Cameras

One of the basic fundamentals for a Video Management Software application is the ability to configure and manage cameras as video data input devices. Cameras are configured in Perspective VMS within the Administration Module and a user must have adequate permissions for their user login to view, configure or delete cameras.

Cameras may be added manually one at a time, copied from pre-existing cameras for rapid staging or by using the Camera Discovery feature (see below). When adding a new Camera (either via Add Camera or Copy Camera and then Edit Camera), an administrator may define or adjust several settings and information fields for that camera.

Set Camera Basic Information

The initial tab for configuring a camera allows a user/administrator to identify the camera's name and model information. There are several required fields on each tab denoted by a red asterisk *.

The Camera Model can be chosen from a select list of all of the default and custom camera models within the system. If a new custom model is necessary one can be added in the Camera Models section of Administration. While the Camera Name is required to identify the camera, the camera description is an optional field. Other fields are defined here below:

 

Camera Nomenclature (Practices)

Since the Camera name is a reference object for search, sort, and filter lists it is recommended to have a systematic nomenclature or naming pattern for easy recognition by users. A popular naming convention consists of a Site Abbreviation, Floor or Exterior annotation, and Camera number, followed by a descriptor. Examples of such names are:

The preceding image shows an example of using Global Search to quickly find all "PTZ" cameras if they are named under the convention noted above. Other examples below show how by using the Select / Switch Camera Component a user can find all cameras from the "BES" site as well searching for cameras on a certain floor or if using "EXT" to designate exterior from Camera Administration itself.

The numerical value appended within the camera name can reference different values for different users. An installer may choose to use the Perspective issued Camera ID, but most installations have a defined camera number that is associated to the physical installation location assigned during the design or architecture of the facility. By using this number as a search item within the name, this can be another efficient means of locating a specific camera in search or filters.

All of these examples illustrate how a thoughtful naming practice can greatly benefit both users and support technicians in identifying cameras quickly.

Set Camera Network Information

To communicate to a Network Camera device the address parameters of the device must be set. Perspective VMS allows for both an Internal (local) IP address and an External (public) address if applicable. If only one address applies it may be entered for both fields.  By default, the basic port is set for "80" but this value may be changed if necessary for communication to the camera. IPv4, IPv6, and DNS Hostname addresses are allowed valid forms of device network identification.

Identification of the servers (services) necessary for support this camera are also located on this tab. The Server lists will be populated from the Servers section of Administration.

Finally, if audio is applicable for this camera the user may choose the audio source (Camera or External). If selecting "External" the IP address and parameters may be entered into the adjacent field.

Set Camera Security Information

Cameras typically have security parameters involved. This tab allows users/administrators to configure the security parameters of the camera/device.

Users may duplicate the Admin and Viewer account information if only one credential is known. The "Show Password" option is a permissionable feature and is only displayed to user groups where this permission is granted explicitly.

Set Advanced Camera Settings

Dependent upon the camera model, a camera may have the ability to enable advanced features. There may also be select Custom Attributes enabled for a selected camera.  If a camera model or configuration does not support an advanced attribute it will be grayed-out and disabled for selection.

Specific fields are defined here below:

 

Custom Attributes are fields that may be selected for models with a correct corresponding value.

Set Camera Archive Settings

To enable a camera to archive (record) video data within Perspective VMS the Archive Settings must be configured. This control has two sections, one for setting the archiving type and conditions and the other for setting the storage parameters. When adding or updating the archive type (top) the user must click Add (or Update) before saving.

The fields within the Archive Settings are as follows:

Once the parameters are configured a user can ADD that configuration to the Archive Schedules. Multiple Archive Schedules can be configured to accommodate varying requirements for that camera. Finally, the Archive Store information (where the video data will be stored and for how long):

 

Set Motion Alerts

Motion alerts from a camera are configured to allow a notification upon Motion either in the Side Panel or as part of a Workflow. To note, Motion Alerts do not have a bearing on archiving parameters. Those settings are configured in the Archive Settings.

This control allows for setting Motion Alerts by schedule, area, and sensitivity.

Grant Camera Access to Groups

Assigning permissions to a camera is accomplished by granting access to select permission's Groups.

To assign a group simply move from the group list to the allowed groups and select Save. Groups may be multi-selected and moved. The group list may also be filtered to find the appropriate group for selection.

Set Installation Information

Optional information regarding the camera installation can be added to each camera record. The fields are to provide requisite information for future support and commissioning. These fields include the ability to capture an image to associate the Field of View as well as upload an image from the mounting installation.

Camera Testing

The Camera Testing tab is an optional interface to test and troubleshoot camera connections. Passing the tests will provide a Success statement and details to the installer or user.

If a connection or configuration fails, the installer will have troubleshooting information such as the connection string to investigate the root cause.

Camera Support Information

The Support Informational tab is an optional entry of support reference information.

The reference information may be added into the Case/Ticket Reference field and assigned a Ticket status (Open, On Hold, Closed). Any Open or On-Hold ticket will be noted as such in the email status reports to prevent technicians from redundant troubleshooting. While this is not a replacement for a Help-Desk or Ticketing system it does provide a location to enter ticket references that can be researched if necessary.

There is also the option of marking a camera Out-of-Service which is a useful indication to users navigating to that camera in live viewing.

Camera Discovery

Automated camera discovery is an option for some camera models. To initiate a find a user can click the "Discover Camera" button on the header of Camera Administration. Found cameras can be imported, if the IP addresses are not already found and assigned.

 

 

Camera Import Source

As shown in the Import Video action, users can import video from various devices (cell phones, drones, web cameras, internet feeds, etc.). To enable this option an administrator must create an Import Source camera object. This is similar to any other camera except the Model chosen would be "Import Generic Source".

A user or administrator may then use the Camera to define the storage location and other parameters for the import source. This camera object will then e able to be called within the Archive Module along with other system cameras or import sources for a complete forensic view of an event.

 

 

Next Topic: Camera Models