PTZ cameras: areas of application, installation features.

PTZ cameras: areas of application, installation features.

PTZ cameras occupy a special place among video cameras used in video surveillance systems. The use of PTZ cameras allows solving the problem of video surveillance of large open spaces by controlling the position of their viewing areas. This type of camera can operate both indoors and outdoors. This allows you to protect the most important zones for a particular object and display them at the operator's workplace when an alarm occurs. PTZ cameras have a much larger coverage area than fixed cameras. At the same time, the protected area may contain one or more zones that are of great importance: when an alarm occurs, the main attention of the security personnel should be directed precisely to these zones. At the same time, the rest of the territory should also remain under control. PTZ camerasThe operating principle of PTZ video cameras was developed quite a long time ago, but this equipment has not received widespread distribution. The main reason is its high cost. Naturally, a number of other factors can be named that prevent the mass use of PTZ cameras. However, recently, prerequisites for their wider distribution have appeared, despite the fact that today's prices for PTZ cameras still cannot be called low.
It should be noted that two fundamentally different methods can be used to monitor a protected area. The first is to connect several fixed video cameras covering a certain area without the ability to track. The second is to use a rotating video camera that changes its position in space under the control of software or an operator.
There are two main types of PTZ video cameras. The first is a fixed video camera mounted on a swivel mechanism. A more complex and modern one is a high-speed PTZ video camera in a light-transmitting casing in the form of a dome or ball. This is a logically complete device that consists of the following parts: a processor, a casing, a switching module, a lightweight frameless video camera, a lens, a swivel device and a power supply. The fixed position of a fixed video camera determines its main advantages and disadvantages. It can be used to constantly monitor a certain area, but if the installation is unsuccessful, the efficiency of its use is sharply reduced, especially when new factors arise that affect the security of the facility.
PTZ cameras (Pan/Tilt/Zoom) allow visual patrolling of the video surveillance area: the operator outlines the path along which the review will take place at several points with the ability to zoom in and out of the image. The process can be automated when there is a need to carry out surveillance according to a specified algorithm.
Currently, there is a fairly large range of PTZ cameras on the market, which differ in both internal and external design. An important difference is the connection interface (analog or IP), the presence of such functions as an alarm processing mechanism, pan/tilt speed, patrol, a system for tracking moving objects, object masking, and video data compression technology.
Systems equipped with PTZ cameras are quite an effective means of video surveillance. Common reasons that prevent an intruder from being detected in a protected area include technical imperfections of the device (low rotation speed, limited transmission of control signals, poor location of the video camera, etc.), as well as the human factor, which often comes to the fore. An incorrect trajectory of the camera, incorrect settings and camera movements in the event of an intruder being detected or rapid developments — all this can lead to the loss of valuable information.
Thanks to an impressive number of settings, PTZ cameras can replace several conventional cameras and make the video surveillance system more mobile.

PTZ cameras have the ability to monitor a larger area than conventional CCTV cameras, and the protected facility may have several of the most important zones.
Very often, PTZ video cameras are used to protect complex objects. The cameras are integrated with perimeter security systems and serve to verify the authenticity of alarms. If the security system has the ability to localize the alarm, the video cameras can be turned in a predetermined direction, so the operator does not need to constantly watch the image from the monitor, he can pay attention only in case of an alarm. Here it is very important to place the cameras in the correct order. There are many options for installing PTZ video surveillance cameras. These can be vertical or horizontal surfaces, with or without cast brackets, external corners of buildings or interior spaces, pillars, parapets and other protrusions, and for cameras with an internal installation method — suspended ceilings.

An important point when installing cameras is the vibration resistance of the camera mounting mechanism, so it is preferable to use cameras with a digital image stabilization algorithm, which neutralizes camera vibration in both the vertical and horizontal planes, thereby providing a clearer picture. This technology plays a decisive role in multiple zooms, when a shift in the camera position by just a centimeter can shift the field of view by more than half a meter.

Axis 233D Day/Night PTZ Network Camera with Microphone and 450/s Pan Speed

The high-speed IP day/night camera Axis 233D from the Swedish company Axis Communications is the standard for PTZ IP cameras from many manufacturers. Its fundamental difference from its analogues is the use of a 35x zoom lens, a built-in microphone, and a high-precision PTZ device that allows you to change the pan and tilt speed in the range from 0.05 to 450/s.

This camera transmits MPEG-4/M-JPEG compressed video and synchronous audio over the network with a resolution of up to 704 x 576 pixels and a frequency of 25 fps, and a switchable IR filter allows using the Axis 233D for round-the-clock video surveillance at an illumination of 0.5 lux during the day and 0.008 lux at night. A thermal housing is additionally supplied for operation of the camera in outdoor conditions.

Jec (China) ET 8011/NC Video Camera

The video cameras of this series are equipped with a 26x zoom lens with a Sony matrix. The cameras are controlled using Pelco D/Pelco P protocols via the RS-485 interface.

