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System design of video surveillance

Article in System research and information technologies · December 2019

DOI: 10.20535/SRIT.2308-8893.2019.4.05

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DOI: 10.20535/SRIT.2308-8893.2019.4.05

SYSTEM DESIGN OF VIDEO SURVEILLANCE

MOHANAD ABDULHAMID, MWONGEERA MURUNGI

Abstract. This paper describes the steps involved in designing of a video surveil-
lance system. It discusses the theory of video surveillance types, components in-
volved, selection of the best equipment, and also a detailed virtual design. An intro-
duction of the concept of video surveillance systems is followed by the detailed
discussion of design considerations and the design verification. The system is de-
signed to monitor a bank floor where the monitor displays the desired output from a
simulated implementation of the system.
Keywords: system design, video surveillance, CCTV.

INTRODUCTION

There are many different types of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) systems
available, analogue and digital, wired and wireless and their modes of operation
vary; however, the basic components are more or less the same: a camera, a lens,
a monitor, and (for wired systems) cables that carry the signal from one place to
another. Many systems also use video recorders to record the video footage [1].
The camera picks up the signal from the area being monitored via the lens
(which determines how far and how much the camera can see, and which is often
bought separately) and can be either wired or wireless. In a wired system, the
camera sends the signals through a cable to the monitor; in wireless systems, no
cable is needed, and the camera broadcasts the signal straight to the monitor [2].
The monitor can be either a simple television set (without tuning capacity) or
a PC or laptop. Most wired analogue systems use television monitors, while digi-
tal and wireless systems tend to use computers as monitors for which remote
viewing is possible, often via the internet.
For recording purposes, the monitor is accompanied by a video recorder, a
Video Cassette Recorder (VCR) for analogue systems, or a Digital Video Re-
corder (DVR), or Network Video Recorder (NVR) for digital systems. A DVR
can actually replace the monitor as the receiving device, since many DVRs are
stand-alone units that do everything a computer would do: receive, record, and
store the information for later viewing [3].
Closed Circuit Television refers to a system of surveillance cameras that
sends signals to a specific location, a monitor, or PC. CCTV systems are com-
monly used to monitor banks, shopping malls, and government facilities, and
these days, as CCTV technology becomes more affordable and easier to use, more
and more people are installing CCTV cameras in their homes and businesses.
Closed Circuit Television system is an integral component of the security
measures that may need to be adopted by an institution. The institution’s premises
may need to be monitored on a regular basis to ensure safety. The need and extent

 Mohanad Abdulhamid, Mwongeera Murungi, 2019

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 Mohanad Abdulhamid, Mwongeera Murungi

of safety required helps in deciding the investment required for the CCTV system;
for example, deciding whether procuring a single camera and monitor will suffice
or a complex video surveillance system with multiple cameras, multiple operators
and digital recorders are required [4].

DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

Before any installation of video surveillance system, an in-depth study of the site
must be carried out with the following aims:
1. Identifying need of the system.
2. Identification of the objective of the security concern, whether it is out-
side or inside, near or far.
3. Identification of area needing surveillance.
4. Where the cameras will be installed.
5. Identification of the prevailing light conditions.
6. How the images will be captured, viewed, recorded and stored for obser-
vation and reference.
7. The system design.
8. Purchasing the right products and making installation decisions that help
save time, effort and money.

Site study and analysis

Field view
It is important to work with the end user to understand what field of view
is required to be seen on the monitor. The field of view is the width and height of
the scene as viewed by the lens. It depends upon the focal length and distance of
the object.
Any field of view has some critical area which is the target area. For exam-
ple, when the camera is viewing a gate, the space the car is coming through is the
critical viewing area or if one is watching the door, the space occupied by a per-
son walking through the door is a critical viewing area. In the same way, every
scene has a critical viewing area. This critical viewing area is usually ignored
while selecting a lens for an application. After the installation is complete, it is
not uncommon to hear comments that the end user wants to positively identify the
person, but is not able to do so with the lens installed. The following steps outline
the procedure for performing the site analysis.
Step 1
Identification of the scene area which needs to be covered by the lens and es-
timation of the width or vertical height of the scene is done.
Step 2
Estimation of the distance from the camera to the scene.
Step 3
To calculate the focal length of the lens, standard formula method, and lens
wheel calculator method are used. In standard formula method, the focal length
can be calculated using either the scene width or height formulas. In lens wheel
calculator method, many lens manufacturers provide this lens calculator. It is

