Auto Iris: A power supplying socket from the camera to the lens which, according to the lighting conditions, determines the amount of light to enter the camera through the lens. Auto Iris Lens: An Auto Iris Lens is a lens in which the aperture automatically opens or closes to maintain proper light levels on the security camera sensor. Works similar to the iris on the human eye to adjust for light. An auto iris lens is typically available in better cameras. AGC: Automatic Gain Control. A stabilizing electrical circuit between electrical power currents at the entrance to the camera and the video signal at exit. AWB: Automatic White Balance.Balances the color level in accordance with the white color and enables the user to receive the closest to reality image inside teh structure and outside it. ActiveX: ActiveX is Microsoft software component technology, mainly used by Microsoft Windows. It facilitates sharing of information between different applications. Digital video recorders (DVR) utilize ActiveX to remotely view security cameras online. Analog signals: Analog signals are produced by security cameras. Analog signals are continuously variables, and are greatly affected by 'noise' (disturbances) within the system, and recordings of analog information (such as video tapes) degrade over time. Because of this tapes are rarely used anymore.This doesn't occur with digital signals recorded on media like CDs, DVDs and computer hard drives. Aspherical Lens: An aspherical lens is a lens with a non spherical shape so that it refracts light passing through it to either lower the lens aperture so that it passes more light or decrease barrel distortion on wide angle lenses. Balun: Balun stands for Balanced-Unbalanced,and vice versa.Its practical use is in creating required impedance adjustments for signal transmission between differing wiring systems (like UTP to coaxial cable).Specifically used to be able to transmit video signal in CCTV Security Camera System on Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP), such as Cat5,instead of using RG59U coax cable.Typically standard distance that the signal can be transmitted is about 1200 feet.The distance can be significantly increased with waht is called active instead of the more commonly used passive type. BLC: Black Light Compensation. A technology that supplies teh camera with the amount of light required to prevent the blacking out of the photographed object while there is extremely bright light behind it. BNC Connectors: BNC Connectors are RF connectors that interconnect two coaxial cables or connect a cable with CCTV components,namely DVRs and cameras. There are several types of BNC connectors. The primary types are screw on, crimp on or compression type connectors. The most commonly used in CCTV applications is the crimp on type. Different type of coax cable can also require a different size of BNC connectors. CCTV: CCTV or Closed Circuit Television refers to the use of television cameras for surveillance purposes. Unlike broadcast television, all devices are linked directly by cables in a closed system. CCTV pictures are viewed and/or recorded,but are not broadcasted. Usually involving analog cameras and recorders, CCTV is the precursor to digital network systems. CIF: CCTV Resolution can be very confusing because there are several different applications on it. In this article you will find our best attempt to explain teh difference in as much of a non-technical manner as possible. CMOS: The use of CMOS,Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductors in imagers to sense images may improve over CCD technology in resolution, dynamic range,and noise sensitivity. CMOS sensors are being used in many cameras and systems today instead of CCD image sensors.In particular they are being used in manyof the megapixel and HDTV sensors. The two technologies process informations in different ways but perform essentially the same function. C-Mount: This is a specific type of camera, as well as its corresponding lens mount. The C-mount lens is found in older versions of security cameras, and has a flange back distance of 17.5mm. In order to achieve a focused image,a 5mm ring must be insterted between the camera and lens. CS-Mount: CS mount lenses offer a longer focal distance than their C mount predecessors. They have a flange back distance of 12.5mm. Because they are more practical for compact cameras,CS mounts are used in modern cameras. A 5mm spacer ring (known as a C ring) enables CS cameras to also use a C mount lens. Coaxial Cable: A cable with a central conducter that is surrounded by a shield sharing its same axis is called a coaxial cable. It is used primarily for carrying high frequency or broadband signals.RG59 video coaxial cable is used for digital video recorder (DVR) installations. Compression: Compression techniques are used in Digital CCTV to reduce the file sized of recorded video images. Typical compression formats used for video are: MJPEG, MPEG4 & H.264. There is not a significant storage of bandwidth savings in comparing MPEG4 part 2 and MPEG4 part 