27 August 2020

Intelligent Visual Monitoring with the OPTEX Bridge

Add video to monitored alarm systems. The OPTEX Intelligent visual monitoring Bridge

Most monitored alarm systems are ‘blind’; operators cannot check visually what has caused the alarm to go off. They have to rely on the intrusion alarm system and make a decision accordingly. There is now an easy way to add visual verification to a new or existing monitored intrusion alarm system. Optex Intelligent Visual Monitoring solution consists of a network-based hardware, the OPTEX Bridge, and a cloud-based solution powered by CHeKT that integrates with the monitoring station software platform.

The Bridge connects with alarm panels or panic buttons, linking them with IP cameras to enable Alarm Receiving Centres (ARC) operators to see the cause of an alarm. Through cloud-based software, a recorded video and live images can be sent to an end user, who can verify the event and dismiss the alarm if it’s a nuisance alert.

Once installed, the Bridge should be registered to the ARC monitoring the site and be connected to the Intelligent Visual Monitoring portal. The ARC will provide the installer with a dedicated account on the portal, where the installer can create customer accounts and register as many Bridge devices as required.

The web-based portal delivers a platform to manage all connected systems. Interactive elements allow customisation of site details with map views showing the location of cameras, sensors and detection fields. All devices can be managed remotely. Alarm zones and sensors are supported by real-time health monitoring, creating reports to show the system is operating correctly.

When a sensor is triggered, the alarm signal is sent to the ARC within seconds. The Bridge also collects video data from a linked camera and sent to the cloud-based server via a secure network connection.

When the ARC operator responds to the alarm, the Visual Monitoring Portal opens, displaying the footage from the alarm event. The operator can also view the live video feed to assess the status in real-time.

If further verification is required, the ARC operator can send an SMS message to an authorised person or keyholder, using the cloud service. The text will include a URL which allows them to remotely view the footage on a mobile device. They can also select one of two options: DISPATCH or DISREGARD. The ARC operator receives a real-time notification when they have viewed the video and responded.

OPTEX Intelligent Visual Monitoring solution ensures that all alarm activations can be verified, the activation can be an obvious intrusion and action can be taken by the ARC. If what activated the alarm is not obvious, the ARC can ask for verification from the end user. These two levels of verification significantly reduce unnecessary police response and ensures that sites do not have first response cover removed due to false activations.

The Intelligent Video Monitoring solution is currently available in a number of countries including UK and Greece, and will be soon available in other countries. If you are interested in further information, please contact us.

OPTEX Driveway Protection

Enhance the whole home security system by protecting the garage and the home approach with a secure driveway.

A secure driveway will enhance the whole house security system, protecting the garage and the house approach. Fences or physical barriers can deter or delay the intrusion but are not substitutes to intrusion detection sensors. The sensors can trigger lights and cameras for visual verification, can launch an audio warning to deter the intruder and most importantly can raise an alarm to notify you and the police when an intruder has trespassed the property.

It is common for small animals such as pets, foxes, squirrels and birds to pass through driveways which makes it critical that sensors installed can differentiate between humans and small animals and will only trigger the alarm when it’s a genuine intrusion. Similarly, sensors will need the logic to adapt to the environment and not raise nuisance false alarms in the event of shades from trees or temperature changes, frequent challenges in a driveway application.

In the following video we present a selection of our outdoor sensors best suited for driveway protection. They can be added to existing or new intrusion alarm or CCTV systems. It ranges from curtain sensors to secure the garage, to infrared beams for early warning of any intruders walking into the perimeter, and volumetric PIRs or dual-technology (dual-tech) detectors that keep the approach to the garage and house safe. All of our intrusion detection sensors are also available in wireless models providing more versatility as they can be installed wherever they are needed and help to bring down the cost of installation.

Protect the garage and home approach with a secure driveway.

REDSCAN RLS-2020 Mounting options

The REDSCAN RLS-2020 Series provides LiDAR detection up to 20m x 20m or 30m 95° and can be used for a wide range of security and safety applications. The sensor has full versatility to be mounted vertically or horizontally in four different mounting options – Type A, B, C or D –, which are the same for indoor and outdoor applications.

Selecting the mounting option will depend on whether the detection area needs to be vertical – creating a virtual wall – or horizontal – creating a virtual plane, and the location where the device needs to be mounted, whether it’s a wall or ceiling. The detection area should be set so that the intruder goes across the detection area, whether the sensor will be protecting a ceiling or a wall.

Optex RLS2020 mounting options tech tip aug 2020
RLS-2020 Mounting options

Horizontal – Virtual plane mounting options

A virtual laser plane is useful to protect any intrusions from skylights, false ceilings or open patios. The sensor can be mounted on the ceiling – Type C – providing a detection area parallel to the mounting surface. It can also be mounted on the wall – Type A –, offering a detection area vertical to the mounting surface and useful for applications with very high ceilings (airports, warehouses etc) or open-air applications.

Vertical – virtual wall mounting options

In vertical mode, the detection area acts as a virtual wall which can protect valuable assets on a wall, window screens, glass facades and entry points such as doors or windows. The sensor can be mounted on the ceiling – Type A – or the wall – Type B, C or D. When mounted on the wall it can provide a detection area perpendicular to the mounting surface – Type B – or parallel to the mounting surface – Type C, if placed on the left corner, or Type D, if placed on the right corner.

RLS-2020 Select mounting type

How to assemble the mounting option?

All four mounting options are provided by default in the RLS-2020 and just need assembly by the installer, no extras or accessories are required.

In order to configure the mounting option the installer will need to disassemble the unit removing the side covers and the base and select the mounting option by rotating the main unit inserting the base cover hook into the position written in the wiring cover – Type A, B, C or D. Following the re-assembly of the unit is a key step to make sure of the proper direction of the detection area is checking that the markings on the main unit and base are aligned.

An installation manual is provided with the RLS-2020 unit and available to download from our website. We also have a video guide on the assembly options.

OPTEX RLS-2020 Assembly options

Tech tips for the installation

  • Properly assess the location before doing the installation, making sure the chosen location has no obstructions to the detection area, for instance automatic door sensors or ornaments blocking the laser wall or plane.
  • When mounting on the wall the cable entry should always go downwards and allow for drip loop to avoid water entry.
  • The unit should be properly tightened, and the fixing screws fixed to the top of the lens and facing the opposite angle of the detection area.

If you have any questions regarding the mounting options or how to install RLS-2020 and configure the mounting option, please contact our tech team.