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System design of video surveillance

quite simple to use and the focal length of the lens can easily be calculated de-
pending upon the object distance and scene dimensions. The limitation is that it
does not tell how large the critical viewing area will be on the monitor.
Step 4
In any scene, there are areas or moving objects, which are critical. It is im-
portant to understand what is required, for a detection or positive identification.
Step 5
Calculating of the viewing area of the scene and also of the critical viewing
area by multiplying the horizontal and vertical dimensions, and dividing the criti-
cal viewing area with the total viewing area to get the size of the critical viewing
area in the monitor.
Step 6
If the proportion of the critical viewing area is as expected, then the calcu-
lated focal length is used; if not, then the focal length is changed till the correct
proportion is found or the distance of the camera is changed until the correct pro-
portion is found. If this fails, one may have to choose a lens which is the nearest
to the requirement.
Prevailing light conditions
Several measurements need to be undertaken to ensure that the correct camera is
chosen for the prevailing lighting conditions on the scene. Finally, a comparison
of the actual light at the scene with the minimum scene illumination is made. If
the light available is more than the minimum scene illumination indicated, then
the current camera can be used. If the actual light at the scene is lower than the
adjusted minimum scene illumination of the camera, then the camera setting may
require adjustment or an alternative solution is necessary.

Choice of camera and data transmission modes

Choice of camera
There are many different camera and data relaying modes to choose from how-
ever an informed choice should be derived from the best value for money, robust-
ness, future proofing, ease of installation and maintenance and fast deplorability.
For these reasons, fixed wired cameras are chosen over wireless ones be-
cause although wireless cameras can be moved to other locations requiring obser-
vation, they require dedicated frequencies, for data transmission to and from cam-
eras, that are prone to interruptions and which may end up distorting the picture.
The picture quality is also seriously compromised which means that if the signal
to be retransmitted over the internet for remote viewing for example, any further
degradation of the picture quality would result in an unusable image.
Calculations of minimum scene illumination. Various losses dramatically
reduce the level of illumination reaching the faceplate. Hence, in general CCTV
rules of thumb are often used to approximate a calculation. For example if the
faceplate illumination is quoted as 1 lux, the actual average illumination falling
onto the horizontal should be 200 × lux or more to receive good pictures (e.g. 0,1
lux at faceplate = 20 lux average horizontal requirement).

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 Mohanad Abdulhamid, Mwongeera Murungi

If the camera illumination level is quoted then it will need 10 × lux average
horizontal for a good picture and 50 × lux, for full video recording quality pic-
tures.
Choice of video system
There is also the choice between using analogue or digital data transmission.
DVRs have the advantages of superior search capabilities, remote access and eas-
ier integration with other security systems over traditional analogue and VCR sys-
tems. This informs the choice of digital video over the analogue type.
Choice of data transmission mode
Here, the choice of using an IP based wiring system is already dictated by
the decision to use DVRs instead of VCRs for storage and retrieval of the surveil-
lance data. The use of fibre-optics is not considered because the cost is too expen-
sive to the end user.

Operational and equipment specifications

Equipment
The following equipment are used.
1. Stand-alone DVR(Model NVR1004+).
2. Cameras (There are many choices from CMOS to Charge Couple De-
vice(CCD) and even IR-cameras which take images in the dark. CCD cameras are
recommended over CMOS ones, as for IR-cameras, they are only good for close
distances).
3. Cables (point-to-point unshielded twisted pair wire, 24–16 American
Wire Gauge (AWG) (0, 5–1,5mm), stranded or solid, category 2 or better).
4. Router(s).
5. Power supply cables.
6. Electrical sockets.
7. Mounting brackets (for mounting the cameras).
The video signal may co-exist in the same wire bundle as other video, tele-
phone, data, control signals, or low-voltage power. Shielded twisted pair wire is
not recommended; however multi-pair wire (6 pair or more) with an overall shield
is recommended. Un-twisted wire should also not be used. For safety, video sig-
nals should never be placed in same conduit as high voltage wiring.
After the equipment has been acquired, some other specifications that may to
be identified are: operation of system, system to be installed or connected, and
future expansion.

Installation of the system

After identifying the sites where the cameras are to be installed, cables are laid
down from the cameras to the DVR. After the DVR is configured, it can be set to
record only when there is movement in the area. This will reduce the hard disk
requirements tremendously.
The system can be set up as shown in Fig. 1. The DVR is connected to the
router (192.168.0.1) using LAN cables.
The following should be noted about the connection:
 The IP addresses are arbitrarily assigned.

