Night Vision IR Camera Technology

Night vision technology has been around for approximately 50 years. The early night vision devices consisted of nothing more than an infrared spotlight and a photosensitive receiver to pick up its reflected beams; the vision quality was very poor. The next version enhanced the reception of passive IR emissions and followed with adding a micro channel plate, which multiplied the efficiency of the electron-photon conversion. The current version, which is utilized today by military and law enforcement agencies, has much better resolution and sensitivity.

Night vision cameras are very sensitive to thermal-infrared emissions and amplify them, converting a specific measurement of the invisible wavelength into an image on your monitor. Night vision cameras use technology known as image enhancement or image intensification.

Night vision cameras contain lenses that sense light at a higher frequency than thermal-infrared, any light from the more reflective infrared wavelengths to the barely visible red wavelengths. The light's photons are converted to electrons and amplified through a component called the photocathode. The electrons are then converted back into photons to produce a strong visible image on your camera's screen.

Ambervision I

By saturating an area with reflective infrared light, WTI’s night vision IR cameras (Ambervision I, II, LR and 940) create images with tremendously clear and crisp detail. Lighting up an area with both infrared and invisible infrared (AV-940) light greatly improves night vision in black and white.

To see WTI’s Ambervision I in action in both daytime and nighttime – check out this short clip on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXqaYJ1Adhw.

Lux rating refers to the minimum illumination in which the camera can pick up an image. The closer the Lux rating is to zero, the better the camera's performance in nighttime or low-light situations. WTI’s color day/night cameras with infrared LEDs can see at zero Lux, meaning the cameras can see in complete darkness. Other color day/night cameras WTI offers, like the Sidewinder (360 degree pan, 360 degree tilt, 35Xs Optical zoom cameras) and the C-MAX Ultra (fixed, 22Xs, 23Xs and 35Xs Optical zoom cameras), can see at 0.01 Lux.

Sidewinder

C-MAX Ultra

To see WTI’s Sidewinder in action in both daytime and nighttime – check out this short clip on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loH1z4WlBhA.

Color day/night cameras will automatically switch to black and white at night for optimum performance in a low light situation and switch back to color once the light level is adequate.

A night vision camera’s range is limited by the amount of reflected IR light it can detect. WTI’s Ambervision I has a range of 100 meters, the AV-LR (Long Range) 200 meters, the AV-II 21 meters, and the AV-940 has a range of 80 meters. Weather conditions affect the range as well. By adding extra infrared illumination, you can increase your camera's range.

WTI is an American (veteran) owned company that is ISO 9001:2000 certified and all of Wireless Technology, Inc.’s cameras are made right here in the USA. For more information or to see our complete line of CCTV and Wireless solutions, please visit us at http://www.gotowti.com.

~Lester Miyasaki, National Sales Manager

Decision: Analog or Megapixel?

Megapixel cameras have come a long way in the last few years. Many articles and technical documents reflect a general consensus that the future will be all megapixel cameras.

This is indeed the latest trend and a very likely future… a distant future.

Analog cameras have been around much longer and have a distinct maturity in product offerings. This is seen in variety as well as initial cost to purchase and install. Analog has a proven track record of reliability along with a very large and established install base. This install base reflects an investment that most are not willing to part with until the life of the unit has run its course and the time has come for it to be replaced.

Granted: IP based video systems are here and consideration of network integration for video surveillance and services is a must. Megapixel camera technology is still developing and growing. However, to maintain the existing video investment, many will implement an encoder at the analog video camera to create an IP based camera. Many will simply change the DVR to create an IP based access point for all the analog cameras.

Megapixel or analog is not a choice that needs to be made for the entire system.

The beauty of the megapixel camera trend at the edge of the video network is that it does give more choices in coverage and surveillance options when building new or enhancing an existing video system.

There is a definite place for megapixel cameras in many (and most) surveillance installations. The decision for this should be considered on a camera-by-camera basis with specific regard for what is being monitored, recorded, and recalled for viewing or video evidence purpose.

The general market still indicates analog to be the predominant camera of choice (reference Summary section on page 8 of Analog vs. IP Cameras):

http://www.aventuratechnologies.com/newsletter/DOCS/Aventura_Newsletter_02_Analog_vs_IP_Cameras.pdf

In repeat of a previous blog…
Be it a completely new video network or an update/extension/replacement of an existing video network, the end result that balances function, finance, video coverage, and video storage/recall will very likely be a hybrid video system which contains BOTH analog cameras and megapixel IP cameras.