10(H.264). The significance is seen when comparing to MJPEG for higher resolution models in the Megapixel range. However,none of the H.264 Megapixel security cameras in the market today use teh same H.264 compression. H.264 was standardized at the end of May. Some companies have lines utilizing H.264 are propriety variations of the compression. D1 Resolution: CCTV Resolution can be very confusing because the are several different applications of it. In this article you will find our best attempt to explain the differences in as much of a non-technical manner as possible. Day / Night: During low lighting teh camera shifts from color to black and white. Day / Night Camera: A camera that is 'Day/Night' means it can capture video in both day and nighttime. In low light conditions,the Sony Day/Night chipset switches from color to black and white at night to enhacne the picture quality. DB (Decibel): A decibel is a logarithmic unit that measures teh loudness, power, or strenght of a signal. DC (Direct Current): DC differs from AC (alternating current) in that electricity always flows through it in the same direction. A pair of wires has one positive wire and one negative. Many security cameras are 12 Volts DC, although some can operate at different voltages. DC Type Lens: An auto-iris lens with internal circuit that receives voltage and a video signal from the camera to adjust the iris. DD (Direct Drive): This uses a gearless drive mechanism, making it less prone to mechanical failure. PTZ security cameras will often use them for pan, tilt, and zooming. Digital Signal: A sequence of binary bits that represents ones and zeroes makes up a digital signal. Digital Signal Process: A sophisticated chip in the camera that will enhance and compress the images before it is either converted to analog and transported or remains digital. Duplex (Multiplexer): A multiplexer that allows the user to look at multi-screen miages while performing time multiplex recording. DNS (Domain Name Service): DNS is the system that matches server IP address to website domain names. Dome Camera: A common indoor security camera, dome cameras are mounted on the ceiling. Their two main advantages are a more appealing visual appearance and being easily movable. Their drawback is a lack of usefulnessduring low light situations (therefore not effective when the lights are off). DSP (Digital Signal Processing): These chips can compress video independent of the CPU, which avoids the need to draw processing power from the CPU, allowing it to focus on the other applications and computing tasks. Dummy Camera: Dummy Cameras is simply a security camera housing that has no actual internal working part. The camera may include a red led light that may be powered to have the appearance that it is on recording. Dummy cameras along with signs that say the area is under surveillance may be used to preempt anyone who would want to commit a crime from doing so because of the possible threat of being captured on video. Dummy Cameras can come in a variaty of different sizes, colors, and etc. Duplex: A type of multiplexer that allows you to simultaneously record images to tape and display live multiple-picture (or single picture) screen images of security cameras. Another capability that is provided is the ability to record images on one VCR while at the same time playing back previously recorded images on a second VCR. Compare with a simple multiplexer which provides less features and capabilities. DVR(Digital Video Recorder): This device transforms analog video signals from security cameras into digital format, suitable for storage on a hard drive. It also helps the user manage the stored video files, as well as providing motion detection settings and PTZ camera control. DVRs can often be remotely accesed over the Internet. Dynamic IP address: This is the rotation of IP addresses such that every time a user logs onto the Internet, their IP address cahnges. This is done for Internet security purposes,either by user or by their ISP. This process can interfere with the use of networked devices such as Network IP Cameras because they normally require static IP address to function properly. EI (Electronic Iris): Automatically changes a CCD camera's shutter to mimic Auto Iris control, allowing fixed or manual iris lenses to be used in a range of areas that used to require an auto iris lens. EIA (Electronic Industries Association): EIA is both and electronics trade organization that develops industry standards and term associated with serial communications applicable to digital video recorders. Electroning Shuttering: This term applies to video cameras that compensate for moderate indoor changes in light without use of auto iris lenses. Ehternet: Ethernet can send information either wirelessly (know as WiFi) or more commonly, over wires. It runs at 10Mbps, and all terminals connects to a single common bus (sometimes called a highway). It serves as the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.3 standard, which ensures that networks adhere to a particular set of technical