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System design of video surveillance

 The PC computer (192.168.0.3) is there to set up the DVR via a user in-
terface that is accessible via the LAN connection.
 The ADSL modem provides internet access to the system.
 Only 2 cameras are indicated to be connected here however this is deter-
mined by the number of ports available at the DVR.

Fig. 1. DVR camera setup

Design using videoCAD

Due to various constraints pertaining physical design of the system, a more com-
puter based approach is favored since such modeling would not only make the
eventual installation more manageable but also practical results could be simu-
lated with an aim of perfecting the proposed system way before implementation.
Additionally no one company approached is willing to share their architectural
plans with this designer citing, various reasons including fear of industrial espio-
nage and the risk that such non contractual disclosure could lead to security
breaches within their premises. For these reasons, this designer is inclined to
model a system using CCTV system simulation software known as videoCAD
which is freely available on the internet (as a Demo version) and which is ade-
quate to accomplish the objectives of this particular paper.
The following steps are carried out in order to implement the system as a
computer simulated video surveillance system:
1. Identification of the area under surveillance.
2. 3D mapping of the area.
3. Introduction of different camera types into the area under surveillance.
4. Placement of “objects” that may be construed as intrusions or otherwise,
at strategic locations with a view of testing the relevance of camera placement
areas.
5. Viewing of the surveyed area on a simulated monitor.
6. Calculations of illumination to ascertain that night-time surveillance is
possible using the same cameras with luminaries’ where necessary.

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 Mohanad Abdulhamid, Mwongeera Murungi

7. Conclusion as to the success or failures of the system and what it would

take to make it a reality.
Identification of the area under surveillance
For the purposes of this particular paper, a bank floor area is chosen as a
good example to demonstrate the proposed system. The bank floor plan includes
two floors, an upper ground floor and a lower ground floor both of which would
be equipped with cameras to survey activities in the key area in an around them.
Two exterior areas are also identified; the ATM area and the car park area
which also need dedicated cameras capable of night-time surveillance.
The following areas are identified as key areas requiring constant camera
monitoring: lower ground floor level: front door and desk, ATM lobby and en-
trance, banking hall, teller booths, back office, back office-banking hall adjoining
doorway and room and counting room. Upper ground floor level: open work plan
area, parking area.
All cameras with the exception of the ATM entrance and front entrance
cameras are Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) cameras. The use of fixed cameras is to avoid
tampering with the person identification setting on those cameras surveying key
areas.
All cameras installed are dome type overhead at a height of 3m (approxi-
mately) from normal floor level.
3D mapping of the area
Construction of the area in need of surveillance is done using AUTOCAD
and videoCAD computer software both running on a Windows Vista operating
system.
Introduction of cameras to the areas under surveillance
Cameras are placed at strategic positions in the identified areas. Care is taken
not to unnecessarily place too many cameras surveying one scene leading to re-
dundancy and unnecessary expense. For example one camera with a pan feature is
installed to survey the back office and washrooms area, however the ATM area
being a critical security area has dedicated cameras monitoring the entrance (to
ATM booths) and another to view the ATMs.
Calculations of illumination to ascertain that night-time surveillance is
possible using the same camera setup
At this stage, the following assumptions have to be made:
1. Specification of camera sensitivity would be supplied by the manufac-
turer.
2. A luminaire would be used also whose specifications would also be
known.

RESULTS

Calculation of minimum scene illumination

Data from Field survey
The following data are considered:
 Area to be viewed: Building wall.
 Distance from subject to camera: 10 m.

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System design of video surveillance

 Average horizontal illumination: 100 lux average (50% minimum).

