Genetec Plan Manager Ties Video Operations to Digital Maps

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 04/07/11

Genetec, a security products vendor, recently launched a new application that enables users to tie operation of their security cameras to their maps. Plan Manager is an add-on module for Genetec's video surveillance system, Omnicast. At the same time, the company has released a new version of Security Center, its unified security suite.

Plan Manager allows users to create and integrate maps of a specific environment into the video system and then access and manipulate components on the map. For example, they could set up pre-defined "hot spots" to act as high-security zones; map links between different points on one or more floors, and define "favorite views." Cameras are displayed on the maps as colored icons, which indicate location, status, and the camera's field of view. To view the scene via video, the user can click on an icon or one of the other components set up for the map.

The program includes a function that allows the operator to set up alarms. When an alarm is triggered through Omnicast, the map will center on the alarm zone to allow for video interaction by the user.

The application accepts exported vector PDF maps from AutoCAD and other CAD systems. It also works with geographical information system output that follows Open Geospatial Consortium standards.

"The ease-of-use and simplified map navigation and automation was critical in developing this feature," said Jonathan Doyon, director of product technology. "When incidents arise in a multistory or large-scale applications and operators need access to information fast, Plan Manager is designed to help them be at peak efficiency and respond immediately."

Security Center, Genetec's integrated set of security products, includes AutoVu, Omnicast, and Synergis, management programs for IP license plate recognition, video surveillance, and access control, respectively. Version 5.0, the latest edition, adds a video and recording and streaming engine, which will let the security administrator configure and manage IP cameras and encoders, recording schedules, and camera settings. That same configuration application also can be used for access control and license plate recognition settings.

The new release also includes an intrusion device interface to allow for the integration of third-party intrusion panels, through which users can arm and disarm panels manually, schedule arming, and run reports to view an alarm panel's events and alarms.

The interface of the application has also been enhanced. It now supports sharing of monitoring and reporting tasks among multiple operators in real-time; video thumbnail support; advanced video caching with full-frame playback; and status monitoring to allow users to view the real-time state of their cameras, doors, intrusion panels, and other gear.

Further information can be found here.