26 June 2020
Integrating our sensors with VMS and PSIM platforms for enhanced security
In order to offer the best solution, installers and system integrators should have the flexibility to choose the different security elements they consider best-of-breed and, crucially, be able to integrate them easily.
The integration can be managed on a project basis but this leads to some uncertainty regarding the future, for example whether the components will still be compatible with the management platform after the next software upgrade?
With these challenges in mind, OPTEX has been working for years with a number of Video Management Software providers to ensure the seamless integration of its full range of intrusion detection sensors.
Which OPTEX sensors are integrated with VMS platforms?
We have sensors which are IP by default and also sensors which can use our IP module.The REDSCAN LiDAR is a series of IP sensors; the RLS-2020 is PoE compliant and the RLS-3060 is PoE+ compliant. All our VMS partners have integrated the event code into their platforms, and a few have also integrated the X & Y coordinates which allows very precise tracking.Part of the OPTEX Group family, Fiber Sensys fibre optic perimeter intrusion detection systems have also had their alarm management software – Fiber Commander – integrated by some of our VMS partners in many successful applications.Our REDWALL long-range PIR sensors, our infrared beams and any of our PIR short range sensors can be connected to our PIE1 IP encoder which has similarly been integrated by many of our VMS partners.Please note that the PIE-1 is available in EMEA but may not be available in other parts of the world.
What are the benefits of integrating sensors with VMS?
Intrusion detection is the cornerstone of an event-driven security system. The sensor will detect movement or any presence in the controlled area, generate an ‘event’ which in turn triggers a number of responses, such as pointing the camera to the zone of intrusion, illuminating the area, start recording in higher resolution etc. By having the sensors integrated with the VMS platform, the software will be able to see the sensor as a device on the network, monitor the status and receive the right information.
Our LiDAR sensors can also provide additional information, including the size of the object detected, its distance away from the sensor, and its speed. When integrated this provides valuable information to the security management software.
Which VMS platforms are our sensors integrated to?
We have a dedicated section on our optex-europe.com website that we are constantly updating. We are gradually building all the pages per partner giving you the compatibility table and key information you need to make an informed decision.
External intrusion detection webinar
Various different elements should be taken into consideration when planning an external intrusion detection system: the type of site and its environment is important, as is the level of risk.
In a recent webinar, two of our UK colleagues presented an interactive discussion on their experience in the field. They talked through the benefits of a multi-layered protection approach. Starting from the perimeter, being a fence or wall, or even an open perimeter, to the approach to the building and the building itself.
A key part of the presentation focussed on the various sensing technologies, from Passive Infrared and Active Infrared to LiDAR, fibre optic and RADAR technologies, and understanding which one performs best in which environment.
As the webinar was hosted for the UK market, some products described during the webinar may not be available in all regions. If you have any enquiries, please contact us here.
Tech tip: Detection area masking
When installing an external PIR or dual tech intrusion detection system, it is important to check if any elements within the detection area may generate nuisance alarms. If some have been identified, they should be masked.
What could generate nuisance alarms?
A moving tree or bush could create a contrast of temperature with the background and generate a nuisance alarm. Metallic or glass surfaces reflecting sunlight and heat such as cars can be another potential source of false alarms for outdoor motion PIR sensors. The use of dual-technology sensors, combining Passive Infrared and Microwave technologies helps reduce nuisance alarms. Even with dual tech sensors, it is best-practice to mask the identified elements.
How to mask part of the detection area?
The area to mask can be located anywhere within the detection area: on the left, the right or in the middle. The way to mask it is to block the sensor’s infrared beam covering this specific area, using masking sticker strips. The strips should be applied on the inside of the sensor’s lens, not on the outside. Sliding mechanisms on the side of the sensor and plastic masking plates are also a solution provided with our WXI and WXS 180 degree Sensors.
Our low-mount 12m external VXI or VXS sensors are delivered with masking template stickers to create different detection shapes ranging from L and V shapes to rectangular shapes. This gives a high degree of flexibility to adapt the detection area to the different sites. Read the guide to special detection area setting here.
OPTEX 180 degree low-mount PIR sensors feature a sliding shutter system which allows adjustment of the angle of detection and therefore mask the angle which covers the item likely to generate nuisance alarms. Additionally, if the area to mask is in the middle of the detection area, we provide masking plates. Click here to watch the area masking guide for WXI.
- High mount QXI, HX
For our high mount sensors, such as the HX and QXI series, masking strips are supplied in the box. You can mask individual sections of the detection area by placing the corresponding strip on the inside of the lens. The latches that hold the lens in place can be found at the top, bottom, left and right of the lens. The lens can be removed easily by unlocking each latch with your thumb or screwdriver and gently push the lens out.
Things to avoid
The masking strips we provide are made of a specific material and cut in a particular shape to cover accurately the lens area. Don’t use any other adhesive to cover the sensor lens and certainly don’t try to spray part of the lens. This will void the warranty.
Be careful when you are masking part of the detection area that you don’t create any blind spots in vulnerable areas.