Sunday, March 15, 2009
Article on command and control
http://installationeurope.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1211&Itemid=112
Everything under control?
Everything under control?
Video surveillance plays an important part in modern traffic management, but it is only effective if there are people sitting in front of the monitors or large screens who are alert.
Studies show that people are not suited to staring for hours at unchanging images. Viewers monitoring several monitors, will miss around 45% of the information after just 12 minutes. After a further 10 minutes they will miss around 95% of recorded information is not correctly.
The security sector has recognized this problem and makes use of modern video-analysis and alarms to identify problems and alert operators, automatically displaying key images on the control room’s main monitor.
Such automation has not always been entirely successful because of false alarms, but enhanced algorithms have minimised this problem, so modern systems relieve the operators and strengthen the effectiveness of the control room.
Designing in redundancy
All such systems should be designed for 24/7 operation, with a degree of redundancy, which ensures that replacement equipment can be brought on stream immediately when one component fails. Today there are many manufacturers of large video screens and monitors, who compete in this market, but few offer complete integrated solutions that provide 24/7 operation with redundant features.
Many manufacturers, for example, offer only the display but not the controller, which controls the matrix of displays and the management software to control all the connected sources and processes. It can be difficult to ensure full redundancy when faced with different systems from different suppliers. It is also worth remembering that display screens developed for 24/7 use in traffic control rooms are likely to have optimizing features not found on large screens available from electronics supermarkets.
We would advise anyone specifying a traffic control centre to choose a supplier who offers a complete solution, including displays (DLP cubes or LCD monitors), graphics controllers and management software.
To make the most of the features available on large display systems, it is well worth investing in so-called wall-management software, such as eyecon from the German large screen system manufacturer eyevis.
Eyecon simplifies the task of pulling together the alarm functions from different screens, graphics controllers and management software systems, by processing incoming alarms and messages from different systems, and linking them with predefined actions. Users can specify how the system will respond to a wide range of alarm inputs, including sound alarms and even changes in colour on a screen, so that the information is provided to control room operators in the most appropriate way. Options include a change of the preset image on the large screen; the addition of extra windows or messages on the large screen; the launch of applications; the broadcast of alarm messages to other systems and the playing of audio files.
With such systems, operators can control, administer and display any source (including RGB/DVI and analog and IP video) in the network (LAN/WAN) nearly in real-time. Since the system is based on a network and database structure, it can display all signal sources together on a large screen wall, and manage an unlimited number of different large screen walls and individual displays. Because the system features a WAN connection, it can also be controlled remotely and offers remote diagnosis.
Efficient traffic management systems enable operators to view the source of alarms by zooming-in using appropriate nearby traffic cameras. Such systems also ensure that the operator is not distracted by unnecessary data and that the display provides the information in an easily understood form.
Many transport departments operate older analogue cameras alongside the latest digital IP video (streaming video) cameras. To handle images from different camera types and display the images on a large video screen, traffic control centres require a controller, such as netpix that accepts a multitude of inputs.
In case of crisis
Good design of the equipment in a traffic control centre can have a major bearing on the efficiency of response during an emergency. Control centre operators are often well-trained specialists, but few have concrete knowledge of the place where the emergency is taking place, and must make decisions within seconds based on a clear understanding of the situation.
Integrated control rooms with intelligent software provide operators with a clear graphical overview of the situation. The information is available immediately to the operators in the control room, and also remotely to managers so they can manage the response, where appropriate. The ability to share the data remotely is also important when several control rooms have to collaborate in response to a crisis.
Humans, by nature, are very good at gathering information visually. It is therefore important in traffic control centres to optimise display content and layouts to ensure only important information is displayed, and that, in the case of alarms, the relevant information is brought to the foreground.
