A multi-function application serves as a bridge between video cameras and display applications.
Camera Control
SPx Camera Manager can control PTZ cameras based on Pelco-D, ONVIF and NEXUS protocols. A network of different camera types can be easily supported.
The client can manipulate the client using commands sent across a TCP network interface. A full set of commands is provided for manipulation of the camera and related control. Commands may be sent to the Camera Manager which then converts those commands into the camera-specific protocol.
A camera can be moved to look at a specific lat/long position. To support this, the camera’s own position needs to be configured, or alternatively an NMEA source of navigation data can be used to report the position.
Priority-based Access
When several users need to control surveillance cameras at different times, SPx Camera Manager provides a solution using access based on priority. Users can request access to a camera and SPx Camera Manager will grant access if the user has the highest priority.
Automatic Target Following
The camera can be automatically adjusted to follow a target, with target reports provided from an AIS input or external radar tracker. A client application may designate a target of interest and report that track identifier to the Camera Manager. The Camera Manager then receives reports for the target and automatically moves the camera to maintain the target in the field of view. The camera control is then fully automatic and no further involvement is needed from the application until the application changes the camera control mode or designates a different target.
Protocol Conversion
SPx Camera Manager can be used to control a camera with ONVIF or Pelco protocols from an application. The complexities of the protocols can be removed and replaced with a simple message interface to the application, for example in a browser-based interface that provides a display for radar video, tracks, maps and camera control. The browser interacts with the camera manager to set the camera position or associate a track for automatic following.
The camera manager can also be used with Cambridge Pixel’s own display applications, such as VSD and RadarWatch, where there are multiple operator positions or where control of the camera needs to be shared with another video management system.