** Try this live outdoor analog camera connected to an encoder **
http://www.gotowti.com/Info/WTI_SidewinderInternetDemo09.pdf



The following reading is recommended before deciding analog or megapixel:

1.) Choosing Analog or IP Camera Systems for Video Surveillance (CCTV) theCgisite.com (overview of considerations needed to make decision on a camera-by-camera basis):
http://www.thecgisite.com/detail/choosing-analog-or-ip-camera-systems-for-video-surveillance-cctv-35.html

2.) Megapixel Video for D.U.M.I.E.S. – Part 1 of 4 Security Sales & Integration (good coverage of megapixel video technology):
http://www.securitysales.com/resources/SS3dumies.pdf

3.) The difference between HD and megapixel surveillance cameras IP Security Watch (insightful perspective for 2009 HD versus megapixel):
http://www.ipsecuritywatch.com/web/online/IPSW-News/The-difference-between-HD-and-megapixel-surveillance-cameras/512$14934

4.) Megapixel Resolution Comparison Chart PULS Global (basic spec comparisons of megapixel cameras from a camera distributor):
http://www.puls-global.com/megapixel-cctv.htm

5.) The Truth about Megapixel Network Camera Technology Security International (perspective from a megapixel manufacturer):
http://www.security-int.com/categories/megapixel-network-camera-technology/the-truth-about-megapixel-network-camera-technology.asp

~David Scales, Chief Technology Officer

Decision: Analog or IP camera?

There is (and has been) a core industry shift moving everything to the network. It has been going on for quite some time. First data, then voice, now… the “eyes” have it!

Inevitably, ALL information will be on some type of IP based network. The clear choice is an IP camera. That was easy. Done!

Wait… as with anything, both analog and IP cameras have pros and cons.

The physical “eyes” collecting video: choose an analog video camera or an IP video camera? Even with a background in CCTV or networking, being faced with this question can be overwhelming.

In an effort to save time in discovery (of technical and cost information) and allow for an informed balance in the functional and financial decisions required when it comes to choosing analog cameras and/or IP cameras… the following is recommended reading:

1) Analog vs. IP Cameras Aventura Technologies:
(conveys great background information on both technologies with comparisons)
http://www.aventuratechnologies.com/newsletter/DOCS/Aventura_Newsletter_02_Analog_vs_IP_Cameras.pdf

2) Analog Video: Still King of the Hill? SecurityInfoWatch.com:
(a well-rounded perspective)
http://www.securityinfowatch.com/print/Security-Technology-Executive/Features/Analog-Video--Still-King-of-the-Hill-/19292SIW2

3) IP video surveillance standards Video/Imaging DesignLine:
(more insight towards IP future and further in-depth description of IP video capability)
http://www.videsignline.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=214502036&cid=NL_vidl

4) Basic search on term “Analog vs. IP” – the results reveal first hand experiences and choices made from education facilities to further technical papers on this subject. Note: over 26 million results from a standard search.

Be it a completely new video network or an update/extension/replacement of an existing video network, the end result that balances function, finance, video coverage, and video storage/recall will very likely be a hybrid video system which contains BOTH analog cameras and IP cameras.

~David Scales, Chief Technology Officer

Building a Sidewinder Series ~ Part 1: Hydrophilic Glass

Building a Sidewinder Series ~ The Technology of WTI’s Sidewinder Camera:



Part 1: Hydrophilic Glass

The latest in glass technology are “self-cleaning” and “low-maintenance” window glass, two categories which encompass window glass products that are coated or fused with titanium dioxide (TiO2) alone or with under-layers or silicon dioxide (SiO2).

CVD (Chemical Vapor Disposition) is the process of choice due to the inherent longevity of fusing TiO2 to the glass. TiO2 was chosen for use on WTI’s Sidewinder camera for its combined photocatalytic and hydrophilic properties.


Hydrophilicity – This term describes the property of a surface that makes it have an affinity for water. When water hits hydrophilic glass, it flattens and spreads out to form a thin sheet on the glass surface. This sheeting action not only helps rinse away loosened dirt and other organic material it also minimizes spots and streaks by helping the glass dry more quickly and evenly.

A glass surface is considered to be hydrophilic if the contact angle of a water bead on its surface is less than 20 degrees. In contrast, a hydrophobic surface (which promotes beading like that of a freshly waxed automobile) has a contact angle of more than 60 degrees. The contact angle on ordinary glass measures 20-40 degrees.


