ULTISYSTEM software suite that enables cooperation of local monitoring systems with city video surveillance was honored at Video Surveillance Conference and Exhibition ALARM, in Kielce, Poland (Nov. 5-6, 2008).

ULTISYSTEM was honored at ALARM 2008 in Kielce, Poland

The ULTISYSTEM software has functionality of professional NVR (Network Video Recorder) that manages IP CCTV systems based on transmission of surveillance data in Ethernet network. The software can fully integrate a whole set of IP CCTV devices (IP cameras, video servers, DVRs). Application of video servers and ULTIMAX DVRs allows to utilize any analog cameras. The distinguishing feature of this software is support for megapixel IP cameras.

Main program - server (VDR-S)

The ULTISYSTEM software, thanks to advanced network functions, allows to build large networks with multiple connections among servers and clients.
ULTISYSTEM (VDR-S) K3204, K3208, K3212, K3216 and K3232 integrates IP cameras, video servers, and ULTIMAX DVRs. It allows to connect up to 999 clients, with the use of client program or Internet browser (on desktops or fast laptops), or Java applets (on mobile devices).
Free ULTISYSTEM client program (VDR-C) enables connections with sixteen servers, which allows to control up to 512 cameras at the same time and simultaneously display images from up to 64 cameras on one or several monitors (possibility of dynamic switching among all the installed cameras). Additionally, the client program has address book allowing to create any number of groups of connections with servers. These mechanisms of ULTISYSTEM provide means for monitoring multiple locations from many places anywhere in the world.

Client program

The server software (VDR-S) is installed on an appropriate computer dedicated for network video recording, with Windows XP or Vista operating system. It can manage up to 32 channels. The number of channels depends on the license version. There are available 4, 8, 12, 16, and 32-channel versions.
In the case of client software, it can be run on any PC with Windows XP or Vista OS, fulfilling specified requirements. The number of channels depends on the number of connected servers and their kinds.

Archive (identical for VDR-S and VDR-C)

Both versions have main parts and archives, and a number of applications that make it easier to configure the whole system:

Backup server

Backup archiving tool

Configuration manager (recording/playback settings)

Settings wizard (VDR-S)

Archive configuration tool

License key update

DynDNS registration

Program settings (VDR-C)

The startup of the system launches installation wizard that allows simple integration of the deployed devices with the software, and configuration of the software and archive. The wizard has been designed to configure the system as quickly as possible. In addition, the wizard allows some devices to be found in the network / on the web. After completion of this stage, it starts archiving management tool allowing to create the archive on the hard drive. Upon completion of the operation, the system is ready to work. If needed, the wizard can be called any time in the future.

The wizard integrates the deployed cameras

When the system is properly configured, the main program manages the whole system. The main application window has been designed so that it provides simultaneous access to all key functions of the program. It is possible to view images from the cameras, to monitor the status of alarm inputs, to quickly switch the cameras, to capture pictures, etc.

In the upper part of the window there is the main menu of the following structure:

On the left there are icons being the shortcuts to the main tools:

• Recording ON/OFF
• Archive
• PTZ control panel
• E-map
• Picture browser

In the upper right corner there is box informing on the size of the archive in absolute and percentage terms. Below there is the name of the currently logged in local user and (in parentheses) the number of remote users.

Archive size box

Lower taskbar displays tabs representing available cameras, audio channels and their statuses. Each tab is described by the number of the camera / audio channel and its name. In addition, a red rectangle beside the number represents detection of movement on the camera, or - in the case of audio channels - detection of sound. If a tab is highlighted in red - it means loss of signal (the camera is out of order etc.).

Lower taskbar representing available channels

Right clicking on a tab will maximize the image from the corresponding camera.

On the left there are available layouts, i.e. screen divisions. The number and kind of the icons (and divisions) depends on the version of the software (number of channels).

Layouts

In the case of integrated ConExt extensions, on the right side of the window there are icons of available digital inputs and outputs.

ConExt extensions

In the center of the window there are the most important elements of the system - the images from the cameras. The image from any camera can be extended with additional information such as name of the camera, the current time, frame rate. Double-clicking the left mouse button within the area of the camera's image will switch the image into the full-screen mode. Another double-clicking restores the previous display mode. After moving the cursor to the upper right corner of the camera's image, an additional window will appear:

An interesting feature is zooming of the displayed image (dedicated for megapixel cameras). Holding the left mouse button pressed, the operator indicates the area to be enlarged. Then, "catching" the enlarged area with the left button again, it is possible to move it over the whole image. For normal operation, it is enough to right-click the mouse. These actions do not affect the size of the image recorded in the archive, they only change the currently displayed image. This feature can be especially useful if the system does not have cameras with optical zoom.