When specifying traffic control centres, therefore, it is not the number of displayed sources that is important, but the ability to have the relevant data available when it is needed. To put it another way, it is not necessary to view a camera image while nothing is happening. It is far better to have motion detection systems that automatically launch the appropriate camera image on the large display screen when an alarm is triggered.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Traffic control rooms
The work inside a traffic control room is versatile, reacting emergency situations, controlling of traffic signals, managing congestion, monitoring video cameras administrate networks or controlling mission-critical data in 24/7 operation. Different factors affect the daily work of traffic control room operators, like changing weather circumstances, failure of traffic signals, accidents, breakdowns or other events like terrorism or vandalism. In order having a good and immediate overview and to being able to monitor all these mission-critical data at the same time most traffic control rooms use as a central overview unit videowalls. These large screen system in general consist of a matrix of rear projection cubes ore LCD monitors, connected to a graphics controller and administrated by a display management software. The advantage of these kind of systems is that incidents, failures or problems can be determined immediately and that the information can be shared with other control room operators in order to fix such problems quickly and to initiate the necessary provisions.
The work of such traffic control rooms is very important as their provisions keep the traffic running, giving immediate help in case of accidents and warning road users in case of bad weather conditions for example.
The work of such traffic control rooms is very important as their provisions keep the traffic running, giving immediate help in case of accidents and warning road users in case of bad weather conditions for example.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
PMR Expo
PMRExpo 2008 Congress Center Leipzig (CCL), Germany
As annual industry meeting place for professional mobile radio (PMR and Trunked Radio) and command & control centres PMRExpo can register continual increase for many years. Also this year the meeting came up with a new record participation
25th to 27th November 2008, Congress Center Leipzig (CCL), Germany
http://www.pmrexpo.com/index.php?id=16&L=1
As annual industry meeting place for professional mobile radio (PMR and Trunked Radio) and command & control centres PMRExpo can register continual increase for many years. Also this year the meeting came up with a new record participation
25th to 27th November 2008, Congress Center Leipzig (CCL), Germany
http://www.pmrexpo.com/index.php?id=16&L=1
Exhibition on Railway sector
Biggest exhibition worldwide for all products and services related to railways:
http://www1.messe-berlin.de/vip8_1/website/MesseBerlin/htdocs/www.innotrans.de/index_e.html
Innotrans Berlin 23. - 26.09.2008
http://www1.messe-berlin.de/vip8_1/website/MesseBerlin/htdocs/www.innotrans.de/index_e.html
Innotrans Berlin 23. - 26.09.2008
CCR Summit 2008 - int. command & control room summit 2008
1st and 2nd of October there will be an int. command and control room summit in Kerkrade, Netherlands. Further information: www.rbenw.com
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
IP video surveillance market grew 48 percent in 2007
Scottsdale, Arizona (USA)MultiMedia Intelligence reports that the market for IP/Networked video surveillance cameras grew nearly 50 percent in 2007, to approach USD 500 million worldwide. This growth is nearly four times the growth rate of the broader video surveillance equipment market, which also includes CCTV cameras, digital video recorders (DVRs) and network video recorders (NVRs), and IP Encoder/Streamers. While IP/networked video surveillance camera units and revenue are growing rapidly, they remain a small percentage of the overall surveillance market. The outlook for continued growth of IP/Networked video surveillance is strong. However, the barriers to it overtaking traditional CCTV surveillance will prove enduring. "The transition from traditional CCTV surveillance to networked digital surveillance is revolutionary for the physical security industry, according to Mark Kirstein, president of MultiMedia Intelligence. "Yet this transition is also seen as over-hyped and under-performing compared to many expectations. Both are true."MultiMedia Intelligence's new research also found:- IT-oriented companies such as Cisco and EMC are adding a new competitive dynamic. Focused surveillance competitors, such as Axis Communications, IndigoVision, March Networks, Nice Systems and Verint, are leveraging the growth of IP/networked surveillance to take on the legacy surveillance equipment manufacturers. The new competitive environment is drastically accelerating product innovation. - Growth in the DVR market overall is slowing. Network video recorders, both hardware-based and software-based, are emerging as the key growth category.