camera lens

An Extra Pair of Eyes

Having the right lens completes the security course

There is a camera for every need and situation, and there are lenses to complement them all for various applications.

The biggest challenge in outdoor live surveillance for border patrol, Coast Guard and traffic control applications is atmospheric interference from fog, snow or haze. Existing fog cancellation devices are expensive and often require multiple cameras with individual adjustment to each camera.

Another challenge in an outdoor surveillance lens is the fact that existing optical fog reduction technology employs interference reduction spectrum and therefore cannot reproduce color or process solid particles, such as snow, smoke or sand.

An Emerging Trend

Innovative thinking and technology is changing all that.

"We've introduced a product known as the Pentax atmospheric interference reduction lens," said Tom Harada, managing director for security systems and machine vision optics for Pentax Imaging Co.

"The technology offers newly developed image processing circuitry installed in a lens housing with specific algorithms and signal processing for each lens characteristic."

The lens and technology come in handy for several applications, including use in several global landbased oil refinery sites. In weather conditions that normally prevent line of sight, this technology allows security staff to safely monitor the lay of the land. Military organizations also have shown interest in the atmospheric interference reduction technology, testing the solution at several air base runways and ports.

"The quality of the lens makes all the difference, but to tell the truth, the interference reduction allows for long-range zoom capabilities," Harada said. "It also has been used successfully on the southern border initiative and in a pan-and-tilt camera."

Because there is no need to adjust for the image, the image offers real-time clarity, even after video switching with several cameras. The technology also provides the capability to mitigate graininess caused by solid particles, such as snow, smoke or sand, as well as liquid particles, including rain and fog.

"We've listened to our customers and made the appropriate modifications and adjustment to the lens in order to streamline the process for what is needed by the integrator," Harada said. "The technology entirely eliminates the need for more expensive, separate fog cancellation devices that require multiple cameras with individual adjustments."

About the Author

Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher/Editor in chief of Security Today magazine.

Featured

  • Ransomware Attacks Rise for the First Time in Six Months

    Ransomware attacks have risen for the first time in six months, increasing by 28% month-on-month to 421 attacks. While overall attack volume remained below 500, the uptick may signal a renewed escalation heading into the year’s most active period for cyber criminals. Read Now

  • Report: 47 Percent of Security Service Providers Are Not Yet Using AI or Automation Tools

    Trackforce, a provider of security workforce management platforms, today announced the launch of its 2025 Physical Security Operations Benchmark Report, an industry-first study that benchmarks both private security service providers and corporate security teams side by side. Based on a survey of over 300 security professionals across the globe, the report provides a comprehensive look at the state of physical security operations. Read Now

    • Guard Services

  • Identity Governance at the Crossroads of Complexity and Scale

    Modern enterprises are grappling with an increasing number of identities, both human and machine, across an ever-growing number of systems. They must also deal with increased operational demands, including faster onboarding, more scalable models, and tighter security enforcement. Navigating these ever-growing challenges with speed and accuracy requires a new approach to identity governance that is built for the future enterprise. Read Now

  • Eagle Eye Networks Launches AI Camera Gun Detection

    Eagle Eye Networks, a provider of cloud video surveillance, recently introduced Eagle Eye Gun Detection, a new layer of protection for schools and businesses that works with existing security cameras and infrastructure. Eagle Eye Networks is the first to build gun detection into its platform. Read Now

  • Report: AI is Supercharging Old-School Cybercriminal Tactics

    AI isn’t just transforming how we work. It’s reshaping how cybercriminals attack, with threat actors exploiting AI to mass produce malicious code loaders, steal browser credentials and accelerate cloud attacks, according to a new report from Elastic. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.