Marking the interesting part of the image

The enlarged area

Archive allows to review the images from all cameras (up to 32 channels) at the same time, which is not possible in the case of most of DVRs and NVR systems.
For each channel the system generates time list enabling easy search for an interesting moment. In addition, the search can be performed on the basis of movement in a section of the image from the camera.
Selected recordings can be easily exported to JPG format (pictures) or to AVI format (clips). With the included software tools it is possible to digitally correct picture/video parameters (brightness, contrast, sharpness, saturation) of the transferred material.

In the upper part of the "Archive" window there are time bars. The green sections represent existing recordings from the cameras. The red segments mean a loss of signal. Vertical yellow marks show the moments of switching on and off the system. Placing the cursor (with the mouse) on the bar corresponding to a camera, we get its name, date and recording period. Leaving it longer, we can view the image (in additional window). At this point it is possible to navigate the cursor along the time bar of the camera and browse the recording. By right clicking we can insert or delete tags. The tags are used for marking important events e.g. alarms.

The time bars

ULTISYSTEM allows to set various parameters of integrated devices:

• Schedule - time schedule of operation
• Cameras - settings
• Audio - settings
• Alarm inputs - configuration
• Alarm outputs - configuration of relay outputs
• Network - remote server settings
• HDD archive - modification of HDD system
• User accounts - configuring user accounts / rights
• PTZ - modification of PTZ settings
• E-map editor - setting graphical layout of devices on maps etc.
• POS settings
• Program settings - general settings
• External tools (Windows tools)
• Date &time settings
• Mouse settings
• Modem options
• Network configuration

VDR-S system allows to develop a schedule of work for cameras, audio recording, alarm inputs, and system events. It enables adjustment of the system to the actual requirements, e.g. setting the kinds of response to alarms on working days, weekends, at night etc. This is a very powerful tool, giving the opportunity to adapt the system to the specific needs of different users. Activation of the schedule is performed by defining adequate periods or linking it with triggering an alarm input. The schedule allows to create address book with contacts used for sending notifications of events or connecting with clients.

Schedule window

ULTISYSTEM allows to configure many parameters of the connected cameras, e.g.:

• camera label,
• resolution,
• frame rate,
• network,
• motion,
• compression,
• advanced settings,
• recording,
• alarms,
• PTZ,
• audio,
• server.

Example configuration window

Using AudExt extensions, it is possible to capture sound, maximum from 18 audio channels. Adjustable audio-detection levels can trigger alarms and change operation of cameras. The window below allows to declare quality of recording, playback volume, response of the system - independently for each channel.

Sound settings

The VDR-S cooperates with digital inputs and outputs. Digital inputs collect data from PIR sensors, reed relays etc. The configuration menu is accessible from the upper taskbar.

Configuration of alarm inputs

Relay outputs allow to control lighting, gates, doors, sirens etc. The relationship between the alarm outputs and inputs is set in the output configuration window.

Configuration of alarm outputs

Network services of ULTISYSTEM allow to connect clients. VDR-S provides several ways of connection:

• with VDR-C client application (including dial-up)
• with Java applets - mobile devices (PocketPC, cellular phones)
• with Internet browser

Configuration of network services

Another important component of the program is the module managing access to the ULTISYSTEM. It allows to create a complex hierarchy of access rights (e.g. different access rights for the head and for security guards). It can also limit access to selected cameras, audio channels, alarm inputs and set periods of access privileges to the server.

Access rights assignment

E-map application uses .jpg .gif .png files to create a map of the area, building, rooms - with icons of cameras and alarm components (sensors and actuators). E-map allows to view the statuses of video/audio channels and alarm inputs/outputs, as well as to change the statuses.

Example E-map

The operator of the ULTISYSTEM can also use operating system tools:

• Date and time settings,
• Mouse options,
• Modem settings,
• Network configuration.

The primary task of the client program is the use of server resources for executing functions of the cameras, audio channels, and statuses of alarm inputs and outputs. This program has address book containing email addresses of the staff to be informed about system events, and addresses of the servers involved.

Address book

The client is free of charge. It can be tested by connecting with two servers available on the Internet. One is located in Gdansk in Poland and the other in Florida, USA. Connecting with the former server, the user gets access to three cameras (two megapixel cameras and PTZ camera allowing remote control). The maximum connection time is limited to 5 minutes, then the server automatically disconnects (to enable other users to test it as well). The latter server provides access to four cameras (one standard and three megapixel devices), also limiting the maximum connection time (10 minutes). Properly configuring address book, the user can access both servers at the same time.



Configuration loading:
Select Start->Programs->ULTISYSTEM->VDRC PROFESSIONAL->Tools->Configuration Export Tool.
After export wizard starts, choose:
Import VideoDR-C configuration->OK.
Rad in vdrc_configuration.txt file.
After confirmation, run the VDR-C program.