Protecting Critical Assets with Thermal Video Analytics

Thermal video analytic cameras are rapidly becoming the new standard for securing outdoor
assets. Whether the application is force protection of military bases, securing the nation's
borders, or protecting facilities in the energy, utility, chemical, transportation and public safety
industries, automated thermal security systems offer a real-time, pre-emptive solution that
provides instant notification for a timely, informed response by security forces.

Thermal cameras operate by sensing the heat of objects within their field of view. All outdoor
objects have varying degrees of temperature, which a thermal camera uses to form a black
and white video image, presenting hotter objects as brighter and colder objects as darker.
With the advancement of video processing coupled thermal imaging sensitivity, todays
cameras are able to display very minute temperature differences between objects. For this
reason, thermal cameras are able to produce actionable images when used in nighttime
security environments, because people are hotter than the background and will stand out.
This new image processing and sensitivity shows a tremendous advantages during daylight
applications, when objects that represent security concerns approach the same temperature
as the environment. For example, during the day, a person can be cooler than the
background, as pavement, buildings and other infrastructure absorb heat from the sun. When
the scene background temperature becomes uniform in a given area, the result is an image
with large areas that look whited out and undefined where intruders can go undetected.
Fortunately, these new developments in thermal camera image processing have solved this
problem.
Specifically, new-generation thermal cameras now incorporate a much higher amount of
image processing inside the camera to present small differences in temperatures, making
important scene details visible to both the human eye and to the analytics for automation
purposes. Image processing is used to translate the high contrast thermal image into black

and white video imagery optimized for the eye, providing necessary details for an actionable
response.

These capabilities expand the usefulness of thermal cameras from their traditional role as
night vision cameras to 24-hour security solutions. Image processing also address previous
challenges of thermal cameras, including low-contrast situations such as fog, rain and
humidity, white-out problems and lack of clarity when viewing distant objects. Objects that
previously blended into the background are now revealed, details are clearer at greater
ranges, and the results are particularly striking in hot weather during the daytime.

Combining better thermal images with video analytics optimized to be used outdoors drives
new levels of cost-effectiveness when protecting critical assets. The same image processing
used to create better thermal images can also provide more information for increasing video
content analysis accuracy. Such thermal video analytic solutions are designed to address
environmental effects and provide detection over large areas, regardless of wind, weather or
the movement of small animals, trees or blowing trash. Such a system delivers the necessary
security awareness around the perimeter and internal site assets driving new levels of
accountability to the security function.

Image processing also unlocks new markets through cost reductions that enable a wider
range of applications. Some new thermal analytic cameras can operate at twice the distance
and four times the area, creating a larger buffer zone for early detection of intruders, along
with a direct economic benefit: Fewer thermal analytic cameras are needed to protect the
same location, lowering overall costs accordingly.

The economic picture becomes clear if you examine per-foot costs of securing a perimeter.
While many manufacturers do not present their pricing in this way, the costs can be calculated
and the results are motivating a wider range of customers to adapt this security approach.
Thermal analytic cameras are now available at an MSRP as low as $13/foot, bringing the
most accurate perimeter security technology to a price point on par with traditional (but less
capable) approaches to perimeter security such as fence sensors, buried cable, or visible
cameras.

Providing cost-effective outdoor security is a common need among security professionals

tasked with protecting critical assets. Thermal cameras can see more, detect more and
operate 24-hours per day, providing clearer images and more accurate alerts for trusted
situational awareness. Rounding out the benefits, lower costs open up new opportunities to
improve protection of critical assets in any environmental condition.
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About The Author
John Romanowich is president/CEO and founder of SightLogix, a manufacturer of intelligent
video surveillance systems.