What is a PTZ CCTV camera. Using PTZ cameras in video surveillance systems Example of a ptz camera control code

PTZ - the camera has a robotic mechanism with a built-in electronic-mechanical video control drive, which controls the rotation and tilt of the device. PTZ stands for Pan Tilt Zoom, which means that the camera is controlled remotely, and the camera itself has a zoom function. Optical zoom remotely changes the angle and field of view of the lens (enlarges / reduces the observed object). The cameras are controlled by means of a remote control or special software / hardware (if the equipment is connected to a network protocol).

Tracking automation

An innovative hardware program is installed in the firmware of the PTZ camera. Through this software, the modulation of pixels in the image is controlled, which is transmitted and then sets the device in motion. The tracking function (tracking / turning) of the object, due to movement, changes the pixels and therefore the device focuses on the center of their oscillation. Next, the PTZ estimates the distance at which the tracking object is located and its dimensions. When a moving object leaves the field of view of video equipment, the device returns to its original position or to the one that was previously programmed when the initial setup was carried out. This procedure will start again when the camera registers other changes.

Views

Analog CCTV cameras. After digitization (processing by a digital processor) of the resulting image, a special signal is sent to the electrical converter. It, in turn, modulates these signals into analog (PAL / NTSC). The device connects to a video server or DVR recorder. To organize the control of equipment, during installation, another special cable is attached. The main disadvantages of such equipment for video surveillance are the unsatisfactory resolution of the obtained images, as well as their deterioration during the transmission of a special signal.
Digital IP video surveillance cameras. The processed image is transmitted over the IP / TCP protocol in digital form. This data is sent to the IP recorder or IP server (video). Control together with data transmission is carried out over a single cable. Higher image resolution is achieved when compared with analog cameras.

Constructive designs

Outdoor dome hemisphere or Speed Dome. Exceptionally all components of the device (electronics and mechanics) are located in a sealed hemisphere. Thanks to this arrangement, the penetration of dust and moisture particles is completely prevented inside the case. It also helps to increase the level of protection against vandals. Temperature regime during the operation of such devices is: -50 ° - + 60 ° C.
Outdoor dome spherical PTZ. A similar hemisphere model, but the difference is a more powerful infrared illumination. It has a high degree of fault tolerance, that is, it excludes the effects of moisture, dust and is protected from acts of vandalism. The operating temperature of the equipment ranges from -40 ° to + 60 ° C.
Pan-body PTZ (indoor). The moving units of the camera are open, so the mechanical elements interact with external environment... As a result - low protection against the influence of dust and moisture. The operating temperature of the device ranges from 0 ° to + 55 ° С.
Spherical dome PTZ (indoor). It is intended for installation inside buildings and structures, as it requires the absence of low temperatures, as well as high humidity and dust.
Outdoor robotic PTZ is a hybrid of an electric drive and an outdoor camera. On the this moment the dome camera drove the robotic camera out of the market. Accordingly, the latter is rare.

General characteristics

optical zoom;
digital zoom;
panning control;
tilt control;
audio signal transmission;
auto tracking;
continuous rotation;
temperature regulation;
built-in memory cards;
round-the-clock video surveillance.

The quality of the transmitted image, detail, sound and a set of additional video surveillance functions depend on the model and purpose of each individual device.

Advanced functionality

sound transmission;
tour records;
patrolling the route;
connection of external devices;
chamber temperature control (for extreme conditions environment);
protection from bad weather (wind, rain, snow);
integration of various intelligent applications.

Areas of use

premises;
open area.

With built-in heating for internal and external components and a sealed housing, the dome camera can be used in areas with any maximum temperatures and climates. Some models can be operated in places where human presence is impossible due to exposure to hazardous factors. For example, at the enterprises of the nuclear and chemical industry... And thanks to optical zoom(approximation), devices are actively used for video conferencing and negotiations.

PTZ control is also popular in television production. Used on professional studio cameras for robotic control.

Setting procedure

PTZ cameras are used in two modes:

fixed;
mobile.

Working in a fixed (stable) video surveillance mode, the device (even dome equipment) is always statically directed to the controlled area of observation. As a rule, without camera position control (rotary function is present), but with possible remote reconfiguration, if necessary.