standards. A new type, known as Fast Ethernet, or 100Base-T, runs at 100Mbps, and the newest type, Gigabit Ehternet, runs at 1Gbps. Fixed Iris: A fixed iris is a part of a widely used fixed iris lenses that are inexpensive and are found found in smaller types of fixed CCTV security cameras,usually small case or dome cameras. A fixed iris cannot be adjusted for light conditions. Therefore you must make sure the lighting is optimal at all times in order to get acceptable video images from a camera with this type of iris. Many fixed focal length lenses use this type or iris. However,there are many that will still have an auto iris or electronic shutter feature. FTP (File Transfer Protocol): FTP is a client/server protocol used for the exchange of data between computers. Network cameras with an embedded operating system use FTP to send camera images to an authorized user's computer or website. GUI(Graphical User Interface): Pronounced "gooey"?,this is the interface between teh computer and the matrix switcher. Active areas of teh computer screen are programmable, feature menus, icons, are clickable, and able to activate devices such as VCRs and matrix switchers. Essentially, the GUI makes the CCTV system easier to use. H.264 Compression: H-264/MPEG-4 AVC is a standard video compression. The final drafting work on teh first version of the standard was completed in May 2003. It was finalized in May 2009. Versions used by manufacturers of video security systems prior to this date were using their own version of compression. Now with a finalized standard there should be more consistent results and benefit from using it. Horizontal resolution: This measures the maximum amount of individual picture elements recognizable in a single scanning line. HTML(HyperText Markup Language): HTML is the language used in teh creation of WWW pages,with use of hyperlinks and markup for text formatting. HTTP(HyperText Transfer Protocol): This is the protocol utilized to transmit and request information from WWW servers to browser, either online or over networks. IP(Internet Protocol): This is the protocol used to route a packet of data from source to destination over the internet. Every computer on the Internet has a different IP address that identifies it from other computers. IP Address: This is a numeric that is then translated into a domain name by the DNS(Domain Name Server). When we key in a website's name,the computer translate this into an IP address, which is a unique 32-bit number. The TCP/IP protocol then uses it for routing the data packets to their destinations. Each host has a unique IP address. IP Camera(or Network Camera): This signal from an IP camera is delivered over an IP network. The camera digitizes the images, compresses them, and then sends them over the network (if this sounds familiar to a webcam, that's because there is digital webcam technology contained within the network camera). But a typical IP network camera is much more advanced than compared to a consumer web camera which needs to be attached to a computer to operate. IP enabled security cameras usually offer a browser interface so that the user can operate and view remotely over the internet. A DVR system is often comprised of an IP camera and a NVR. IR Cut Filter: An IR Cut Filter is an extra filter inside the camera that moves behind the camera lens when it gets dark. A camera with an IR Cut Filer will produce very high quality images in low light conditions. Joystick: PTZ controllers utilize the stick as a control device for pan and tilt movement of a PTZ security camera's pan and tilt head. JPEG(Joint Photographic Experts Group): JPEG is one of the most common file format for compressed photo images. A small amount of data, though not noticable enough to be significant, is lost in the compression process, making JPEGs a lossy compression algorithm. LAN(Local Area Network): A LAN is a high-speed network connecting computers that are nearby(probably in the same building), and offers differing connection protocol options. Light Sensor: Often used to turn infrared illuminators on or off, this device is triggered when it detects a pre-set amount of light, and helps copes with low (or no) level light conditions. LUX: This data refers to the minimal amount of lights required by the camera for vision during the state of darkness, LUX 1 = the light of a candle one meter away from the camera. Manual Iris: A manual iris on a security camera is an iris that must be manually adjusted. It is recommended to only use a manual iris lens in a situation where the lighting conditions are consistent and optimal at all times. If lighting is not optimal it will create less than acceptable video images. This limits the situations where a manual iris can be used. It lighting will be changing at all it is recommended to use an auto iris lens. Matrix switcher: When a CCTV system needs to route one camera input to many monitor outputs, it utilizes a device called a matrix switcher. Megapixel Cameras: This is a brief Megapixel Security Camera Review that is intended to point out some