Sensor Technology as a replacement for Invasive CCTV technology

Tracking people's every move using buildings packed with motion sensors is more effective than CCTV, and less invasive to privacy, say researchers who tried the technique on their own colleagues.

"We want to have a god's eye view of the entire space," says Yuri Ivanov of the Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories (MERL), who led the project with colleague Christopher Wren.

That may sound like the desire of George Orwell's fictional "Big Brother" in 1984. But the MERL system should actually preserve people's privacy better than CCTV and make buildings safer and more secure, says Ivanov.

All-seeing eyes

As digital video cameras get cheaper and smaller, CCTV systems are becoming more common. But as well as raising privacy concerns, Ivanov and Wren say, the footage is difficult to search through or interpret quickly.

As an alternative, the two researchers used arrays of small, cheap motion detectors to watch over people instead, with their officemates as guinea pigs. They fitted their 3000 square metre office building with an array of 215 simple detectors placed along the hallways at 2-metre intervals.

The detectors collect much less information than the cameras. "It's not going to catch you picking your nose. You can only tell that some person went by," Wren explains, "maybe this is better than living under thousands of cameras."

But the motion-detector system still collects a lot of information. To find unusual or interesting patterns in the data, the researchers developed software to display movements of people around the building on a map in real time. People show up as a bright spot trailing a tail of lights that slowly fade away (see video, right).

Another view summarises data from sensors across a period of time, for example a week, month or year, in a way that makes it possible to see patterns or anomalies at a glance.

Identity parade

The system also includes a handful of cameras, at selected spots in the building. Footage of passers by can be used to identify people, who can then be tracked around the building using the motion sensor data.

Users can select a certain path on the map – for example from the office drinks machine to the front door – to call up motion and video data from the path at a particular time and reveal who used the route. "A target audience for this was security," says Ivanov, "but that's not the only use."

Data collected during a fire evacuation drill revealed that almost everyone in the building left through one exit; the two other doors nearby went largely unused. Understanding how people use spaces like this could help improve safety, they argue.

Longer-term patterns, like how late people stay at work or where they tend to congregate, have other uses. "It has large implications for energy savings," Ivanov adds, saying that heating or air-conditioning use could be informed by the data.

Marauder's map

"I've not seen this approach before in journals or at conferences," says Marimuthu Palaniswami at the University of Melbourne in Australia. "But I have seen it in fiction, for example the Marauder's map in Harry Potter."

The technique appears simple and usable, he says. "They have produced a system that could be implemented with little difficulty and would be very useful for security monitoring."

Daniel Keim of the University of Konstanz in Germany agrees that usability is a big advantage. Most techniques for analysing data from sensor networks depend on automatically detecting certain behaviours specified ahead of time, making spotting unexpected features difficult, he says.

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Network Security

Arguably the biggest advancement in CCTV security in the last 25 years is the wide scale advancement of Network Security (aka Wireless CCTV)

Wireless PTZ (Pan/Tilt/Zoom) cameras have been surfacing in the marketplace with more vigour recently due to the market demanding increased functions for decreased infrastructure costs.

Aving News Network, one of the global leaders in security industry reporting, recently interviewed Anders Laurin, Vice President of AXIS, one of the top 10 network security firms in Sweden.

The future of CCTV in many parts of the world is changing. Consumers are demanding more user friendly equipment, wireless access to that equipment and having it software driven rather than hardware driven.

PTZ WiFi CCTV Camera

I recently installed some of these CCTV cameras to a small business intent on securely monitoring their property.

Surprisingly inexpensive and made from very good quality components, the abilities of this wondrous gizmo are astonishing considering it retails for a little less than $100.

It comes with purposely built software allowing for up to 9 cameras to be viewed on your computer. Each camera maintains it's own IP address, enabling you to use Direct DNS systems to view the content (what it sees) over the internet.

It has a limited zoom capability but the pan and tilt functions are superb. It has an ethernet port allowing for wired connections too, apart from WiFi. Sometimes WiFi signals can be interrupted by brick walls and significant cabling and wiring built into the infrastructure of buildings. This is why they have included the ethernet port, to allow for hard wired access too.

