Intelligent security for airports
Siemens is offering its Siveillance SiteIQ wide-area surveillance product to the Australian market, following successful application for critical infrastructure projects in the US and Europe.
Siveillance SiteIQ is able to classify more than 50 independent, simultaneous objects per camera. The system evaluates and monitors all sensor and camera signals, using one large screen to display only the live images, in the case of an alarm or suspicious event.
In a recent technical paper, the company said the system would help to move away from “video walls” of monitors showing live analogue video streams, and relying on an operator to recognise threats.
“The sheer size of an airport and the range of operations carried out on a daily basis means that it is an extensive and complex site in terms of security provision,” the paper said.
“By employing image analysis to identify and automatically flag suspect objects and potentially threatening incidents, security personnel can focus on responding to and acting upon such threats, rather than simply monitoring the video channels. By integrating the video surveillance with other systems, many of the security requirements can be performed through a single system.”
The company points to integration as the future of airport security operations, with security threats dealt with through “interoperable solutions using fully integrated systems”.
“With the right technologies and the integration of different security systems, even large and complex sites such as airports can be monitored and secured efficiently.”
“A key factor in effective security is to adopt an approach which seeks to recognise all the threats throughout the process, from the perimeter protection of the airport, through to preventing thefts from the car parks, to efficient and transparent passenger, luggage and cargo check-in, and on to general airport operation and air transport management.
“That is not to say that a single solution to airport security exists – it does not; but, by adopting an integrated approach, airport operators can better protect all operating and value-chain processes, without gaps.
“In terms of security, this will typically include access control, video surveillance, intrusion detection, alarm management and evacuation.”
And integration is not confined to security – the company cites fire protection, energy management and automation systems as other areas undergoing integration.
“This trend will continue, particularly given the need for airports to be economically sustainable, irrespective of their size, which will require improved operational processes and intelligent energy management systems.”