Benchmark looks at 12 products and systems of interest for security installers and system integrators actively involved in the creation of perimeter protection solutions.
Navtech Radar: AdvanceGuard
AdvanceGuard solution is a fully automatic surveillance system which can identify the precise location of intruders, regardless of weather conditions. Operators are alerted with notifications or alarms if there is a potential or actual perimeter breach. By detecting events before a breach occurs, threats can be mitigated at an early stage.
AdvanceGuard uses radar technology for detection and enables 360 degree coverage inside and outside of perimeters, with the ability to track targets accurately to within 25cm of their location.
Alerts are displayed on a digital map, delivering real-time situational awareness of incidents. The software is customisable and supports an unlimited number of rules. These mimic the intelligence of security operators and provide alarms based on tracked behaviours.
The manufacturer claims that AdvanceGuard generates an average of one false alarm each day, providing optimum performance in terms of detection and response. The software contains a tracker that can detect and follow 200 targets per radar device, detecting behaviour and movement outside normal parameters. The software can also be connected to a site’s existing video surveillance system.
When there is an alarm, PTZ cameras automatically focus on areas of interest.
Takex: TXF-125E
The TXF-125E is a battery powered active infrared beam detector from Takex. The batteries can be used to power a wireless transmitter through a battery sharing function. The detectors feature an increased beam pitch, in common with the hard-wired versions of the sensor. Takex claims that this reduces occurrences of nuisance activations.
The TXDF-125E has a quoted range of 100 metres. Range is selectable, and other option are 75, 50 and 25 metres. The manufacturer also states that unit power is 100 times greater than required to deliver consistent performance in harsh environmental conditions. The modulated pulsed beam can be set at one of four frequencies to prevent cross-talk when devices are stacked.
The detectors are designed for fast and simple optical alignment; an optional wireless alignment checker is also available.
Battery life is quoted as five years for both the transmitter and receiver units.
Performance in Benchmark testing was very good, and all breaches were correctly detected and signalled. These included rapid motion and attempts at evading detection. Even in poor climatic conditions the detectors were both reliable in terms of catch performance and stable.
Luminite: OCULi
The OCULi wireless PIR camera from Luminite enables rapid deployment video verification of perimeter violations. OCULi makes use of 3G mobile technology to enable transmission to remote locations. Alarm incidents can be viewed on the manufacturer’s free mobile app or via an online monitoring platform.
Designed for simple and fast installation, OCULi is a standalone perimeter protection option. As no peripheral equipment is required at the protected site, this makes it ideal where temporary solutions are needed.
The detection and video verification device is powered by two lithium D batteries. Operational life is quoted as one year.
Around-the-clock protection is available as the unit features integral infrared illumination. This, coupled with a detection range of 15 metres and a coverage pattern of 90 degrees ensures flexibility with regard to options when it comes to perimeter deployments.
Bosch: MIC IP fusion 9000i
The MIC IP fusion 9000i camera from Bosch delivers a very interesting proposition for perimeter applications where video analytics is deployed. Designed to provide early detection in mission-critical applications, the camera offers dual video and thermal imaging capabilities. However, it goes beyond the capabilities of other such solutions by ensuring that any IVA alerts are easily understood by an operator, regardless of conditions at the site.
Many installers and integrators will be familiar with the MIC series camera’s ruggedised design, making it suited for applications in harsh conditions. The MIC IP fusion 9000i incorporates a high performance thermal imaging core and an HD1080p low-light day/night video camera integrated in the same housing, delivering simultaneous thermal and video streams.
The high sensitivity thermal imager is equipped with a fixed focal length athermal lens that balances the field of view with the maximum detection distance.
Many might think that the ‘fusion’ designation refers to the fact that the camera has two cores: thermal and video. However, the camera also ‘fuses’ IVA alerts by showing them on both output streams regardless of which camera stream has generated the alarm. By combining the IVA data captured by both the thermal imager and the video camera, the MIC IP fusion 9000i camera provides increased situational awareness and ensures early object detection.
