. The number of switching outputs can be expanded if required and simple integration makes the units installer-friendly.
Risco Group: LuNAR PIR
The LuNAR PIR is a digital 360-degree ceiling mounted passive infrared detector with a low profile housing to ensure it is discreet. While 360-degree detectors are used less in intruder detection applications, when it comes to triggering for business intelligence or automation the devices make a lot more sense.
Ceiling-mount 360-degree sensors can be used to monitor general movement in a specified area and can therefore activate building systems or create notifications if a part of the building is occupied. Also, for automation and power control, the wide area coverage allows automated switching to be implemented in a cost-effective manner.
The LuNAR PIR has been designed using proven components to deliver reliable operation in a range of applications. The detector utilises a dual element PIR sensor with digital temperature compensation.
The dual element detector gives a total coverage of 12 metres in diameter with a mounting height of 2.8–4 metres. To aid installation the sensor includes integral double EOL resistors which are jumper-selectable.
VCA: ITS650LD-A36
The ITS650LD-A36 is a compact and lightweight thermal imaging device from VCA, which utilises a 12µm uncooled vanadium oxide microbolometer. The imager incorporates the company’s video analytics, enabling use in a range of applications. A number of rules are included as standard, while the full range requires an additional licence. The camera is billed as a cost-effective entry-level thermal imager.
The imager has a fairly low resolution of 206 x 156 pixels and is fitted with a 4mm fixed lens. Streams are output in H.264 or M-JPEG format at 9fps. Dual streaming is supported, as is two-way audio and edge-based recording using a MicroSD card.
Alarms can be supported via on-board I/Os (1 in, 2 out). The imager supports PoE or traditional 12V DC low power.
The on-board video analytics include detection for direction, dwell, enter zone, exit zone and tamper.