DVR recorder, PTZ PTZ AHD camera setup. A quick guide to connecting a PTZ surveillance camera How to control a PTZ camera

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

Consumption of expressways PTZ cameras has grown significantly in the market over the past 10 years. A significant decrease in the price of these devices, as well as an increase in their technical capabilities: speed, optical magnification, functionality, affects. 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 just 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 an analog one, 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 are in a sense 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 the rotary mechanism and lens. It offers 2 methods - a simple one that imitates the buttons on the control panel and allows you to simultaneously control two coordinates, and an advanced one that differs from each manufacturer in detail. 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, can support IP control. 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 only have to work 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 rotation of the camera at the time of using the presets. At the same time, it is obvious that the higher the speed of such manual control, the less accuracy, accuracy of positioning the camera on the area or object of interest. 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 ° picture of what is happening around, at the same time providing a high resolution and detailing 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 panoramic 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 rest will be calculated by the system itself).

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

Switching to megapixel survey and PTZ cameras and striving for higher resolution;
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 should not rely entirely on the capabilities of the 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, meaning 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.

In some areas modern life PTZ cameras have gained popularity. From the decoding of the abbreviation PTZ, we can conclude that such cameras provide the ability to control the moving mechanism (Pan / Tilt / Zoom - pan / tilt / zoom). Thus, you can control PTZ cameras remotely, manually adjust its position with the ability to rotate 360 ​​°, being behind the monitor screen, and, if necessary, enlarge the image. This feature of this type of device allows replacing several static cameras with one PTZ. You can also program the device to automatically respond to changing events in the frame.

PTZ camera control

The ability to control PTZ cameras is realized due to the presence of an electromechanical drive in the devices, which provides the ability to rotate and tilt the PTZ camera. Also, these cameras are equipped with a built-in optical zoom, which allows you to remotely adjust focal length lens. The mechanism is controlled remotely using the connection digital cameras via a network protocol, or by means of a control panel for analog cameras.

V manual control There is nothing fancy with cameras - the operator sits at the computer screen, and using a joystick or keyboard, he rotates the camera in the required direction.

Automation of modern PTZ cameras works on the principle of reaction to changes in pixels in a certain area of ​​the frame. In other words, the device program, when movement occurs in the frame area, notices this, and when the object moves in space, it turns the camera after it, and stops the camera when the movement stops. After the moving object has left the field of view, the camera automatically returns to its original position. It is also possible to configure sensitive areas of the frame, in the event of movement in which the automatic will be triggered. It is possible to make insensitive those zones in which movement occurs constantly, and, in principle, is not a significant basis for triggering the sensor, for example, an enclosure with a dog.

Most PTZ cameras have an automatic patrol function, which allows the camera to automatically move along a given route. Depending on the model, you can set from 8 to 200 presets.

The auto-flip function provides automatic rotation of the camera unit 360 ° when the mechanical stop is reached, after which the camera continues to move along the specified route.

Other characteristics

Optical zoom lens analog PTZ cameras can reach 36x, digital - 22x. The maximum digital zoom is 18x.

Like fixed cameras, PTZ devices can be equipped with various event sensors that respond to motion, noise, etc. The standard function of automatic switching to black and white shooting mode at nightfall (day / night function) is also implemented. Among other things, all dome and hemispherical devices are equipped with built-in IR illumination diodes for.

Execution options

PTZ cameras, like static ones, differ in their body design. In addition to the subdivision into outdoor and indoor, PTZ cameras are box, dome and hemispherical, but dome video capture devices are the most popular due to their reliability due to the location of the entire mechanism under the "dome". The vandal-proof housing of PTZ dome cameras reliably protects them from all kinds of mechanical influences and adverse operating conditions.

With the dome camera, you can adjust the field of view at right angles downward and pan 360 °. Due to the structural features of spherical dome cameras, they all have powerful IR illumination.

Hemispherical outdoor cameras, like dome ones, have high protection against environmental influences due to the location of all parts of the movable mechanism inside a sealed hemisphere.

The mechanism of box-type PTZ cameras closely borders on environment, therefore, their resistance to weathering is very low. Because of this feature, the use of box-type PTZ cameras is limited to internal rooms in the absence of unfavorable conditions in the form of high humidity and dust.

Varieties of PTZ cameras

Like any other camera, PTZ has a clear distinction between analog and digital devices.

Today it is most expedient to use as analog PTZ cameras. The choice in favor of this type of device can be made based on the indicators of ease of connection, as well as high image resolution (HD, Full HD), comparable to IP video surveillance devices, which old analog cameras cannot boast. The simplicity of connecting AHD cameras is due to the possibility of transmitting video, audio, and control of the rotary mechanism over one coaxial, when, as for simple analog devices, it would be necessary to lay a separate cable for control.

PTZ IP cameras have high image resolution, and can also be directly connected to the Internet or integrated with cloud services for remote video surveillance and control of the driving mechanism of the camera from any gadget from anywhere in the world with Internet access. All signals are transmitted over one UTP cable () type 5e.

Dome PTZ IP WiFi Camera IVUE-IV8513PZ

As an example of an outdoor PTZ IP camera, let's take the IVUE IV8513PZ model, with a 1.3 MP matrix, and a maximum recording resolution of 720p (1280x720). The implementation of Wi-Fi technology provides the ability to wirelessly connect the camera to a router for setting up remote access via the Internet, accessing the device from a mobile phone or computer. It also implements WDR (wide dynamic range) technology, which allows video surveillance in difficult conditions with uneven lighting distribution. Viewing the video stream from the camera and controlling the rotary mechanism is performed through a CMS program or a browser interface. IVUE IV8513PZ has a built-in motion sensor, IR cut filter and IR illumination with a range of up to 10 meters. Operating temperature range from -30 to + 50 ° C. The cost of the device at the time of this writing is about 21 tr. By the way, the price range of almost all PTZ outdoor cameras is approximately equal to or starts from this figure, with the exception of some models.

