An Introduction To Infrared Security Cameras

Infrared (IR) light is invisible light that the human eye cannot detect; this invisibility is attributed to the fact that infrared light makes use of longer wavelengths than is the case with the wavelength of light from the visible spectrum. Infrared security cameras therefore work on the premise of being able to capture images based on very little or no light. Light levels are actually measured in terms of 'lux'. A low lux rating enables a camera to see better in darkness and also when there is no light at all.

Most cameras that use infrared light will have lux ratings of 0 which of course means that such a camera will be able to see when there is absolutely no light around at all.

Some people even choose to use color infrared cameras that are able to switch over to taking black and white images in the dark, while in the daytime they provide color images. In order to determine whether to shoot in color or in black and white these cameras have photo cells inside the camera that monitors and keeps track of whether it is daylight or not.

The best IR camera is the outdoor IR camera. When picking your security camera (IR) you must look at factors such as the distance rating and also the cost of the camera. Remember that if you choose to buy an indoor camera that has a bigger range than the dimensions of your interiors, then the pictures taken will be less than perfect because of their inability to focus properly in limited areas.

Also, when it comes to purchasing these cameras you should be prepared to spend more money than is the case with purchasing an ordinary security camera. Though at the same time you will find a lot of choice in terms of style, and of course you can also buy some very high quality infrared security cameras as well.

You can purchase an IR security camera from many local surveillance or alarm companies, however many times you will find better deals and more selection from online security camera retailers.

The main purpose of using such security cameras is to provide surveillance over areas of a home or business premises that is not properly lit. They also to cover sensitive areas in the absence of proper lighting which may make it impossible for an ordinary security camera to capture images of the events taking place.

With the help of an IR security camera you can record events even when there is no lighting. Indoors such cameras can keep track of interiors even when the interiors are in total darkness.

Even if criminals get onto your premises and turn off the lights, the help of an IR security camera will still enable you to record the events as they take place. This provides you with ample evidence to help catch the criminals.

If you pay a little extra you can pick up better quality security cameras and this ensures that the footage provided will be of superior quality. Clear and crisp images can prove to be very helpful in tracking down criminals that have broken into your home or office.

Mike Ward is the owner and operator of Security Cams, a leading online
provider of infrared security cameras and hidden cameras. For more information about security cameras, please visit
www.security-cams.com.

Future Of Facial Recognition Technology Not Just for Security Cameras

Facial recognition technology has been around for a while, but is still in its infancy. Most digital cameras utilize a simple form of FRT. It is one thing for a camera to recognize a face is present in a photograph, yet a completely different thing to actually determine whose face that is. Some cell phones and computers use a simple form FRT as a security feature. Facial recognition technology has sweeping implications on how it could change the way everyone moves about and experiences the world.

Government and military security departments are pressing hard to move this technology forward. Those responsible for keeping airports, public transit, and events such as the Olympics safe from terrorist inflicted disasters really have had no way of checking everyone, but this could change everything. In the last 7 or 8 years of development this technology researchers have ironed out quite a few bugs in the system and continue they add capabilities, such as 3D modeling, texture analysis, and compensating for the effects aging. Combining this with improvements in networked digital surveillance cameras will eventually lead to safer transportation for everyone. Since wireless security cameras can be placed just about anywhere individuals can be screened from any angle or access point.

Proponents against FRT continually point to a handful of early studies the where the technology performed poorly and fears of false identifications. It is true that these early studies fared poorly, however much has been learned since and the data collected has helped researchers determine the weaknesses in the system. Every technology that has come to fruition from the light bulb to cell phones undergoes this cycle. The company Pixar originally marketed its high end imaging machines to government and medical institutions. Today and twenty-one academy awards later Pixar continues to bring us top notch animated films, such as Toy Story and Wall-E.

It is only a matter of time before FRT is integrated into systems other than security cameras. Imagine walking up to an ATM machine and it instantly recognizes you, or verifying a credit card purchase by simply smiling for the camera. Arguing that this technology is not feasible is comparable to naysayer discussions during the early years of computing. Remember computers used to take up entire buildings and could only perform the simplest of tasks. Back then many people questioned the value the technology could add to society and many people were even fearful. Now we can scarcely imagine how people lived without them.

About the Author: Mike Ward is the owner and operator of Protection Depot, a leading online provider of wireless security cameras and surveillance cameras. For more information about security cameras, please visit www.security-cams.com.

