What Is Thermal Imaging Technology

The spectrum of visible light is actually only a small part of a large band of detectable signals, or waves, that travel through matter. The electromagnetic spectrum contains radiation from various invisible wave types, each with a unique wavelength. Infrared radiation (IR) is one of these, featuring longer wavelengths than those of visible light, and is therefore generally invisible to the human eye.

Any object with a temperature above absolute zero emits a detectable amount of IR. The higher an object’s temperature, the more IR is emitted. Taking advantage of the temperature differences between objects, thermal cameras make the invisible IR “visible” in the form of heat zone images.

Thermal cameras are widely used for video surveillance, fire detection, environmental control, medical analysis, and scenarios such as borders, mines, farms, airports, warehouses, solar plants, power stations, and auto dealerships.

Features of Hikvision Thermal Cameras

Unrivalled Adaptability
Integrated with our proprietary thermal imaging module, Hikvision thermal cameras capture vivid, high-resolution video of moving objects at resolutions up to 640 x 512 pixels. This type of image reproduction is not affected by lighting conditions—either extremely low light or even no light at all. And compared with imaging with visible light, it is much less impacted by weather conditions such as fog, smog, rain and snow.

Apart from the intrinsic advantages of IR imaging, Hikvision thermal cameras also feature three innovative functions for better environmental adaptability: Auto Gain Control (AGC), Digital Detail Enhancement (DDE), and 3D Digital Noise Reduction (DNR).

AGC adjusts the dynamic range of the image to make the picture retain helpful permeability; DDE, based on an algorithm for a region of interest, renders more detail in the on-screen image; and 3D DNR further minimizes the influence of “hot pixels”, making images appear even sharper.

Advanced Intelligence

Based on deep learning algorithms, Hikvision thermal cameras deliver powerful and accurate behavior analyses, including detections such as line crossing, intrusion, region entrance and exit, and more. The intelligent human or vehicle detection feature helps reduce false alarms caused by animals, camera shake, falling leaves, or other irrelevant objects, taking alarm accuracy up to the next level.

Deep learning-based and dynamic fire source detection take advantage of Hikvision’s security big data, containing over 100,000 samples of global climate information to provide the highest possible detection accuracy. Our front-end devices detect fire based on raw, frame-by-frame data, ensuring firsthand image analysis and rapid alarm triggering.

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Hikvision, the world’s leading supplier of innovative video surveillance products and solutions, has released its new 4MP Network IR PTZ Camera (DS-2DF9C435IH-DLW), doubling the resolution of the previous model for even more clarity in dark places.

In 2017 Hikvision launched DarkFighter technology – taking inspiration from the way human eyes work. It uses one lens to capture the colour of objects, and another captures light details in particular. The camera then combines two images together to create one image with both colour and clarity. Now the technology has moved on, with a higher resolution, smarter event detection and a clear enough image to enable to enable facial recognition in the future.

The new DarkFighterX camera employs 1/1.8” sensors to raise resolution to 4 megapixels. This ‘beyond-HD’ image carries twice the amount of information as 2 MP models. The camera can also deliver full colour images at light levels down to 0.0005 Lux. This also means that, in the future, facial recognition could be possible, even in dim light, thanks to powerful imaging ability and beyond-HD resolution.

To detect suspected events effectively, intelligent cameras armed with Deep Learning technology, can now offer more than ever before. Since smart event detection has become prevalent throughout security systems – such as intrusion detection and line crossing detection – it is essential to make sure that cameras receive more details before triggering an automatic response. And all of the information depends on how many pixels the image can provide, therefore the more pixels the better.

The zoom on the new DarkFighterX camera has increased to 35x. This means the new camera is able to identify a one-metre-long object at 260 metres at a resolution of 250 pixels – enough to observe the object clearly. It has an optical zoom of 16x.

The camera has been equipped with an auto wiper to guarantee a better image on rainy days. This function is secured by a rain-detecting sensor on the head of the surface.

