Integrating & Interfacing Electronic Security Elements To Create A Custom Tailored Solution

On a recent project, the client presented a set of requirements which necessitated that we provide an integrated solution for his site. The premises already had numerous (32) video surveillance cameras and an electronic access control system. However, it was inconvenient, and somewhat dangerous for them to handle the influx of non-cardholders, such as guests, deliveries and tradesmen who would typically visit daily. Their options were to leave doors unlocked or to open the doors each time someone arrived. Leaving doors unlocked for strangers was not a good security management practice and sending a person to open the doors for every visitor wasted time.

They had two entry doors through which such individuals would gain entry, and two locations within the premises, the receptionist’s desk and the building manager’s office, from where they wanted to be able to identify, speak with and control entry.

Existing cameras offered broad overviews of the exterior of the building, but it was determined that these cameras would not offer the desired views of the individuals so as to be able to identify them, or provide suitable visual support for a typical controlled entrance transaction.

They needed a video intercom, entry/access control. In addition they set forth a requirement that images of individuals approaching the two entry doors and pressing a visitor button would be displayed on a large monitor centrally located in the manager’s main office.

A manager or security guard would be able to view either door on this monitor or on either interior video intercom station and by pressing a button, trigger the existing electronic access control system to electrically unlock one or the other door.

Video intercoms have been around for a while, and the public knows and understands the benefits of video surveillance and door control. We’ve been supplying this type of equipment for years, and welcomed the opportunity to stretch out a little to provide this client with the extra features that would make their video intercom somewhat custom and unique.

Our first choice for intercom equipment has long been Aiphone for the style, performance, product quality and extensive feature set. Aiphone also offers extensive on-line and live technical support, so specification of the required products, pricing of the project, wiring diagrams of the system, and a detailed description of how the system will operate are all available to the installer.

Requirements were two interior stations and two door stations, as well as the ability to control electric door locks, and output video to an external monitor.

We used the Aiphone JFS2AEDV package which includes: one JF-2MED master monitor, one PS-1820UL power supply and one JF-DV surface mount, vandal resistant door station. We added a JF2HD sub-station, another JF-DV door station, and a RY3DL output relay to interface with the locking system.

In this case, the clients knew what they wanted, and only a couple of decision makers were involved. It was relatively simple for me to show them the proposed system documentation, make a few suggestions as to important features and considerations, and explain how the video intercom would be operated once installed.

Besides an extensive library of images and brochures, Aiphone also offers a three-part CSI Specification document which the locksmith can use to learn how the system will operate, and can customize and use for project quotes and sales presentations.

TYPICAL AIPHONE APPLICATIONS

Commercial – Controlled entrances, interior offices retail stores, parking garages, loading docks and employee only areas

Educational – Primary and secondary schools, college campuses, controlled entrances, service areas and faculty rooms

Government – Local, state and federal government branches, courtroom security, airports and embassies

Healthcare – Hospitals, medical clinics, administrative offices, exam rooms, nurseries, pharmacies, and staff lounges

Residential – Single-family residences, gated entries, housing developments and multi-tenant buildings with individual entrances

FEATURES

Affordable Color Video System

Clear Identification In Color Provided Day & Night. In low light conditions, the video door station’s built-in white LED illuminators will activate and send a clear color image to the 3.5” TFT color LCD monitor.

Both Hands-Free & Push-to-Talk operating modes. When a call comes in, press the TALK button to begin hands-free VOX (voice operated exchange) communication. In certain situations, such as a noisy environment, push-to-talk communication gives the person at the monitor control over transmitting and receiving communication.

LED Light Indicates Who is Speaking. For VOX (voice operated exchange) communication, the LED light turns on when talking to visitors and turns off when listening. If communication is push-to-talk and release-to-listen, the LED light turns on when pushed and turns off when released.

Entrance Monitoring. This feature enables monitoring the area around the door station without inside sound being heard from the outside, ensuring privacy.

Option Button. Button controls an external device, such as an outdoor entrance light or secondary door release (with supplied option connector). This is not available on JF-1SD or JF-2SD

Picture Memory. Picture Memory is available both manually and automatically

Additional features include built-in Picture Memory, Internal Voice Memo, and Entrance Messaging. Image sequences are automatically recorded (8 frames per image) when a visitor calls. Up to 50 image sequences can be recorded and 10 sequences can be saved.

