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11.4 Integrated systems
When video is integrated with other systems such as point-of-sale and building management,
information from other systems can be used to trigger functions such as event-based recordings
in the network video system, and vice versa. In addition, users can benefit from having a com-
mon interface for managing different systems.
11.4.1 Application programming interface
All Axis network video products have an HTTP-based application programming interface (API) or
network interface called VAPIX®, which makes it easier for developers to build applications that
support the network video products. A video management software program or building man-
agement system that uses VAPIX® will be able to request images from Axis network video
products, control network camera functions (e.g., PTZ and relays) and set or retrieve internal
parameter values. In effect, it allows a system to do everything that the network video product’s
web interface provides and more, such as capturing uncompressed images in bitmap file
format.
A global, open industry forum called ONVIF was established in early 2008 by Axis, Bosch and
Sony to standardize the network interface of network video products. A standard network
interface would ensure greater interoperability and more flexibility for end users when building
multiple-vendor network video systems.
For more information, visit www.onvif.org.
11.4.2 Point of Sale
The introduction of network video in retail environments has made the integration of video with
point-of-sale (PoS) systems easier.
The integration enables all cash register transactions to be linked to actual video of the transac-
tions. It helps catch and prevent fraud and theft from employees and customers. PoS exceptions
such as returns, manually entered values, line corrections, transaction cancellations, co-worker
purchases, discounts, specially tagged items, exchanges and refunds can be visually verified with
the captured video. A PoS system with integrated video surveillance makes it easier to find and
verify suspicious activities.
Event-based recordings can be applied. For instance, a PoS transaction or exception, or the
opening of a cash register drawer, can be used to trigger a camera to record and tag the record-
ing. The scene prior to and following an event can be captured using pre- and post-event
recording buffers. Event-based recordings increase the quality of the recorded material, as well
as reduce storage requirements and the amount of time needed to search for incidents.
CHAPTER 11 - VIDEO MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
