2.1 OmniScene Technology

BIE’s OmniScene Technology is a very unique solution in 360° imaging. It allows users to view and record the entire 360° scene with a fixed camera without any mechanical movement. The end product is a combination of Optical, Electronic and Computer Software technology.

 2.2 OmniCam 360° Camera

 OmniCam – The 360º Camera

OmniScene	Lens

OmniCam has resolved the blind spot constraint faced by the conventional cameras. It is installed at the centre of the surveillance area, which enables it to capture images of the whole 360º surveillance area simultaneously without any mechanical movement.

The following illustrates how the OmniCam works.

OmniCam 360º Camera Sample Image  

The surrounding scene will be captured by the OmniCam at 360 ° through the OmniScene lens (shown above) via optical reflection technology.

The OmniScene software will then de-warp the 360 ° image to produce a panoramic image that will make it easier for the human eye to identify with.

Below are some examples where the OmniCam can be used in comparison to conventional cameras:

OmniCam in Comparison to the Conventional Camera

  2.3 Visual Aided Tracking System - VATS

(The Intelligent 360° Surveillance System)

The OmniCam has resolved blind spot constraints faced by conventional cameras; a perfect product for general surveillance. However, it will not be effective if users have requirements on point and zoom into one particular area or object.

The OmniCam camera capability is enhanced when combined with the Speed Dome camera. Named Visual Aided Tracking System (VATS), it is the world’s first of its kind intelligent 360º surveillance system.  

VATS consists of 3 major components:  

• 1 x OmniCam (360º camera)
• 1 x Speed Dome Camera
• 1 x VATS Video Server

VATS Installation Diagram

2.3.1 VATS User Interface (please refer to previous picture)

a. OmniCam’s Panoramic View

• Overall 360° de-warped view of current surveillance area;
• Direct speed dome camera to zoom into specific area by just a mouse click;
• User can monitor specific activity in the Speed Dome View without ignoring activities that occurs in the surrounding area thru the panoramic view; and
• Moving objects are indicated by a red box, when moving object is detected in the predefine motion detect area, it will direct the speed dome to zoom and trace the moving object.

b. Speed Dome’s View

• Provide detail view of selected point. Allows 18 x optical and 12 x digital zoom.

2.3.2 VATS Main Functions

2.3.2.1 Click-and-View

Once the image captured by OmniCam is de-warped, the panoramic image does not only provide an overall 360 ° view of the whole surveillance area but it also acts as a digital map thus allowing the operator to direct the speed dome camera to focus and zoom in and out on any point by clicking the mouse on the desired spot. This is called the “Click-and View” function.

2.3.2.2 Automatic Motion Detection and Object Tracking

The motion detection and object tracking function, when activated, will automatic detect and track (Focus and Track by Speed Dome) any movement within the surveillance area. This unique function of track and trace is a complementary communication between the OmniCam and the Speed Dome Camera.

2.3.2.3 Built-in Network Support

With built-in network support, VATS is accessible within the LAN, WAN and over the internet.

2.3.2.4 Alarm Signal Output Communication

 The alarm signal output configuration enables VATS to generate alarm signal to communicate with other safety devices.

 2.3.2.5 Auto-Pan for Passive Surveillance

 Allow 64 preset position for Speed Dome auto-pan during passive surveillance.

2.3.2.6 Open and Easy to Use

VATS is a flexible solution that can be implemented easily and use either individually or integrate with the existing CCTV surveillance system. It is designed to complement instead of to compete with the existing CCTV system.

 It is also very easy to use. The entire system can be control by just a few mouse clicks. Only minimum training is required.

 2.3.3 Advantages and Benefits:

 Efficient Monitoring – One glance 360° overall view, see detail at a click.

In Control of Situation – Better control of situation by having the detail and helicopter view of the surveillance area at the same time.

Effective Surveillance– Moving objects are highlighted by red boxes, system will trace the moving object automatically when motion detect function turns on.

Easy to Use – System is operated by just mouse clicks. Almost zero training is required.

Complementing the – VATS is being designed to work

Existing System hand in hand with the current

system, user can preserve their current investment.

Avoid Error Due to – VATS will detect and record

Negligent suspected intrusion to the

surveillance area automatically.

2.3.4 VATS Applications

 The VATS security surveillance can be used in banks, airports, oilrigs, car parks, apartments, private homes, condominiums, supermarkets, shops and other areas that require active surveillance.

Other application examples are:

i. Project Management Monitoring and Reporting

• can be used for direct reporting visually of real time progress of on-going work within a site;
• provides detailed information as well as a 360 0 image that can be displayed on a LCD screen;
• is accurate and can avoid several visits to the site to verify project reporting; and
• all information can be recorded for future reference.

ii. Quarantine Area Safety Communication

• can be used effectively in quarantine areas, e.g. a SARS quarantine area in a hospital where the nurse or doctor can reduce the frequency of direct contact with the patient in the quarantined area, thus allowing easy monitoring of the area and patients by zooming in on specific data readings on medical equipment.

2.4 DIY 360° Surveillance System

Come bundled with a OmniCam 360° Camera, a USB video grabber, Surveillance Software and other necessary components, this product is able to turn a PC or Notebook into a 360° CCTV Surveillance System with a simple DIY installation procedure. For the first time, users are able to enjoy the benefits of 360° CCTV surveillance technology in a very affordable price.

DIY 360° Surveillance System Setup

2.4.1 DIY 360° Surveillance SystemUser Interface

The complete 360° surrounding image of the surveillance area is being captured live by the 360° camera, and de-warped into a panoramic view as showed at the bottom Panoramic View Box.

The Specific Angle View Box at the left top corner displays the chosen specific angle view of the surveillance area like just a conventional CCTV camera.

2.4.2 DIY 360° Functions and Features

• Easy to install and use.
• Capture complete 360° video image with no moving parts and no blind spots.
• Provide complete 360° coverage for complete situation awareness of the surveillance environment.
• Digital Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) on live and achieved 360° video.
• Video and Audio Recording (Maximum preservation – 300 days)
• Built-in Motion detect and alarm notification
• Allow remote connection
• Local or Remote recording and playback

2.4.4 DIY Package

Package including:

• 1 x 360° CCD Camera
• 1 x Camera Power Adapter
• 1 x USB 2.0 Video Grabber Device
• 20 Meters Video & Power Cable
• 1 x Keypro (License protection)
• 1 x CD-ROM with DIY 360° Surveillance Software