Other features include:
– 120 dB WDR, 3D DNR, Chromatic Defog
– Supports H.265+/H.265 video compression
– Rapid focus
– Up to 250m IR distance with Smart IR
– IP67.

The DarkFighterX series cameras come into their own in exterior dimly-lit environments that need 24/7 full-colour footage, such as streets, rivers, forests, roads, railways, ports, squares and parks.

The King of Performance-to-Price

The HiWatch Series from Hikvision is a video surveillance solution for the entry-level market, providing customers with cost-effective, easy-to-use and reliable prducts and services.

H.265+ Codec

A selection of HiWatch Series cameras / DVRs feature Hikvision’s H.265+ high-efficiency codec, which not only saves on bandwidth resources but also decreases storage requirements.

Wide Dynamic Range (WDR)

In an environment where a conventional camera is facing toward harsh light, often only a silhouette would be captured, rendering critical footage useless. HiWatch Series cameras with WDR performace maintain image fidelity without detail loss.

WDR ON

WDR OFF

HiWatch Series Turbo HD Solution – PIR

Enhance your security further with PIR series cameras, featuring PIR detection and flashing light to deter intruders.

Immediate Reaction

Warns off intruders with flashing white light, in order to forestall possible break-ins.

Accurate Alarms

The motion detection function provided by the DVR lowers the false alarm rate and saves on storage cost.

Ultra-Low Illumination Performance

Select Turbo HD cameras feature industry-leading ultra-low light technology, capturing colourful images in dimly-lit environments.

Conventional Camera

Camera with Ultra-Low LightTechnology (0.005lux)

Power Over Ethernet (PoE)

With HiWatch Series built-in PoE NVRs, one ethernet cable will not just transfer data, but also provide power to the camera – reducing the need for extra cabling and additional power sources.

DIVERSE PRODUCT LINES FOR VARIOUS DEMANDS

Hiwatch Series offers an extensive portfolio of products and solutions to meet the widerange of user demands.

IP Solution:

Network Cameras, Network PTZ Cameras, NVRs

Turbo HD Solution:

TurboHD Cameras, TurboHD PTZ Cameras, TurboHD DVRs

IP Solution:

Expect even more product lines under the Hiwatch Series brand in the near future.

From towers and moats to modern walls and wire mesh, physical perimeter fortifications have been around for millennia. Today’s technology brings us various types of electronic perimeter protection systems, mainly detecting or possibly preventing would-be intruders from crossing over into protected areas.

Now, most traditional perimeter protection systems use active infrared detection. However, this type of detection method falls short in stability and reliability. Just before an intrusion happens, or while it is happening, traditional IR cannot make accurate predictions, and, lacking video data, it can be rather difficult to locate key alarm points. Furthermore, terrain, environment, and other factors often cause underreporting, false alarms, or other inaccurate results.

In order to resolve these problems, Hikvision’s Turbo HD Passive Infrared (PIR) Camera (2MP and 5 MP) uses advanced video surveillance technologies to improve alarm accuracy and prevent intrusions. As a result, perimeter protection jumps to a whole new level for residential areas, around factories, warehouses, schools and other settings.

The most striking features of this camera are the rapid response rate and alarm accuracy when suspicious people cross established perimeters.

The camera has a built-in PIR detector that captures infrared light given off by human bodies and distinguishes it from other visual “noise.” It can be equipped with Hikvision’s Turbo HD K series DVR’s motion detection to filter false alarms caused by moving targets without human body IR emission. This way, filtering false alarms reduces storage space and costs, and it also means more efficient post-event footage search.

In addition, the camera features a strong and immediate deterrent by producing a flashing white strobe light that serves as a warning signal to stop intruders. And with ultra low-light technology, the white light serves as supplemental lighting, enabling the camera to capture clear images of suspects as evidence when the alarm is triggered, even in extremely dark environments.

Hikvision’s Turbo HD PIR Camera can be used with the Hikvision’s Turbo HD K-Series DVRs for perimeter protection, with both the intrusion warning function and its ability to keep an eye on monitoring areas in real-time with front end devices. When an intrusion occurs, it can issue a warning immediately and notify security personnel to go right to the scene. In some cases, intruders will be deterred and leave – thus crime can be prevented, not just detected.

