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.