EnviroVision Solutions
How our systems work
Watch. Analyse. Respond. All of EVS’s vision systems have 3 layers of functionality, which together create a robust, versatile product that allows you to comprehensively monitor and analyse your environment, and then make informed decisions in regards to it. Although each of EVS’s systems is different, the way they work is similar.
Imaging Layer
Consists of a mounted camera (or cameras), a power supply and a computerised processing unit known as an ISE (Image Sampling Engine). The ISE can also include other sensory tools and features such as a temperature gauge and security alarm.
The camera is mounted in an optimal high position to provide an unobstructed, panoramic view of your environment. The camera is set to continually rotate and scan pre-set subsections of the landscape over a few minutes. The camera captures a sequence of images at each subsection, which are then optimised (stabilised, digitally compressed etc.) by the ISE before being forwarded on to the operations centre for analysis by the system software (Machine Vision Layer below).
Communications Layer
How the camera and ISE communicate with your control or operations centre, and vice versa. This communication link can take the form of a microwave link, wireless Internet, a fibre optic cable or satellite connection.
The form of the communication link is dependent on the location of the camera, i.e. whether it easily accessible in an area with good network coverage, or situated in a remote region. Budget concerns will also determine the form of communication link.
Machine Vision Layer
The operations or control centre, where images from the camera are stored, analysed by the vision system software and viewed by a human operator on a computer with a multi-view display. Multiple screens give the operator much greater monitoring capabilities.
The Operator
The operations or control centre, where images from the camera are stored, analysed by the vision system software and viewed by a human operator on a computer with a multi-view display. Multiple screens give the operator much greater monitoring capabilities.
In addition, the operator works with 3 other screens – or, alternatively, 3 different windows on the same PC screen – which are connected to a Detection PC. These screens function as follows:
Detection screen
Computer software automatically compares sets of images captured by, and forwarded on from, the on-site camera, looking for scene changes. When a potential problem is detected, an alarm triggers and the “offending” images are listed on this screen for the operator to examine.
View screen
Once alerted to a potential problem, the operator can use this screen, as well as manual camera controls (pan, tilt, zoom) to examine the problem area more closely, and confirm the alarm.
GIS screen
When you mouse-click on a problem area on the Detection screen, that point is immediately highlighted on the GIS screen’s terrain map. Along with exact geographical co-ordinates, this screen will highlight other important information like property borders and wind direction.