When an event is detected, the operator can click inside the alarm overlay box to switch to the other image if necessary. This means that where detail might be low or information obscured by climatic or environmental conditions, the operator can view both video and thermal footage to quickly ascertain the exact cause of any alarm.
OPTEX: RLS-2020S
OPTEX offers the RLS-2020S laser detector, which can be used for outdoor perimeter-based applications. Delivering a 20 x 20 metre detection range, the sensor accurately detect objects and people passing through the virtual shield and triggers linked PTZ-enabled camera to preset positions, pinpointing intruders and tracking them across zones.
The sensor features an enhanced microprocessor that provides powerful detection capabilities. Captured data is then relayed to a VMS or other alarm system to provide a quicker, more accurate response.
The sensor is PoE compliant, and can send alarms via traditional relay outputs or by using its IP-based Redwall event code that is integrated with all major VMS platforms.
The RLS-2020S has a number of environmental resistance features to minimise false alarms in a wide range of hostile weather conditions. In external applications a mounting height of 4 metres or more is recommended.
The sensor can be configured for vertical and horizontal detection modes, with four adjustable detection areas with an IP connection. Three outputs can be assigned, with selectable anti-rotation, anti-masking, soiling, trouble, tamper or DQ (environmental disqualification circuit) outputs.
The IP66 unit also features a paintable housing to suit a wide range of aesthetic needs.
Came: Bx Gate Automators
The Bx series is a solution for sliding gates weighing up to 800kg and up to 20 metres in length. The automators meet legislative standards due to the use of new command electronics. Variants include 230v versions, as well as low power devices.
The Bx range includes several automators to meet a wide range of needs. Models include appropriate safety features such as obstacle detection and emergency mode in case of power outages, the automators can also support plug-in modules to allow the use of radio frequency credentials, thus enhancing ease of use.
The Bx series of automators is equipped with adjustable feet, allowing them to be used on uneven surfaces, thus eliminating the need for civil works at some sites. This also makes alignment with the gate a simpler task.
Precise movement control enables a limited opening angle, allowing pedestrians to pass through. An advanced electronic circuit cancels all movement if an obstacle is detected.
Xtralis: Adpro Pro E
The ADPRO PRO E series of perimeter detection devices includes a variety of devices with ranges up to 200 metres. It features seven zones and uses mirror optics for precise detection. Advanced digital signal processing and adaptive threshold discrimination are utilised to eliminate nuisance activations. There are models available which also allow the use of directional discriminations, ignoring motion moving either from right-to-left or left-to-right.
Detection of intruders can be achieved if they are walking, running or crawling. Detection covers motion at speeds of 0.2 to 5 metres per second. Sensitivity of the detector can be adjusted using software tools.
Xtralis has designed the PRO E to be simpler to install and commission, and has created a range of extras with the installer or integrator in mind.
Settings can be made using a software tool via an RS485 connection. Xtralis also offers the iCommission tool, enabling one-person alignment from ground level. This utilises a plug-in tool with wireless comms and a smartphone app. During walk testing the alignment of the detector can be automatically adjusted, enabling one person commissioning.
The PRO E range is available as a standard detector, an IP variant or as a wireless unit. The latter’s receivers are compatible with a range of third party devices, and battery life is quoted as up to two years.
Senstar: FlexZone
FlexZone from Senstar is a fence-mounted sensor system which detects any attempt to cut, climb or otherwise break through the fence. It can also provide a location of the attack, allowing a security team to respond swiftly when a violation occurs. The locations of intrusions can be accurately indicated, even if multiple simultaneous intrusions occur. The system is also not affected by background environmental noise, according to the manufacturer.
FlexZone can protect a fence-based perimeter over distances of up to 600 metres per FlexZone processor. Location accuracy is claimed to be within 3 metres.
Each processor manages up to 60 customisable detection zones. Power and alarm data is transmitted over the sensor cables, reducing infrastructure requirements for any installation.
The system’s digital signal processing allows flexibility when installing the system, as it can adapt to a number of fence fabrics.