- The semiconductor opportunities in DVRs and IP/networked surveillance equipment are strong. Companies, such as Texas Instruments and Techwell, have established a strong position in their respective segments. A variety of competitors including Analog Devices, Aptina, NextChip, OmniVision, PentaMicro, Pixim, and Stretch are positioning themselves in the key growth categories of video processing/Codecs and image sensors.- With strong expertise in physical security, the legions of dealers and VARs are generally not experts in networking and IP technology. This lack of expertise is a major barrier to adoption of networked video among end users. "Internet Protocol (IP)/Networked Video Surveillance Market: Equipment, Technology & Semiconductors" analyzes the IP/Networked surveillance market within the context of the broader video surveillance industry. The research examines the value chain from end-users to distribution/sales, integrators, equipment manufacturers, software vendors, and semiconductor providers. MultiMedia Intelligence's expertise is based on years of researching the physical security, digital camera and semiconductor markets. The report forecasts and segments markets by product category, including CCTV & IP cameras, Encoder/Streamers, DVR/NVR, and surveillance software & video content analytics. In addition, detailed technology segmentation and forecasts are included for semiconductors in each product category, video signal processors & codecs, image sensors (CMOS/CCD), camera resolution, and network interfaces (PoE, Wi-Fi/Mesh, others). Forecasts include units, revenue, ASPs at the equipment, software and semiconductor level by product type.
source: www.securityworldhotel.com
source: www.securityworldhotel.com
Study on demand of security equipment
Global demand for security equipment will climb 7.8 percent annually through 2012, claims Freedonia in their new report "World Security Equipment to 2012".
Strongest gains will occur in the underdeveloped markets of Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa/Middle East and Latin America. Electronic security products will post stronger sales advances than mechanical security equipment.This study analyzes the USD 62.1 billion world security equipment industry. It presents historical demand data for the years 1997, 2002 and 2007, and forecasts for 2012 and 2017 by product (e.g., access controls, CCTV surveillance, alarms, locks); market (commercial and industrial, government and institutional, residential); world region (e.g., Western Europe, North America, Asia/Pacific); and for 28 countries.The study also considers market environment factors, details industry structure, evaluates company market share and profiles 41 industry players, including Assa Abloy, United Technologies and Honeywell International.
source: www.securityworldhotel.com
Strongest gains will occur in the underdeveloped markets of Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa/Middle East and Latin America. Electronic security products will post stronger sales advances than mechanical security equipment.This study analyzes the USD 62.1 billion world security equipment industry. It presents historical demand data for the years 1997, 2002 and 2007, and forecasts for 2012 and 2017 by product (e.g., access controls, CCTV surveillance, alarms, locks); market (commercial and industrial, government and institutional, residential); world region (e.g., Western Europe, North America, Asia/Pacific); and for 28 countries.The study also considers market environment factors, details industry structure, evaluates company market share and profiles 41 industry players, including Assa Abloy, United Technologies and Honeywell International.
source: www.securityworldhotel.com
Saudi Arabia homeland security market outlook
Washington, DC (USA)With a cumulative 2007-2018 Homeland Security (HLS) market of USD 115 billion, Saudi Arabia is the 2nd largest HLS market in the world after the U.S, claims Homeland Security Research in a fresh report named "Saudi Arabia Homeland Security Market Outlook - 2009-2018".
