April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and as many of us know, texting and driving is extremely dangerous and against the law. Still, if you look around at other drivers, it’s likely you’ll find at least one person fumbling with their phone. Tickets have been issued, preventable accidents have occurred, but it doesn’t seem to be enough.
It is well known that security cameras and surveillance systems can help to keep your property safe, whether it is your business, home, or even public areas. But it seems surveillance is now being used to keep drivers and the roads safe, too.
We’ve all heard of car insurance companies offering “good driver” discounts. Definitions vary from company to company, but generally mean that your driving record stays relatively clean with no accidents. Now, thanks to advanced technology, car insurance companies are taking it a step further by employing voluntary driver-monitoring programs, also known as telematics or usage-based insurance surveillance. For example, Progressive is rolling out their Snapshot Program.
With this Snapshot program, customers voluntarily install a small box onto their steering wheel that collects data, which is then sent back to the company. This device tracks things like how many miles you drive, how often you drive during different times of the day, your braking patterns, and so on.
With their Snapshot telematics, they will analyze your driving habits and your rates will be determined as they see fit. But it seems this program isn’t only targeted toward “good drivers”. Those they deem “good drivers” will still be offered a discount, however, those who they deem as “bad” or aggressive drivers will be issued a surcharge, which is estimated to be no more than 10% of their current rate. Will this monetary punishment encourage drivers to be more cautious?
Share your thoughts on Progressive’s Snapshot program and overall driver surveillance with us. You can find us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.
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What do you do when you want a sense of security but don’t want to shell out big bucks? Print your own dummy security camera with a 3D printer, obviously.
That’s precisely what Dr. Özkal Özsoy did. Dr. Özkal Özsoy is an electronics engineer, product design consultant, and inventor based in Istanbul, Turkey. With his knowledge, experience, research, and 3D printer, he set out to build his own dummy security camera.
He began by researching different security cameras and which design would best deter criminals and intruders from targeting his apartment. Once he decided on a model, he scaled it down so that all 3D printers on the market could print it, but this move also saved materials.
Because of its hollow interior, it’s possible to house an actual wireless security camera within it. The dummy camera is divided into four different parts for easy assembly. He also included four holes for 3mm LEDS, and used a wide angle, LED collimator as the lens. These parts make the dummy camera much more believable.
Security cameras, whether dummy or real, can be a great way to avoid becoming a target. Most criminals will avoid security cameras, as they can produce evidence that may identify them. You don’t need to break the bank to protect yourself. Find affordable security cameras and camera systems at SecurityCamExpert.com. Need help? Our expert staff is happy to help – give us a call at 1-888-203-6294.
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It’s amazing to look back on how security camera technology has changed and evolved for the better. We once only knew of grainy, black and white footage, and now we can record in color in near complete darkness, and access live feeds through our devices. This year, our technology is improving clarity, storage, and overall performance to bring you the best. Let’s take a look at the big video surveillance trends coming this year.
VSaaS / Cloud Computing
Video Surveillance-as-a-Service (VSaaS) provides remote management and archiving through the cloud. When combined with the cloud and cloud computing, managing your system is easier, whether done in house or outsourced to a third party. Upgrades and updates are more easily accessible, more storage space is available, and additional services can be added.
Analytics, Business Intelligence (BI), & Big Data
The amount of structured and unstructured data (big data) from video surveillance is ripe with valuable insights for businesses. When paired with surveillance footage, analytics technology can produce fruitful information thanks to high resolution and constant connection. Because of network connections, video footage can produce beneficial timelines for crimes and identify shopping patterns at retail stores, allowing for improved safety for the public and a more personalized shopping experience. This gives businesses better insight on all levels, proving that an enhanced security camera system can aid in business success.
Video Compression & Bandwidth Usage
Compression technology plays a large part in efficiency and performance. Advancement in this area will allow significant file size reduction with minimal to no compromising of picture quality. There are several video compression standards, with H.264 being the latest and most efficient. However, H.265 technology is on the horizon, which can reduce bandwidth and storage demands. As with most new technology, H.265 will slowly be introduced in more high-end products before becoming the standard, along with H.264.
With such great trends to come, we are excited to see what will unfold. What are your thoughts and expectations for the surveillance industry in 2015? Share your opinions with us – Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Visit us online at SecurityCamExpert.com and shop our stock of security cameras, DVRs, NVRs, camera packages, and more. If you have any questions, please call us at 1-888-293-6294 and our sales team will be happy to assist you.
Wearable technology has evolved right before our eyes. Our childhood experiences vary drastically from the children growing up today. As we hone our technology and the Internet of Things, we are subsequently changing the learning environment for our children.