When working in mobile video surveillance mode, the angle of direction of the device is periodically changed to expand / narrow the point of view and detail the necessary items.

As a rule, customers have a technical task or an approximate idea of where the camera should be, what zones it should be aimed at, the frequency and route of movement. All options for video surveillance and control are individual.

After installation of video surveillance, it is required to configure the camera according to terms of reference... It doesn't matter whether a PTZ camera or a static camera, a dome camera or a regular camera, an outdoor or indoor installation, the setup process is almost identical in all cases. Configuring analog cameras is similar to digital IP cameras. It should only be noted that digital IP cameras can also be configured through a video recorder and through software / hardware that is preinstalled on the computer.

Configuration and programming is usually done by CCTV installers.

How to configure an analog PTZ camera

Connecting the camera to the recorder.
Informational setting of operating modes.
Selecting the required surveillance channel.
Individual settings for each channel PTZ surveillance.
Specifies the control protocol (depending on supported by the camera).
Select the value of the baud rate.
The task of the parameters of the stop bits (transmitted to separate information).
The choice of a method for detecting errors in the transmission of information.
The task of the IP address of the device for the registrar (communication is established using it).
Specify the mode and schedule of camera movements.

For remote control of IP PTZ cameras, the following are used:

wireless infrared remote control;
mouse;
special software (which adds the ability to automatically control cameras);
wired USB remote control;
control via Ethernet interface (for high-speed data transmission by cameras);
remote keyboard with 3D joystick.

For the equipment of the control system and video surveillance, for any territory, the most the best option there will be a PTZ dome IP camera. It is the dome IP camera that is resistant to aggressive environment, has convenient control and allows you to control even the largest area without leaving blind spots. The dome camera and its various variations are the most popular type of PTZ cameras.

20.03.2018

Video surveillance store Far Eastern telecommunications.

Wants to interest You fresh news.

About modern systems surveillance video and about setting them up . (for Dummies))

One of the functions is the ability to controlPTZ cameras. (see prices)

By today, many buyers are turning AHD cameras are facing a problem.

Your recorder is a multifunctional device.

One of the functions is the ability to control PTZ cameras.

How to connect and configure AHD PTZ camera via analog DVR video recorder?For comparison, it should be taken into account that an IP PTZ camera does not require additional configuration.AHD PTZ camera is connected via RS 485 interface, and this imposes certain difficulties.

Therefore, today's sketch will be devoted to the answer to this question.
AHD PTZ camera, when connected to a DVR, requires configuration according to the instructions for the camera.

Since there are a lot of PTZ cameras, no one can give universal instructions.
But despite this problem, we can tell you what you need to pay attention to in your instructions in order to quickly set up the camera.
Taking into account the fact that everything is connected, namely the PTZ camera shows the image on the DVR, and is connected to the RS 485 A / B connector.
You can start manual setting DVR recorder. Go to the video recorder menu, Settings and click PTZ.

DNext, adjust the control settings as the instructions for your PTZ camera say.
Pay attention to what items the DVR requires to set.
Your instruction has data to fill out.
It is necessary to select the protocol, baud rate - Bit raid.
In cases of data loss due to poor isolation or interference, the raid bit rate can be reduced.
Date bit is always 8. Stop bit 1. No parity. Everything else changes depending on your instructions.
Be careful. If one of the points is violated, the recorder will not allow you to control the PTZ camera.

If you have set everything correctly, then please go to the channel that broadcasts it. And start controlling the PTZ camera.

If your video surveillance system has more than one PTZ camera, then in order to avoid simultaneous actions of several cameras. Because the A / B port is one.
It is required to change the number in the settings of the camera itself. So that it does not match with another PTZ camera.
Some PTZ cameras are equipped with external switching of their channel. For example.

Knowing all these nuances, it will not be difficult for you to set up a PTZ - PTZ camera on your DVR recorder.
That's all. Enjoy your CCTV system.
We are always glad to help old and new clients.

The next article will be devoted to the setting of cruise control and motion detection for PTZ cameras.

This overview is devoted to the ways to control high-speed PTZ integrated cameras Speed Dome.

