No less than 1700 SNC-XM637 IP network cameras from Sony are being installed in Riyadh’s brand-new metro by Siemens and System Integrator Ruf Telematik. Especially designed for transport applications, the compact minidome camera copes effortlessly with rapidly-changing lighting conditions underground.
Background
Currently under construction and scheduled to open for commercial service in 2019, the Riyadh metro is a rapid transit system that will serve a population of over five million people in the fast-growing Saudi Arabian capital. With six lines and a total route length of 175 kilometres and 85 stations, its construction represents one of the world’s largest contemporary rapid transit projects.
Siemens, one of three train providers, is equipping two of the underground network’s lines with a total of 74 four-car “Inspiro” trainsets together with electrification and signalling/communication systems for driverless operation.
Siemens has subcontracted integration of video security cameras in each train to Swiss-based integrator Ruf Telematik – one of the world’s leading developer and manufacturer of passenger information and video surveillance solutions for public transportation.
The Challenge
As a large and constantly expanding city of over five million inhabitants, the city of Riyadh is seeking a sustainable solution to its local traffic problems.
In common with all underground mass transit systems, Riyadh metro’s developers faced the challenge of constantly changing light levels as trains move swiftly between dark tunnels and brightly-lit stations. This can pose a big problem for round-the-clock video monitoring inside each carriage, where sudden changes in illumination can overwhelm ordinary security cameras.
To support security and compliance requirements, the system’s constructors also specified forward-facing cameras at the front of each trainset. This provides essential video evidence in the event of unexpected incidents – like passengers accidentally falling or people jumping in front of a train.
Sony Solution
Inside each carriage, Ruf Telematik has discreetly integrated SNC-XM637 minidome IP cameras into the train’s ceiling-mounted Passenger Information System (PIS) information displays. Further external cameras are mounted at the front and sides of each trainset. Video from each Sony camera is captured by a custom solid-state data recording solution developed and manufactured by Ruf Telematik.
Why was Sony selected?
The rugged SNC-XM637 minidome IP camera has been specifically designed, in cooperation with Ruf Telematik, for transportation applications such as on board trains and buses, where its compact form and flat finish help the camera blend neatly into its surroundings. It’s an ideal choice for cost-effective video monitoring solutions, with excellent image quality and high sensitivity to accommodate rapid lighting changes underground.
The high-resolution Exmor™ CMOS sensor is teamed with Sony’s IPELA ENGINE EX™ signal processing system that delivers wide dynamic range and cuts noise for crisp, clear Full HD video images. View-DR technology ensures that scenes are clear and sharply detailed, even in challenging low-light conditions or with harsh backlighting. Extra intelligence is added by DEPA Advanced Intelligent Video Analytics that can intelligently trigger alarms based on user-defined rules. Built-in image stabilisation makes it easier for train staff and security personnel to see clearly what’s happening on board a moving train.
Carrying an IP66 Ingress Protection rating against dust and water, the vandal-resistant camera meets EN50155 and EN45545 safety standards for use in train environments.
