IP Camera Part 1 Introduction

An Internet protocol camera, or IP camera, is a type of digital video camera commonly employed for surveillance, and which unlike analog closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras can send and receive data via a computer network and the Internet. IP cameras are cameras that work with digital technology.

IP Camera

Webcam vs. IP Camera

Webcam

A webcam is a video capture device that is connected to a computer or computer network, often using a USB port or, if connected to a network, Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Unlike webcam, IP camera has the computer component within camera. Normally a webcam requires a connection to a single PC. The data will only be sent to the internet if there is a connection to the PC. IP camera in contrast with webcam can send the data alone to the other stations.

Webcams are usually used as simple devices for communication among internet users. The most popular use is for videotelephony, permitting a computer to act as a videophone or video conferencing station. This can be used in messenger programs such as Windows Live Messenger, Skype and Yahoo! messenger services.

IP cameras provide more functions than webcams, for example, they are often equipped with motion sensors and night lenses. IP cameras are used primarily for survillance system in the same manners as analog closed-circuit television. Besides that, IP cameras are also important for tourism industry, traffic control  and the like. Unlike CCTV cameras, IP cameras can be easily removed from one place to another because they do not require complicated wiring system.


Part 2 will follow ...

Typical Single Door Access System

How it works?

System can run completely standalone with or without computer.

The card users will enter the pin number on the keypad or flash the proximity card in front of the reader to enter the door.Upon idenfication, the electromagnetic lock (EM Lock) will release; allowing the door to be opened. The EM lock will lock back after preset delay has elapsed.

To exit, the card users can either press the push button or flash the proximity card from inside.

Alarm buzzer will trigger if the door is left opened too long or if the door is opened by force without flashing any card.

Break glass is for emergency escape from inside. Key switch is used to manually open door in the event of reader failure.

Anti-passback if enabled will ensure that each entry must be followed by each exit. This will avoid users to pass their cards to other unauthorised persons, who would re-enter the premise later.

All event will be saved in memory and downloaded to PC later. Event will be analyzed for time attandance reporting in software.

The new software allows operator to contol who (card users) can access where (door group) at what time (time zone).

Figure below shows the door access card control system.

Door Access Card System from Soyal


 Note: We also provide this system. If interested, please contact us for further info.

How do the Alarm Systems Work?

This article discusses the basic idea of the alarm systems.

There are two types of alarm systems: hardwired and wireless.

* Hardwired systems

These systems are wired through the walls. All the sensors and detectors are all wired directly to the central control station. These systems are traditional choice.

* Wireless Systems

Nowadays, these systems are widely used. The systems have small transmitters that wirelessly communicate information to the central control station. Each sensor needs energy to transmit the radio wave, thus battery is required to make it work. Always check the battery. If it runs out, the systems will also not work properly.

Features to consider before buying alarm

The systems have numbers of capabilities, some of them are:

• easy-to-use controls
• door opening detection
• interior motion detection
• siren and alarm notification
• window opening detection
• smoke detection and many more...      

Motion Detector Northtronic

The photo here shows an example of motion detector. It is used to detect any movement inside the house. As it detects the motion, the alarm will sound if it is armed. Newer models today are invented to be pet immune. It can avoid false alarm usually caused by cat walking and the like. This model for example senses the movement any object of weight more than 38 kg. So there should be no worry about false alarm caused by pets anymore.

The other sensors also work similarly to motion detectors. The alarm sounds as the desired feature of sensors is detected. For example, magnetic door sensor is for door opening detection. It will activate the alarm, if the door is opened and the alarm is in armed condition.

The use of siren

Siren is used to sound the alarm in order to notify everyone nearby. The home alarm siren normally comes into two types: Internal siren and external siren.

Internal Siren

Newer alarm control panel models today are invented to have built-in siren. It is sufficient to notify the people in the house when the alarm is triggered, but it is not loud enough to tell anyone outside the house if the house is made of thick walls.

External Siren

External Siren Box with Strobe Light

In order to make alarm system perform better, this accessory is highly recommended.It is usually mounted at the wall or facade outside. The typical external siren comes with the siren box with strobe light. This also can symbolize that the house is equipped with the home alarm system and the intruders will think twice to get into the house as they see this box. The sound is normally loud enough to notify the neighbours and also to make those intruders feel panicky. Today, the external siren looks more elegant and smaller, but it still sounds loud and fulfil the original purpose of external siren.

Smaller External Siren Northtronic

     

The Alarm System

The alarm will only function, when the system is in armed condition. There are several ways to arm and disarm the system. Normally, remote controls are provided. But newer models can use the GSM and phone signal to communicate with control panel.
As described earlier, the system is functioning as the siren sounds, but the system also can tell the home owners by SMS or phone call, when they are away from home to inquire if the police should be contacted.