The consumption of high-speed PTZ cameras has grown dramatically in the market over the past 10 years. Affected by a significant reduction in the price of these devices, as well as an increase in their technical capabilities: speed, optical magnification, functionality. Now the normal rotation speed during the installation of the "preset" reaches (often exceeds) 400 degrees / s, the optical magnification has long exceeded the 30-fold value, and some cameras even got the opportunity to track objects in their field of view on their own.

Modern prices for "domes" range from $ 500 to $ 600 for Chinese brands to several thousand euros for well-known Japanese, American or European brands. Unlike individual rotary mechanisms, where control is carried out by its own pair for each degree of freedom (mainly with an alternating voltage of 24 or 220 V), a telemetry receiver is integrated into the SpeedDome, which allows you to control the camera using just two wires (in the case of RS-485; some models require 4 wires for full duplex control) or over a video cable. And the SpeedDome IP video cameras do not require additional control wires at all, although they usually have the ability to work "the old fashioned way".

Controllers and keyboards

The simplest and most "ancient" way to control a Speed Dome-camera is using a keyboard, as well as a separate stand-alone device with own source nutrition. The lowest cost keyboard will control pan and zoom using buttons and RS-485 protocol only. Buttons are quite enough when you only need to configure cameras and then control, for example, presets. But if the operator needs to constantly control the cameras, the remote control will greatly slow down his work. For such cases, a remote control with a joystick will be much more convenient - it allows you to control the camera in two coordinates at once, the focal length of the lens, as well as the speed of rotation with one hand movement. The higher the cost of the keyboard, the more additional features (for example, control of video recorders, displaying signals from video cameras and recorders on the built-in TFT monitor) it has. Working with DVRs is limited only by the fact that they must be produced by the same company as the keyboard; there are no such problems with controlling video cameras - usually remotes support several protocols, which means that you can control cameras from different manufacturers. With the advent of IP video cameras, the question of remote controllers for them arose. Of course, almost all PTZ IP cameras have the ability to control via RS-485, but dragging additional wires when there is already a high-bandwidth digital network is pointless. The only drawback of an Ethernet network based on copper UTP, which is the basis for 99% of IP video systems, compared to analog, is the short segment length from the device to the switch (about a hundred meters if you do not use optics).

PTZ camera capabilities

Two things can be said here. First, some camcorders have built-in advanced controls. A properly configured video camera constantly monitors with a maximum viewing angle. When the built-in detector detects movement, the camera zooms in on the area and "guides" the moving object as far as possible. At the moment of such tracking, the camera "does not see" the surrounding environment and cannot switch to another object without returning to its original position with a minimum zoom. Of course, not all cameras even have a built-in motion detector, not to mention automatic tracking.

The second concerns only IP video cameras. It has already been said above that the Speed Dome IP camera can be controlled using either a regular remote control or an IP remote control. However, IP- PTZ cameras in a sense, they are self-contained devices and have a Web server on board. Logging in from any computer through a web browser, you can get an image from the camera, configure its parameters and control swivel mechanism and lens. There are 2 methods offered here - a simple one that imitates the buttons of the control panel and allows you to simultaneously control two coordinates, and an advanced one, which is different for each manufacturer in details. Here you control rotation and zoom using your computer mouse. By drawing a rectangle in any part of the camera window, you will force it to zoom in on this area, or by moving the cursor to the edge of the image, you will receive an arrow hint; which you can move the camera in the desired direction (at the left edge - to the left, at the right - to the right, and so on).

DVR control non-PC

PTZ camera control has long been an integral basic function of DVRs. Only very cheap and very limited functional DVRs can afford it. Cameras with non-PC DVRs are controlled in 99% of cases using the RS-485 interface. Some newer hybrid DVRs, which can work with both analog and IP cameras, may support control over IP. According to the control method, all DVRs can be divided into 3 types: controllers using the DVR's keyboard (from the front panel), controlling only the mouse (for DVRs where there is no keyboard) and DVRs that support both options. The first option is acceptable only for those who very rarely use manual control of PTZ cameras (cameras are configured to bypass "presets" or "tours" in automatic mode). In most cases, using the front panel of a video recorder to control a PTZ camera is a real torment, since you have to work only with buttons in a limited number: no 3D joysticks. Mouse control can also vary greatly. A simple option is an imitation of the same limited set of buttons from the front panel, it is not much more convenient. Other DVRs can use approximately the same mechanism that is described in the previous section and is presented mainly for IP video cameras. Of course, you will have to configure everything using the same buttons or the on-screen menu, but this is the only option for all recorders. Total: the mouse is good, the keyboard is not very good. The good news is that there are more and more mouse-controlled recorders, but the latter's internal software can vary greatly.

