Protecting the Priceless

Protecting The Priceless

One-of-a-kind facility uses advanced video analytics and megapixel technology

Protecting the PricelessThe National Museum of Funeral History in Houston houses the country’s largest collection of funeral service artifacts and highlights renowned exhibits on one of man’s oldest cultural customs. The museum features the mourning rituals of ancient civilizations, items used in the funerals of U.S. presidents and Vatican popes, and the rich heritage of the industry that cares for the dead.

Recently named one of the “Ten Places to See in Houston,” the museum has deployed an integrated system comprised of advanced Acuity-vct video analytics software and an array of IQinVision HD megapixel cameras to protect its many exhibits and priceless artifacts.

In 2008, museum vice chairman and CEO Bob Boetticher knew his new papal exhibit was going to increase museum attendance dramatically, as well as the number of priceless artifacts to protect. While attending the American Association of Museums tradeshow, he discovered Acuity-vct’s booth, where he met Dan Lazuta, Acuity-vct director of sales.

“Dan demonstrated his system and basically he had a camera focused on a framed picture,” Boettchier said. “Then, using his software, protection zones were placed on designated areas of the picture. If any of these zones were disturbed, an alarm immediately went off. We were definitely intrigued and I knew rather quickly we had finally found what we’d been looking for.”

Up to that point, Boetticher and his staff had been purchasing off-the-shelf cameras to keep an eye on things, but a more sophisticated system was critical to moving forward.

“I’m a funeral director by trade, so we brought Acuity-vct in to provide additional demonstrations, set up the system to fit our security and protection needs, and to recommend the right kind of cameras,” Boetticher said. “We stressed the value of many of the items that would be on display and that it was critical we have extremely clear video. After seeing the quality the IQeye megapixel cameras can deliver, you just can’t go back to a lesser technology.”

Currently, the museum has a mix of 52 IQinVision cameras and some legacy cameras at the facility. When a legacy camera fails, it is replaced by an IQeye camera. Four to five additional IQeye cameras are on order as the museum continues to expand the areas under surveillance. Most cameras are deployed inside the museum, but a few provide surveillance for the building’s exterior and the parking lot.

Most of the museum’s exhibits are protected by Acuity-vct’s advanced motiondetection analytics. When a protection zone around an item or exhibit is broken, an alarm immediately goes off. The museum guard is able to get to the affected area within 30 seconds.

“We have a guard on a raised platform as our visitors are walking through the gift shop, so he is clearly evident,” Boetticher said. “This system works great. It does exactly what we were told it would do when we bought it. You don’t get to say that very often.

“We do get alarms, mostly by the Popemobile. People will lean way over the railing to touch the vehicle. If you set off an alarm, it’s not by accident the way we have the system designed. So we take those alarms very seriously. Sometimes a shadow can set off an alarm, but we can easily adjust the software to prevent such false alarms.”

Boetticher doesn’t use his Acuity-vct system and his IQinVision cameras to protect only the Popemobile. From his main office 30 miles away from the museum in downtown Houston, he can access all the crystal-clear, camera views when he wants to catch up with activity at the museum.

The museum’s parking lot surveillance has proved important in thwarting airconditioner copper theft and helping the police investigate car break-ins. Because the museum is co-located with the Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Services, there is a large amount of vehicular traffic. For this reason, the museum recently invested in IQinVision 5 MP Sentinel cameras to provide high-resolution images for the license plate recognition software system.

This article originally appeared in the May 2013 issue of Security Today.

About the Author

Wendi Burke is the Senior Director of Marketing for 3xLOGIC.

Featured

  • AI to Help Resolve Non-Emergency Calls Across Utah and Decrease 911 Caller Wait Times

    The Utah Communications Authority (UCA), which oversees the state’s next generation 911 technology services, recently announced that public safety answering points (PSAPs) throughout the state plan to implement Motorola Solutions’ Virtual Response technology to automate the receipt and resolution of 10-digit non-emergency line calls in Utah with the help of AI. Read Now

  • Report Reveals Local Governments Face Surge in Ransomware Attacks with Minimal Resources

    KnowBe4, the cybersecurity platform that comprehensively addresses human risk management, recently released new research highlighting the critical cybersecurity challenges facing state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments. The report details how government organizations have become prime targets for cybercriminals while simultaneously facing severe resource constraints. Read Now

  • Video Surveillance Trends to Watch

    With more organizations adding newer capabilities to their surveillance systems, it’s always important to remember the “basics” of system configuration and deployment, as well as the topline benefits of continually emerging technologies like AI and the cloud. Read Now

  • New Report Reveals Top Trends Transforming Access Controller Technology

    Mercury Security, a provider in access control hardware and open platform solutions, has published its Trends in Access Controllers Report, based on a survey of over 450 security professionals across North America and Europe. The findings highlight the controller’s vital role in a physical access control system (PACS), where the device not only enforces access policies but also connects with readers to verify user credentials—ranging from ID badges to biometrics and mobile identities. With 72% of respondents identifying the controller as a critical or important factor in PACS design, the report underscores how the choice of controller platform has become a strategic decision for today’s security leaders. Read Now

  • Overwhelming Majority of CISOs Anticipate Surge in Cyber Attacks Over the Next Three Years

    An overwhelming 98% of chief information security officers (CISOs) expect a surge in cyber attacks over the next three years as organizations face an increasingly complex and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven digital threat landscape. This is according to new research conducted among 300 CISOs, chief information officers (CIOs), and senior IT professionals by CSC1, the leading provider of enterprise-class domain and domain name system (DNS) security. Read Now

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.

  • 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.