I am experimenting with PoE (power over ethernet) devices too, which will allow for installing quasi-wireless systems using the existing electricity supply in dwellings. Effectively, PoE might just be the answer to our prayers for enabling wireless control of computer peripherals without necessarily using a wireless router.

I must say, I'm fairly impressed by this product and so far my customer seems to be reasonably happy too.

Using Solar Power In Security Applications

The use of solar power as an alternate power source is getting a lot of attention these days, and rightfully so. Its ability to provide electricity in remote locations where running cable would be overly expensive makes solar power a feasible alternate power source – especially for CCTV and other surveillance applications.

I spend a lot of time educating our customers on the details of solar. Let’s discuss some of the key points to remember when considering a solar system.

First, let’s cover some basic math to use as a guideline and familiarize you with how current draw works.

(Current draw x 24 hours) / Peak hours of sunlight = Amperage required

Current draw – The amount of electricity required to provide power to an object. Current draw is measured in milliamps (mA) or amps (A).

In solar powered systems, every milliamp of current conserved saves money. It is important to think about the total current draw of an application and minimize draw where possible – especially with CCTV applications. For example, consider using a super low light camera instead of an IR bullet camera or consider using a fixed camera instead of a PTZ camera.

Peak hours of sunlight –People are often mistaken about the actual amount of sunlight they have during the day. Depending on the location in the hemisphere and the time of year, most people only receive between 3 and 5 hours of direct sunlight per day. This is why solar power is so popular in Arizona, Texas, Florida and other southern states.

Remote PTZ Webcam

CCTV and Surveilance cameras are continually reducing in price allowing mainstream people to afford relatively decent surveillance of the properties.

A new product has surfaced that is very competitively priced.

This is a webcam and not a direct CCTV camera device, but you
could probably use it as such.
This web camera automatically tracks motion and can be controlled from a remote location via the Internet, allowing you to surveil real-time video images of your home from anywhere in the world. When the camera detects motion it pans up to 180° and tilts up to 60° to follow and record the movement. You can set the camera to automatically send notification to your personal e-mail account when it detects motion, or you can view real-time video and control the camera manually from a remote computer using the included software. The camera captures 640 x 480 resolution video at 30 frames per second and has a 4X digital zoom, ensuring crisp pictures. A built-in microphone records sounds from up to 20' away. Includes software for control ling the web camera and a USB cable. Requires Windows XP or Vista, and a high-speed Internet connection for real-time video. Plugs into USB 2.0. 4 1/4" H x 3" Diam. (9 oz.)

$89.95

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Patlite Wireless CCTV stills camera

This revolutionary new camera from Patlite Japan, is brand new and not currently available in the USA.

This small security color camera can easily be stored above the main entrance to your home or office. The camera uses radio frequency (2.4GHz) to transmit picture to the receiver unit. As no wiring is required, the receiver unit can be placed conveniently inside your home or office. The picture taken, can easily be viewed on your TV. The waterproof camera has the ability to store up to 50 photos at a time, offering the ability to have photo evidence of persons in your home or office. Camera angles are adlustable.


This will be another competitively priced security package based on CCTV technology without video recording option.
The estimated package cost is around US$300.00

Surprisingly cheap CCTV idea using Skype

Here is a novel but crude way of setting up a simple DIY CCTV system at home using Skype. You will of course require a webcam.

1) Open two new accounts.
2) On account 1 add new user two as your ONLY contact
3) Re-log in as account 1 and set as follows:

1. Go to tools–>options–>advanced–>(tick) automatically answer Incoming calls
2. Go to Tools–>options–>Video–>(tick) start video automatically and Only People in My contacts
3. Save. Leave this account online

4) Log in as account 2 from another PC.

5) Call account 1, this will now answer and start video running, any one else calling this account, will not get activated or see your private web cam.

BMWs made before September 2011 at risk of theft from $30 cloned key-fobs (but company says it is 'not legally obliged to help out')

An enterprising gang of car thieves were caught last year on CCTV showing them succeeding in stealing a pre-2011 model BMW motor car.