Photocatalysis – This term describes the property of a surface which allows it to decompose organic material. On a self-cleaning window, the surface of the glass will help break down loose dirt and other organic material. This allows the sheeting action of the water to more easily rinse loosened dirt away. This property also helps the glass maintain its hydrophilicity (ability to sheet water).





For more information on the Sidewinder camera, please visit us on the web at http://www.gotowti.com/.

High Definition P/T/Z Camera for ENG and Broadcast Applications

WTI’s HD Sidewinder



The new HD Sidewinder camera from Wireless Technology, Inc. offers several unique features that make it particularly well suited to the Mobile ENG and Broadcasting markets.

It's sleek, aerodynamic shape allows it to travel well at freeway speeds on the top of an ENG van. The curved outer housing smoothly directs the airflow over the camera tube at the rear of the camera during travel, preventing the camera faceplate from being damaged or contaminated by bugs, dirt, gravel or rain. The light weight 12.5 pound package, when compared with other P/T/Z cameras, presents much less of a load for camera masts to cope with during vehicle motion with the mast extended.

The pan motion of the camera operates through a continuous 360º, allowing the camera to remain on target, even if the ENG van must be in motion around the scene of the action. The 180º range in the tilt axis allows viewing of objects directly overhead or below as well.

The 1080i/720p resolution of the HD Sidewinder provides exceptional video quality. The HD Sidewinder also allows adjustment of critical camera video parameters such as Gamma and color balance. All of the standard features expected in modern cameras, such as backlight compensation are supported in the camera, as well as a wide selection of exposure modes, like shutter priority, iris priority, manual, spot and bright modes. The native YPbPr video output of the camera can be converted to HD-SDI with an optional interface device.

The HD Sidewinder offers an outstanding combination of features suitable for ENG and broadcast applications at a very affordable price.

~Dale Roche, Director of Engineering

Security Solutions: Westpark, Ventura, California

WESTPARK



Westpark is a community center within the city of Ventura. About ten (10) years ago it was a run down facility with old equipment and vandals around every corner. Wireless Technology, Inc. (WTI) was originally called in to do a wireless camera setup for the perimeter of the building. Four remote cameras, each on a stand alone pole viewing every section of the perimeter approach to the facility. Within days, the original setup was gunned down by gang members who made the center their hangout. The community center then had a better understanding to what lengths the gangs will go and approved a few minor, but critically important, upgrades. The camera housings were replaced with bullet resistant units, and three Ambervision I night vision cameras were added to the facility. After the upgrades the vandalism stopped in all areas of the facility. No more graffiti, no people getting mugged, and it became an all around safe place thanks to the design and setup of the WTI equipment.

Over the years, Westpark became a safe area where kids could go while their parents were at work. They play basketball, study, and hang out with their peers in a secure environment. As time went on, they opened a newly furnished basketball gym to the public for people eighteen and older; but, with the new gym and the increased traffic, came issues with fights and damages to the interior of the gym. That’s where we came in again.

The existing WTI cameras stayed right where they were; the new objective was to secure the primary entrance and the inside of the new gym; adding a total of five (5) new cameras to the setup. The first two (2) cameras were “bullet type” cameras that were placed facing the entrance, followed by two (2) covert “hidden” cameras pointing down the two side walls approaching the main door. The next camera, an additional Ambervision camera, was placed on a telephone pole that was about sixty (60) feet away from the building, set forty (40) feet up in the air, to give a strong visual, day or night, of the entire front of the building. With the camera additions, along with the existing seven (7) cameras, gave us a clear view of the entire outside of the building and key areas of the interior of the gym.

After we were comfortable with the way the project looked, we made a final walk through with the director of the facility. They expressed concerns with two possible entry points; one to the north gym and the other to the south near the primary door where we placed our first camera; the new problem areas were under the baskets at each end of the gym. We had narrowed it down to two options that we were going to go with. The first was a P/T/Z dome camera, and the second was two fixed cameras. After discussing the options with the director of the gym, we decided to go with fixed cameras. This was an easy decision after finding out that they would not have someone in the front office monitoring the P/T/Z camera at all times.

On the east and west of the gym, they decided to add two more fixed, vandal resistant, mini dome cameras about thirty five (35) feet up in the air to specifically monitor play on each side of the basketball court. The reason for this was to not only get a perfect visual of activity on the basketball court, but the cameras added an additional general view of the entry points, as mentioned before. This enabled them to have identifiable images of who is coming, and who is going and a wide general shot to see if a crowd was gathering anywhere. With the cameras up, the video in place, with a total of 16 cameras, the approximate 10,000 square foot facility was covered, inside and out.