The control methods listed above have one common drawback. Any Speed Dome camera has 2 control speeds. Control speed in manual mode usually does not exceed even half the speed of camera rotation at the time of using the presets. Moreover, it is obvious that the higher the speed of such manual control, the less the accuracy, accuracy of positioning the camera on the area of interest or object. It can be noted here that the camera is not used to all 100% of the possibilities it has, and the efficiency of its use could be higher. New computer interfaces and developments are called upon to cope with this task.

Software (PC-based DVR)

DVRs always outperform non-PCs in terms of capabilities. Firstly, new technologies, especially resource-intensive and complex ones, are easier to develop and debug on computers, and secondly, competition with DVRs based on embedded processors forces the same developers to constantly add new functions and capabilities, make their software more flexible and powerful. ... What new do the developers of programs for video registration and control of PTZ cameras offer us? If we discard the variations associated with the interactivity of controls directly on the image, or the imitation of a 2D joystick, then we can separately distinguish 3 categories of new products (interfaces). The first is adding a feature automatic control those cameras that do not have it initially, that is, control the camera using a motion detector in the software. Such detectors can be more powerful and advanced than those built into cameras. The second and third are associated with the use of at least one more video camera (overview), the field of view of which fully or partially coincides with the rotary camera when minimum value focal length.

Manual control

In this mode, the combination of the overview and PTZ cameras allows the operator to control the PTZ camera with one click of the mouse or, by selecting a rectangular section of the image with the overview one, to get it optically enlarged using the PTZ camera. At the same time, 2 shortcomings of the interfaces described above disappear at once, control is carried out at a speed1, the maximum available for a video camera (usually declared as the speed of positioning by presets), and the operator does not lose sight of the protected area - he sees the whole situation as a whole and its details with maximum optical zoom so it can point the camera from one position to another as quickly as it could not with traditional interfaces.

The fact that the Speed Dome camera does not need to return to the survey position in order to select a new object also plays a role in the control speed, and this, as already noted, is the slowest part of positioning. When the camera is positioned without much zooming (almost without using the zoom), the speed increases significantly.

Automatic control

Here we mean the same combination of overview and PTZ cameras. The motion detector analyzes the image from the overview camera and issues commands for the PTZ camera - now the control is fully automatic. Systems of this kind appeared many years ago, however, then they worked according to presets - each square of the overview camera image was assigned its own position, and as we remember, the Speed Dome can have up to 256 presets. However, now developers are using the capabilities of not only modern detectors, but also video cameras. The detectors are smart enough to transmit not just the coordinates of the object, but also the vector of its movement, since while the camera is turning towards the object, it may already be displaced. And cameras have the ability not only to work with presets, but also to execute direct commands for setting along certain coordinates; they are also fast enough. It should only be noted that not all Speed Dome cameras, even from the middle price range, will support these functions. Do not expect that the Chinese noname will be as fast and will have a fully implemented protocol, especially a borrowed one. If several objects appear in the field of view of the overview camera, the PTZ will switch between them, following each one for a set time. Today, some developers supply systems where simultaneous control of several Speed Dome cameras is possible, and almost unlimited combinations of panoramic and PTZ cameras, when you can have a vivid 360 ° view of what is happening around, while providing high resolution and detail of moving objects. It would seem that with an increase in resolution, when there are already digital video cameras with 5, 8 Mpx and more, the need for such a solution is not so high. But the optical zoom is still difficult to replace, and a combination of overview and PTZ cameras using, for example, 35x magnification gives the equivalent of a system resolution of more than 300 Mpx - digital cameras will not be able to achieve the same result soon. Again, the use of megapixel overview and PTZ cameras will always push this barrier forward. Of course, this system also has disadvantages. First, as mentioned, not all PTZ cameras are compatible, and not all of them are fast enough to track objects moving at high angular velocity. Secondly, the system increases in price (however, the cost is worth it - as well as any increase in functionality that increases the safety of the facility or your enterprise). Thirdly, the system requires calibration - setting the correspondence between the coordinates of the overview and PTZ cameras (although there are positive shifts here - for some cameras it is required to set only 9 anchor points, and the system will calculate the rest).

