DENSO WAVE EUROPE, part of the Toyota group, has developed the Zone-D. It detects the position of moving objects, making it possible to protect all types of perimeters.
Viv Bradshaw, Manager Business Development Europe and Technology Consultant at DENSO WAVE EUROPE, says: “Many companies use line and curtain type sensors, but these models can only detect objects from point to point. Our Zone-D, however, covers not only a wide area but also detects on the surface, which makes it hard for intruders to avoid being detected.”
If connected to security equipment, such as pan, tilt and zoom (PTZ) cameras, lights or sirens, the Zone-D is able to send signals and activate these devices, when detecting an object. The sensor can control PTZ cameras to track an object automatically and it is capable of differentiating between people, cars, animals, and other objects. Another advantage is that it is reliable under all lighting conditions: it can detect objects in the dark or at illuminances of up to 100,000 lux. Even rain and fog are no issue.
How does it work exactly? The Zone-D detects surfaces of about 60 by 30 metres. It can be clustered in individually configurable zones, and thus, different areas can be set. For example, a ‘green’ zone can be the safe area where no signal needs to be set for when objects are moving in this area. But if an area needs extra protection, for instance, where a safe is located, this area can be marked as a ‘red’ zone and an alarm can be activated when intruders enter.
The monitoring system enables users to stay up to date about what happens at the company’s premises even at night or during weekends, because it sends notifications to the user’s computer or monitoring area. In detail, when an intruder is detected within the monitoring area, the camera automatically zooms in to track and record the intruder’s action. That is when an immediate email is sent to the user’s device. Another option for more protection is the damage prevention, including warning and intimidation. In critical areas, intimidation systems such as lights, flashlights or sirens can be activated. Also, vocal warnings can be made remotely and electric locks can be engaged to prevent any damage inflicted to the property, all while viewing the intruder’s actions in real-time. Live videos can be verified with connected portable terminals such as PCs and smartphones.
Pandemic
In the lockdown, where social distancing is becoming the norm, Zone-D can help enforce this. By defining detection zones at say one metre square, each zone spaced at two meters, people can be detected in a zone. Should movement outside the zone be seen, Zone-D can enable the play-back of a pre-recorded message to help enforce social distancing. Additionally, a PTZ camera can track that person and any security or monitoring person can provide the human-touch instead.
Furthermore, as Zone-D supports ‘crossing detection lines’, these can be used to check that, for example, where entrances and exits are defined, that people are detected, if they use the wrong route. A trigger of a warning message and PTZ camera tracking are available. This feature can also be used to detect when a position at, for instance, a ticketing booth becomes free, notifying the queue that the booth is available and enabling prompt use. Some example applications include supermarket entry queues, border or passport control, and ticketing at theme parks or conferences.
Applications
The application areas in which the Zone-D can be used – in addition to the needs during the pandemic – are diverse: from car dealers and stores, via factories and logistics companies, railways and airports to power plants and water plants. The laser sensor can be used in both public spaces and residences simultaneously. It can detect vehicles and see customers arriving at stores and car dealers, manage customers’ shipments securely or monitor power plant equipment.
In Japan, the Zone-D has already been installed in about 500 projects. They have proven that the laser sensor is ideal for monitoring critical infrastructure, like railway crossings, train platforms, and airport perimeters, as well as water, electricity and gas installations.
Bradshaw adds : “The security sector might be new to DENSO, but we have already shown that our product increases the protection in the areas where it is installed – and we are looking forward to protecting more companies and people with our innovative Zone-D.”
