Ocularis VMS - Something for Everyone

In our last post we provided an overview of Video Management Software (VMS) and promised to return for a closer look. For that we turn to Ocularis from ONSSI.  ONSSI stands for On-Net Surveillance Systems Inc., and they provide a range of software solutions to support IP camera systems ranging from the entry level Occularis PS to the enterprise version, Ocularis ES.

What is Ocularis VMS?

As a comprehensive video management system, Ocularis combines powerful network video recorders (NVR) with physical security information management (PSIM) functionality. As a video and event management platform, it allows streaming, recording, and managing cameras at multiple sites.   It is totally scalable since an unlimited number of cameras may be added at any time.

Ocularis distinguishes itself by providing a collaborative environment in which video and alerts from across the network can be consolidated into meaningful events that to be shared across the IP network and used to build a case file of video evidence.  Once any Ocularis Video Management software is installed it can be viewed from any workstation, as well as over the internet, either using Ocularis client software or a web browser (with optional Ocularis X)

What Can Ocularis VMS Do for You?

Before examining the different Ocularis versions, let’s look at the common features shared across the board.:

·         User-friendly touch screen interface with multi-screen support

·         Map-based integration of cameras and  camera-views  with preview windows

·         Unlimited number of viewing panes for individual cameras, carousel views, hot spots, web image (html) and alerts

·         Pane menu control for  changing cameras on the fly, clearing panes, clipboard copying, and manual push video alert

·         Interactive overlay controls (IOC) for instant investigation allowing playback, optical and digital PTZ as well as 360 degree lens parsing.

·         IOC for instant investigation during live monitoring

·         Auto detection of cameras

·         Support for MPEG4, MJPEG, H.263, H.264 as well as ONVIF and PSIA standards

Which Ocularis VMS is Right For You?

Ocularis PS is a small system solution that delivers high quality, dependable video.  It supports up to 25 cameras per server, but by adding additional servers, can provide unlimited  scalability. Security personnel can monitor the premises live or view recorded video.

Ocularis PS is an ideal application for

·         Standalone schools

·         Hospital campuses

·         Chain franchises

·         Residential buildings

Ocularis IS combines all the features of PS with an efficient event management platform. IS supports up to 64 cameras per server.  It offers multiple video recording servers at multiple sites with the option of either local or network storage; map navigation with active camera previews; and shared event handling among multiple operators.

Ocularis IS can be readily integrated with third party vendors’systems for access control, license plate recognition, and content video analytics. When used with these, IS can be used to detect and analyze events and send pro-active alerts to security personnel across the organization thereby providing better security and quicker responses.

Ocularis IS is an ideal application for

·         Municipal or public safety organizations

·         School districts

·         College campuses

·         Retail operations with centralized headquarters

·         Chains with franchised locations

Ocularis CS is scalable for an unlimited amount of cameras.  It offers all the previously described features plus optional access to video and alerts from multiple Ocularis systems and wall video-equipped central command centers. Likewise police command centers can use its easy-to-use map-based interface to access video from multiple Ocularis systems in the same locality.

Applications for Ocularis CS include

·         Transportation authorities

·         Clusters of police precincts

·         Municipalities with access to hospitals and schools

Ocularis ES is designed with IT-oriented organizations in mind. It includes all the functions of the Ocularis suite of VMS plus a central video recording management utility. Much of the complexity of managing hundreds, even thousands of cameras at multiple sites is simplified by CS’ provision of a single access point to the entire recording server array. This single access point makes possible batch operations and easy configuration of system-wide storage, cameras, and recording .

To prevent video data loss, Ocularis ES allows the set-up of multiple failover recording servers that begin recording instantly should a hardware failure occur.

Ocularis ES is perfect for

·         Complex city-wide or public-safety environments with a large number of simultaneously viewing clients.

If you’d like more information about any of the Ocularis Video Management Software versions detailed here, or about compatible IP cameras, Kintronics sales engineers will be glad to answer any of your questions . You can contact them at 914-944-3425 or visit http://www.kintronics.com/neteye/Softsite32.html. Or if you prefer, just fill out http://www.kintronics.com/RequestInfo.htm and a Kintronics engineer will contact you with the specified information.

What Video Management Software Can Do

 In today's world of tight security, everyone is aware of the presence of surveillance cameras but not everyone knows that Video Management Software(VMS) is a critical part of any IP camera system.  Let's take a look at how carefully chosen software expands the presence of any security department. With VMS, security personnel can



· View multiple IP cameras in real time
· Record and retrieve video, and
· Be automatically notified with a visual or auditory alarm should any pre-specified alert condition arise.

Real Time Viewing

VMS allows security to monitor several cameras at a time by stepping through  several different camera views. Called carousel view this feature allows security personnel to record certain feed manually if required.

A downside to real time viewing is the monotony and the danger that an event will occur on one camera while the security guard’s attention is focused on another.

Recording Video

There are two types of systems used to record video VMS and a Network Video Recorder (NVR) which is

sometimes confused with VMS.
 NVR is a special standalone computer that runs recording software whereas VMS runs on a Windows computer. The NVR is a simpler device just used to record and display video.
The Windows computer running VMS has more capability and allows more flexibility. For example it provides motion detection at the computer rather than using the camera's motion detector.

Automatic Alarm Notification

The more sophisticated VMS can send alerts and push video to a guard's workstation when an alarm condition occurs. It can also control a  PTZ camera to step through an automated guard tour where it moves the camera until it detects motion, and them records the video until the motion stops. The recorded video can be viewed from multiple cameras all at the same time, allowing tracking a person through areas of the facility. 

Video Analytics
Video analytics can be added to the Video Management Software. This software can be programmed to alert security to suspicious activity such as a car circling the same area repeatedly,  or should an abandoned backpack or package suddenly appear somewhere on  the premises.

Compatibility

 Keep in mind that not all software is compatible with every camera,  so when purchasing an IP camera, it is advisable to select Video Management Software first so you can then choose a camera it is known to support.  

With that in mind, in our next post, we will look at the Ocularis suite of VMS offered by ONSSI, Ocularis PS, Ocularis IS,  Ocularis CS, and Ocularis ES, and highlight the key features of each.

If you're looking for information about video management software of IP cameras you can find it at www.kintronics.com or  fill out a request info form. Our phone number is 914-944-3425