It can be noted in which direction the development of the technology of manual and automatic control should be expected:

The transition to megapixel overview and PTZ cameras and the pursuit of more high definition;
construction of panoramic images, composed of images received from a variety of survey cameras, where images of rotary ones are also inscribed. Thus, a single interactive scene of an object or its section is created. However, it will be incomplete without the ability to reproduce the archive in the same form (although this can be a serious load on the server);
improved performance of motion detectors. New technologies for tracing, scene and object recognition, improving the quality of tracing at night.
Of course, you shouldn't rely entirely on the capabilities of detectors. Do not skimp on video cameras, expecting that the detector will cope with both noise and low-resolution images. General rule for any security system, the system will be as bad as its smallest component. A cheap lens attached to an expensive camera, a cable with a poor quality connector, or any other component can take all your costs away.

Glossary

Speed Dome- high-speed dome PTZ camera. Fast compared to conventional slewing gears. Dome, since more than 90% of such cameras are designed in the form of a cylinder with a domed optically transparent casing that protects the optics and the mechanism from dust and moisture. Speed Dome cameras are also called integrated cameras, implying that all the necessary components are assembled in one body: the video camera itself, optics, a two-coordinate mechanism and a telemetry receiver.

Preset- the ability of the Speed Dome to be set to a preprogrammed position with the maximum available speed. Various modifications can memorize from 32 to 256 presets.

Tours(Tour, or Touring) - The ability of a PTZ video camera to execute a series of commands, such as a sequence of presets. The extended version assumes that the camera memorizes your actions with subsequent cyclic execution. Protocol is a set of commands for controlling PTZ cameras using a telemetry receiver. Usually large manufacturers use their proprietary protocol, however, they must also integrate additional types of Pelco, which has become the de facto standard due to the openness of the manufacturer's policy. Small manufacturers use only such open protocols and implement (depending on their laziness or camera capabilities) only a part of the commands. PTZ is an abbreviation for Pan, Tilt and Zoom, respectively, the rotation of the horizontal, vertical and lens control. PTZ camera is an integrated camera with a rotary mechanism and a zoom lens, respectively.

Until recently, video surveillance systems used mainly cameras with a fixed angle, field of view, and focal length. The disadvantage of this method is the need to use a large number of CCTV cameras, the presence of dead zones and the impossibility of obtaining a clear picture of the intruder at different distances from the camera.

The solution to these problems was the development of devices allowing remote control key functions CCTV Cameras.

Region PTZ applications cameras are rather narrow due to their high cost. Their use is most effective at facilities of a large area with a complex configuration, which have several controlled areas. In this case, the use of one PTZ video camera can replace several conventional - fixed ones and will be financially justified.

In the case of integrating video surveillance into a security system, such cameras can be used to check the alarm and localize the intruder. Modern systems analytical management make it possible to use PTZ cameras for active monitoring of the intruder - they lead the object in the area of responsibility.

MAIN TYPES OF EXECUTIVE DEVICES

PTZ - (Pan Tilt Zoom).

An electro-mechanical device that performs the functions of tilting, rotating and changing the focal length. Currently, there are two types of PTZ devices:

A separate product to which the casing is attached to accommodate a box-type CCTV camera.
Drive as part of a mechanism integrated into the dome camera.

Varifocal zoom lenses.

Lenses with a movable lens system, which interrelatedly move relative to each other in such a way that when the distance to the object or scale changes dynamically, the picture is always in focus. External control can be carried out over a powered zoom. Remote change of the focal length will allow the person on duty to quickly bring the object closer to examine individual details.

The most effective, but also expensive, models are devices that have the ability to preset the position. Camcorders with such lenses achieve the maximum effect in combination with PTZ devices.

