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An IP Surveillance System Enabled Students at National Chi Nan University to Use the Library Safely and Effectively
February 2014 by Marc Jacob
National Chi Nan University (NCNU), an international university located in Nantou, Taiwan, offers a scenic learning and research environment to more than 6,000 students and a faculty and staff team of over 500 people. The 21 institutes and departments at NCNU offer 29 Bachelor’s, 52 Master’s and 18 Ph.D. programs covering the fields of liberal arts, sciences, engineering, electrical engineering and computer science, education, management, and social sciences. The NCNU library, a well-equipped building with six floors, offers quiet and comfortable spaces for students and staff members to study and work between 8:00 am and 9:00 pm. As a knowledge hub, the library receives numerous students and scholars on a daily basis. The large number of readers and visitors causes tremendous pressure to the administrative team, which is responsible for ensuring a safe and convenient environment for its users.
The previous security system installed in the library was an analog CCTV system based on conventional analog digital video recorders. In such systems, point-to-point transmission is limited between cameras and video players or recorders. Consequently, centralized image management was difficult to achieve. Additionally, the image definition yielded by analog cameras is unsatisfactory. Therefore, NCNU management decided to replace the analog system with an IP camera system, adopting central management software (CMS) to perform centralized image management. The change is vital for providing a safe and convenient learning environment for students.
In September 2013, NCNU cooperated with Zero One Technology Co., Ltd., VIVOTEK’s official distributor in Taiwan, to implement a VIVOTEK IP surveillance system in the library.
Clear Images Ensure the Safety and Reliability of the Library
A total of 36 cameras were installed in the indoor spaces of the NCNU library: 12 pieces of FD8135H, IP8151, and CC8130, respectively. Specifically, the twelve FD8135Hs, with WDR Pro technology for coping with challenging lighting conditions, were installed in the hallways leading to the bathrooms in the building, one on either end of all six floors of the library. These hallways are relatively less traveled, raising concerns for reader security. Furthermore, the bathrooms are located adjacent to escape ladders, which are accessible to all people. Thus, surveillance cameras were installed to monitor these areas and ensure user safety. The IP8151s, featuring the utmost in picture clarity, are able to capture exceptional details during daytime. The cameras were installed to monitor book circulation desks to reduce disputes over book circulation. Previously, when readers borrowed or returned books at the desks, the surveillance cameras were unable to capture well-defined images that would enable the staff to obtain detailed information, such as the number of books borrowed or returned. Consequently, disputes may arise. Following the installation of the IP cameras, high-definition images showing detailed information including the number of books returned or borrowed are obtainable, thereby decreasing the possibility of disputes. Additionally, CC8130s, designed as compact cube camera with panoramic view, were installed in the hallway racks to obtain 180° horizontal images of the interior of the library. These images have enabled the staff to comprehensively monitor all areas of the building during all hours of a day.
The Stability and Credibility Won the Trust
Mr. Chen-Chieh Liao in the NCNU library, commented, “Although replacing all analog cameras with IP cameras required redeploying the Internet cable network, we believe the installation will yield numerous benefits.” Before adopting the IP camera system developed by VIVOTEK INC., the NCNU management had conducted tests to evaluate the performance of the cameras. The test results showed the cameras offered panoramic views and high definition. “After installing and using the system,” Liao stated, “we found in addition to the superior images provided by VIVOTEK cameras, the performance of the system is stable and reliable. We will be happy to continue using VIVOTEK IP cameras if we have other projects in the future.”