We managed to bring all of these cameras back to a very confined main office, a place where people would come and go, non stop. We did this deliberately for two reasons: 1) This location was easily accessible, staffed at all times and all staff could go back and play the video if there were any problems; 2) As a deterrent, the LCD monitor for the system was mounted in plain view to the public as they entered the facility and passed by the office. The DVR (Digital Video Recorder) connected to the cameras is in a remote area of the office and is securely housed in a lockbox.

Most of the time people want cameras to catch the person in the act of the crime, or find out who did it; but when you are dealing with children, you want the crime stopped before it even starts.

~Patrick Kearns, Product Specialist

WTI's Sidewinder VS. a dome camera

Sidewinder VS. Dome Camera

WTI’s Sidewinder camera is more versatile than any dome camera in the industry. It is the best Pan / Tilt / Zoom camera I’ve ever seen! There are so many Dome cameras out there, many are very good and many… well you get what you paid for. The Sidewinder is dollar-for-dollar the best value in a P/T/Z camera over a Dome. Don’t get me wrong, Domes are good but their view is quite limited. The Sidewinder camera’s view is UNLIMITED!!!

1.) WTI’s Sidewinder has continuous 360 degree rotation on both pan and tilt axis; however, while a dome camera has a 360 degree pan it only a 90 degree tilt.

2.) The Sidewinder’s view is not limited to the horizon of its mount level while a dome is. The dome actually cuts off when the camera tilts up and hits the top of the dome. Therefore, you can mount the Sidewinder on a shorter pole than a dome because it can see higher than a dome.

3.) Most dome covers will warp or crack after being exposed to the heat or sun for long periods of time – distorting the video picture. They also accumulate dirt so the dome needs to be cleaned periodically.

4.) The Sidewinder has a Hydrophilic self cleaning glass window and an ITO coating on the inside of the lens which conducts electricity through the lens so it will never fog up. No more wipers or periodical cleaning here.

5.) The Sidewinder supports up to 64 presets, 8 tours with 32 presets each. Domes usually support up to 128 presets but tours range from 4 to 8 with as many as 16 presets per tour.

6.) Sidewinder has 520 horizontal TV lines and most Domes have as much as 480 horizontal TV lines a few have 540 TV lines depending on the dome and who makes it.

7.) Domes are a very popular camera. They are priced from very inexpensive to very expensive for a camera with the same specs. They are a dime a dozen and most if not all out there are made outside of the United States.

8.) The Sidewinder is made here in the USA!

9.) The Sidewinder also comes in a High-Definition version while Domes do not. This means the Sidewinder can be used by Television Stations and News vans to broadcast in HD. You just can’t do that with a Dome.

10.) The Sidewinder can operate at extreme temperatures of -29ºF to 165ºF. The best Dome camera I’ve seen can operate at -50ºF to 113ºF. Depending on where you are at, your dome camera will not function in real cold or real hot weather for an extended period of time. The Sidewinder will.

11.) Domes are typically made out of plastic which makes them subject to being scratched, cracked and warped.

12.) The Sidewinder has a 35X optical and a 140X digital zoom with the clearest picture I have ever seen. Most domes don’t have 35X optical and 140 digital zoom capabilities, they usually have up to 30X and most of the time; they are more around 16X to 20X optical zoom with very little to no digital zoom capabilities.

13.) Depending on what color dome you have, you will experience light loss (except clear domes) which can affect the quality of your video. The Sidewinder does not have any loss of light.

14.) The Sidewinder has great low light sensitivity. It can see at 0.05 Lux to 0.01 Lux in IR mode.

15.) Sidewinder has 0.05 degree preset repeatability; while domes aren’t nearly as accurate.

16.) Domes are very limited on where they can be mounted, as they must be mounted pointed down and attached to an arm to hold it in place (indoor domes can be mounted in ceilings). Sidewinders are a lot more flexible to mount because they are mounted upright. They can go on top of and side of poles, on top of buildings or structures without long arms.

17.) The Sidewinder is more cost effective due to a lot less maintenance, it doesn’t have to be mounted in a real high location and one Sidewinder can do the job of multiple domes.

Domes are primarily a security surveillance camera. The Sidewinder is so much more!!

~Lester Miyasaki, National Sales Manager