Axis has launched a network camera for buses and trains.
Axis Communications describes the 209FD-R network camera as a palm-sized, rugged unit that can resist vibrations and high humidity in mass transit vehicles. The network camera provides crisp, digital video over an IP network, it is claimed.
Stockholm Transport, the Swedish bus operator, is the first to order the AXIS 209 FD-R for its entire fleet of 2,100 buses. The company will install between five and six cameras on all these buses during 2007.
Measuring 4 cm high, the 209FD-R fits even in areas with restricted headroom, the makers report. Equipped with Power over Ethernet capability, the network camera uses one Ethernet cable for both power and video. The camera uses progressive scan technology to provide images of moving objects. It delivers up to 30 frames per second in Motion JPEG or MPEG-4 video compression standards. Encased in a tamper-resistant casing, the AXIS 209FD-R can operate in temperatures between 0 degrees C and 50 degrees C (32 ºF and 122 ºF), and in humidity ranging from 20pc to 100pc.
What they say
Johan Lembre, vice president, product management at Axis Communications says: “There is strong demand from bus and train operators world-wide for a cost-effective surveillance solution that helps keep drivers and commuters safe and enables evidence to be clearly captured in an event. The AXIS 209FD-R is an IP-Surveillance solution that meets such demands. It is the first network camera on the market that takes into account the environment and surveillance requirements onboard transit vehicles. The camera also enables operators to set up a system that allows police and alarm receiving centres to remotely see what is happening in a vehicle if there is a threat.”
Steve Gorski, managing director, Axis Communications (UK) adds: “This solution, designed specifically for the transportation market, is likely to be of immediate interest to the UK and Ireland’s coach and bus operators. Our partners will be keen to meet with these companies to explore development of more advanced surveillance systems of the type being developed for Stockholm Transport.”
The 209FD-R camera will be available from January 2007 through Axis’ usual UK and Ireland distribution channels, the firm adds.
