Longwatch Video Surveillance System
The Longwatch Video Surveillance system is a family of software-driven, integrated modules that provides video collection, archiving and alarming over a distributed network. It is capable of cost-effectively handling video from the farthest reaches of your operation as well as from local facilities. The system was designed to handle a wide variety of networks, from the fastest optical fiber, to the legacy, proprietary networks found in supervisory control (SCADA), programmable controller (PLC/HMI) and other automation control networks. Longwatch eliminates the need to install costly broadband or optical networks. Yet, for facilities that already have the benefit of high-speed networks, Longwatch extends the useful life of those resources, creating a better return on investment.
The basic system consists of:
- One Video Control Center (VCC) that provides centralized configuration and management of the system, collects video clips from the field and interfaces with the SCADA/HMI system and/or building security system.
- One or more Video Engines that interface with cameras and external detection hardware (such as motion detectors.) The video engines come in three basic forms:
- The Remote Video Engine (RVE): a small industrial computer capable of supporting both analog and digital cameras.
- The Micro Remote Video Engine (Micro): a very small industrial computer designed for harsh environments or low power applications, capable of supporting digital cameras.
- The Longwatch Video Engine (LVE): pure software that can be loaded into any Microsoft Windows XP computer to interface with digital cameras and bring the capabilities of the Longwatch system.
Options for the system include:
- Access Control. This system of card readers and data entry keypads eliminates the need for brass keys to secure facilities. It interfaces with the video system and provides easy, centralized management for local and remote facilities.
Some of the features and benefits of the Longwatch system include:
- Recording on the Edge: Video collected from the cameras is pre-processed and archived at the Video Engine. This protects the video from theft, reduces the workload on the system, and provides easy, reliable scaling as the system grows.
- Store-and-Forward Messaging. The Longwatch system was designed for industrial applications demanding robust performance. If the network goes down, any video event clips are automatically stored in the Video Engine. When the network is restored, the clips are automatically uploaded to the Video Control Center. No event alarms or video notification are lost, providing you with secure, reliable records of activities.
- Alarm Latching. When an event occurs, the Video Engine automatically stores the event. That means you’ll get notification of the event, even if it resets itself before the message is sent to the Video Control Center. You don’t miss alarms with Longwatch, even while your network is down or your system is busy.
- SCADA/HMI Integration. The Longwatch system is provided with a number of ActiveX controls and other objects so that video windows and alarm queues can be dropped easily into the displays of leading HMI software (such as Wonderware, GE/Intellution and Rockwell.)
What's New in Version 4.0
Discover more at the Longwatch Web Site
For product information contact your AutomaTech Business Development Manager today.