Restaurant Surveillance Application

Copyright (c) 2009 Wes Fernley

When choosing the right IP network video surveillance products for installation in a restaurant environment there are key aspects of the environment that must be considered. Most restaurants are setup with dimly light pod lighting or reduced lighting. There also tends to be many obstacles in place within a restaurant such as tables, chairs, section separators or dividing walls, to even customers themselves who are moving in and out at usually a constant frequency during peak hours. A restaurant environment may also feature multiple levels, multiple exits or long hallway corridors. All of these factors must be considered when preparing for installation of an IP network video surveillance system so that the installed surveillance system is capable of providing a secure environment for customers, staff as well as for the restaurant proprietors.

Lighting Many restaurants feature dimly lit areas or adjust lighting levels for different times of the day. Due to this type of environment it is wise to consider an IP camera that is capable of functioning not only in low light environments but must also hold the ability to easily and quickly adapt to any lighting changes that are made. An IP camera featuring Day/Night capabilities will allow for such capabilities. A Day/Night IP camera will automatically adjust to changing lighting conditions and if found to also encompass an Auto-Iris lens, will adjust to the changing lighting conditions of the sun. IP cameras with an Auto-Iris lens are most effective if the IP camera is near a window or placed outside. If the environment stays at a dimly lit level at all times then an IP camera without Day/Night support but with low light capabilities may also suffice. Low light capable IP cameras may also be referred to as having a "Low Lux" rating.

Camera Positioning It is important to note where the cameras are to be installed. All restaurants feature obstructions that make effective video surveillance sometimes next to impossible if the camera was not installed in the right location. Considerations should be made for what the IP camera should be able to see at all times including when the area is populated with customers or staff. Considerations should also be made for any entrance or exit points that must be monitored. If these locations are important areas then it may be wise to consider more than one IP camera so that both people entering or exiting the building may have their face seen on camera as opposed to the side or rear of their head. It is always easier to identify a person by their face then by the back of their head. Pan, tilt and zoom IP cameras may be considered if you wish to widen the area of view for a single camera or have the ability to zoom in on objects from afar. However, it should be noted that with a PTZ (pan, tilt, zoom) IP camera, what you see is what you get. Caution must be used to prevent the PTZ IP camera from being left in the wrong position.