A spotlight on HVM

on the bear enclosure, time was short: the installation needed to be completed within two weeks, in time for the bears to begin their hibernation.

A solution for all seasons

KIS Fire and Security selected IDIS’s DCS6283HRXL 2MP 36x Lightmaster PTZs because, while operating at low bandwidth and minimising storage requirements, they deliver live view and image capture in full HD resolution. With IR cut filter and auto switch, they capture clear footage in full darkness up to distances of 350m. Their 120dB true WDR dynamic range, backlight compensation, and advanced image control settings including self-adjusting video mode sharpness, means they cope with rapid changes in light in the woodland setting.

KIS set up the Lightmaster cameras to deliver a clear view of fences and outdoor habitats; and they installed 5MP IR vandal and weather resistant domes to cover the bear enclosures. Previously installed cameras had proved susceptible to rough handling by the bears.

Plug-and-play connection ensured problemfree installation, which reduced installation time and was particularly important with hard-to-reach cameras covering the site’s raised Bear Wood walkway.

The KIS team also installed full supporting infrastructure including fibre-links, cat-6 cable, and a data cabinet. Video is streamed back to the site’s meeting room and an IDIS 32-channel NVR ensures 30-day storage.

With Bristol Zoo beginning the next phase of its two-year relocation and development journey from late 2022 to 2024, the cost-free IDIS Center software provides an easy to use operating with the ability to seamlessly scale up to IDIS Solution Suite as the site expands.

The solution also helps the zoo to future-proof its security. The ability to integrate with an unlimited number of devices, including third party cameras, reduces costs and makes future expansion simpler.

Adam Evans, Head of IT at Bristol Zoological Society commented: “Our IDIS video solution, delivered by KIS Fire & Security, gives us the best long-term value with the flexibility to scale and adapt as the park develops. Looking ahead, IDIS also makes it easy for us to take advantage of AIpowered analytics and integrate with wider systems.”

Adam also indicated that once the attraction expands, the Society plans to integrate the system with Microsoft Active Directory to make it easy to manage access rights centrally and securely. He highlighted the low total cost of ownership (TCO) delivered by the IDIS solution, thanks to its lower bandwidth requirements, reduced maintenance burden and transparent VMS pricing structures.

The end-to-end IDIS video solution now gives the zoo’s operational team and managers domainwide awareness of enclosures and perimeters, with an intuitive interface that makes it easy for them to handle multi-task surveillance operations without specialist training.

As well as ensuring that fences are intact, the system will allow continuous monitoring of animals, for example allowing them to be watched over but not disturbed during periods of hibernation.

This will help to enhance the security and welfare of staff, visitors, and animals, both now and long into the future. KIS set up the Lightmaster cameras to deliver a clear view of fences and outdoor habitats; and they installed 5MP IR vandal and weather resistant domes to cover the bear enclosures. Previously installed cameras had proved susceptible to rough handling by the bears

SECURITY

A spotlight on HVM solutions

Public venues could be legally required to devise and provide security plans specifically for a terror attack. Richard Winstanley at BFT Automation looks at Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) solutions as part of a protective security strategy

There are numerous HVM solutions which range from automatic bollards and HVM street furniture to static columns and temporary barriers

Under the Government’s Protect Duty Bill, venues regularly used by the public such as arenas, tourist attractions and shopping centres (with a capacity of 100 persons or more) will be legally required to consider the risk of terror attacks as part of their security strategies.

Otherwise known as ‘Martyn’s Law’, the introduction of the Bill follows the campaign launched by the mother of Martyn Hett, who was among those who tragically lost their lives in the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017. The Bill took a step closer to becoming legislation when it was included in the latest Queen’s Speech.

While this will require a thorough overview of a venue’s security operations, as hostile vehicles have become increasingly relied on by those seeking to launch an attack, it will be important to consider Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) as part of a protective security strategy.

Finding the right solution

There are numerous HVM solutions which range from automatic bollards and HVM street furniture to static columns and temporary barriers.

If rammed by a truck travelling at speed, conventional barriers may slow the vehicle, but could still be displaced beyond the point of impact and may still strike at anyone in the immediate vicinity. The simplest and most versatile solution is to install anti-terrorism bollards, either fixed or retractable, which offer protection without impeding on the movement of pedestrians and cyclists.

Retractable bollards offer flexibility to accommodate temporary changes in traffic flow, allowing access for emergency and operational vehicles.

For example, BFT’s X-Pass range of automatic bollards is an ideal choice for settings where there’s a need for flexibility to accommodate temporary changes in traffic flow or events. Each bollard has its own selfcontained hydraulic pump unit, allowing it to be raised or lowered with just one command.

BFT Automation is part of the Somfy group. For more information visit:

Expert advice

When exploring HVM solutions, a useful starting point is the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI), a Government-backed resource for physical and personnel protective security. The website includes an interactive online list of vehicle security barriers that meet all regulations and standards, including crash test certification.

Also, the Perimeter Security Suppliers Association (PSSA) – of which BFT is a member – has a dedicated hub of information purely on HVM.

A site assessment to look at how the HVM solution would work in practice is, of course, advisable and working with a manufacturer that offers more than just a manual gives access to advice and support when making recommendations and when approaching an installation.

“Smart cameras, such as those running on the Azena platform, are making arenas and event venue experiences more enjoyable and secure for both fans and staff”

Photo: Pittsburgh Penguins Photo: Aramark Sports & Entertainment

Cameras on AI platform boost retail operations for NHL team

Azena has revealed that NHL franchise, the Pittsburgh Penguins, is testing Azena’s platform for smart cameras to explore ways to improve operational efficiencies throughout the team’s home venue, PPG Paints Arena. The Penguins hope to streamline wait times at busy concession stands on game days in real time and leverage enhanced retail analytics in its fan stores to increase arena retail sales.

Azena’s operating platform for smart cameras integrates with existing video surveillance systems and provides ready-to-use Artificial Intelligence-enhanced video analytics applications designed to run simultaneously directly on the camera and can be easily changed based on needs, much like on a smartphone.

The upcoming implementation by the Penguins is part of a growing trend within the sports and entertainment venue market to enhance fan experience by leveraging video and data analytics and IoT technology to add value to the spectator journey, while at the same time ensuring security.

“The Pittsburgh Penguins are very excited to see the benefits of the Azena analytics in action,” said Erik Watts, Chief Technology Officer for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Using Azena queue detection applications on smart cameras from Azena partner Vivotek, the cameras can be used to detect lines at food and beverage stands as they form and notify employees to promptly increase staffing at busy checkouts, minimising congestion and increasing sales. The Penguins can use the data gathered by the queue analytics application to help streamline their already installed touchless ordering system for mobile phones, which estimates wait time, directs fans to the kiosk where their order is ready, and integrates with POS systems to remove the order from the queue.

These analytics have the power to improve the game day experience in real time, but also over time, as the data can identify trends in overall traffic on specific days, or times of day, enabling management to optimise staffing through actionable insights.

“Smart cameras, such as those running on the Azena platform, are making arenas and event venue experiences more enjoyable and secure for both fans and staff,” said Andrew Seymour, Business Development Manager at Azena. “The analytics offered by apps available on the Azena platform have the potential to transform the game day experience.”

The cameras will be used to analyse the popularity of certain displays using heat mapping and enable staff to optimise merchandise placement within the store. This technology also helps arena retail operations make more informed decisions on staffing and inventory as the analytics identify patterns in customer store traffic and purchasing behaviour.