Save special or necessary images, leave internal voice messages, and play recorded voice greetings for visitors. When the CALL button on the door station is pushed it automatically starts to record. This feature is ideal when you are away or unable to answer calls from visitors.

When manual recording is necessary, just push the REC button on the master station while monitoring or talking to a visitor. This feature helps keep record of any, or all, visitors who call in.

Up to 50 image sequences can be recorded at a rate of 1 frame per second and 8 frames per image. This is a total of 400 separate frames that can be documented. Overall, 10 sequences (80 frames) can be saved and protected from automatic overwriting.

Play eight frames continuously so it appears to be a moving image. If needed, pausing and frame-by-frame play modes are also available.

Both the manual recording of visitors and the playback of recorded images are able to be controlled by the master and sub master stations. 8 frames per image at 1 frame per second

Voice Memo gives the advantage to stay in touch with family, staff or colleagues

With the Record & Play Back Messages features, users can easily record and play back a short message using the Voice Memo feature. Up to three voice memos for internal use can be recorded with up to 15 seconds per memo.

When you can’t, or don’t want to use your voice to answer a visitor, simply use the Message for Entrance function. It allows up to two pre-recorded messages to be played when appropriate. After identifying a visitor, you can choose to use either your voice or a pre-recorded outgoing message to respond. This feature is helpful for individuals with limited speech abilities, non-native language occupants, or anyone who would prefer not to be identified.

Using the Message for Entrance feature, outgoing messages can be pre-recorded and sent out to the door station

Added benefits of the JF-2MED Enhanced Hands-free Color Video Intercom System:

Select from five display languages: Choose from English, French, German, Spanish or Dutch.

All Call with 1-button answer back from any station

Video Signal (NTSC) Output from Master Station

External Sensor Input. When an external sensor is activated, the inside monitor shows a warning sign and sounds an alert. This sound notification can also be set to alert at the door station.

External TALK Switch Connection (Footswitch). Those who experience difficulty pressing the TALK button can step on the optional footswitch to operate.

Optional 2nd Entrance Door Station (Audio Only or Audio/Video)

The system is quick and easy to install, with only two wires. There is no handset to pick up and its compact, attractive design complements most interiors

Additional features include:

Open voice VOX or PTT communication

High resolution color TFT monitor

Expandable to three inside and two door stations

Leave a voice memo to replay at inside stations

Pre-record entrance messages

Single or selective door release with RY-3DL

Camera station can be monitored from inside

All monitors turn on when camera station calls in

Embedded HID® ProxPoint® Plus Proximity Card Reader (JF-DVF-HID)

Embedded HID® iCLASS™ Smart Card Reader (JF-DVF-HID-I)

SPECIFICATIONS

Power Source: . 18V DC - Use PS-1820UL

Calling: Chime, image and audio approx. 45 sec.

Communication:

AUTOMATIC (hands-free) - to activate, momentarily press the TALK button.

MANUAL (press-to-talk/release-to-listen) - to activate, press the TALK button for 1 sec. or until talk LED turns on

Video Monitor: 3-1/2” direct-view TFT color LCD

Scanning Line: 525 lines

Min. Illumination: 5 Lux at 1’ distance

Night Viewing: Up to one foot from camera, with white LED projected, background beyond one foot cannot be seen.

Door Release: Contact rating: N/O 24V AC/DC, 500mA Use RY-18L for Form-C high-current contact

Wiring: Door to master: 2-cond.

Master to sub (Standard): 6-cond.

Master to sub (Enhanced): 4-cond. All mid cap, solid, non-shielded

To ensure the optimum image and audio quality we used Aiphone cabling.

Connecting the separate monitor was straightforward. Interfacing with the EAC system was also a matter of running wires and connecting. We wall mounted one of the interior units, and used a plexiglass desk mount for the other unit.

Locating the door entry units requires care so that the proper field of view is obtained. The cameras in the door units are wide angle, specially designed for the purpose. Aiphone has other model door intercoms which have the PTZ (pan/tilt/zoom) feature.

For more information, visit Web Site: www.aiphone.com.