Farming and Agricultural Surveillance Cameras

Farming has always been a massive core component of society, so it is not surprising that every technological development has had some kind of impact on the industry. Until recently it has been largely limited to innovations in machinery where the focus was to increase productivity by reducing labor. Examples would include tractors to plow fields, pumps to milk cows, and combines to harvest crops. With so much happening on farms and fewer people operating them the access to information is more important than ever.

Today’s farmers are integrating weather and temperature sensing equipment with wireless surveillance cameras to stay abreast up to the second of all situations on the farm. Farmers need to monitor crops, dams, irrigation levels, livestock, heavy equipment, barns, and workshops. During foaling and calving season animals can be monitored from home, eliminating the need for frequent trips to the barn to check on them. Hidden mini cameras can be placed in remote areas where approach of thieves or poachers would be hard to detect otherwise, which is important when protecting high value stud animals. Cameras also allow employee productivity to be tracked and ensure that tasks are being completed up to standards.

A farm or acreage presents some unique security problems. Large open spaces with miles of border or fence to watch require utilization of many cameras, since thieves are not likely to enter and exit through the front entrance. These security cameras need to have a long and wide field of vision yet still provide a quality picture. This is why an automated system that can alert workers of trouble points instantaneously is most effective. One way of accomplishing this is to rig cameras up with infrared lasers which detect motion. When an intruder trips the motion sensor the camera begins recording and an alarm is sent out. Information can even be routed to a mobile phone, so there is no worry of missing an alert.

While information can be routed through land lines, this poses some problems. With so much movement of earth on a farm unless cables are buried deep enough breaks can occur. Overland cables are visible and can giveaway hidden camera locations to trespassers. Fixing or even locating a broken cable can be difficult. The drawback of wireless cameras is powering them. Most cameras operate at 12 volts, so a common car battery can be used, or alternatively solar panels. Batteries need to be checked regularly. Aside from being an obvious giveaway in a hidden camera situation, solar panels are prone to damage or theft. Vandal and weather proof cameras should be used at all locations.

Having all this information is great, but farming is a ‘git er done’ business. An automated security system can save farm operators and employees thousands of hours of labor per year enabling them to focus their work in the right areas at the right time.

About the Author: Mike Ward is the owner and operator of Protection Depot, a leading online provider of security cameras and wireless surveillance cameras. For more information about security cameras, please visit Protection Depot.

Predicting the Future With Automated Security Cameras

The movie “The Minority Report” is set in a future where crimes can be detected before they happen and people are arrested and charged for acts they intended to commit. Tom Cruise heads up the Pre Crime unit that is powered by psychic beings whose dreams of the future can detect murderous intent, however predicting crime before it happens may not require such a farfetched premise.

Some would argue that security cameras do not prevent crime they only assist with catching the individuals who conducted those criminal activities. While they do provide invaluable information about perpetrators the police can use to quickly apprehend suspects, new technologies combined with a stronger understanding of social behavior are quickly changing these assumptions about security. Automated security systems can prevent a crime before it even happens by recognizing threats before they have a chance to act.

An automated security system combines intelligent cameras with advanced database analysis software. These new intelligent surveillance cameras can automate and streamline security tasks. Smart cameras can track targets as well as make decisions on which targets to watch. These innovative security cameras can key in on individuals and recognize faces and objects the person is carrying. Data can be stored and cross referenced with police databases, hotel registrations, or any other pertinent data to determine the threat level of any given person. As data is collected over time the system is begins to understand how specific people behave. This allows control centers to better monitor a site by requiring fewer agents to monitor more cameras. Utilizing behavioral analysis algorithms the system can notify security monitoring personnel of any suspicious activity.

These systems are astonishingly accurate. One social experiment conducted at MIT, The Reality Mining Project, utilized hundreds of thousands of hours of proximity data collected by tracking mobile phones over a period of nine months. Researchers were then able to create algorithms that could predict a person’s next actions accurately over 85% of the time. The program was also able to determine social status and relationships. Tracking individuals as they move through their day from home to work and other key locations the program could create a list of their friends and acquaintances and be right 90% of the time.

How does this work practically speaking? Here is one example. A serious threat, such as a terrorist, is likely to conduct their own surveillance of the site before carrying out an attack. The system could track individuals as they move through the site and recognize surveillance types of behavior. The system would then alert monitoring agents to pay closer attention to them. A snapshot of the target could be used to determine identity and various databases could be cross referenced for any pertinent information about the suspect. They can then direct security teams on how to position themselves to deal with the threat in a moment’s notice should the need arise.

