This is an exciting time in the surveillance industry. The growth and advancements available in technology offer security opportunities that historically have not been possible. Whereas businesses and companies once had to rely on traditional cameras to capture sometimes primitive and unreliable images, they now have the option to acquire a more detailed and broader 360-degree view.
This can be obtained with the use of the omnidirectional camera, which offers panoramic views with a 360-degree lens or video. Because this state-of-the-art equipment provides increased visibility and capabilities, it enables an increase in situational awareness. This is a critical step in security. With a better view, and the ability to pan, tilt and zoom in both real-time and retrospectively, it is increasingly easier to identify problems and implement investigations.
Because of the increased visibility of these cameras, there are fewer cameras needed to fully optimize surveillance, and as a consequence there is a reduction in cost to the end user. Additionally, some customers are replacing several PTZ cameras with a single 360-degree camera, redistributing the PTZ cameras to areas within their organizations that could use additional coverage.
There are multiple options available when determining which camera and lens are the best fit for a business. “Fisheye” cameras use a specialized lens with a different optical design. Some distortion can occur as the image that is captured extends beyond the 90-degree field of view. The result is a curved image that must be corrected with specific software.
Yet these fisheye cameras have the capability of capturing the entire scene in a single view as opposed to multiple images that must be stitched together for a full picture of events. Essentially, you get the whole book at once instead of individual chapters that must be pieced together like a puzzle. The fisheye availability presents consistency, sharpness and reliability. Additionally, there are no blind spots and they are less obtrusive. The higher resolution increases accuracy, and the more affordable data storage adds to the cost-benefit.
In contrast to the fisheye camera, there is also the option for a multi-sensor camera that creates panoramic images. The image distortion is less prevalent, yet more cameras may be necessary to provide a full view. Both types of omnidirectional cameras offer security and situational awareness at a time when the market needs it most.
Oncam’s 360-degree camera technology takes coverage to a whole new level, offering all of the features of the signature panoramic cameras, as well as a step toward total situational awareness for today’s organizations. These cameras can be used in a variety of applications to give operators a full picture of events as they unfold, such as retail, education, critical infrastructure, transportation, maritime, banking and finance, healthcare, Safe City applications, and much, much more.