Smart City ~ Varanasi (IN) & Mirasys

Varanasi, also known as Benares, Benaras or Kashi, is more than just a city for the people of India. It is known as the religious capital of the country. The love of the town is not limited to India; tourists from all over the world visit this spiritual capital all-round the year. American poet Mark Twain, once said; “Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together”.

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi has the vision to make Varanasi scenic, progressive, safe, clean and unified. Being a Prime Ministers’ constituency, the city has attracted the world’s attention. The entire concept of Varanasi smart city project is focused on Varanasi’s socio-economic growth, cleanliness, smooth traffic movement – which opted for Mirasys’s deep learning-based analytics. Mirasys Video Management System learning methods includes Comparative, Adaptive and Hermeneutic methodology for different adverse conditions. The same used to implement solutions effectively in indoors, outdoors, specific areas, etc.

The Challenges for the project were:
• Tighten city security
• Improve crowd management
• Decongest city road
• Proper vehicle flow & identify parking violations  

The following used cases are implemented for the smart city solution:
• Intrusion detection / Virtual fence
• Congestion detection / People counting / Crowd gathering 
• Counter of flow and movement / Wrong or One-way detection
• Camera vandalism
• Parking violation 
• People loitering within the restricted area
• Left / Unattended object
• Object classification 

Harnessing the Power of an Open VMS

Introduction:
In the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of security solutions, the need for seamless
integration has never been more crucial. As businesses across various verticals recognize the
importance of a comprehensive security infrastructure, the role of an Open Video Management
System (VMS) emerges as a key player. This is particularly true for companies like Mirasys,
which has established its presence in the gaming and hospitality sectors and extends its
expertise to other industries.


The Foundation of Security: A Holistic Approach
In today’s security ecosystem, a piecemeal approach is no longer sufficient. Organizations
require a holistic solution that combines surveillance, access control, and security measures
seamlessly. An Open Video Management System serves as the linchpin, offering the flexibility
and adaptability needed to integrate these disparate elements into a unified and efficient
security infrastructure.


The Advantages of an Open VMS:
Interoperability:
An Open VMS allows for easy integration with a wide array of third-party security
systems and devices. Whether it’s surveillance cameras, access control systems, or
intrusion detection tools, an open platform facilitates smooth communication between
different components, fostering a cohesive security network.
Scalability:
The dynamic nature of security requirements demands systems that can grow with the
organization. An open VMS provides scalability, enabling businesses to expand their
security infrastructure seamlessly as their needs evolve. This ensures that the solution
remains relevant and effective over time.
Cost Efficiency:
With an open platform, businesses can leverage existing security investments by
integrating them into a centralized management system. This reduces the need for a
complete overhaul of the security infrastructure, translating to cost savings for the
organization.
Customization and Flexibility:
Different industries have unique security challenges and requirements. An open VMS
empowers organizations to tailor their security solutions to specific needs, ensuring a
customized approach that aligns with the industry standards and regulations.
Future-Proofing:
The security landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies and threats
emerging regularly. An open VMS ensures future-proofing by providing a framework that
can accommodate advancements in technology without requiring a complete system
overhaul.


Mirasys: Leading the Way in Open VMS Solutions
As a trusted player in the security industry, Mirasys stands at the forefront of Open Video
Management Systems. With a proven track record in the gaming and hospitality sectors,
Mirasys extends its expertise to various other verticals, offering tailored solutions that address
the unique security challenges each industry faces.


Mirasys’ commitment to an open platform is reflected in its dedication to interoperability,
scalability, cost efficiency, customization, and future-proofing. By embracing an open approach,
Mirasys empowers its clients to build robust security infrastructures that not only meet current
needs but also evolve with the ever-changing security landscape.


Conclusion:
In an era where security is a top priority for businesses across diverse sectors, the power of an
Open Video Management System cannot be overstated. Mirasys, with its rich history of
providing cutting-edge solutions in gaming and hospitality, is a key player in the realm of security
integration. By championing openness, Mirasys ensures that its clients can build security
infrastructures that are not only effective today but also adaptable to the challenges of tomorrow.
As businesses continue to invest in comprehensive security measures, an open VMS will
remain a cornerstone, facilitating the seamless integration of surveillance, access control, and
security systems

Trandum Detention Center VMS Study

Video surveillance systems are essential in providing effective security in prisons and correctional facilities rate self-harm, drug use, and officer misconduct are just a few examples of the unfortunate acts that can occur. Incidents involving inmate violence, deliberate self-harm, drug use and officer misconduct are just a few examples of the unfortunate act that can occur within prison walls. Video surveillance also effectively prevents escape, smuggling of goods and detects menacing plans. Norway’s first and so far only alien’s detention center opened in 2004 and is located in Trandum, close to Oslo airport.  It is here where asylum seekers are placed when the authorities consider them as unauthorized arrivals or illegal immigrants. Persons without identity papers or persons about to be repatriated to their country of origin are also held here.