The camera can support a broad range of perimeter protection and security system processes for pre-warning, warning in process, and evidence collection after an event. It has truly improved monitoring functions, surpassing the traditional “post-event investigation” approach, and helps changing perimeter protection from passive monitoring to active deterrence, protecting people and assets.

Hikvision showcased their latest alarm solutions at Security Essen, with a keen focus on integration, demonstrating the company’s commitment to providing extensive security solutions to customers for a wide range of applications.

The Hikvision alarm solutions demonstrated the full range of products and technologies available and how they can all be utilised together –covering any security need – all from one provider.

“We had a great show with lots of interest across our wide variety of products, with the new range of alarm solutions from Hikvision generating significant interest. This range makes a real statement as a total solution, providing a new and innovative approach to intrusion and video verification,” said Marc van der Putten, Product Marketer.

He continues, “Security Essen is one of the foremost trade fairs for security and our 400 square-metre stand made a great impression with customers, both new and existing!

“We wanted to create a story of how our customers can utilise Hikvision products across a range of different applications. This also demonstrates how our technology and extensive portfolio adds value to our customers’ businesses through seamless operation and deep integration across different aspects of security, like intruder and CCTV.”

The alarm area of the stand included the latest version of the multi-award-winning Pyronix Enforcer, featuring its highly-acclaimed redesigned housing, as well as the new wired keypad. There was also the latest security offering from Hikvision, the AXHub, which operates with Hikvision and ONVIF cameras utilising the Hik-Connect smart device application.

Along with alarm solutions, Hikvision video surveillance, drones, access control, and much more were also showcased at the stand, reinforcing both the scale and capability of comprehensive security solutions Hikvision offers.

Latest innovations include deep learning for automated threat detection and crystal-clear color video, even at night

To bring HD clarity to analogue surveillance systems, Hikvision launched its first-generation Turbo HD DVRs and cameras in 2013. Since then, subsequent generations of Turbo HD products have delivered a wealth of innovations, including ultra-low-light video recording and super-efficient bandwidth and storage usage – helping Hikvision customers to enhance their security and perimeter protection.

Building on these revolutionary security advances, Hikvision has now announced the Turbo HD 5.0 family of surveillance products, which includes Hikvision AcuSense Turbo HD DVRs and ColorVu Turbo HD Cameras. These technologies make it even easier for organizations and individuals to identify and react to security breaches, while also minimizing manual interventions and security costs.

Hikvision AcuSense Turbo HD DVR – key benefits
Incorporating eleven different DVR models, Hikvision AcuSense family uses the latest deep learning technologies to enhance object detection. Specifically, Hikvision AcuSense Turbo HD DVR detects vehicles or humans, it filters out false alarms triggered by animals, leaves, and other insignificant objects, and minimizes costly, time-consuming manual checks. As an additional benefit, Hikvision AcuSense Quick Target Search feature identifies and extracts footage of humans and vehicles from vast video datasets automatically, saving staff from searching through massive datasets.

ColorVu Turbo HD Camera – key benefits
ColorVu Turbo HD cameras provide bright color video images 24/7, even in the lowest-light conditions. The camera’s round-the-clock color-boosting capabilities are powered by a large iris and ED optical glass, an anti-glare diffusion lens, large sensing pixels, warm supplemental lighting, and a range of other innovative video technologies. With brighter, more colourful video images, Hikvision customers are protected against security breaches, even when they happen at night.

Turbo HD 5.0: heightened security at a reduced cost
Hikvision’s latest Turbo HD 5.0 takes the capabilities of traditional analogue and CCTV systems to new heights, helping organizations to maximize their security and lower surveillance costs.