About the Author: Mike Ward is the owner and operator of Protection Depot, a leading online provider of security cameras and surveillance cameras. For more information about security cameras, please visit Protection Depot.

Security Costs at the 2010 Olympics

The city of Vancouver is bustling with preparations for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Intensive construction efforts directed to improve transportation, provide housing for athletes and venues for competitions have been underway for several years. Major projects such as the Sea to Sky Highway, and the Canada Line skytrain addition are just a few examples. The immense activity during a mega event such as an Olympic Games is mind boggling. For 17 days between February 12th and 18th the streets, buses, and skytrain will be congested constantly with people moving every which direction all day and night. Crowded stadiums filled with high profile VIP’s and athletes would be a tantalizing target for terrorist attacks. The logistics and costs to setup city wide surveillance and security are massive and several multi-million dollar studies are underway to strategize how best accomplish this goal.

The Vancouver Olympic Committee is expecting to spend somewhere around $177 million dollars on security for the games, however the number is likely to increase. Olympic watchdog’s “2010 Watch” spokesman Chris Shaw questions the validity of this claim. In 2002 the US spent over $500 million in Salt Lake, while the Athens Olympics ran a bill of $1.5 billion US dollars. How could a number like $177 million be realistic when other cities have spent so much more? Most of the money, approximately two thirds, will be spent on providing additional police and security personnel during the games. The next biggest expense will be surveillance equipment, voice stress analyzers, security cameras, and explosives sensing equipment. CCTV networks utilizing highly advanced hardware and software will give security officers an astounding amount of information. These networks will be able to recognize people’s faces and be able to rapidly cross check their identity with government records or hotel registrations. Rapid access to this information could give the police the edge they need to prevent a major terrorist disaster.

One concern is that the cameras will remain in place after the games, as they have in recent venues such as Salt Lake City and Sydney, and that they would infringe upon individual privacy. Indoor and outdoor cameras numbering in the thousands will be installed everywhere from Downtown Vancouver to Whistler. Others question whether or not the cameras will actually do anything to prevent even a small scale terrorist attack. Even if the presence of security cameras does not actually prevent a crime they would certainly help the Vancouver Police Department identify and apprehend perpetrators and this can help reduce crime in the long run.


About the Author: Mike Ward is the owner and operator of Protection Depot, a leading online provider of security cameras and surveillance cameras. For more information about security cameras, please visit Protection Depot.

What To Do If You Think Your Being Bugged

Surveillance technology has evolved by leaps and bounds over the last several years. Audio and video bugging devices have gotten smaller and are more readily available than ever. Concealable high resolution color cameras and audio recording devices that can store hundreds of hours of audio can be purchased by anyone for less than one hundred dollars in a local “spy” store or on the internet. Mini security cameras are allowed in public places and to help protect private property, but it is not uncommon for them to be placed in hotel rooms, showers, cars, phone lines, While laws prohibit such infringement of privacy not everyone abides by them. Whether you are involved in high profile business deals, developing new technology, going through a divorce or other legal proceedings, or shower at the local gym you may be at risk from prying eyes and ears.

Bug detectors are a small device that can pick up transmitted signals from video or audio bugging devices. Most bugs rely on wireless technology and send radio frequency (RF) signals, similar to those used by cell phones, back to receiving and recording equipment. We’ve all seen movies where the cops are hiding out in a “carpet cleaning” van filled with computers and headsets parked just outside a villain’s home, but these new devices are capable of sending signals as far as five miles away. Others have data storage built in, such as an SD style card commonly used by digital cameras. These devices are planted and picked up at a later date. Detection equipment is equally compact and sophisticated which allows you to protect yourself where ever you may go. Some kits carried on your key chain can help you locate hidden camera lenses and RF signals from video/audio bugs. They are easy to use and with the touch of a button you can secure your location enabling you to discuss your business or try on those clothes in the fitting rooms with piece of mind that you aren’t being monitored. If a bug is present they will silently alert you with vibrations.

If you are concerned you are being targeted for surveillance never discuss your business in public places where anyone can be listening. To check an area use both a bug detector and conduct a physical inspection of as well, since some devices may operate at extremely low power levels. Avoid using a cordless or cell phone to make calls as these can be easily picked up. Landlines can be secured using a special device that checks for wiretaps. If bugs are bugging you consider turning to a professional electronics countermeasure (ECM) security company to conduct a full sweep of your house or office.