According to the article, thieves are generally able to go online to any number of asian internet sites and purchase the required materials for around $30.00 and then program their own key to your vehicle.

The kits come with the fob, instructions etc that make this kind of modern day car theft all the more easy.

Essentially, almost nothing is thief proof today. If a determined thief wants in, they are getting in.

BMW claimed in a statement to The BBC that they are "not legally obliged to help out" but later followed up with extra tips to thwart theft of their more modern vehicles.

See the CCTV video (after the jump)

Breaking News: FBI To America: Reboot Your Routers Immediately

Breaking News: The Federal Bureau of Investigations recently released an alert to all Americans who may use an Internet connected router in their homes and businesses.

The Internet Crime Complaint Center sent a rare Public Service Announcement declaring, "Foreign Cyber Actors have compromised hundreds of thousands of home and office routers and other networked devices worldwide."


A great many security products today are using router connected protocols to connect those devices to internal residential and commercial networks.

Many of these products including (but not limited to) alarm systems, closed circuit television cameras (CCTV), door locks, intercom systems and door bells etc, are often connected to WiFi routers in your home or office.

The nature of today's consumer marketplace appears to be fascinated by the growing Internet of Things (IoT) products that enable many of us to enjoy modern "connected" services that protect us, make our lives easier and keep us in communication range with each other.

The locksmith industry worldwide continues to evolve and many locksmiths today are busy recommending and installing modern "connected" security products, meeting the increasing demands of the marketplace.

Some of these "new generation" products are very good quality and often expensive too. Maintaining the security of your home and business is of paramount importance to protecting our families and our colleagues, aside from our customers.

According to the FBI, hackers are using VPNFilter Malware to target small office and home office routers saying, "VPN Filter is able to render small office and home office routers, inoperable" and are warning, "The malware can potentially also collect information passing through the router. Detection and analysis of the malware's network activity, is complicated by it's use of encryption.".

The FBI recommends, "any owners of small office and home office routers, reboot the devices to temporarily disrupt the malware and aid the potential identification of infected devices".

They also advise to consider disabling remote management settings on devices, use encryption and choose new and different passwords.

With the increasing number of "connected devices" in the wider market, security of your home, office and other connected products are potentially gravely affected by this new hack.

We suggest that all our customers and anyone using or relying on Internet Connected devices, including your door locks, your CCTV systems, your alarm systems and your door bells or intercoms, to immediately perform a soft reset of your WiFi routers. This action will temporarily mitigate the malware's operation. It may not completely remove the malware from an infected router and if you are further concerned, we suggest you perform a factory hard reset of the router.

We have been writing about security issues with IoT devices, in increasing articles in the last 12 months.

Some of these articles include:

New Digital 'Hurricane' Churns Gathering Strength To Land Blow On The Internet

KRACK - Dangerous WiFi Security Flaw Discovered. And It Affects ALL WiFi Devices

BlueBorne - A New Attack That Exposes Almost Every Bluetooth Connected Device

AirB&B - Lockstate WiFi Door Locks Bricked By Manufacturer Update.

Internet-Connected Garage Door Operator Disabled In Retaliation For Bad Review

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New Security Camera From D-Link

D-Link just introduce this latest addition to their line of cameras.
The D-Link Pan/Tilt/Zoom PoE Internet Camera (DCS-5610) is a full-featured surveillance camera designed to monitor the home, office, and small business. IP surveillance systems are quickly gaining ground over conventional CCTV security cameras due to superior performance, low costs, and convenient management. Features such as Power over Ethernet (PoE) support, 2.6x optical zoom, SIP 2-way audio, and 3G mobile phone support make this network camera a premier surveillance solution.
Optimal Placement
With the ability to Pan/Tilt/Zoom, the DCS-5610 is an ideal whole room surveillance camera. Mount the camera on the ceiling or wall and receive whole room surveillance. Support for 802.3af Power over Ethernet (PoE) enables the DCS-5610 to receive both power and data over an RJ-45 Ethernet cable from a PoE enabled switch, negating the need for a nearby power source. The DCS-5610 supports 2-Way Audio with its built-in microphone and audio-out port*. Attach a powered speaker to the audio-out port and remotely communicate with anyone within close proximity to the camera.

