Critical Design Elements for Video Surveillance Systems A Video Surveillance System (VSS), more commonly referred to as Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV), has been a vital design element in the construction industry for many years. Its main purpose within the workplace is to protect both the Institution and its employees from crime and loss. Monitoring the workplace is crucial for companies to deter unlawful and prohibited or unauthorized behavior, as well as to hold offenders accountable for their actions. A typical IP (Internet Protocol) - based VSS consists of strategically placed cameras connected to an IT network switch which is connected to both a PC/monitor for viewing and a server & storage unit to access saved video for playback for a pre-determined amount of time. Apart from the cameras, all of this equipment typically resides in an IT or security room, where it can be accessed by a guard or user station to monitor the video. Some of today’s systems leverage a cloud-based architecture that eliminates the need for this backend equipment, but the cameras are still required and remain the focal component of a VSS that affects the aesthetics and architectural planning for the overall design. An important item to note is that almost all IP cameras are designed to support Power over Ethernet (PoE), so a separate, dedicated electrical receptacle for the camera is not required. The cabling that connects the camera to the network provides power to the device. IP Camera w/PoE
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Fig. 3: Common surveillance camera housing form factors
The most common form factor for video surveillance cameras in the industry today is dome. IPVM, one of the world’s leading authorities on video surveillance, recently conducted a study that found dome cameras are by far the most popular form factor in video surveillance, with security integrators preferring them to non-dome form factors nearly 2-1. Some of the advantages of a dome camera over the other form factors are that they are
less conspicuous when mounted flush to either a wall or ceiling, and they have a higher vandal resistance than most other types. They also tend to be less obtrusive, as the camera direction is typically not visible to anyone in the general vicinity. Many different imager types can be installed within the different housings shown above. Fixed Focal Lens, Varifocal Lens, Single Lens Panoramic (Fish-Eye), and Multi-imager Panoramic cameras represent some of the main options available in the industry. A basic description of these camera types is provided below: • Fixed Focal Lens – The Field of View (FoV) of the camera cannot be changed unless the lens is changed. • Varifocal Lens – This camera allows for immediate adjustment of the FoV simply by adjusting the control of the lens/camera. • Single-Lens Panoramic (Fish-Eye )– A single camera features a wide angle lens typically housed in a dome form factor that provides 360-degree FoV. • Multi-imager Panoramic – Multiple image sensors are contained in a single housing to cover a wide area. The camera type selected can directly affect the design of the space. By choosing to deploy only fixed single-lens cameras, you may need to install more
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locations for technology access, the planning for video surveillance is based solely on user requirements, not on code requirements. In terms of common form factors, there are many different housing types for surveillance cameras today. Typical options are shown below:
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Figure 2: Typical IP video surveillance system design
Planning for Camera Coverage The planning of camera locations is a critical element of VSS design. Similar to the planning for wireless access point
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