Megapixel Surveillance System Implementation Across a City Airport System

Client Description

Following September 11, 2001, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was created to strengthen the security of the nation’s transportation systems and ensure the freedom of movement for people and commerce. Today, TSA secures the nation’s airports and screens all commercial airline passengers and baggage. TSA uses a risk-based strategy and works closely with transportation, law enforcement and intelligence communities to set the standard for excellence in transportation security.

Project Description

The TSA charged with protecting the nation’s transportation systems, selected SDI to implement megapixel camera technology at its checkpoints throughout two International airports. They were seeking a solution that helped them to quickly identify and resolve potential security threats and resolve disputes during the passenger screening process. In addition to the checkpoint camera solution, the TSA was also looking for high powered, megapixel cameras that could be installed in various exterior locations that allowed full airfield surveillance utilizing the megapixel camera technology.

Client Objectives

The TSA desired to use megapixel cameras for forensic investigative purposes at each TSA checkpoint in the airport, allowing the TSA to investigate possible incidents at each screening lane and x-ray machine. Because of the high resolution and the ability to digitally zoom into the image while retaining the entire field of view, the megapixel will cameras significantly improve the quality of information that is captured at the Checkpoint areas. Additional projected system benefits include:

• Create a more complete view of the entire screening area (no dead areas)
• Achieve optimal balance between camera count and the desired screening area
• Produce complete panoramas of the screening area that contain multiple image streams
• Create more information rich or all inclusive images of critical areas in the screening process
• Create higher quality forensic investigation data while simplifying operational and support activities
• Provide the capability to remotely and quickly adjust camera views when minor layout changes are made in the screening lanes

Services Delivered

• Surveillance coverage design
• Camera technology requirements definition and vendor selection
• Develop live proof of concept/pilot at checkpoint, with functionality testing
• Camera installations, including electrical infrastructure
• Design and installation of IP network
• Server storage configuration and installation
• Installation of workstations for TSA personnel
• System testing and commissioning
• 24×7 technical support, on-site and on-call
• Operational end user training

Project Results

SDI has delivered an end-to-end megapixel video solution that combines full checkpoint and airfield domain coverage with the ability to drill down into scene detail on live and recorded high definition video with no loss to full domain video coverage.