Virtual matrix

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A virtual matrix (also called digital matrix or virtual / digital crossbar) is the basis for professional monitoring solutions in security technology . A virtual matrix is ​​an intelligent package of software and hardware for managing different signal sources for one or more consumers, e.g. B. a connection of video and / or audio signals to certain receiving devices (digital recorders, decoders and display devices).

Forerunner systems

The virtual matrix switcher replaces the previously used analog matrix switchers (also known as cross-point matrix switcher ) when the video signals from numerous analog cameras were switched to numerous analog monitors. The switching was carried out in an analog manner, while the video connection in a virtual matrix takes place digitally via the network switches.

functionality

With a virtual matrix, the digital camera signals are already compressed in the camera ( MPEG -2, MPEG-4, H.264 or other video compression formats) and made available to the network as a video stream . The video stream is output via a DVI or HDMI output. The cameras act as transmitters for a digital video signal. This signal can now be received by one or more participants as unicast or multicast . There is a separate recording device for each camera signal and any number of receivers in the form of workstations or monitors.

Due to the network, the cameras can be connected to the monitors as required. In the case of a live display (as opposed to a recording), the monitors receive the signal directly from the camera as a multicast, and in the case of playback of recorded image material as a unicast from the storage medium.

The recording (single-channel or multi-channel devices) can be done decentrally for different locations or control rooms thanks to the flexible system architecture of the virtual matrix - the recording therefore takes place where the signal is generated. This also increases the reliability and redundancy of the system, because the recording is network-independent and remains in place even in the event of malfunctions or a complete network failure .

Unlike an analog crossbar virtual matrix provides significantly greater flexibility and scalability. A cascading of the system is possible without limitations, the system can therefore also be extended arbitrarily or be connected to another system afterwards. Expansion stages of 10,000 channels and more are possible. In addition, the virtual matrix serves as an open platform for the integration of third-party systems. Numerous other systems can be integrated into the monitoring system through appropriate interfaces, e.g. B. Access controls, fire or intrusion alarm systems , POS systems , cash register systems or playing card readers .

technology

The virtual matrix supports all network technologies such as class B or layer 3 . Layer 3 also provides pure multicasting for transmission of the signals that conserves bandwidth.

Configuration , maintenance and function tests of the entire system can be carried out conveniently via the network. This means that several localities can be managed from one control center and even large and complex systems can be controlled easily and efficiently.

The virtual matrix supports any division of the network into different VLANs . Only one cable is required for the various systems, the network load is optimized and any troubleshooting is simplified. Any number of recorders can be combined in a network with the help of the virtual matrix. The virtual matrix is ​​designed in such a way that cascading the system has no restrictions. It is also possible to work across different locations without any problems, so that existing systems can be linked to one another at a later point in time and controlled via a common control center. Efficient video compression ensures low data volumes and thus low storage costs and bandwidth requirements.

Due to its high performance, the virtual matrix is ​​specially designed for new technologies, such as B. High definition . Thanks to the open system architecture, the system remains open for extensions or new developments at any time without having to replace the entire system. The virtual matrix thus offers long-term investment protection.

Areas of application

The virtual matrix is ​​the ideal solution for monitoring critical areas where high image quality and real-time transmission are required. Typical areas of application are, for example, casinos, banks, airports, metros, city surveillance, production facilities, industry, traffic or medicine.

The currently largest virtual matrix in the world was implemented by the German video security expert Dallmeier electronic and is located in the City of Dreams , a huge casino and entertainment complex on the Cotai Strip in Macau .

literature

  • Vlado Damjanovski: CCTV Networking and Digital Technology, Second Edition. Elsevier Inc, Oxford 2005, ISBN 0-7506-7800-3 , p. 414.

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Willy Allison: The Opening of City of Dreams: An Interview with Surveillance Director, Leroy Daniel ( Memento of the original from November 15, 2012 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The @1@ 2Template: Webachiv / IABot / www.worldgameprotection.com archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. . The catwalk