NEW VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM

Video surveillance provides more comprehensive monitoring and a heightened level of safety for inmates and workers. “We wanted to make sure our video surveillance was up to par and a new system with 55 cameras was installed in May 2008,” tells Axel Withers, Head of Security for the Immigration Service at the national police in Norway. The detention center had earlier an old surveillance solution with limited functionalities and big quad monitors jamming the control room. But they still wanted to benefit from the functioning analog cameras that had been installed earlier. To provide a smooth migration towards IP surveillance, Mirasys V series, a hybrid recorder, was chosen by Trandum’s alien detention center to replace the ageing system. The migration project was designed by ADI-Alarmsystem AS Norway and installed by Nor-Alarm Öst.


Mirasys V series is a complete set of hybrid recorders that support both legacy analog cameras as well as IP cameras. Mirasys V series recorders are delivered with Mirasys NVR Enterprise software. “It offers an intuitive, user-friendly interface that enables security staff to quickly get up to speed and supports smart searches of archived images for fast response to events,” comments Kato Lystad from ADI-Alarmsystem. “Moreover, the Mirasys V series scales easily, so it supports the addition of more cameras at the facility if needs should arise in the future”.

VIDEO SURVEILLANCE PROVIDES VISUAL EVIDENCE

The detention center is a facility where tension is high as many of the persons held here are desperate. This can result in fights, outbursts and other disturbances. Unfortunately it also happens that personnel get assaulted. “We have had cases where the detained have accused our personnel of misconduct. But video surveillance footage proved that our personnel was not acting out of line,” explains Withers. The detention center has a responsibility to keep the detained safe and alive. There is legal precedence in case law to support this responsibility. “Putting an inmate under constant surveillance can sometimes be the only way to ensure that they are not going to harm themselves and video surveillance has been a great aid,” tells Withers. The Trandum detention center is divided into four sections, two for single men, one for single ladies and one for families. Every section is divided into a day room, kitchen, dormitories and bathroom facilities. “We also have visiting rooms and an activity center in a separate building where the detainees can listen to music, study, use a computer, watch TV or play sports”, explains Withers. “Here the surveillance system provides an enhanced level of safety when the detained are escorted through the yard”.

IMPROVED VISUAL COVERAGE

The new surveillance system gives improved visual coverage. While guards and officers cannot be everywhere at once, the surveillance system can provide continuous coverage of an entire facility. “It is great that I can use my laptop and log on wherever I am. I can access live and recorded video from anywhere on the network,” comments Withers. “Foremost video surveillance provides a heightened level of safety both for the detained and the people who work here,” tells Withers. “We also use video surveillance for evidential purposes in case of a disturbance and we monitor meetings between the detained and visitors. The surveillance system is also a good tool to control that all doors has been locked properly. Furthermore the video surveillance system helps preventing smuggling of goods into the facility from the outside”.

SMART FEATURES

The search and analysis tools allow the operators to quickly find the required video clip from recorded footage. Mirasys provides the possibility to export tamperproof high-quality video and audio clips for evidential purposes. “We are particularly impressed by the quality of the recorded video from the Mirasys system and the flexibility to up-scale the system for the future,” comments Withers. Identity and access management is supported in IP video systems through the use of sophisticated user account features that allow system administrators to customize user accounts according to user-specific roles, thus preventing them from accessing unauthorized functionality such as export data. “The fact that every user has their own profiles is phenomenal. First it is a matter of security, second it’s about comfort. Your preferred outlay is always ready and nobody can mess with it nor with the configurations. We can securely monitor and view recorded video from any remote location, thru multiple user accounts with controlled access”, tells Withers. The system administrator will define the rights for each user. User accounts and access rights increases the level of security within the network by prohibiting unauthorized use. Withers conclude, “Mirasys surveillance solution is a significant improvement compared to our old system and more than meets the needs of the detention center by providing high quality video which can be used for evidential purposes and by improved software management”.

Spotter VMS to Protect School

”WE NOW HAVE PEACE OF MIND BECAUSE WE KNOW OUR STUDENTS, STAFF AND PROPERTY ARE SAFE. WE ARE VERY PLEASED WITH THE SYSTEM.”

“We turned to video surveillance primarily because we needed an effective way to monitor visitors,” explained Marilyn Clay, Business Manager at The Campion School.


“Now we can quickly and easily register visitors and we know exactly who is where on our premises at any time during the day. We also had some problems with students leaving the premises without clearance, but Mirasys video surveillance has helped us to eliminate this problem,” said Mrs Clay.

“The installation was really swift and smooth,” said Jonathan Reynolds, the Network Manager at The Campion School who has overseen the installation. “The Mirasys software is so easy and intuitive, so it only took me 10 minutes to learn how to use it!”

One of the advantages of the system is that it can be used remotely, for example, during holidays and weekends. Other assets of the Mirasys system include high-class image quality and reliability.

Even though the students of the Essex school are very well-behaved, video surveillance can still provide evidence if unclear situations arise. It makes it easy to determine the course of the events. It creates a sense of security for all parties. “We are now able to see both sides of the story if a dispute arises.”