3D Modeling

  Building security is a critical aspect when it comes to ensuring the safety of individuals and valuable assets. While radars and cameras (CCTVs) are widely used to monitor premises, these technologies come with their own set of vulnerabilities. To counter theft, vandalism, and other mischiefs, building owners must prioritize implementing effective security measures, and that is where  LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) security system comes into the picture.  Implementing LiDAR in building security is like investing in EVs instead of traditional petrol and diesel vehicles! While LiDAR is expensive, it just makes sense to deploy a solution that will have a long-term positive impact and the LiDAR security system will do just that. In this article, we will talk about how LiDAR, with its plethora of advantages, is become the go-to technology for building security.   But first, let’s quickly understand what LiDAR is-  A Brief Look into What is LiDAR  LiDAR’s working system is similar to radar. While radar uses radio or microwave frequencies to measure the distance between two objects, LiDAR uses near-infrared light/laser. Since a laser is a narrow beam, its ability to focus on multiple elements, accurately measure millions of point clouds, and obtain information on various objects in high resolution.   The concept of using light to measure distance has been since the 1930s but after the laser was invented in 1958, NASA started efforts to develop laser-based remote sensing technology. Over time, the advantages of laser-based remote sensing became more apparent, and its applications evolved from gauging properties of ocean water to surveying, geology, and more.   Applications of LiDAR  Land Surveying   Archaeology  Geography  Geology  Seismology  Security and Surveillance  So how exactly is LiDAR better compared to other remote-sensing technologies? Let’s take a look!  Benefits of LiDAR Over other Remote-Sensing Technologies  The LiDAR-based system offers-  Better accuracy and range  High-speed results  Work effectively in low lighting  3D sensing  Mesh network capabilities  Assigns a unique ID to each object  Accuracy and Range  LiDAR sensors are accurate to within < 3 cm with an angular resolution of 0.03°–0.13°, and a range of up to 70 m in radius. These factors, combined with the high-density point cloud, enable not only the accurate rendering of spaces but also the detection, tracking, and classification of objects.   High Speed and Directionality  LiDAR sensors constantly emit pulses allowing them to detect static objects in addition to the speed and direction of objects in motion.  Works in Ambient Lighting and Environment  LiDAR sensors work well in different lighting conditions, their working isn’t affected by ambient lighting conditions which is a win over cameras.   3D Depth Perception  LiDAR uses fewer sensors compared to other remote-sensing technologies and can deliver highly accurate information about space in 3D.   Mesh Network  A single mesh network can be formed by fusing multiple LiDAR sensors, which can then be used for the surveillance of large and complex spaces.  Unique ID to Each Object  LiDAR assigns a unique ID to each object within its perception. This makes it possible to track each object individually without losing its track due to obstructions or other variables. Moreover, there is no privacy concern as no PII (Personal Identifiable Information) is detected.  How LiDAR technology is better than radar and cameras when it comes to security and surveillance  With these advantages, a LiDAR system fares better than radar and camera-based systems in security and surveillance. To better understand how to let’s look at LiDAR can be deployed to make an effective security network.   Zone Monitoring  Intrusion Detection  Facade Surveillance  Object Tracking  Zone Monitoring  When there’s a valuable asset like an expensive piece of jewelry or a luxurious vehicle, there is a need to deploy a high-security system that can pre-emptively detect potential threats to these assets. With the LiDAR security system, real-time and accurate monitoring of the area around the object is possible.  How does Zone Monitoring work?  A protective threshold or no-go zone is created around the object that is to be protected. If someone crosses the threshold and enters the restricted zone, alarms go off notifying security personnel to take necessary countermeasures against the threat.   Intrusion Detection  LiDAR-based security systems can be used to set up a protective perimeter around a building or facility. This can be used to monitor the entry and exit of objects/people in malls, airports, schools, and other areas.  How does Intrusion Detection work?  A virtual wall is created parallel to the wall of the building or facility. The 3D data generated by the system is accurate and allows the setting of specific conditions of triggering to avoid false alarms. This also ensures that the alarm is not triggered when someone simply walks into the vicinity but goes off when someone steps into the no-go zone.  Facade Surveillance  Buildings can be scaled and broken into, and that is something anyone would want to avoid. If several LiDAR sensors are deployed in a vertical configuration, it can create a protective net on the wall of a building. This way, unwanted drones or humans trying to scale the wall are detected and dealt with.   How does Facade Surveillance work?  The LiDAR sensor is installed vertically at a desired height allowing it to scan in a large field of view, and since mounting can be flexible, it enables coverage of a bigger area. With 3D data, security personnel can determine the exact floor on which the intrusion took place.   Object Tracking  We know LiDAR-based systems can track objects with high speed and directionality. Object tracking comes in handy where activity happening around an area is to be monitored. This type of system can also be found around airports, malls, schools, and other sensitive areas.  How does Object Tracking work?  The LiDAR sensors produce point clouds in 3D concerning each object in its perception. A unique ID is assigned to each object which makes tracking easier. This is a highly efficient way of monitoring crowd flow and traffic.   Technologies like CCTV cameras are mostly passive and while they do provide information in real time, it is