CCTV has traditionally been viewed as a re-active system, with some degree of deterrent effect.
Manufacturers are now releasing active deterrent cctv cameras.
In this article we look at the difference between active deterrent cameras and standard cctv cameras.
Built In PIR (Passive Infra-Red) Sensor.
Standard cctv systems rely on video motion detection. When a change is detected in the video pixels, the camera recognizes this as motion.
The problem has been that many factors can affect the pixels in an image, and simple sunlight, shadows, and even the camera switching from color to IR can be detected as motion. Video motion detection is considered very unreliable as a result.
Active Deterrent cameras now include anoptical Passive Infra Red sensor on the camera.
Effectively the camera is now similar to the motion detectors that are deployed in your home, as part of the alarm system. The camera also now has dual motion detector methods – video and optical detection.
In theory the dual detection should reduce false alarm rates.
In addition to the dual detection methods the camera adds a visual aspect to the alarm event. It is now simple to verify visually whether an alarm event is a false alarm or not.
Active Deterrent Cameras now perform the same function as an outdoor motion detection beam, but add video verification in the event of an alarm.
Keep in mind that the detection range is around 10m – regardless of how far the camera is rated to see, and that the optical detector will be just as sensitive to activation by animals, and large birds – as an outdoor beam would be.
Improving the accuracy of detection is being addressed through the application of AI algorithms. These algorithms are being taught to seperate humans, vehicles and other specific objects from the common items like waving plants, and shadows that normally cause false alarms.
There is still a lot of work to be done before these AI technologies can be considered effective.
Built In Motion Activated Spotlight
Light is one of the most effective deterrents against intrusion.
Seperate motion activated spot lights are commonly deployed in areas vulnerable to intrusion.
The Active Deterrent camera now includes a motion activated spotlight – built in.
The Deterrent value of the camera is increased by a significant factor with it’s initial deterrent value, enhanced by activating a white light spot light when motion is detected.
Built In Siren
Active Deterrent cameras take it a step further by including a built in siren. These sirens can be quite loud at up to 110db.
Flashing red and blue beacons are initiated along with the siren on some models. Other m odels include voice warnings as well.
It is of slight concern that with the detection not being 100% reliable – a loud piercing siren being activated falsely – could become a source of annoyance.
Alarm Monitoring
The Active Deterrent camera is configured to push alerts and snapshots to a subscribers smart phone when an event is detected.
Additionally, some of these cameras can be hooked up to a zone on your home alarm panel. Or the cameras can interface with your home alarm by connecting an alarm interface box to your DVR or NVR or through a network interface.
CCTV is evolving from it’s purely reactive reputation.
Cameras now perform their normal role but include the role of your home motion detectors, outdoor beams, and motion detector spotlights all in one.
While they may be as susceptible to false alarms as these detectors are, they do offer the added benefit of being able to visually verify – immediately, whether the alarm is false or not.
For more information on cctv, you can visit the Gensix Technology Blog – a leading security system integrator for all security systems – such as cctv, alarms, electric fences, gate automation, intercoms and access control.