Saudi Arabia's Homeland Security market is unlike any other market in the world. It is the only country whose very survival is threatened by terrorism resulting from both internal (homegrown infiltration of Al Qaeda and the Shia minority) and external forces (e.g. the threat of a nuclear Iran, an annual Hajj pilgrimage of millions, the security of 24 percent of the world's oil reserves threats). With nearly unlimited monetary resources resulting from the soaring price of oil, the Kingdom created a complex maze of 24 redundant HLS-HLD organizations numbering more than 250,000 people. Actively spending its resources on state-of-the-art technologies and services, Saudi Arabia is creating globally unparalleled business opportunities, some of which include: Saudi-Iraqi border fence & Saudi-Yemen border Fence:Description: Hundreds of miles of border & perimeter protection technologies.Opportunities: Computer-controlled surveillance equipment, electronic gates, thermal imaging equipment, advanced communication systems, electronic detection equipment, cameras.Oil industryDescription: Additional 35 000 people, doubling airport and maritime security personel over 2008-2018 period.Opportunities: IT, perimeter protection equipment & personnel, hazmat decontamination, risk assesment, maritime security.Private sectorDescription: Banking & Financial, Utilities, Infrastructure, Transport.Opportunities: Perimeter control, emergency planning, VIP protection, access control, biometrics.This landmark report represents several researcher years, dozens of interviews, and in-depth analysis of thousands of documents; the resulting produce is a comprehensive roadmap of this huge and intriguing Homeland Security market. Some highlights include:- Detailed deciphering of the complex multi-tier, inter-dependent, Saudi organizations, employing over 250,000 people, and devoted exclusively to HLS - making major procurement decisions.- 18 HLS sub-segment market forecasts and analysis (e.g. Aviation Security, Counter-terror Intel, Maritime, Saudi Oil & Gas security, Ministry of Interior, Private Sector security, IT).- Dozens of Saudi Arabian market business opportunities segmented by HLS industry (e.g. Intel, Cyber-security, Permeter Protection).
Source: www.securityworldhotel.com
Saudi Arabia's Homeland Security market is unlike any other market in the world. It is the only country whose very survival is threatened by terrorism resulting from both internal (homegrown infiltration of Al Qaeda and the Shia minority) and external forces (e.g. the threat of a nuclear Iran, an annual Hajj pilgrimage of millions, the security of 24 percent of the world's oil reserves threats). With nearly unlimited monetary resources resulting from the soaring price of oil, the Kingdom created a complex maze of 24 redundant HLS-HLD organizations numbering more than 250,000 people. Actively spending its resources on state-of-the-art technologies and services, Saudi Arabia is creating globally unparalleled business opportunities, some of which include: Saudi-Iraqi border fence & Saudi-Yemen border Fence:Description: Hundreds of miles of border & perimeter protection technologies.Opportunities: Computer-controlled surveillance equipment, electronic gates, thermal imaging equipment, advanced communication systems, electronic detection equipment, cameras.Oil industryDescription: Additional 35 000 people, doubling airport and maritime security personel over 2008-2018 period.Opportunities: IT, perimeter protection equipment & personnel, hazmat decontamination, risk assesment, maritime security.Private sectorDescription: Banking & Financial, Utilities, Infrastructure, Transport.Opportunities: Perimeter control, emergency planning, VIP protection, access control, biometrics.This landmark report represents several researcher years, dozens of interviews, and in-depth analysis of thousands of documents; the resulting produce is a comprehensive roadmap of this huge and intriguing Homeland Security market. Some highlights include:- Detailed deciphering of the complex multi-tier, inter-dependent, Saudi organizations, employing over 250,000 people, and devoted exclusively to HLS - making major procurement decisions.- 18 HLS sub-segment market forecasts and analysis (e.g. Aviation Security, Counter-terror Intel, Maritime, Saudi Oil & Gas security, Ministry of Interior, Private Sector security, IT).- Dozens of Saudi Arabian market business opportunities segmented by HLS industry (e.g. Intel, Cyber-security, Permeter Protection).
Source: www.securityworldhotel.com
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Control room design overview
The main task of a control room is to make data and information available to distribute them and to control them and to react fast on failures, events or emergency cases. This can be achieved with a central visualisation unit in, general a video wall. For the design and planning of a control room a lot of factors have to be considered, like ergonomics, technology, reliability etc..
A lot of factors are important here we would like to point out the most important ones:
-all equipments have to have 24/7 ability, not only all electronic components, but also
for example the operator chairs.