Minute levels of flexing in the sensor cable can be detected, and high-speed sampling enables the processor to capture precise data from the fence signal. It then uses dedicated perimeter-based algorithms to discriminate between intrusion signals and innocuous environmental noise. This increases catch performance while also reducing nuisance alarm activations.
SICK & The Hawkeye Effect: LaserGuardian
LaserGuardian from SICK and The HawkEye Effect utilises laser-based detection and GPS mapping technology to precisely locate where an intrusion has occurred, and pinpoint it on an overview of the protected site. This enables users to quickly and accurately ascertain the location of an intrusion, thus allowing a faster response.
The system also provides an image stitching. This bring together video sources from absolute positioning PTZ cameras, driven the captured data from the laser scanners to track intruders in real time. Not only does LaserGuardian deliver enhanced visual verification, but it also provides accurate real-time tracking of threats as they pass from the perimeter into the site.
The system creates customised maps in minutes using GPS-style coordinates which are established using the co-ordinates generated by the laser-based devices. The system can operate in all weather conditions, and is simple to configure and use.
The laser measurement sensors make use of high-speed sampling multi-echo technology to capture five measurements for each emitted pulse. Installers and integrators can choose between a field of view of 190 degrees and a coverage pattern of up to 160 metres in diameter, or a field of view of 270 degrees and coverage of up to 80 metres in diameter.
Redvision: Volant
Redvision offers VOLANT, a silent and highly accurate rugged PTZ camera. It incorporates a number of features which make it ideal for perimeter protection, such as a durable die-cast aluminium body, a flat optically-correct window with wiper and a camera allowing viewing vertically downwards.
VOLANT uses direct drive brushless motors for fast operation and continuous rotation in both the pan and tilt axis. It will pan at speeds of up to 420° per second to pre-set positions, or down to 0.05 degrees per second when tracking a target at maximum zoom. The motors offer positional accuracy to 0.01 degrees.
If the camera is knocked out of position, the motors’ positional intelligence will return it to the correct position.
Cameras in the VOLANT range include IP and analogue models, integrated adaptive IR and white light LED illuminators, along with a thermal and video combination.
FLIR: PT-Series HD
The PT-Series HD thermal imagers from FLIR features a high-performance 4X optical zoom thermal lens with autofocus. The lens technology is claimed to provide a wider zoom range and improved thermal imaging performance compared to previous generations of FLIR lenses.
The upgraded range also offers a wider range of fixed focal length fast lens options.
The cameras use a combination of thermal technology alongside video, and so are able to capture thermography-based images in a wide variety of conditions including complete darkness, bright sunlight, smoke, dust and light fog.
Thermal imaging, when correctly specified, can provide superior image capture for perimeter protection applications, including for use with video analytics at the perimeter.
The visible-light video imaging element delivers HD1080p resolution, combined with 30X optical zoom with auto-focus. Low light capabilities for the video element are quoted as 0.01 lux. Video is supported in H.264 or M-JPEG formats.
The PT-Series HD delivers simultaneous IP and analogue outputs: thermal and visible-light. It also features IP and serial control interfaces to enable simpler integrations.
The VOx uncooled thermal sensor technology is sun-safe, so is not damaged if the imager is pointed directly at the sun.
The 640 x 480 resolution thermal products are based on 17-micron pixel pitch arrays, with optional continuous zoom or fixed focal lens options. The devices are suitable for integration with third party VMS packages and are also ONVIF compliant.
Raytec: Smart Control
The new range of networked illuminators from Raytec allows the illumination devices to be utilised in new ways thanks to greater levels of control. The networked illuminators can be used to supplement surveillance at perimeters, but can also be used as a deterrent by implementing smarter control over operation.
For example, lighting can be flashed to indicate that an alarm condition exists, thus creating a deterrent whilst also providing a ‘first stage’ alarm if necessary.
Lighting intensity can also be increased or decreased, thus allowing high levels of security but also ensuring that light pollution does not occur. This approach also allows ‘courtesy’ implementations.