PTZ CAMERA CONTROL

INTERNET CONTROL OF CCTV CAMERAS

With the proliferation of digital IP - surveillance cameras that transmit information directly over local network Ethernet / WiFi without laying special communications, the issue of controlling video cameras through various external devices and the Internet has become an urgent issue.

Transmission of video and control commands carried out by cables common use and, moreover, over radio channels it has insufficient security, despite the spread of various encryption algorithms. Therefore, such video surveillance systems are widely used in private homes and small companies. They are often integrated into security and alarm systems.

The most basic (freeware and shareware) programs offer a limited set of functions:

enable / disable recording;
viewing an image in On-Line mode or from an archive;
image search by several parameters;
PTZ module rotation control.

In most cases, a WEB-interface is used for control with varying degrees of automation of searching and configuring cameras on the Internet.

There are two sources of software that is used to remotely control CCTV cameras over the Internet.

The first is software supplied by video surveillance equipment manufacturers. As a rule, such software is only compatible with cameras. own production... The second source is business applications and their free versions which offer a wide range of functions, including analytical ones, and are compatible with most popular brands.

These programs include:

NetStation from Armo Systems;
CMS from VidStar;
Intellect from the iTV company.

It is enough to install such software on your computer and the operator will have a rather impressive set of functions with the ability to automate many control processes PTZ video cameras si:

patrolling;
choice of target for tracking;
prioritization and detailing;
automatic selection and activation of a PTZ surveillance camera to guide a target through several areas of responsibility.

Also, many software modules have been developed for mobile devices: smartphones, tablets, etc. Their functionality is aimed at viewing images and controlling PTZ cameras in real time. For example, the program "Line 7.0", which is released in various versions for the most popular operating systems: iOS, Android, Windows Phone and Windows Mobile.

CLOUD CAMERA CONTROL

Cloud-based video surveillance services VSaaS are one of the most promising trends in video surveillance and remote camera control. Usually cloud services only offer remote viewing without analytics and management features. But well-known camcorder manufacturers as they are released new products include in the functionality and the ability to remotely control.

Cloud services are offered by companies such as:

Axis and its cloud resource Axis AVHS;

DSSL - Trassir Cloud;

Domestic companies - Satellite Innovation;

Mobile operator - Megafon, etc.

Thus, remote control of various functions and PTZ actuators of video cameras can be realized different ways, both with the involvement of large funds and specialists, and independently with a minimum budget. One thing is certain, remote control will significantly increase the efficiency of the video surveillance system at the facility.

Connecting a PTZ security camera is much like connecting a standard security camera. Most PTZ cameras have three connectors: for power supply, video transmission and data transmission. You will find audio in some PTZ cameras, but this is quite rare.

The first step is to correctly determine the power requirements of the PTZ video camera. Most of these cameras operate on a 24 V or 12 V DC source. You should also check the camera's amperage requirements. Since they have a built-in motor, they consume more current. For example, if a PTZ camera is rated as 12 V DC / 2 A, you must ensure that it draws at least 4 A of current.

After you have connected the power, now you need to connect the wires for the video transmission. Often in controlled video cameras they are used for video transmission. Many CCTV installers use Category 5 (CAT5) cable to connect to PTZ cameras. Use a pair of CAT5 cable for power transmission and a single conductor cable for video signal transmission.

If your PTZ camera has audio support, you can connect a pair of audio cables. In many cases, when installing surveillance cameras, engineers use CAT5 cables to transfer not only video and data, but also audio signal.

The data wires are connected last. Commands are transmitted along them, which, for example, make the camera rotate. RS485 is a very common interface used for data transmission. You can use joystick or PTZ camera control. But you have to check if they are compatible with each other. Most PTZ cameras use Pelco protocol, it must also be supported by DVRs and controllers. You must set PTZ ID, baud rate and protocol.

In order to program a PTZ camera, you may need to open its case. Inside you will find a jumper block, also known as a DIP-switch. It can be used to program PTZ ID, baud rate and protocol. In the DVR settings, go to the main menu, find the PTZ configurations and copy the same values. If you are using a joystick, change the settings using the button combinations.

We wish you the best in connecting your Pan Tilt Zoom security camera.

Source cctvdvrsystem.co.uk. The article was translated bysite administratorElena Ponomarenko