Projects

Advanced Research & Technology Ltd

Excellence in Information Technology and Intelligent Video Systems

Projects

NetWatch® Intelligent Video Systems

Providing Security Solutions for the Power Industry

Western Power Distribution Case Study

In 2006, when Western Power Distribution needed to upgrade their CCTV systems in 26 depots in Wales and Western England, they chose Advanced Research & Technology’s ‘NetWatch’ surveillance system to provide a cost efficient and reliable solution.

The initial challenge was to provide a system that would enable local depot staff to manage their own site security during daytime operations, and central office security staff to control and monitor the 26 depots at other times. The depots ranged from Milford Haven in West Wales, to Redruth in Cornwall. The central control is in Cardiff.

A system was required that was compatible with existing communications infrastructure, could provide the necessary video quality and would reliably alert operators when it detected intruders. NetWatch was the ideal choice.

NetWatch Video Data Servers, using Local Area Networks for on-site communications and low cost ADSL broadband for off-site communications, were fitted in all the depots. This allows daytime staff to manage local security from their own NetWatch Surveillance Control Stations.

The NetWatch Surveillance Control Stations utilise an extremely easy to operate map based user interface. Each camera is represented as an icon on the map and can be viewed by a mouse click. Camera fields of view are indicated on the map. Alarm conditions cause the icons to change colour. Intelligent motion detection is used with temporal and object size filters to reduce false alarms. An audio facility is provided, enabling operators to directly address intruders at any depots.

The first phase of the system was installed in October 2006 and is reliable and effective.

A full audit trail of all operator activity is available and the system is fault monitored with easy to understand text based logs available for maintenance purposes. Retrieval of recorded video is fast and simple and can be transferred to CD or DVD from an integrated menu system.

Allows operators to quickly locate people infringing security

Provides sufficient information to enable operators to direct identification / deterrence measures to the correct geographic location(s)

Quicker response to potential threats

Releases operators to take on wider scope of activities

Extremely low false trigger rate

Improved site vigilance

Minimal operator interaction required

12 months after completion of the depot systems, Western Power placed an order for the system to be extended to 37 electricity sub stations; these are now all on line to the complete satisfaction of the client, with the Cardiff office currently having control of about 70 sites. The system is now rolled out to more major power and LNG distribution networks.

Other CCTV Projects:

· NetWatch Surveillance for major utility companies

· NetWatch Surveillance in UK Cities

· NetWatch Surveillance at UK Military Bases

· NetWatch/MIST Surveillance at UK LNG Terminal

· NetWatch/MIST Surveillance at UK Power Generation Sites

· Improvements to train drivers CCTV system - Underground rail project.

· 600+ DVR licences for a major rail projects

Display System Projects:

· Front of train display

· Saloon Display

· Seat reservation display