Wearable technology can and will have a positive and enriching impact on the classroom, namely, field trips. In the early stages, wearable tech will enhance the experience, allowing for students to more actively engage in the learning experience. As wearable tech advances, data gathered from field trips will be easier to record, consume, and share across various networks. Eventually students from around the world could potentially be sharing learning experiences and helping each other.
For in-person field trips, students will soon be able to scan QR codes or capture images to find out more information, whether it is in the form of text, video or audio. Enabling students to do so will encourage participation and the first-hand interaction will help them better understand the learning objectives.
After the field trip, rather than a simple discussion, students can take photos or record audio and video to bring back to the classroom. They can share their experiences with peers within the classroom, and even through social media. This will enable lessons and information to reach students across the world.
Virtual reality can take field trips to a whole new level. Students will be able to enjoy and experience things we never thought possible. In lieu of in person field trips, virtual reality headsets could bring the experience to the classroom. Students would be able to virtually explore the Grand Canyon, Ancient Greece, and the depths of the ocean, all in one day and without leaving school. This advanced tech helps kids tap into their imaginative and creative side while teaching students great interpersonal skills.
Such an immersive learning environment is promising for young students. This will hopefully encourage students to be more involved in the curriculum, and persuade students to continue their education into college and graduate school. Knowledge is power, and with new technology, this power is strengthened.
What are your thoughts on wearable technology and its impact on school and education? Do you have young children in school who use some of this technology? How has it helped your children? We would love to hear from you. Connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest!
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Our fascination with innovative technology and gadgets has helped to propel the progression of wearable technology. From smart watches to fitness trackers to Google glass, wearable tech appeals to nearly every demographic. As we further develop these devices and their capacities, and more and more people adopt these gadgets, soon enough, we may all be smartly connected to each other.
Wearable technology can collect an endless amount of information. Whether for work, transportation, health, or the real world, the information can be easily transmitted to other devices. Most of this technology is incorporated into our lives already, but our interactions from day to day can be dramatically altered with further advancement.
Augmented & Virtual Reality
Augmented reality is like experiencing a digital environment within the real world, comparable to Google Glass and likewise devices. Virtual reality, commonly used in gaming, allows a person to be involved in an alternate environment. If implemented into the workplace, for example, an alternate workspace environment could be created, eliminating the need for a physical workspace. This could possibly cut back on commutes and allow for remote workers all around. In the case of schools, classrooms could be replaced with virtual classrooms. With the right devices, we could provide education to students around the world.
Field & Office Work
When out doing field work, you may have to report into your main office when you begin and end your day. Wearable technology, such as a wearable camera, could enable immediate reporting, transmitting pertinent data and footage straight back to the office. Without having to worry about taking notes and reporting back, workers could be more engaged and present in the interaction, potentially providing better, more effective meetings.
Vehicles & Pedestrian Safety
Enabling communication between cars, bikes, motorcycles and pedestrians could decrease the number of accidents. Some smart cars already possess sensors which detect and warn drivers when there are vehicles in their blind spot, and some cars even brake automatically when sensing decreased speeds ahead. For cyclists, this technology could possibly save lives. The wearable devices could warn both individuals that paths may cross and they can avoid an incident.
It’s obvious that this technology could offer numerous improvements, but what are the implications? Would we become completely dependent on our devices? If you own any wearable devices, or are considering investing in any, we would love to hear from you. Share your insight on this topic with us and your peers. Join us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, and Pinterest.
SecurityCamExpert.com offers the great prices on quality security cameras, CCTV camera systems, and surveillance equipment. Visit us online to browse our stock or give us a call at 1-888-2032-6294. Our office is open Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Utilizing a surveillance system demonstrates the ability to aid in suspect identification to help solve crimes. Technological advances have expanded these systems to overhead monitoring via aircrafts, similar to drones. Persistent Surveillance Systems (PSS) has created a manned aircraft equipped with several cameras to record ground activity over a 25 sq mile (64.7 sq km) area.
The PSS aircraft is houses 12 high-resolution cameras which work together to create one wide range view to be transmitted to analysts below. Persons in question are able to be tracked, but cannot be clearly identified from these cameras.
Instead, tracking a person’s movement is the goal. These aircrafts were tested in different areas. For nine days in early 2012, the PSS aircraft was used in Compton, CA. During this time, the PSS surveillance footage captured various crimes. The suspect’s movement before and after the occurrence were recorded. Access to this information, in conjunction with firsthand testimony, helps to create accurate timelines.
