Looking into the Wild

Researchers study animal behavior with IP CCTV system

In a world haunted by crime, violence and the unexpected, it's comforting to know that CCTV surveillance keeps an eye on us in many of the places we go—from a stadium, a shopping mall or an airport, to the office parking lot at night.

But one IP video solution manufacturer recently installed a surveillance system at a less common location— the Vienna, Austria, Zoo—that is less focused on people than it is on pandas, rhinos and penguins.

An Inside View

Officials at the Vienna Zoo needed an updated CCTV and audio system for a new research program aimed at helping people better understand animal behavior—in particular, how they move. The zoo's previous system was based on analog cameras and wouldn't have been able to support the demands of the study.

Researchers sought a system that would provide very high frame rate, high-quality video so they would be able to accurately analyze the creatures' complex movements. But with the large video archive that would inevitably develop, they also sought a solution with remarkable storage capacity and compression technology.

The answer came from local integrator C&C Salzgeber GmbH, which designed and installed an IndigoVision solution that works well with the research program. The zoo's existing surveillance system was almost entirely overhauled.

"The original system was a Bosch analog solution that was technically not up to the specification required for the research," said David Salzgeber, managing director of C&C Salzgeber. "This was replaced with the IndigoVision system, with a number of the original cameras being reused and a number of new cameras being installed."

Fifteen fixed and PTZ cameras are used to record the pandas', rhinos' and penguins' behavior within their enclosures. Control Center, IndigoVision's IP video management software, manages the cameras and allows research technicians and students to control them in real time, and view live or recorded video.

Because the Control Center software is licensed on a per-seat basis, free of charge, the researchers have much more flexibility in their work. They deployed 10 workstations throughout the zoo and are able to copy recorded video onto external hard drives to view on their own laptops.

Compression Considerations

New microphones were installed alongside the cameras in each enclosure. Salzgeber said audio recordings aren't being utilized in this particular research project but will be used for future studies. Both the analog CCTV cameras and the ultra-sensitive microphones are connected to IndigoVision's 8000 transmitter/receiver modules, which digitally compress the video and audio for transmission over the network.

IndigoVision's advanced compression technology ensures minimal impact on the IP network. The ability to transmit and record high-quality audio was an important criteria for the zoo when choosing IndigoVision's solution.

"Really, the main issue was the size of the potential video archive that would build up over a period of time, recording high-quality video at full frame rate 24/7," Salzgeber said. "IndigoVision is acknowledged as having the best compression technology, which reduces the amount of NVR storage."

The project's cameras are continuously recording on an IndigoVision stand-alone NVR with 1 TB of storage. But the amount of stored video is considerably reduced by the Activity Controlled Framerate function, which is built into the 8000 modules. Salzgeber explained that ACF is especially useful when a scene is inactive—for example, when the animals are asleep. At those times, video is streamed at a much lower frame rate, which enables the zoo to store up to one year of recording on a single NVR. Once the system's motion analysis software detects movement again, the video automatically begins streaming at the full frame rate. And the researchers don't have to worry about the NVR failing; a secondary recorder provides redundancy in case of NVR failure or during maintenance.

A Natural Fit

Zoo officials have been pleased with the flexibility of the system.

"A key factor for us when selecting the video system was to find a future-proof solution that was easy to operate and could be incorporated into our existing infrastructure," said Dr. Dagmar Schratter, the zoo's director, in a press release. "Excellent compression means that all the video can be transferred via our existing network backbone."

The surveillance solution has even been a hit with the locals, because video of the animal research subjects can be exported to local TV stations. Recently, viewers were treated to footage of a baby panda being born, thanks to the IP video system.

The expandable nature of the IndigoVision solution will come in handy as the research project evolves. In the next stage of the study, the surveillance system will grow to encompass a new monkey house for both research and security.

This article originally appeared in the issue of .

Featured

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.