Additionally, you can utilize the compatible IP Camera Outdoor Enclosure (DCS-70) to monitor and survey in harsh outdoor environments.

Viewing Quality
The DCS-5610 supports both MPEG-4 and Motion JPEG (MJPEG) to provide both high quality and bandwidth efficient compression formats. Motion JPEG delivers greater file integrity, making it ideal for detailed monitoring situations. MPEG-4 video utilizes compressed files, useful for extended recording periods or for use in low bandwidth networks. With support for 2.6x optical zoom and 4x digital zoom, you can view the camera’s video feed in close-up detail. Plus, the DCS-5610 supports a resolution of 640x480 at 30fps, allowing for high-quality recordings.

3GPP Mobile Surveillance
Support for 3GPP Mobile Surveillance allows you to view a live video feed from your compatible Internet-ready mobile phone or PDA with a 3GPP player installed. This extends your monitoring capability without requiring the use of a computer, allowing you to check your camera’s video feed while on-the-go.

Convenient Management and Monitoring
Manage the DCS-5610 using a Web-based interface or with the included D-ViewCam™ 2.0 management software. D-ViewCam 2.0 management software can manage up to 32 network cameras, send e-mail alert notifications, set recording schedules, and trigger motion detection to record directly to your hard drive. D-ViewCam 2.0 also allows you to upload a floor plan of your home and create a realistic layout of where your cameras are located, further simplifying the management process.

No word on pricing yet.

IQ - Clever Key Control And Management System

Loxtore RFID Systems AB, are a well known Swedish company producing some technologically advanced RFID key management systems that are especially useful to automotive dealerships and hospitals intent on managing and controlling secure access to their properties.

One such product is shown in the video above. It is fairly easy to use and all keys are totally track-able.

Other controlled access facilities include police stations, military storage houses, gun ranges, power plants, schools and universities, casino's, hotels, property management companies and especially security companies - mobile patrol services/guards.

Almost any corporate facility employs many staff that require controlled access to offices and secure areas. There are modern day physical and electronic access control devices like master key systems, HID/magnetic card or swipe systems, biometric entry devices including fingerprint readers, retina scanners, facial recognition cameras even CCTV.

Video Intelligence Software - New Age CCTV

Video Investigator™ for Retail

IntelliVid provides intelligent video analysis solutions designed to meet the specific demands of the retail environment. Its Video Investigator application unleashes the full potential of existing surveillance systems, transforming them from passive recording devices into real-time, proactive theft prevention and store intelligence solutions.

	Loss Prevention Protect people and assets in support of loss prevention, customer safety and compliance policy efforts. Learn more
	Store Intelligence Provide unprecedented merchandising and operational insight into customer shopping behavior. Learn more
	Specialty Edition Designed specifically for specialty retailers and other small-footprint stores. Learn more

Unlike general security applications that merely record incidences of theft, Video Investigator "watches" the video for retailers, filtering overwhelming amounts of video down to the key information that allows real-time response and immediate forensic investigation. Video Investigator alerts security personnel to crucial incidents as they happen, allowing store personnel to intervene before merchandise leaves the store, dramatically reducing losses.

IntelliVid’s intelligent video analytics have been proven to work reliably in the busy, chaotic environment of retail stores, providing unprecedented intelligence in not only loss prevention, but merchandising, public safety, physical security and liability cases.

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Yeti 1250 Solar Powered Generator

The Yeti 1250 Solar Powered Generator is not directly a security product or equivalent item that i usually write about in this blog.

However, being a professional locksmith tradesperson, with a mobile service vehicle and an array of machines and power tools that I require to use onsite, I need to run that equipment in my truck and sometimes away from the truck when there are no other power sources available.

I currently use a wired-in inverter to power my machines in the vehicle and this usually requires me to run the motor to keep the secondary battery I use charging.

