Mobile Security Glossary

Welcome to our comprehensive Mobile Security Glossary – your go-to resource for understanding the basics of the mobile security industry. This page is a dynamic document that will be continually updated with new industry insights, terms, and crucial keywords. We invite you to bookmark this page for your convenience as you research a mobile surveillance company to partner with.

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AXIS OBJECT ANALYTICS (AOA)

From Axis®: AXIS Object Analytics comes preinstalled on compatible Axis network cameras, adding value at no extra cost. Thanks to AI-based algorithms and behavioral conditions, it analyzes the scene and spatial behavior of the objects within, ignoring common irrelevant sources of unwanted events. And, because it knows what to detect, you can focus only on objects of interest and events that need attention, making your monitoring more effective. This edge-based analytics processes and analyses live video directly on the camera.

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CLOUD SURVEILLANCE

A surveillance system where video footage and data are stored, processed, and accessed through secure, cloud-based servers, allowing for remote management, accessibility, and scalability.

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CONTINUOUS RECORDING

Video is always being recorded, even when there is no activity on camera.

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EVENT RECORDING

Event recording means the video is only recorded when the camera detects motion or is triggered by an event.

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FCC SECURE NETWORKS ACT

The Secure Networks Act is U.S. legislation aimed at safeguarding and enhancing the security of communication networks, including telecommunications and broadband infrastructure, by restricting the use of certain equipment (including cameras) and services deemed a threat to national security. View list of banned cameras here: https://www.fcc.gov/supplychain/coveredlist

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Section 1.50002 of the Commission’s rules directs the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau to publish a list of communications equipment and services (Covered List) that are deemed to pose an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States or the security and safety of United States persons...

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GEOFENCING

A virtual boundary created using GPS or RFID technology, triggering an alert or action when an object, vehicle, or person enters or exits the specified area. Some boundaries can be set to trigger only when an individual passes in a specific direction.

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HEAD UNIT

The central control unit of a mobile surveillance trailer, housing the electronic components, processing systems, and communication devices necessary for monitoring and managing the surveillance system. The head unit can also include crime deterrent devices, such as a loudspeaker, strobe lights, floodlights, and more.

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I/O

Inputs/Outputs (I/O's) allow a network camera to be used to connect any device that can toggle between an open and a closed circuit. For example, a door switch triggering the upload of a video image and the sending of a notification message

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LOUDSPEAKER

A device that converts electrical signals into sound waves, producing audio or voice output. Loudspeakers are commonly used in various audio systems, communication devices, and public announcement systems. With mobile surveillance units, an individual (either an assigned agent or through the customer portal) can speak through the loudspeaker in real-time or play a pre-recorded message.

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LICENSE PLATE RECOGNITION (LPR)

License Plate Recognition (LPR), also known as Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), is a technology that uses optical character recognition to automatically read license plate information from vehicles. This system typically involves cameras and software that can capture and interpret license plate data, helping in various applications such as law enforcement, parking management, toll collection, and traffic monitoring. The information is provided in various ways, including daily reports that list all license plates crossing a given boundary. Additionally, events can be automatically triggered (ex: alerting authorities) if a 'blacklisted' license plate enters a specified boundary.

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MAST

A vertical support structure or pole on which surveillance cameras and other equipment are mounted, often used to elevate cameras for a broader field of view. Masts can be raised or lowered using a crank or pulley system for optimal height.

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MOBILE SURVEILLANCE TRAILER / MOBILE SURVEILLANCE UNIT (MSU)

A self-contained, mobile unit equipped with surveillance technology such as cameras, sensors, and communication systems, designed to monitor and secure locations temporarily or on a mobile basis.

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OPERATIONS REQUIREMENTS (CAMERA)

Refers to the level of pixel clarity a camera can reach on a site, given factors such as site characteristics, budget constraints, camera quality, company preferences, and organizational goals. Listed below are the degrees of operational requirements and the level of detail on each. Ex: If a company's goal is simply to detect motion and whether or not individuals are passing through an area after hours, they only need a camera capable of 'Detection.' If they'd like to also receive a clear enough picture of that individual so as to make a concrete identification to, for example, provide to law enforcement, they will need a camera and setup capable of providing the 'Identification' level.

DETECTION - It is possible to determine whether or not an individual is present.

OBSERVATION - It is possible to determine how many people are present and to see characteristic details of an individual, such as distinctive clothing.

RECOGNITION - It is possible for a viewer to determine whether or not an individual shown is the same as someone they have seen before.

IDENTIFICATION - It is possible to identify an individual.

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PERIMETER INTRUSTION DETECTION SYSTEM (PIDS)

A security system designed to detect and alert in case of unauthorized access or intrusion into a defined perimeter, often using sensors and advanced technologies.

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PTZ (PAN-TILT-ZOOM)

A type of camera with pan (horizontal movement), tilt (vertical movement), and zoom capabilities, providing flexibility in adjusting the camera's view for comprehensive surveillance coverage. When connected to a mobile surveillance trailer, they can be controlled via a Video Management System (VMS) on any device.

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PSAAS (PHYSICAL SECURITY AS A SERVICE)

A service model that provides physical security solutions, including surveillance, access control, and monitoring, as a subscription-based or on-demand service, often hosted and managed off-site.

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PIXEL

A pixel is one of the many tiny dots that make up a digital image.

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PIXEL DENSITY

Pixel density refers to the concentration of pixels within a given space on a display or image sensor. It is often measured in pixels per foot or meter, determining the level of detail and clarity in an image. For monitoring, the model is based on how many pixels are needed across a human face for identification.

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SIM CARDS

A Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card is a small electronic card inserted into mobile phones or other cellular devices. It contains information that identifies the subscriber to the network, enabling communication and authentication. Some security trailers have dual SIM cards, providing an extra layer of protection. In case service to one provider is lost, there's no loss in coverage or connectivity.

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SITE CAMERA LAYOVER MAP

A visual representation or map overlay displaying the locations and orientations of surveillance cameras deployed at a specific site, aiding in the strategic placement and monitoring of the cameras.

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SSD

A Solid State Drive (SSD) is a solid-state storage device that uses integrated circuit assemblies to store data persistently, typically using flash memory, and functioning as secondary storage in the hierarchy of computer storage

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TIMELAPSE

Timelapse is a photography or video technique where a series of frames are captured at predetermined intervals and played back at a faster speed. This creates a condensed representation of an extended period, showing changes or events over time.

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THERMAL CAMERA

A type of camera that captures infrared radiation emitted by objects to create images based on temperature variations. Unlike a PTZ camera, thermal cameras are fixed and cannot move. Boundaries can still be established, but they must be considered during the camera setup, rather than being adjusted at a later time.

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THERMAL PALETTE

The different color schemes are used to view thermal footage. Examples: White-hot, Black hot, Rainbow, Fusion, Green.

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UL-LISTED

UL Listing is a third-party certification provided by Underwriters Laboratories, a global safety science company headquartered in Northbrook Illinois, indicating that a product, system, or component has undergone testing and meets specific safety and performance standards established by UL.

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UPTIME

Uptime refers to the duration during which a system, service, or device remains operational and available for use. It is often expressed as a percentage and is the opposite of downtime, which represents periods when a system is unavailable.

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VIDEO MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (VMS)

A software-based solution that provides centralized control and management of video surveillance devices, including cameras and recording systems. VMS allows users to monitor, record, and analyze video footage efficiently.

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ZOOM RATIO

The ratio of the shortest and longest ranges of a zoom lens. Typically displayed in mm.

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