COE Group plc reports that it has trialled live security video streaming to and from a Capital Corridor train in Silicon valley, California,.
The video was sent from the train whilst simultaneously sending a level crossing camera video stream back to the train. The trial was achieved using Nomad Digital WiMAX radio technology. COE recently signed a partner agreement with Nomad Digital for its WiMAX technology solution and this trial demonstrates the potential of this system.
Live video streaming to and from a moving train is a technological breakthrough, according to the company. It enables security monitoring of the inside of a train from a remote control centre which until now has been unachievable due to the very limited wireless connectivity to and from the moving train. Railway staff can now see what is happening within the train which has implications in disaster or terrorist situations where decisions can be reinforced by visual information, the firm adds.
What they say
Andrew Wallace, Chief Executive Officer of COE Group plc, commented “Existing methods of providing in-train security will be revolutionised. Immediate access to video for operating staff is now feasible which in turn means improved security and safety for passengers. Nomad Digital has created a new market by pioneering WiMAX and 3G radio services on trains. We are delighted to be working with them.” Dr Nigel Wallbridge, executive Chairman of Nomad Digital said “COE’s extensive experience of video systems in rugged environments together with the quality of their codecs and their readiness to optimise the technology for this application was key to the success of the this trial”.
The firms add that any mobile system can benefit from bandwidth network access and quality digital video streaming. COE’s reference sites include the Singapore SMRT, Delhi Metro, Hong Kong KCRC, Düsseldorf and Valencia metro systems. On the Singapore North East Line COE designed and delivered a live security video system for in-carriage monitoring which is now in service along the 19-station route and provides video streams to station based control centres from every carriage in the train. COE has installed its systems in the London Congestion Charge network, underground and high-speed rail systems worldwide, airports across Germany, Hong Kong and SE Asia, and road systems worldwide. City-centre systems include over 35 UK towns and cities, while industrial complexes include the South Pars gas field in the Middle East. UK-based Nomad Digital is a privately owned company which was formed in 2002 by Graeme Lowdon and Nigel Wallbridge. Nomad Digital is focussed on the provision of speciality mobility networks.