About the Author: Mike Ward is the owner and operator of Protection Depot, a leading online provider of mini security cameras and surveillance cameras. For more information about security cameras, please visit Protection Depot.

Fake Security Cameras

Protecting your property whether it is a home, estate, or business takes careful consideration. A visible security system is a proven deterrent for thieves and vandals out to commit a crime. Often these common criminals are looking for an easy low risk hit and will move on to other areas once they notice your area is under surveillance. While this doesn’t eliminate a crime it can protect you. Security cameras can provide visuals of the suspects which police can act on immediately. This greatly increases their chances of catching the perpetrators. Security systems are relatively simple to setup and customize to whatever your needs may be. Most systems include motion sensors, lights, mini security cameras, and a digital video recording station. While the cost of security systems has come down in recent years they are still a sizeable yet worthwhile investment. The piece of mind knowing your possessions are being looked after is priceless.

If you are not ready to setup a full fledged security system or it simply isn’t feasible based on your needs consider implementing a few fake security cameras. Fake cameras area essentially an actual security camera or camera housing that isn’t connected to any form of monitoring system. They have the exact appearance of a real security camera and are available in a variety of sizes and styles. Expect to pay between $10 and $30 dollars per unit. They can be installed in a few minutes and provide the same deterrent factor of a real security system, since thieves won’t know the difference. A convincing camera will include blinking LED’s, realistic cables, and an indoor or outdoor housing. More advanced cameras have automatic pan and tilt functions to give the appearance they are scanning an area. Some of these include motion sensors coupled with tracking capabilities. A static camera suddenly panning and tracking an approaching person is enough to send any potential threat packing on their way.

Dummy security cameras may be a great choice for more remote areas of your property or business, such as a parking lot or fenced in supply yard. Blinking LED’s will ensure the camera is noticed. You can also bolster the presence of an existing system. Dummy cams can be upgraded at later date with little difficulty. Fake surveillance cameras create the illusion of a fully functional security system. The bottom line is a crook simply won’t be able to tell if the system is real or not, and most likely won’t even question it.

About the Author: Mike Ward is the owner and operator of Protection Depot, a leading online provider of mini security cameras and surveillance cameras. For more information about security cameras, please visit Protection Depot.

Surveillance Cameras

There are several types and classifications of surveillance systems, the most basic difference being that of interior versus exterior security cameras. Exterior cameras have a somewhat different exoskeleton, or protective covering. Obviously anything that is constantly exposed to the elements will need some sort of protection such as a metal visor, sport mounting, or durable casing. Interior surveillance cameras require electronic friendly, dry environments with reasonable temperatures. Beyond these two major differences in surveillance cameras, a host of various types of cameras can be used for various functions and desired results, the most common being wireless and hidden devices.

Wireless surveillance cameras have become incredibly popular for obvious reasons. These units are much simpler to install now that there are no wires to worry about. Not only can the average citizen save money on self installation, but the manufacturing costs have also decreased dramatically for wireless surveillance cameras. Wireless units also bring a new element of flexibility to camera placement, with total freedom from wires. The only difficulty when dealing with wireless units is the need for power. There are some options to use a wire for electricity only, so you still do not need to run a video feed wire, and some units run on battery power that can be recharged or replaced.

Hidden cameras are also quite popular, giving people the ability to monitor specific areas while going unnoticed. Sometimes it is important to display security cameras in an open view, but it is also extremely helpful to utilize the services of hidden surveillance. There are a variety of reasons that hidden cameras are useful. For some homeowners, they are used to check up on children, monitor house sitters or cleaners, and keep a close watch on valuables. In some high security circumstances, employing a combination of hidden and non-hidden cameras is advantages. For example, in a banking situation, a mounted camera may act as a deterrent, but a criminal is likely to dodge the view of such an obvious fixture. A hidden camera can assist in identifying the subject for police or authority reference.

Perhaps the most effective hidden cameras are considered “mini security cameras.” These tiny lens cameras fit in the smallest of place such as through air vents, around corners, or mounted to other fixtures. Though they are very small, they can still produce the resolution needed to make identifications.

These different types of surveillance cameras are making the homes and businesses of so many people safer places to live and work. It is important to keep a close watch on those things that are valuable because no one is exempt from being targeted for some type of trespass.

About the Author: Mike Ward is the owner and operator of Protection Depot, a leading online supplier of wireless surveillance cameras and mini security cameras. For more information about security cameras, please visit Protection Depot.