I have been searching for a cost effective alternative to installing a professional truck generator that feeds directly from the gas tank (~$7,000 Installed) and this may well fit the bill.

It's not that i run a lot of machinery constantly, but my work truck gets pretty warm inside during summer and i would like to be able to have a refrigerator and air conditioning unit/fan that i could run separately from the vehicles power system and also enjoy the ability to operate power tools without having to run long extension cords.

As you can see in the promotional video above, there are multiple uses for this fantastic device. I think I have found the perfect item for my holiday wish list.

Arguably, this product could be an assist to any site that might want to run CCTV cameras remotely, like in a field (nowhere near available power) or to provide the power for a remote gate or door without digging trenches for running cables to grid power. So, perhaps you could use it as a backup power supply for security products?

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First Alert Wireless Peephole

How about this for a modern take on the everlasting security product, the common peephole.

Except that this also doubles as a wirelss cctv device.

Introducing the First Alert Digital Wireless Security System with Dual Function Photo Frame. No more bulky security monitors on your desk. Now you can view your favorite digital photos and monitor your home or business using the same LCD Photo Frame. Setup is a breeze because you don’t have to lay any cables. Just plug it in and you’re ready to go. Utilizing Advanced Digital Wireless Technology you can mount the security camera within 500 ft** of the photo frame without any interference from other wireless devices. The system is expandable up to 4 cameras.

Classic styling and modern convenience combined in this 7" digital picture frame and an indoor / outdoor color digital wireless camera. Pictures are sharp and vibrant thanks to the 480 x 234 pixel LCD panel. Photos can be viewed in an automatic slide show or one at a time with the use of the built-in control buttons or the supplied remote control. Slideshows can be enhanced with music. Video clips can be shown as well. The PH559 digital picture frame offers a classic design with its real wood frame, perfectly suitable for any home or office.

The Digital Wireless signal is the latest in wireless technology featuring frequency hopping transmission which enables a clearer picture, point to point secure signal, superior sound quality, longer transmission range through walls and floors (500 ft** range) with no static, and is totally Wi-Fi and wireless friendly. Utilizing Digital Wireless cameras allows the user to cut their setup time in half while increasing the camera distances from the DVR. First Alerts Digital Wireless Cameras have a range up to 500 ft**.

You can easily switch from photo frame mode to security camera mode with the touch of a button on the photo frame or included remote control. In addition the signal is completely secure and cannot be monitored by others, unlike traditional analog wireless devices. In addition, the camera is equipped with Night Vision up to 30 ft and can be mounted either inside or outside. With the ability to expand the system up to 4 cameras the PH559 is the sleekest and most versatile security system on the market.

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Dream, The Impossible Dream....Power To Burn. Yeti Saves The Day.

The Yeti 1250 Solar Powered Generator is not directly a security product or equivalent item that i usually write about in this blog.

However, being a professional locksmith tradesperson, with a mobile service vehicle and an array of machines and power tools that I require to use onsite, I need to run that equipment in my truck and sometimes away from the truck when there are no other power sources available.

I currently use a wired-in inverter to power my machines in the vehicle and this usually requires me to run the motor to keep the secondary battery I use charging.

I have been searching for a cost effective alternative to installing a professional truck generator that feeds directly from the gas tank (~$7,000 Installed) and this may well fit the bill.

It's not that i run a lot of machinery constantly, but my work truck gets pretty warm inside during summer and i would like to be able to have a refrigerator and air conditioning unit/fan that i could run separately from the vehicles power system and also enjoy the ability to operate power tools without having to run long extension cords.

As you can see in the promotional video above, there are multiple uses for this fantastic device. I think I have found the perfect item for my holiday wish list.

Arguably, this product could be an assist to any site that might want to run CCTV cameras remotely, like in a field (nowhere near available power) or to provide the power for a remote gate or door without digging trenches for running cables to grid power. So, perhaps you could use it as a backup power supply for security products?

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Window Security Film - Reduces Casualties In Recent Spate Of Bombings In NYC

We have written about a security product called Shattergard, that we make available to discerning customers, a number of times in the last few years and now we read with interest about windows in NYC that use shatter proof glass and how effective they were in preventing widespread injuries in the recent bomb blasts that rocked the city.