-appropriate and functional furniture
-air conditioning
-dust-free environment
-reduction of heat and noise
à move equipment like operator PCs and video wall controller to separate server room
-proper environmental conditions, this will extend the product life and reducing failure rates especially
for technical equipment
-assure service accessibility
-assure that all equipment can pass doors and corners for installation
-infrastructure
à keep additional spare cables available in the computer floor, this will save time, because
exchanging broken ones will need time
à keep a minimum of spares on site to reduce downtimes and being able to react quickly
à knowledge about the systems, keep documentation reachable
-training of the operators for all the equipment inside control room
-use of digital connections in order to not loose image quality
-secured access to control room and to equipment to prevent incidents and mal-operation
-keep right viewing distances not too far and not to close
-keep appropriate height of consoles and operator workstation monitors
à ergonomics, ability to view of video wall
-height of video wall and height of base structure of video wall
-air quality, air quantity and air temperature control à fatigue of operators
-ideal temperature (ergonomically) 21 – 22 ° C
-ideal humidity (ergonomically) 45-65 %
-ideal air movement < 10 - 15 cm/sec.
-suitable lighting conditions
à no direct light on displays (artificial or sun light), low level of lighting = good for image monitoring,
bad for paper works
à individually adjustable lighting (not every operator has same requirements for his tasks)
-ceiling material reflection max. 30,8
à correct light distribution
à minimizing costs of lighting (power saving)
-walls à matte, flat finish with a reflectance of 0,5 – 0,6
-floors
à 0,2 – 0,3 reflectance (carpet)
à 0,25 – 0,45 reflectance (floor tiles)
-operators like to work in an environment with windows, but this has the following risks
à security risks
à potential of reflection
à distraction of operators
à heat of sunlight
-right location doors and windows
-north facing windows
-creation of a separate recreation room
-creation of a separate meeting or crisis room
-operator workplaces
àaisle space
àrow width
-correct colors of interior design à area of conflict with corporate design and ergonomics
-scope of work, methodology to follow, profile of task force
-choosing the right content and the appropriate number of source on the video wall
Analysis:
-ensure operator perception
-ensure rational environment, facilitate work and processes
-enabling to carry out tasks logically and in an appropriate manner
-ensure that technical infrastructure and required equipment is given
Planning:
-initial layout sketches and design offer
-proposal of adaption and design
-design of video wall equipment
-design of video wall covering
-design of meeting or crisis room
-design of flooring/ceiling/wall covering
-design of lighting
-console arrangement
-design of interior decoration incl. decorative elements
-design according CD/CI
Viewing distances to video wall:
Min. 2 m max. 8 m
Video: 6x display height
Fonts: 4x display height
Calculation of display height and width:
-4:3 height = 0,6 x diagonal, width = 0,8 x diagonal
-16:9 height = 0,49 x diagonal, width = 0,87 x diagonal
A lot of factors are important here we would like to point out the most important ones:
-all equipments have to have 24/7 ability, not only all electronic components, but also
for example the operator chairs.
-appropriate and functional furniture
-air conditioning
-dust-free environment
-reduction of heat and noise
à move equipment like operator PCs and video wall controller to separate server room
-proper environmental conditions, this will extend the product life and reducing failure rates especially
for technical equipment
-assure service accessibility
-assure that all equipment can pass doors and corners for installation
-infrastructure
à keep additional spare cables available in the computer floor, this will save time, because
exchanging broken ones will need time
à keep a minimum of spares on site to reduce downtimes and being able to react quickly
à knowledge about the systems, keep documentation reachable
-training of the operators for all the equipment inside control room
-use of digital connections in order to not loose image quality
-secured access to control room and to equipment to prevent incidents and mal-operation
-keep right viewing distances not too far and not to close
-keep appropriate height of consoles and operator workstation monitors
à ergonomics, ability to view of video wall
-height of video wall and height of base structure of video wall
-air quality, air quantity and air temperature control à fatigue of operators
-ideal temperature (ergonomically) 21 – 22 ° C
-ideal humidity (ergonomically) 45-65 %
-ideal air movement < 10 - 15 cm/sec.