This information can offer some insight on details of the crime, possible accomplices, whether it was premeditated or not, and more. By having an aerial view and being able to accurately track persons, we can more quickly and effectively locate those evading police. We can save time, money, and manpower as the PSS aircraft can do the work in the sky. These surveillance aircrafts could be vital in capturing and punishing suspects, thus restoring the safety and security of our neighborhoods.
Do you think your local police department should adopt this type of technology to help prevent crimes? Please share your thoughts with us on our social media sites. You can find us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.
For your surveillance and security camera needs, choose SecurityCamExpert.com. High quality, affordable prices, and excellent customer service can’t be beat. Browse online or call us at 1-888-203-6294. Our offices are open Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Drones have been in the news as of late for many reasons. These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) seem to be the next big thing when it comes to delivery, whether it be packages to your doorstep, emergency supplies to remote areas, or simply bottles to a table. However, their commercial use has caused quite a stir.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and privacy issues seem to be the major roadblocks for commercial drone use. However, Disney recently made a surprising move by applying for three patents, which would utilize drones for their entertainment shows. The applications are as follows: Aerial Display System with Floating Pixels, Aerial Display System with Floating Projection Screens, and Aerial Display System with Marionettes Articulated and Supported by Airborne Devices.
What exactly do these patent applications mean? And what role will the drones play in all of this? For now we are left wondering, but we can make likely predictions of what to expect.
According to Disney, “floating pixels” combine picture and element. These, in conjunction with drones carrying projection screen equipment could potentially create a beautiful 3D show conducted in the sky. The special effects that the drones could possibly execute are vast. Drones could act as a marionette for large scale character shows, produce animated 3D images, and more.
Aside from enhancing shows, drones are excellent eyes in the sky. When incidents occur or a child goes missing, drones can provide aerial views for better insight to the situation. Access to this may increase security and decrease problems.
While monitoring from above, drones could possibly capture candid moments between family and friends. These will add to the memories created by photos with characters or semi-candid shots from different rides. People may fancy this idea, but others may argue an invasion of privacy. Moving forward with this idea would warrant much discussion and debate to please the masses.
Drones can also help with parking. Having to pay high rates for parking alone can stress drivers out, let alone navigating through the numerous parking areas trying to find a decent spot. With the aerial view of drones, empty spaces can be spotted and filled more efficiently, cutting down on parking time and possibly reducing stress.
Drones can also play music for guests or better Wi-Fi connection by toting routers. By supplying these amenities, guests may enjoy their overall park experience more. The possibilities are seemingly endless when it comes to the use of drones and our advancing technology.
Can you find any flaws or issues that may arise if these applications and FAA regulations permit the use of drones? Do you think Disney’s implementation of drones will prove successful? Share your thoughts with us on our social networks – Facebook, Google+, Pinterest and Twitter.
Facial recognition has come a long way. What once was portrayed as fictional, futuristic technology seen in television and movies has come to life and has been helpful in identifying suspects and solving crimes. As technology continues to advance, the application of facial recognition and related technology broadens. But did you ever imagine that facial recognition could help to make the roads safer? GM seems to be in the works of implementing facial recognition cameras into their cars.
You might wonder how a car could benefit from facial recognition technology. The answer is quite simple. A camera with facial recognition could watch your movements and distinguish dangerous behaviors. For example, maybe you’re falling asleep or texting while driving. The camera would detect this and alert you. These cameras could potentially help to decrease accidents and increase road safety.
It seems GM is attempting to bring this technology to their cars. They have declined to comment, however, there’s speculation that a collaboration with Seeing Machines, a company specializing in intelligent sensing technology, will hit the market in the future. It’s still unclear which cars will come equipped with these devices nor has a release date been set.
While GM may be the first to actually implement it, a few other companies have flirted with the idea. Ford presented Project Mobii, which is more focused on tailoring driver-car interaction based on eye and hand movements. Volvo’s Driver State Estimation system uses infrared to identify and track the eye movements of drivers. Both systems would aim to enhance the driver experience while providing a safe way to navigate your car’s features.
Sounds ideal right? While the intentions are good, privacy and security concerns arise. Most newer cars “are connected to the cloud through built-in or tethered cellular phone-based telematics.” Many are weary of the Cloud and previous issues with car tapping have occurred.
Despite potential security flaws, what are your thoughts on implementing these features in our cars? While it was only time that these technologies were pushed to the forefront, do you believe these will be advantageous or pose more of a distraction? We would love to hear from you – connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or Pinterest.
SecurityCamExpert.com offers a great selection of security cameras, CCTV system packages, NVRs, DVRs and more. Choose us for your security camera system needs. Visit us online or give us a call at 1-888-203-6294. We are happy to help you find the perfect system for you.