of the key points both positive and negative for megapixel cameras. Not long ago digital cameras hits the market. As time passed, every manufacturers seemed to push to keep adding higher and higher pixels to the overall count. It has created a real controversy in the world of photography. There is a great debate about how much resolution all those megapixels really add compared to using standard film. We are not going to address that debate her but simply want to point that out. MJPEG(Motion JPEG): Even though it is not as efficient as MPEG-4, the MPEG is still an ineffective way of creating video from the sequencing of JPEG images. Motion JPEG (MJPEG) is a simple compression technique used to stream digital video images across a network. The quality of the image is guaranteed, regardless of movement because teh captured video is a series of seperately compress JPEG images that can be extracted individually. The compression level can be adjusted to control image quality and file size. Motion Detectors: These devices are used to detect motions on security cameras. Simple motion detection triggers the camera to either record or set an alarm. Motion detection by frame region instructs the camera to respond only if a certain area of the screen/frame detects motion. Finally, advanced motion detection analyzes teh type of motion to see if it warrants alarm (such as crossing into a secure area). One benefit of motion detectors is that cameras only record when motion is detected,which saves disk space. Motion Detection: Recording method for digital surveillance systems. When someone walks in front of a camera, the pixels change and the DVR defines this as motion. The surveillance system will then records these images into the hard disk. This is a popular recording setup as every event recorded is actually motion driven as opposed to a static image if the system was set to record 'round-the-clock'. MPEG(Moving Picture Experts Group): MPEG is one of the most common coding and compression standards for internet transferable video images, the MPEG format is playable on nearly all all free and payware video players. MPEGs use lossy data compression. MPEGs first predict the initial picture content, and the code the differences between that and the copy, as well as any extra information. The group is responsible for helping to create the MPEG4 Type 2 standard as well as working with the ITU on the MPEG4 Type 10 standard now called MPEG4 AVC or H.264. MPEG4: MPEG4 has a newer codec and supports 3D content, low bit rate encoding, and support for Digital Rights Management, which controls the use of copyrighted digital work. MPEG4 is used for web streaming media, broadcast television, videophone, and CD distribution. MPEG4 is widely used in video surveillance, and has recently been improved to the AVC standard (H.264). Network Camera: Also known as a Network IP Camera, this is a stand-alone camera that uses a standard web-browser to view live, full motion video from a computer network, including over the Internet. They often features an embedded OS (operating system) and features like: FTP of images, web server capability, and built-in motion detection. Neutral Density Filter (N/D): This category of lens filter reduces ligh of all wavelengths in equal amounts. NTSC (National Television Standards Comittee) represents the American and Japanese standard television video signal format of 525 picture lines and a 60Hz field frequency. Noise: Random spurts of elecrical energy or interference. NTSC: National Television Systems Comittee that worked with the FFC in formatting the standards in the United States color television system. NVR(Network Video Recorder): Functionally similar to a DVR, a NVR also accepts IP camera inputs. NVRs can be software based, making them suitable only for accepting IP camera streams over the Internet. PAL(Phase Alternating Line): Europe's television video signal is known as PAL. PAL uses 625 pictures lines and a 50Hz field frequency, and is incompatible with NTSC. Passive: If a system component is non-powered, it is considered passive. Pelco-D: This Pelco created protocol is used to control PTZ security camera movements. Pixel(Picture Element): Pixels are the smallest possible display unit of visual information for bulding a graphical image. It is also the basic unit of a CCD chip, with most CCD chis being comprised of over 300,000 pixels. Progressive: Since it scans all line onscreen at once, 60 times per second, this type of scanning is used by computer monitors to minimize flickering. It is also better able to show movement, offering more detail and less ghosting than interlaced scanning. Protocol: Protocols are standard procedures used for regulating data transmission between computers. Protocol exist to minimize errors during the exchange of data. PTZ Camera: This is a brief PTZ Camera review.The purpose is to highlight some of the key advantages and disadvantages of using PTZ cameras. A PTZ (Pan, Tilt and Zoom) camera is a mechanically operated camera. The use typically has the ability to control the pan (left and right), tilt (up and down) and zoom of the camera with a joystick or another software or hardware device. Most small business would not need a PTZ camera while malls and large public areas would find a good use for them. Many of the big box retailers use PTZ cameras in their operation. QCIF see Resolution: This resolution is one quarter of CIF, with 144 lines and 176 pixels per line. Quad Splitter: Utilizing digital video, this piece of equipment displays signals from four surveillance cameras on one monitor. Real-time video: Any picture having 24 or more frames per second appears continuous, or in real time. Resolution: RF(Radio Frequency) in order to be broadcasted across a wireless network, video signals must be modulated into a RF signal. RG-6/U RG-11/U Having a thick center core, this type of coaxial cable is used to transmit video signals of up to 550m which is approximately 1800 ft. RG-59/U More commonly used than RG-11 for CCTV, this coaxial cables transmit video signals of up to 230m which is approximately 800ft. RGB(Red Green Blue): These are the three primary colors of light.All other colors are derived from their mixture. Router: A router is a piece of equipment facilitating the excahnge of packets throughout LAN or WAN networks. It moves packets accross a predetermined path to their destination by storing and forwarding packets, and then determining their optimal path along the network.A router is hardware based, but can also include software. RS232( or RS-232): This is the communication standard that applies to PC serial communications. RS232 is commonly used as a mechanism for sending isntructions that control PTZ security camera movement. RTP(Real-time Transport Protocol): The Internet Engineering Task Force(IETF) developed RTPs to specify audio and video signal management. It standardizes the packet formatting for both for easy synchronization and Internet delivery. Streaming media systems and media conferencing system use RTP, while DVR systems rely on this protocol in the implementation if the remote view features. Since it doesn't specify how a video surveillance playback is implemented, teh data from different RTP based surveillance systems usually cannot interoperate. RTSP(Real-time Streaming Protocol): This open standard for Internet streaming of audio and video is popular among DVR makers for remote viewing of live or stored securty camera video over the Internet. RTSP controls teh transmission of the data stream much the way television remote controls the television. Like RTP, interoperability promblems exist between different DVR systems. (S/N): Signal to Noise Ratio SMS (Short Message Service): Some of teh more advanced Network cameras feature software that sends notifications via the Cellular network to authorized users after programmed events. Griffid is on example of SMS being implemented in network surveillance software. SMTP(Simple Mail Transfer Protocol): This is the standard server-to-server protocol for delivery of electronic mails, either via Internet or on the other TCP/IP networks. Static IP Addres: This is an IP address that does not change.Any computer can connect to it,thereby making video surveillance systems with static IP address remotely accessable from any location with internet. TCP/IP(Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol): These protocols enable communications between different computer and computer networks. The IP is a connectionless protocol that provides the packet routing,while the TCP is connection based to provide reliability in communication and multiplexing. WDR: Wide Dynamic Range, a technology that lights the dark parts of teh image without making the bright parts brighter. A technology that makes use of dividing the image to 2 fields, where each field, according to the lighting conditions in it, changes the speed of its iris seperately and according to its necessities. WAN(Wide Area Network): A WAN is a communications network serving a geographically large area using satellite communications or telephone lines. The Internet is a WAN. Network IP Cameras are capable of utilizing WAN systems. White balance: CCD security cameras features this adjustment to compensate for ambient light color. Since there is a color difference between standard light bulb and sunlight, white balance adjusts to ensure a more realistic picture. This feature may be set by manual adjustment, or it may have preset settings for the most common situations. Whide angle lens: This lens enables a wide view of the scene, with a magnification ratio of less than 1. Wireless: The wireless transmission of video signals can be carried out over both short and long range, with 2.4 to 5 Ghz devices for short distances and high-power line dedicated site solutions for several miles or more. Zoom lens: A zoom lens has the advantage of offering variable focal lenght to view both wide angle to telephoto scenes and keep them in focus. Zoom ratio: This measures teh ratio between the maximum and minimum focal length that a zoom length is capable of.
Sumikawa Vision Beyond Boundaries