Specialist in the design and implementation of intelligent video and perimeter security solutions, C3 Shared Services says its advanced video surveillance system has contributed to safety at the Gautrain Marlboro station.

The company installed eight advanced thermal imaging cameras at the train station during the first phase of the Gautrain project.

C3 technical director Nick Grange says the company combined thermal technology with intelligent video analytics to enable detection of human targets in conditions where there is little light.

The thermal video cameras were manufactured by global thermal imaging systems provider Opgal Optronics, while the intelligent video analytics detection systems were supplied by video surveillance device and appliance design company, ioimage.

Grange explains that the combination of these technologies led to the creation of a video surveillance security system with a high detection rate and a low false alarm rate. “The fewer false alarms a system produces, the less time is spent on establishing the source of the alarm.”

These advanced cameras combined with intelligent video analytics can identify the source and cause of an alarm where other security devices, such as electric fencing, only give an alarm without indicating where the disturbance is and the cause of the disturbance.

Further, the thermal camera uses infrared radiation, in the same way that a conventional video camera uses visible light, to form an image. The cameras operate in wavelengths as long as 14 µm, whereas a conventional video camera operates on wavelengths of between 450 nanometres (nm) to 750 nm. This gives the thermal video camera the advantage of detecting objects that are up to 400 m away in complete darkness.

The thermal technology also eliminates the need for ambient lighting to be used alongside the video cameras, reducing electricity costs and light pollution.

Opgal’s thermal cameras have a wide range of lens selections, which are ideal for the Gautrain’s track layout and tunnels.

The intelligent video analytics uses mathe- matical algorithms to enable a computer to automatically identify disturbances or movements without an operator having to view the video. To some extent, the video analytics rules out human error that can occur when monitors are left unattended.

This can save time and companies can employ fewer staff to monitor computer screens. “The staff that are employed can undergo training to become more effective,” says Grange.

He highlights that the security system had to undergo rigorous and extensive testing and the results were further scrutinised in France, before Bombardier Transportation, a division of global transportation company Bombardier, accepted the system as part of its security methodology.

Bombardier is responsible for designing and supplying the core electrical and mechanical systems for the 80 km Gautrain system.

C3’s security solution is integrated with Bombadier’s video management system, which enables operators of the system to monitor unauthorised access to the rail, making it a much safer environment for Gautrain personnel and commuters.

The second phase of the Gautrain, which will link Sandton to Pretoria, is expected to be completed by the end of this month.

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