Frank Zhang, General Manager of International Product Marketing Department at Hikvision, says, “With Hikvision AcuSense Turbo HD DVR, we have integrated revolutionary deep learning technology to help our customers filter out false alarms, find video evidence faster, and react to real security threats as soon as they occur. At the same time, ColorVu Turbo HD Cameras provide clear, bright, color images even in complete darkness, alerting customers to security breaches immediately and providing excellent video evidence wherever it’s needed.”

Find out more
Technical capabilities and specifications for the new Hikvision Turbo HD 5.0 products are showcased in our Turbo HD 5.0 product brochure. For more information, speak with a Hikvision representative about your security needs.

November 22, 2018  Hikvision, the world’s leading provider of innovative video surveillance products and solutions, today announces the launch of its Security Radar intrusion detection solution. The solution uses cutting-edge Hikvision technology to accurately pinpoint the location and motion trail of up to 32 potential intruders per radar, even in the harshest weather conditions.

Hikvision Security Radar is ideal for monitoring large, exposed spaces with harsh weather, and where the perimeter environment is too complex for deployment of only video surveillance cameras. Thanks to its reliability in all weathers, wide detection angle and ultra-accurate intruder detection capabilities, this cutting-edge solution is perfect for locations such as ports, airports and large open industrial areas.

Accurate detection over a wide area
Traditional cameras or motion detectors such as Active Infrared and Video Motion Detection have limitations in pinpointing the exact location of a potential intruder related to their detection area. Hikvision Security Radar, however, can offer accurate detection over a wide angle of 100°, and up to a distance of 60m.

Fewer false alarms 
Hikvision Security Radar uses digital beam-forming technology and intelligent analysis algorithms to accurately detect all target movements in all weather conditions, keeping false alarms to a minimum. What’s more, IP67 rating gives peace of mind that the hardware itself is all-weather approved.

Visual intruder verification through video linking
Hikvision Security Radar can also link with as many as four Hikvision PTZ dome cameras at once. This configuration will not only trigger an alarm when an intruder is detected – it will also trigger video recording, to help with visual verification of the intruder. Furthermore, the cameras and the radar can be installed in different locations. This Hikvision-patented video linking solution is unique, and enables users to view, accurately track and record multiple images of targets simultaneously, all while identifying their precise movements such as running, walking, crouching and crawling.

Suitable for multiple applications
The Hikvision Security Radar has multiple scene modes, making it suitable for a variety of applications. Shrub Mode, for instance, is best suited to areas surrounded by dense forest, as it will filter out false alarms such as shaking trees or heavy rain. Open-Area Mode is ideal for large, open, sensitive locations such as ports. And the Custom Mode enables users to fine-tune settings to suit their particular needs.

November 15, 2018   Hikvision, the world’s leading provider of innovative video surveillance solutions, has added an ultra HD 32 MP panoramic camera to its award-winning PanoVu camera range.

The new DS-2CD6984G0-IH(S)(AC) 32 MP PanoVu Series Panoramic Dome Camera uses four 1/2″ Progressive Scan CMOS sensors to deliver a true 180 degree horizontal panorama, as well as a vertical field of view of 95 degrees. The four video images are stitched together by the camera itself, which intelligently outputs a single, seamless panoramic image.

Frank Zhang, General Manager of the International Product Marketing Department at Hikvision says, “We are very excited to add this state-of-the-art high definition camera to the award-winning PanoVu family. Organisations with large outdoor areas are continually looking for innovative ways to monitor and protect their premises. Our 32 MP camera gives them some of the most remarkable panoramic and HD monitoring features they’ll find on the market.”

Impressive HD resolution
The camera offers impressive HD, with a maximum resolution of 8160 × 3616 pixels. Its 32 MP image resolution at 30 fps ensures smooth video image preview and playback.

HD clarity – even at night
Engineered with low illumination capability and four embedded infra-red LEDs, the DS-2CD6984G0-IH(S)(AC) can continue to deliver HD panoramic video in low-light environments and even under 0 lux conditions, up to a distance of 20 metres.

Multiple display modes
The camera also has a range of display modes to suit user needs. In addition to the standard 32 MP panorama view, users can choose to output the panoramic image in 8 MP resolution to fit into a corresponding network video recorder. The camera can also deliver four, 8 MP standalone images from each lens, or four images in divided panorama view.

