Camera design affects coverage

Installing an effective video surveillance system involves more than just mounting cameras; factors such as the layout of the premises, their use, and frequency of access must be considered. A conventional camera captures only a portion of the scene, whereas a model equipped with a fisheye lens can capture a 360° view. Placed carefully in an open space, such a camera can provide an overview from a single device. Synology's FC600 combines a fisheye lens with a 6-megapixel sensor to preserve detail in the overall view, especially when displaying portions separately. HDR and infrared night vision up to 10 meters help manage contrasted scenes and low-light conditions.

Multiple display options for monitoring

The FC600 offers several display modes to facilitate image consultation: the original view provides a circular deformed image for an overall view, the panoramic view offers a corrected wide view, the double panorama splits the scene into two corrected bands, and the four-window view shows four distinct parts of the image. These modes allow users to monitor multiple areas simultaneously.

AI features enhance security

The FC600 integrates AI analysis functions to detect specific events and trigger alerts. These functions include person detection, intrusion detection, loitering detection, and crowd detection. When an event meets the defined criteria, the system alerts the user, who then evaluates the situation. The people counting feature, available with Surveillance Station, helps understand traffic patterns in stores or passage areas.

Local and cloud-based storage options

Synology offers two software options for managing recordings: Surveillance Station for local installation using a NAS (Network Attached Storage) and Surveillance365 for cloud-based management. Surveillance Station allows users to store recordings locally and access them remotely, while Surveillance365 manages cameras via the cloud without requiring a local NAS. Recordings can be stored on a microSD card with optional cloud backup, making it suitable for managing multiple sites without on-site servers. The two approaches can complement each other, with Surveillance365 providing a remote copy of recordings stored on the NAS.

Real-world application in a hospital

At the Calais hospital, Surveillance Station is used to monitor technical areas, including server rooms and network infrastructure. The system uses motion detection, automatic notifications, and stores recordings for 30 days in compliance with RGPD requirements. The installation has reportedly deterred unplugged cables and acts of malice since its implementation. The hospital's IT teams manage the system internally, maintaining control over their installation.