In the article (in the source below - now since removed) the authors hold that since 9/11, New York City "elders" decided that one way to reduce potential injuries while at the same time reducing the smash and grab crimes of opportunity, was to invest in shatterproof glass and/or products like Shattergard.

Shattergard is a product created and sold by Global Security Products out of Atlanta. My friend and colleague Jordan Frankel designs and produces unique security products aimed at minimizing damages caused by criminals that affect our very lives.

Global Security Products produce products like Shattergard, and related products, Ongard Door Brace, Outdoor Security Lighting and Wirelsss CCTV Camera Security Systems


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Logitec WiLife CCTV Security System

The WiLife system consists of indoor and outdoor cameras as well as a variety of night-vision accessories that easily connect to a PC via USB.

How It Works

The system begins working as soon as it is plugged in, all the cameras installed and installed the newest version of the software, WiLife Command Center 2.5 on a PC.

The quality of the recordings is surprisingly good.

You can access those cameras for free over the Internet, even via cellphone, and the system can alert you via e-mail if anything moves. Remarkable. Any prowlers wanting to help themselves would have VGA-quality color movies (no sound) of them in the act. Just the mere presence of such cameras, with their highly visible red and green lights (which can be easily turned off), serves as a strong deterrent.

Platinum Edition

This WiLife system newest software, the Platinum Edition add-on, costs $79.95 per year. It lets you electronically pan and zoom all the cameras and, most importantly, store footage online. That makes tons of sense, because if someone is robbing your house, the computer with all the WiLife footage will probably be one of the first things stolen.

The downside? It's not perfect. The system is geared toward recording footage, so live viewing of all the cameras isn't as smooth as it could be. Also, while the cameras all have good low-light performance, they require an optional infrared lighting system and special lens to actually see faces at night. Keep in mind, too, that you’ll need a powerful PC to handle multiple cameras and recordings.

Costing is around $1,100 to set up a complete system with five cameras. A starter kit with one camera is $260, and each additional camera is around $215.


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Animal Repellant Device

There are many and varied forms of security. Many people may think that a security device is designed to protect from human intruders.

While this is true with locks and alarm systems, CCTV and other sensors, sometimes people also intend to secure or protect their gardens from unwanted pests or animal intruders.

Enter the Bell & Howell Animal Repeller.

This intelligent device is a stand alone, battery powered sensor and alarm that emits a high pitched sound inaudible to humans, but truly disturbing to animals.

This type of device might be the perfect gift for the avid gardener who wants to protect the precious roses or vegetable crop from wild animals.

At $29.95 it's a steal.

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Inexpensive Monitoring

Here is a novel but crude way of setting up a simple DIY CCTV system at home using Skype. You will of course require a webcam.

Note: This system will not record your video feed. This system requires a separate computer logged into account 2 to operate.

1) Open two new accounts.
2) On account 1 add new user two as your ONLY contact
3) Re-log in as account 1 and set as follows:

1. Go to tools–>options–>advanced–>(tick) automatically answer Incoming calls
2. Go to Tools–>options–>Video–>(tick) start video automatically and Only People in My contacts
3. Save. Leave this account online

4) Log in as account 2 from another PC.

5) Call account 1, this will now answer and start video running, any one else calling this account, will not get activated or see your private web cam.

Contact-Less User Interfaces Are Becoming A Part Of Our New Future - Part 1

As we progress toward a more contact-less future, given the current precarious situation we find ourselves facing, with the pandemic today causing upheaval to our daily lives....

We decided to share a new post to discuss some contact-less options that already exist in today's world and articles that we have written over the last 10 years or so.


Voice control is one area that we have embraced in recent years with the advent of Google Voice, Home, Amazon Alexa, Echo etc among other offerings.

Below find a number of articles that we have written, that provide some interesting reading about some of the options already available to us. Some of the products listed below do not exist anymore but talented researchers are constantly creating new and improved products that might help us progress through this new world...