Scope and application features

Thanks to swivel mechanism it is possible with one PTZ camera to provide control over the entire territory. Today given type cameras are widely used in security systems of stores, large shopping centers, banks, schools, in general, wherever you need a circular view of the territory of the object and the possibility of an instant increase in the focus of an alarming event.

Most often, to maximize the efficiency of a video surveillance system, PTZ cameras are used in conjunction with fixed video capture devices, when static cameras are constantly "vigil", and PTZ cameras are turned on in case of need for a quick response to an extraordinary event to obtain decent image detail by optical zoom.

Based on the installation site, PTZ cameras can be used both indoors and outdoors. are equipped with a special sealed casing that protects the device from low and high temperatures, precipitation, moisture and dust. A heating system is built into the body of some outdoor cameras, which ensures uninterrupted operation of the device even in severe frosts. Therefore, when choosing cameras for operation in low temperatures, it is necessary to pay attention to the operating temperature range. This parameter for most types of outdoor PTZ cameras is in the range from -50 to + 60 ° C.

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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.

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 the joystick or to control the PTZ camera. 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 camera.

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

An alternative to fixed cameras are pan / tilt / zoom cameras (otherwise known as PTZ cameras), named for their ability to pan left and right, tilt up and down, and zoom in. PTZ cameras accomplish this through a unique combination of pan, tilt and zoom lens controls. The overall zoom capability of a PTZ camera is a combination of the digital and optical zoom values. Digital zoom uses electronics to zoom in and out, while optical zoom uses lens movement. The total zoom capability of the camcorder can be calculated by multiplying the digital zoom and optical zoom. Camcorders require a keyboard and signal receiver to provide pan, tilt, and zoom capabilities. However, most PTZ dome cameras come with a built-in receiver.

Types of PTZ cameras

PTZ cameras are available for outdoor and indoor use, which adds to their versatility. Outdoor PTZ cameras have a rugged housing that is resistant to harsh weather conditions and are more reliable than indoor cameras. The reason for this is that they have to move a heavy case, sometimes equipped with IR illuminators. Indoor PTZ cameras are often made with plastic housings and are therefore lighter.

One of the most recent evolutions of PTZ cameras is the popular PTZ dome camera. Dome cameras work in the same way as traditional PTZ cameras, but differ in that the pan / tilt device and control electronics are located inside the dome. The range of domes is extremely varied, from transparent or translucent to opaque, making them suitable even for special applications. PTZ dome cameras have several advantages over traditional PTZ cameras. The dome can move effectively in all directions, including 360 degrees for straight down viewing. Dome cameras have an Auto-Flip function for viewing directly below it: when, upon reaching the mechanical stop, the camera unit automatically rotates 360 ° and continues in the direction selected by the operator.

PTZ Camera Features

In most PTZ cameras, algorithms can be created to automatically track from a given position along a specific route to continuously survey these areas. The number of preset positions varies depending on the make and model of the camera, but on average from 8 to 32. The ability of a camera to accurately return to a preset position differs depending on the mechanics, electronics and software... In addition to presetting positions, PTZ cameras can be configured so that they only act in case of specific changes in the monitored area, for example, noise, movement. This is possible with the help of motion detectors built into the video camera or integrated with it. Thus, the recording process can be minimized and only for the most important events.

In addition, PTZ IP cameras can provide access to video viewing and camera control from anywhere in the world thanks to the ability to assign an IP address.

Another feature common to PTZ cameras is the ability to mask. This allows you to mask some areas in the camera's field of view, such as a window or door of one of the houses. The position of the mask can be interconnected with the movement of the camera so that when the camera is tilted or scaled, the mask moves and resizes accordingly. This allows the user to avoid litigation for breach of privacy and invasion of privacy.

Photos before and after masking

Translated by Hi-Tech Security.

The Line video surveillance system controls PTZ cameras using an RS-485 interface converter. IP PTZ cameras are controlled by the system via Ethernet interface. Combined use of PTZ and overview cameras is possible, which allows you to automate the transition of a PTZ camera to the zone of motion detected. This function of the program is useful for protected objects with a large territory.
You can restrict access to PTZ control to any user. Just uncheck the box in its settings.

Support for basic control protocols (PTZ):

Pelco D / Pelco P; Lilin v. 1 / Lilin v. 2; Samsung SCC-C; Panasonic;

Panasonic New; TOA; ZC-NAF27.

Standard

By launching the widget, you can fine-tune the position of the camera and go to the preset. All possible presets have a preview mode.

Visualization of memorized PTZ camera presets has been implemented, allowing you to see the location of the camera before starting to navigate to the selected preset. When saving a preset, the program automatically remembers a snapshot of the camera screen, which allows the user to visually determine the desired transition.

Advanced

When you hover the cursor over the center of the picture, a joystick appears. By holding down the mouse button, you can turn the camera in the direction of the joystick movement. The further the joystick is from the center, the faster the camera turns.

Click on the image to view

Control methods

PTZ cameras can be controlled using a mouse, joystick or USB remote control. There are also keyboard shortcuts.