Documentation of remote surveillance projects (part 2)

Words disappear, writings are forever and they are useful!

The process of documenting consists of putting together, in an easily accessible

document, several types of information related to the physical and operational
context of the remote surveillance system, including general warnings (warnings,
conditions of use, etc.). The targeted objectives are multiple:

 To analyze current and future operational needs

 To consider technological choices adapted to upgrading needs
 To determine costs of parts, labor and accessories
 To facilitate installation and technical support
 To increase general profitability
 To develop the reputation of excellence of the consulting and
technical support services

Physical context

Upon observing the physical context, we can understand how the “operations
theatre” runs, that is, how the staff works, how and when the motor vehicles
circulate, how the equipment is used and in what conditions, etc. Then, after
analyzing the context, the next step is to look at what exactly will be observed and
recorded.

· Where should the cameras be installed?

· What type of cabling should be used (coaxial, pairs, CAT5, etc.)?
· Are we subject to some kind of physical and environmental conditions that could
influence our choice of camera type and therefore it’s installation? (temperature and
lighting fluctuations, storm and vandalism protection, ducts, networking, feeder
cables, physical restraints, limited access, etc.)

You will find more information on how to chose cameras in our February and March
2007 newsletters.

http://www.spherevideo.com/Newsletter/newsletter_02_07.html
http://www.spherevideo.com/Newsletter/newsletter_03_07.html

Operational context

The operational context analysis aims to identify the remote surveillance’s scenarios
generally used (DVMS, Digital Video Management System). A DVMS allows us to
observe in real or in delayed time, i.e. to LOOK at events and LOOK at them again.
The DVMS allows us also to intervene once an event has been detected. As an
example, when a truck arrives at the booth, the driver is positively identified by the
system’s operator; he can then activate a relay button to open the gate. Also, a bi-
directional audio channel can be installed to improve communication.

www.spherevideo.com (514) 940-4346 Toll free/Sans frais (866) 415-0123

In other respects, the DVMS’s intelligent functionalities allow us to intervene without
an operator. As an example, once movement has been detected in a parking lot, an
audio warning can be automatically activated. Another example would be that a pre-
programmed motorized camera (PTZ) can automatically self-activate in the instance
of a movement, an alarm or a magnetic hold button or a preset schedule.

Finally, the analysis of the operational context aims at foreseeing different scenarios
on how to integrate to other systems or to external equipments such as
alarm/fire/access/lighting systems, air conditioning systems, motor or magnetic hold
button systems.

Relevant documentation

This is what the reference document should contain;

Location plan or floor map. This plan should graphically look like the fire escape
plan, which allows us to see where the doors, windows, stairs, etc. are positioned
and the numerous places a camera or an input/output device might be installed
(detector, relay, door contact, etc.). This plan must identify these devices, using
numbered icons that correspond to the other elements of the system. This plan must
also contain particular notes that correspond to specific constraints that could affect
the maintenance if needed (a hidden or a high suspended camera, cabling difficult to
access, DVMS installed in a secured casing, serial numbers, etc.).

Outline graph. This type of outline is a linear representation of all the hardware
connections of a remote surveillance system. It allows us to identify the types of
cameras, the power supply, the cabling and the connectors. It must also include the
network connectivity (via mural Ethernet plate, router, switch, hub, etc.). As in the
location plan, this outline must use a signing system (numbered devices) that
corresponds appropriately to the other elements of the system. Finally, it must
contain the specifics related to difficult access to the system.

And to continue…

When you are selling a remote surveillance project, you are selling much more than
a assemblage of parts (cameras, DVR, cables, etc.). In fact you are selling first and
foremost the attribute that is singling you out the most; you and your partners
expertise. Your competitiveness should not only be determine by the fact that you
offer a better price than the competitor; it should be first of all that you offer your
clients superior quality standards of precision and work methodology, a standpoint
they will surely appreciate. Therefore, do not neglect to adequately document your
remote surveillance projects. Thus, you will surely improve your awareness and
therefore global profitability.

Jean-Pierre Desjardins
President, Sphere Video

www.spherevideo.com (514) 940-4346 Toll free/Sans frais (866) 415-0123

 Schéma d’emplacement
(plan de localisation)

A
V Salle Informatique Salle Électrique
A Serveurs Panneau #1A 2B
N DVMS UPS1
T Camion
Contrôle d’accès Q1
UPS2

Q2

C1

Zone de C3
remplissage

G
Comptoir Porte #3

PAI
Sonnette
Expédition

A
R
R
Porte # 4 EA I
È
R
C3 E

C1, C2, C3: Caméras

Notes: Q1, Q2: Quais de chargement Projet: Sphere Vidéo
PAI (Panneau Alarme Incendie). Le contact au PAI provient d’un autre fournisseur Lieu: 2284 boul Industriel, Laval
Préparé par : Jean-Pierre Desjardins
EA : Électro-Aimant Téléphone: (514) 940-4346
G: Gache électrique Date: 1 février 2008
 Schéma unifilaire
(plan de raccordement)
UPS 1
**
Cam #1 (C1) Power Supply
300 mA, 12 VDC, paires # 18 stranded, 100 mètres 9 A, 16 sorties
vers PS1 PS1 ...
PS2 Porte #3
...
Gache
PS3 PS16 Expédition
Lieu: expédition (vue d’action 3/4 de l’activité aux portes 1 et 2). ...
Modèle: S-550/IR/3.5-8mm
G
PS
24 VDC
DVR #1
Vidéo Audio in
Cam#2 (C2) 450 mA, 12 VDC, paires # 18 stranded, RG 59, 50 mètres
V1 A1
vers PS2 V2 Audio out
V3 A1
Lieu: entrée principale (vue d’identification à 1,5 mètre de la porte, caméra fixée sous le parapet). ...
Modèle: D10/IR/6mm ... Alarmes X
V16 A1 O Sonnette
...
...
- Expédition

Relais ... Microphone

Cam#3 (C3)
R1 A16
300 mA, 12 VDC, paires # 18 stranded, 70 mètres
vers PS3 R2
R3 VGA 1
R4
Lieu: expédition (vue d’action du dessus de la zone de remplissage des boîtes par l’opérateur. RJ45
Hauteur 5 mètres, cadrage de 3M X 3M
Modèle: S550/IR/3.5-8mm

Système d’accès UPS 2

Porte #4 Entrée #5 *** **
# Contrôleur
#
#
Boucle
Alarme
Réseau *
Électro-Aimant Station
Manuelle # Horaire
Porte #4 IP: fvdvideo.no-ip.info
PS Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
24 VDC Gateway: 192.168.0.1
DNS: 192.168.0.1
PAI Switch client, port 9000
Panneau Alarme Incendie

Note:
Le contact au PAI provient
d’un autre fournisseur
Projet: Sphere Vidéo
Lieu: 2284 boul Industriel, Laval
* Accès à distance par redirection de port. Préparé par : Jean-Pierre Desjardins
Notes: ** Relié au panneau électrique # 1A 2B, circuit 22. Téléphone: (514) 940-4346
*** Requête d’ouverture de la porte #4 sur horaire (8h-17h) Date: 1 février 2008