An ideal monitoring solution for large open areas
Thanks to its broad field of view, the DS-2CD6984G0-IH(S)(AC) is ideal for large, open areas such as stadiums, plazas, entertainment venues and industrial facilities. Just one camera can cover an area that previously required multiple cameras, reducing IP channels. This also makes installation and configuration much easier, faster and potentially more cost-effective.

Find out more
To find out more about the new PanoVu camera, please visit https://www.hikvision.com/en/Products/Network-Camera/PanoVu-camera/DS-2CD6984G0-IH(S)(AC).

Over the past few years, a need has been identified to record interactions in day-to-day dealing with law enforcement officers. This has led to a rise in the use of wearable recording devices, like body cameras, by police forces worldwide. The forecast for shipment of body cams is 1.59m in 2018, rising to 5.62m in 2021, so this trend is set to continue. Smart technologies, procedures and training are poised to change the way law enforcement officers, among others, interact with the public – with a view to reducing the amount of violent clashes between them.

Hikvision technology
Rugged, wearable body cameras record activities of citizens and civil authorities as they happen. They are designed to be portable and easy to use, so they do not get in the way of day-to-day operations.  The 110˚ lens and recording resolution of 1080pixels/30frames per second means that they can capture incidents clearly and effectively.

These cameras build forensic evidence with data that is stored safely, and play back video footage clearly and accurately. Sporting a replaceable battery design, with a built-in supplementary battery to supply power during a replacement means the recording can be uninterrupted.

They are also equipped with GPS locators, to give central control centres the ability to find out where an incident is occurring and provide back up, for example.

A new addition to the Hikvision product portfolio is a Dock Station for the cameras, which can charge the units and simultaneously collect the data from them. Designed for up to eight units, the Dock Station can upload the date, police ID and recorded data of the body cameras.

After the data is collected, the cameras can be wiped, helping to provide privacy and data management, and clearing the camera for further use.

Scenarios
The most obvious use case for these devices is the police. A large number of forces across the world have now embraced body cameras as a way to record incidents as they happen on the street. The idea is that both police officers and members of the public are more likely to behave appropriately if they know they are being monitored. This leads to a better interaction between officers and the communities they work in every day.  In fact, research carried out by Cambridge University in the UK in 2016 found that complaints by members of the public against officers fell by 93% over 12 months compared with the year before.

This is a similar tale across the world where authorities are recognising the value of recording technology right in the midst of regular policing.

Security companies also show interest in this technology, since it’s suitable for all security guards. If something happens at a home they protect, for example, they can send over security guards to check on site and send live video to the villa owner by 3G/4G.

How they are used
Of course, a lot depends on how the cameras are used. Some forces have the policy that the camera needs to be recording all of the time when a police person is on duty. Others ask the officer to start recording in certain scenarios – for example when going into certain areas, or answering a call where the incident may be partially known.

It’s also possible for devices in the future to be set up to automatically start recording when the light levels get lower than a predefined lux. It could also be that the ‘start’ function is linked to another action, for example when an officer takes out a taser.

With Deep Learning technology the development possibilities are endless, with facial recognition already available in some models. This means that identification could even be made using the body cams linked to a database.

It seems sure that, to effectively police the modern world, some kind of wearable recording technology is needed. Hikvision is at the forefront of innovation in the security and surveillance field and the Body worn cameras and the Dock Stations will prove a crucial addition to city solutions now and in the future.

Across the world, many urban road networks are already saturated. This causes long delays for drivers, increasing frustration and reducing productivity. It also creates major public health risks due to poor air quality. Together, the effects of excessive traffic negatively impact city dwellers’ quality of life and the sustainability of cities.