 Plane of subject to be viewed: vertical.
 Reflectivity of subject: wall, average 30% (minimum).
 Intensity of lighting off wall: 312,5 candelas.
 Reflectivity of ground in front of the wall: average 37% (minimum).
 Assume f-stop value lens and iris: F1.4.
Camera data
The following data are considered:
 Minimum faceplate illumination of the chosen camera: 0,1 lux for good
pictures.
 Minimum scene illumination of chosen camera: 0,6 lux.
 F1.4.
 50% reflection.
Available illumination at the camera lens
 Light falling in front of the wall: 100 lux average.
 Minimum light falling in front of the wall: 50% of average = 50 lux.
 Minimum light reflected from ground onto the wall: 37% of minimum at
ground = 18,5 lux. 
 Minimum light from the wall toward the camera: 30% of that arriving on
wall from ground = 18,5 · 0,3= 5,55 lux. Intensity at this point is 312,5 can-
delas(given).
 Loss of light due to distance to camera (assuming light reflected directly
towards camera):
E  I /d2,
where E= lux level at the camera; I = intensity in candelas at the wall; d = dis-
tance from wall to camera;
E  312 / 10 2  3,124 lux .
Theoretical illumination
At the faceplate of camera with an F1.4, c is given by
C  1/ 4 f 2 ,
where C  illumination level at faceplate with 100% transmittance and f  f -
stop value used on iris;
C  1 /(4  1, 4 2 )  0,127 (Or 12,7% of that arriving at the camera).
Thus, faceplate illumination available = 3,125 lux · 0,127 = 0,39 lux.
Camera minimum faceplate illumination = 0,1 lux. Rule of thumb: required
faceplate illumination × 200 = average horizontal illumination required at scene =
0,1 · 200 = 20 lux. Actual horizontal average (100 lux) and minimum (50 lux) are
both well above 20 lux required by the rule of thumb calculation.
Camera scene illumination level
Rule of thumb: 10 × camera illumination level required for good picture =
0,6  10  6 lux, (Both 100 lux average and 50 lux minimum are well over this).

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 Mohanad Abdulhamid, Mwongeera Murungi

Camera distances and faceplate illuminations

Table shows faceplate illumination at different distances where faceplate il-
lumination  E  C .

Faceplate illumination at different distances

Distance from scene
10 8 6 4 2 2
to camera
Faceplate
0,39 0,619 1,102 2,48 9,92 39,68
Illumination (lux)

From Table, the selected camera is suitable for use within the distances
shown since the calculated faceplate illumination exceeds the minimum value
indicated on the camera (0,1 lux). At very large distances (see Fig. 2) however the
illumination approaches 0,1 and the camera becomes unusable. Hence the se-
lected camera is capable of effectively being used in the CCTV system.

Fig. 2. Faceplate illuminations at different distances

Lighting level calculations are required to be provided by the system de-

signer to show how a chosen camera would be suitable, many manufacturers
make it difficult for the true camera needs or performance to be established by
publishing either partial information, introducing unseen assumptions, which en-
hance apparent performance, or deliberately inflating the claims.

Viewing the surveyed area on a monitor

A total of 15 cameras in total are used to survey both the lower and upper ground
floors as shown in Fig. 3.
It is possible to select a particular camera and pan to a desired angle, indicat-
ing that the user could effectively alter the view angle to a point of particular
interest.
The ATM camera is installed such that it could only be used for person de-
tection. This is done as a security measure to prevent misuse of the system to read
confidential data from the ATM while a customer is using the ATM machine.

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System design of video surveillance

Fig. 3. View of the area under monitor

Night-time surveillance
Night-time surveillance results are obtained which proves that the system can be
used (together with the appropriate luminaires) to survey a specific area at night
as can be seen in Fig. 4.

Fig. 4. Parking area under night time surveillance with illuminators

Satisfactory scene surveillance is obtained after incorporating illuminators
into the system. It is possible that the luminaire(s) could double as security lamps
and in so doing deter potential security threats.

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 Mohanad Abdulhamid, Mwongeera Murungi

A disadvantage here would be that the system would largely remain insecure
if the illuminators are to be switched off during night-time surveillance hours. A
possible counter to this would be to incorporate an alarm system which would be
triggered by a switch off of the lighting.

CONCLUSION

The system design parameters were used to model a video surveillance system
using videoCAD software, which was able to produce a useful security monitor-
ing tool. The importance of such a model was also demonstrated by the fact that
tedious camera mounting and removal exercises to ascertain optimum camera
placement positions would be eliminated. This would be beneficial to fast de-
ployment of such a system by cutting down on design time and cost of implemen-
tation. Further the design also looked at night-time surveillance and demonstrated
that this could be accomplished using the software.

REFERENCES

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2. Raghunandan A. Object detection algorithms for video surveillance applications /
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Communication and Signal Processing. — India, 2018.
3. Zhang D. Application of robust face recognition in video surveillance systems /
D. Zhang, A. Peng, H. Zhang // Optoelectronics Letters. — 2018. —
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4. Sreenu G. Intelligent video surveillance: a review through deep learning techniques
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Received 29.10.2019

From the Editorial Board: the article corresponds completely to submitted manu-
script.

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