The new era of data control in distributed work control rooms

The growing needs of such facilities in security and surveillance environments make data distribution, according to Marcos Fernández's analysis, director of Christie for Spain and Portugal, in a complex and constantly evolving matter.

The changes experienced today by sources, Audiovisual signals and networks, As well as the need to adapt systems to these changes is an increasingly latent concern that especially affects control rooms that house equipment with distributed operators, in different locations in one or more buildings, and in a single or geographically separated population.

The challenge is not only in collecting and managing data from a large number of sources., but also in sharing data between different places, so that it is possible to work collaboratively around the same information.

How does a control room manage to receive data originating in all kinds of formats and from multiple sources and then serve it – easily and effectively?, in an easy-to-use format-, to operators located at multiple sites?

Data collection and control

Data originates in a variety of formats; can be reached directly by cable using a continuous signal, or be accessible within a network using different application protocols. Lately there is a growing demand, Not only to easily access the viewing of multimedia and network sources, but to manage the content on the screen itself using a keyboard and mouse.

Among others, We analyze below sources of commonly used content to take into account when setting distribution needs, Control and presentation of data in a control room.

Audiovisual sources

Video is a common source of data, But audio can also be useful to operators in this type of environment.

The introduction of 4K video or ultra high definition (Uhd) has increased the resolution of these audiovisual sources, so it is now possible to accept source content in resolutions up to 3,840×2.160P for presentations in control room display systems.

Network sources

Desktop capture software tools offer a cost-effective method of transporting and controlling slow-motion graphics/data sources on an existing network. Common screenshot protocols are available in open source applications, of networked software and in widely used operating systems, and are also compatible with keyboard and mouse control of the source machine.

The use of IP cameras has also proliferated in many applications, especially in security and safety. The H.264 compression standard is ubiquitous in IP cameras, AV encoders and IPTV systems. Video processors must adapt to the use of common protocols and unicast or multicast sending and broadcasting platforms.

Systems for decoding IP cameras must, likewise, offer the possibility to interface effectively with thousands of cameras or to select content from this type of devices.

System for the current control room

In addition to the different font types, Scalability needs, Security, Integration and ease of use also influence the design of the control room system.

Companies and organizations that manage high-value processes, Essential or public safety services typically distribute data to a large number of departments, Establishing real-time collaboration between different offices, buildings or campuses or bridging large geographical distances.

Sometimes it is necessary to present shared data in one or many videowalls to support different organizational functions, or digital signage screens distributed by the company, Faculty or organization.

IP networks are an attractive platform for distributing AV data sources in control room operations. In an organization, Networks reach everywhere, but some segments of it may be protected by firewalls and security applications., or restricted for use in unicast transport instead of multicast, Popular in distribution applications.

A system that transports video and audio over a network in real time must provide scalability by bringing content to a large number of displays and end operators., extending it also along segments with more sophisticated transport restrictions, such as encryption or unicast only.

For a room control system to be integrated, Easy to use, Flexible scalable and secure, You must meet the following requirements:

• Be compatible with multiple video formats, Audio & Control.
• Provide the ability to interface with network-based application servers or desktop capture applications.
• Be expandable over time or be able to manage more sources and displays, as well as transmit data to new locations.
• You need to have an efficient method for distributing content to screens and locations.
• Provide an easy-to-use configuration and control interface.

Mark Fernandez

Director of Christie for Spain and Portugal

 

 

 

 

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