According to one study from INRIX, a leading provider of transport insights, Los Angeles commuters spent over 100 hours a year in traffic jams in 2017 – more than any other city in the world. Additionally, London traffic jams cost drivers the equivalent of £2,430 (USD$3,135) each, equal to more than £9.5 billion (USD$12.3 billion) across the city as a whole. ^[1]

A major headache for city authorities
Needless to say, traffic becomes a headache for city administrators, particularly in cities where rapid urbanisation and economic growth have led to increased ownership of vehicles.

To find long-term solutions, city authorities are looking into the root causes of traffic congestion. In Hong Kong, the city’s Transport Advisory Committee published a report identifying the top-three causes of excessive traffic. These are: “too many vehicles on roads”, “illegal parking”, and “too much road works” – factors that all contribute heavily to traffic jams in cities worldwide.^[2]

How technology can help
In many cities, building new road capacity is not an option – either because of available space, disruption to economic activities, or budgetary constraints. In these circumstances, city authorities are beginning to look to smart technologies to make people’s journeys faster and safer.

In the portfolio of available traffic easing technologies, latest-generation video technology is the star. In particular, innovations in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and deep learning have transformed standard video monitoring with features that alert operators about traffic issues in real time. This allows them to take immediate action to keep lanes clear and to keep traffic flowing.

Three solutions with intelligent video technology for free-flowing cities
Next generation video solutions are already helping city authorities to reduce congestion and deliver major time savings for drivers. Three examples are:

Traffic guidance  
This kind of solution uses smart cameras installed at intersections to monitor and report on real-time traffic flow. It works by constantly observing the flow of traffic lanes, and by counting vehicles within defined areas of the road. Data is then sent to traffic management control centres where operators can see the build-up of traffic across the city.

Critically, this citywide view of traffic allows operators to take action in real time to reduce the root causes of congestion, such as misuse of bus lanes or illegal parking. In the event of a traffic incident, traffic guidance solutions are also great news for drivers. Congestion information is displayed for them at each intersection, helping them predict their arrival time and – if delays are serious or persistent – to choose alternative routes or travel options.

While video is a critical element of the solution, full integration with third-party systems and algorithms is also needed. In this way, traffic data can be visualised on city maps and transmitted effectively to the control centre, drivers, emergency services, and others.

Traffic signal control 
Traffic signal control solutions allow traffic lights to be coordinated to keep traffic flowing as freely as possible. They consume traffic data from traffic guidance systems to understand where traffic is building up at an intersection. To do this, intelligent traffic cameras count vehicles that cross an intersection as well as detect the length of vehicle queues at an intersection. They simultaneously share the real-time data with the traffic signal system.

Based on this data, traffic lights can be coordinated automatically to even out the traffic flow, giving traffic more or less priority, as needed, by extending or reducing the time available to cross the intersection. This helps to speed up journeys, reduces drivers’ frustration and eliminates the need for manual intervention by traffic police when traffic builds up in one direction.

Traffic enforcement 
In many cases, traffic congestion is caused by illegal or irresponsible road use, such as illegal parking and use of bus lanes. With traffic enforcement video solutions such as wrong-way driving detection, illegal U-turns and illegal parking detection, these kinds of incidents can be identified in real time, allowing operators in traffic control centres to alert the authorities in immediately. This makes it faster to react to incidences of illegal or irresponsible driving and remove obstacles on urban roads, while also holding drivers accountable.

As well as helping to reduce traffic congestion, traffic enforcement video solutions can also help to improve public safety. They can be used, for example, to detect drivers who run red lights or otherwise drive dangerously, and to take action against them.

A better future for congested cities
With urban traffic management now topping the agenda for most city authorities, intelligent video technology is a beacon of hope. By monitoring traffic in real time, these kinds of solutions allow city authorities to take immediate action to ease bottlenecks – reducing drivers’ frustration, reducing lost productivity and improving urban air quality. Additionally, real-time incident detection helps to improve overall driving standards, which ultimately reduces the number of accidents and saves lives.

As more and more city authorities begin to see the huge value of latest-generation video solutions for traffic management, adoption is accelerating. This is especially the case where cities have been able to implement a suitable regulatory and funding structure to support the implement of these kinds of solutions.