Introducing ‘EyeLynx’ Digital CCTV Systems

From simple lock up shop schemes, through to corporate surveillance, town centres, Port and Borer control, digital CCTV systems are becoming established as the standard for the 21^st Century.

AR&T EyeLynx provides an entry-level to Networked Digital CCTV, allowing small businesses and shops to benefit from the infrastructure provided by larger Town Centre schemes.

EyeLynx is a component of the NetWatch Suite of products, already established as an industry standard for high-end digital CCTV systems.

This Guide sets out the concepts of EyeLynx system design and provides buyers with the information to purchase the components for their individual requirements.
The EyeLynx system

EyeLynx can improve the effectiveness of surveillance at trading premises of any type, bringing special benefits to owners of small businesses by alerting them directly when security at their premises is threatened.

Based on the features of AR&T Ltd. NetWatch, EyeLynx is designed specifically for surveillance in small to medium premises, where low cost and effective security is paramount. The system is offered with a number of options to suit all retail outlet surveillance applications.

The system can be set to operate in ‘Shop Open’ or ‘Shop Closed’ modes. During trading hours, the system can be used to monitor premises in the usual way. In the event of an incident the video or images can be sent immediately by staff, via the Internet or telephone line, to Police or any other response organisation. ‘Shop Open / Closed’ recording schedules are set to suit individual requirements from a menu system.

When an alarm condition is detected out of trading hours, the system automatically notifies response organisations, or calls any telephone numbers pre-programmed into the system. In the latter case audio messages are sent stating which site has raised the alarm. NetWatch video data can be accessed via a local area network, the Internet or telephone line and used to determine the nature of the alarm. Events at the protected premises can be viewed on a home PC or laptop. An audio channel can be opened to address intruders directly.

EyeLynx can be used in conjunction with existing security systems. It has alarm inputs to enable activation by other systems.

The screen dump below shows a NetWatch view from a typical town centre application. EyeLynx can provide video data feeds into this sophisticated system enabling incidents in private premises to receive immediate attention.

Each EyeLynx system is supplied with 4 cameras. Frames rates up to 4 per second per camera or 25 frames per second for a single camera, and purchase options of 1, 7 or 31 days storage are available. Sophisticated Motion detection is included in the recorder packages.

Finding and re-playing incidents in the digital video store is extremely easy and can save valuable time in providing video to police for investigation.

A RJ45 network connection is included allowing control and video communication over a LAN or WAN. Any number of EyeLynx Recorders can be connected together by a local or wide area network. Connection to broadband and / or phone lines is by separate modems. Modems are an optional extra. Web Browsers from any PC can display live video when a user password is entered.

Wireless connections are available as an option; this facilitates local mobile viewing – say on a suitably equipped laptop, in a car, outside the premises prior to entry.

Installation

The concept behind EyeLynx is to enable small business to benefit from a highly efficient and cost effective surveillance system. Installation of the EyeLynx equipment can be accomplished by anyone able to assemble a home PC. Installation of the other component parts may however need the services of a skilled installer. The EyeLynx Kits are supplied with an installation and commissioning guide covering the basics, but larger networked systems will require some network knowledge.

EyeLynx Kits

The systems are available in pre-configured kits containing the recording, monitoring and networking elements of the system.

The following schematics show how basic EyeLynx systems can be built and how such systems can be connected by LAN, WAN and Internet to form a fully networked surveillance system.

Kit ‘A’:

An EyeLynx ‘Monitor’ function is provided with the EyeLynx Recorder. This is a typical lock up shop application where there is initially one EyeLynx Recorder per site and no existing PC’s. The proprietor needs to view video on site during open hours and use the motion detection facility when the premises are closed.

The system operates by detecting motion and calling a list of phone numbers until it gets a correct response. The user can then call back using their PC or laptop and download the pictures where intrusion was detected.

The user can also dial into the EyeLynx system at any time and view live video or review recorded video.

The above basic kit can be extended by the addition of a Network Router, Cable Modem and a EyeLynx Option ‘C’ Kit to provide enhanced off site viewing and extra cameras.

Kit ‘B’:

A full EyeLynx Monitor Station PC is provided with each EyeLynx Recorder. This is a typical lock up shop application where there is initially one EyeLynx Recorder per site and no existing PC’s. The proprietor needs to view video at site and use the motion detection facility simultaneously.

Kit ‘C’:

Used for remote monitoring only. The EyeLynx Recorder has no provision for local viewing. A separate networked EyeLynx Monitor Station is required for set up and monitoring. Used where multiple EyeLynx Recorders are on a network. Kit ‘C’ can be used to extend Kit ‘B’ (with a router) to provide more cameras.

Kit ‘D’

This is a separate NetWatch Monitor Station with a LCD screen Keyboard and Mouse, for use with option C. above.

The diagram shows Kit ‘D’ (the EyeLynx Monitor Station) connected to 2 off Kit ‘C’ by an optional Router.

In situations where a network already exists and there are existing routers, a separate router as shown below would not be required.

Kit ‘E’:

This kit contains individual copies of NetWatch Monitor Station application software and access keys for use on existing PCs or laptops to enable shop proprietors or response staff to monitor premises locally or remotely using existing computers. It should be noted that AR&T cannot guarantee satisfactory operation of this package due to the diversity of existing computers. A full refund for Kit ‘E’ is given to users who subsequently purchase Kit ‘D’ providing the same access key is used.

Kit ‘F’

EyeLynx 4 channel Recorder / Network Server

Kit ‘G’

Single Camera, Cable and PSU.

Kits A. to C. above can be provided with video frame rates and data retention periods to suit individual needs. 1, 2, or 4 frames per second versions are available in four channel mode. 25 frames per second is available in single input mode.

Options:

· Router

· Wireless Access Point

· Broadband Modem

· ADSL Modem

· PSTN Modem

Extended Systems

NetWatch and EyeLynx can be networked to provide a comprehensive video surveillance system providing communities with added security.