-suitable lighting conditions
à no direct light on displays (artificial or sun light), low level of lighting = good for image monitoring,
bad for paper works
à individually adjustable lighting (not every operator has same requirements for his tasks)
-ceiling material reflection max. 30,8
à correct light distribution
à minimizing costs of lighting (power saving)
-walls à matte, flat finish with a reflectance of 0,5 – 0,6
-floors
à 0,2 – 0,3 reflectance (carpet)
à 0,25 – 0,45 reflectance (floor tiles)
-operators like to work in an environment with windows, but this has the following risks
à security risks
à potential of reflection
à distraction of operators
à heat of sunlight
-right location doors and windows
-north facing windows
-creation of a separate recreation room
-creation of a separate meeting or crisis room
-operator workplaces
àaisle space
àrow width
-correct colors of interior design à area of conflict with corporate design and ergonomics
-scope of work, methodology to follow, profile of task force
-choosing the right content and the appropriate number of source on the video wall
Analysis:
-ensure operator perception
-ensure rational environment, facilitate work and processes
-enabling to carry out tasks logically and in an appropriate manner
-ensure that technical infrastructure and required equipment is given
Planning:
-initial layout sketches and design offer
-proposal of adaption and design
-design of video wall equipment
-design of video wall covering
-design of meeting or crisis room
-design of flooring/ceiling/wall covering
-design of lighting
-console arrangement
-design of interior decoration incl. decorative elements
-design according CD/CI
Viewing distances to video wall:
Min. 2 m max. 8 m
Video: 6x display height
Fonts: 4x display height
Calculation of display height and width:
-4:3 height = 0,6 x diagonal, width = 0,8 x diagonal
-16:9 height = 0,49 x diagonal, width = 0,87 x diagonal
Monday, July 7, 2008
Thursday, June 12, 2008
New Control Room Handbook soon available
Handbook of Control Room Design and Ergonomics: A Perspective for the Future, Second Edition (Hardcover) by Toni Ivergard (Editor), Brian Hunt (Editor)
Book DescriptionFully revised and updated, the new edition of the Handbook of Control Room Design and Ergonomics takes into account the latest human factor considerations for the design and operation of modern control rooms. Containing many pictures that illustrate best practices, this resource provides designers with an accessible approach to the development of control and operations rooms in the process, manufacturing, and logistics industries. With more than 20 new chapters and sub-chapters, this second edition adds extensive theoretical background and explores new philosophies relating to organizational and job design. It also discusses use of the control room in education and simulation training.
· Hardcover: 456 pages
· Publisher: CRC; 2 edition (Sep 19 2008)
· Language: English
· ISBN-10: 1420064290
· ISBN-13: 978-1420064292
http://www.amazon.com/Handbook-Control-Room-Design-Ergonomics/dp/1420064290/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1213264328&sr=8-1
Book DescriptionFully revised and updated, the new edition of the Handbook of Control Room Design and Ergonomics takes into account the latest human factor considerations for the design and operation of modern control rooms. Containing many pictures that illustrate best practices, this resource provides designers with an accessible approach to the development of control and operations rooms in the process, manufacturing, and logistics industries. With more than 20 new chapters and sub-chapters, this second edition adds extensive theoretical background and explores new philosophies relating to organizational and job design. It also discusses use of the control room in education and simulation training.
· Hardcover: 456 pages
· Publisher: CRC; 2 edition (Sep 19 2008)
· Language: English
· ISBN-10: 1420064290
· ISBN-13: 978-1420064292
http://www.amazon.com/Handbook-Control-Room-Design-Ergonomics/dp/1420064290/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1213264328&sr=8-1
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