A distinctive feature of these cameras is the presence of 4 alarm inputs (for connecting sensors) and 2 alarm outputs (connecting actuators). When an alarm signal is sent to one of the outputs, the camera can start a programmed patrol tour or turn to a specified preset. These cameras can be installed both indoors and outdoors. The operating temperature range is from -30 ° C to +50 ° C, which corresponds to the climate of central Russia.

Spectra IV SE Horizon Day/Night Speed ​​Dome Camera with Extended WDR and Increased Tilt Angle (Pelco)

The Spectra IV SE Horizon Day/Night Speed ​​Dome Camera from Pelco is designed for 24/7 indoor or outdoor surveillance. Unlike other models in the Spectra IV series, this camera has an increased tilt angle, expanding its field of view to +18 above the horizon.

With a movable IR filter, it automatically switches from color to black and white mode when the illumination on the object is below 0.5 lux, and its sensitivity can reach 0.00014 lux. Spectra IV SE Horizon has a resolution of 540 TVL, a dynamic range of 128 dB, is equipped with a 35x zoom with autofocus, supplemented by 12x digital zoom and a pan/tilt device with 256 programmable presets and a pan/tilt speed of up to 400 g/s.

Smartec STC-3905 high-precision day/night PTZ camera with 36x zoom lens

The silent STC-3905 day/night PTZ camera from Smartec is designed for round-the-clock indoor video surveillance, and when installed in a thermal housing, it can also operate outdoors. It is equipped with a movable IR filter, and its sensitivity in day mode is 1.4 lux, and in night mode — 0.01 lux with a constant resolution of 480 TVL.

The STC-3905 has a 36x zoom lens and a low-noise precision pan/tilt mechanism that supports Pelco protocols and provides 360° pan and 180° tilt at a maximum speed of 350°/s and a positioning accuracy of 0.024°. The STC-3905 pan/tilt device can be programmed for 165 presets and 8 learning tours.

PTZ dome cameras 686 series (JVC) TK-C686E and C686WPE

PTZ Dome cameras of the 686 series are equipped with a new Direct Drive mechanism, which provides unique characteristics of accuracy and speed of rotation, reliability of the camera and noiselessness of the mechanism. Both models are equipped with IT-CCD matrices (752 x 582 pixels), providing a resolution of 540 TVL. With the help of a mechanical IR filter, reliable round-the-clock surveillance is carried out. The cameras are available in two versions: TK-C686E — for indoor use and TK-C686WPE — for outdoor installation.

The operating temperature range of the TK-C686WPE is from -40 to +50 degrees. 36x zoom allows for detailed observation at long distances. The electronic image stabilizer compensates for fluctuations in the range of 1–5 Hz when the camera is installed on masts and towers. The outdoor version of the camera comes complete with an IP66 casing.
The new firmware version has supplemented the camera specifications with an image flip function. Now the cameras can be easily integrated into video conferencing systems in the case of desktop installation.

VN-V686U and VN-V686WPU (JVC)

The network version of JVC PTZ dome cameras is represented by the VN-V686U and VN-V686WPU models. These cameras have the same mechanical and optical characteristics as their analog versions.
As for network capabilities, it provides simultaneous transmission of two video streams: JPEG and MPEG-4 with a resolution of up to 640 x 480 and a frequency of up to 30 fps. The camera provides video transmission to 20 clients in unicast mode and an unlimited number of users in multicast mode. To work with alarm events, the cameras have a pre- and post-alarm buffer of 8 MB and are equipped with 2 input and 2 output alarm connectors.

VN-V686U/WPU have an open interface for system integration into any security systems. Since autumn, the cameras will be supplied with new firmware, which has given the camera the function of intelligent automatic tracking by a given object color with its simultaneous scaling on the screen. All camera settings can be controlled remotely via the built-in web server compatible with Windows XP/Vista.

Intelligent PTZ camera system AutoDome 500i series (Bosch)

The modular AutoDome camera system from Bosch is a revolutionary solution in the field of dome cameras. This is not just a series of cameras, it is a complete holistic platform built around a system of intelligent replaceable modules that allow you to quickly and cost-effectively update the functionality of the cameras.

Fully interchangeable processors, cameras, housings, communication modules and brackets, which allows you to quickly and inexpensively adapt the security system to changing conditions. Cameras with 36x, 26x and 18x day/night zoom with 12x digital zoom. Video motion detection, auto-tracking function, virtual masking technology. Hybrid functionality (additional) provides simultaneous compatibility with analog (coaxial) and IP equipment (MPEG-4). Masked sectors can have up to 5 corner points, which ensures masking of complex-shaped areas. Advanced alarm handling engine providing user-configurable alarm management. Video transmission over twisted pair (UTP cable) for all analog models.