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IoT Surveillance cameras

Secure, connected surveillance cameras with Aroba

ABOUT

Many sites where network-cameras are installed actually have no networks

aroba Inc. provides surveillance camera systems that make use of network-connected cameras. aroba View is a network-camera monitoring and recording system that, since its release in 2005, has been widely adopted by small-scale facilities like retailers and by large sites like power plants. For eight years running, aroba has maintained the top domestic share of the industry. In addition to the basic software package, the company offers recorders and cloud services, letting users select the best solution for their needs.

CHALLENGE

One key concern the company faced in rolling out its solutions was obviating the steep costs of installing a network at sites where the client lacked a network infrastructure, as well as cases where such an installation was physically impossible. Cases like these created roadblocks to move forward on potential projects.

The steep cost of securing video streaming bandwidth

Amidst these issues, aroba began exploring the potential to adopt a mobile 3G/LTE approach that would not require an existing infrastructure at the client.

Pulling wire is often impossible at certain locations, so using a mobile 3G/LTE connection allows for a low-cost solution that is not dependent on existing infrastructure. However, existing connectivity options were very costly when it came to securing the bandwidth needed for proper video streaming.

SOLUTION

“Kossori Farm” (Fineseed Inc.), which uses aroba View, is a system where a network camera is installed on part of a user’s farm, letting the farmer check live video feeds on a smartphone of their farm at any time.

aroba Inc.

WHY SORACOM

Secure private addressing at an optimal cost

Amidst those conditions, aroba used SORACOM’s services to keep costs down and achieve secure routing for its video footage, as well as enabling remote camera operation.

aroba hypothesized that users are not looking at footage around the clock, so there would in fact be large periods when data is not being used. With SORACOM Air, aroba used the RESTful API to toggle speed in real-time. The usual speed is set low; when a user accesses a video, it is toggled up to high bandwidth. This lets us keep our data costs down across the board.

Also, generally speaking, when connecting to a network camera over the Internet, a global IP address or Dynamic DNS service is used for the router in the camera. This adds to costs and introduces various security issues. With SORACOM Gate, there is no need for global IP addressing or Dynamic DNS, and you can still get online and remotely access and control the camera.

Services in use

• SORACOM Air: smart connectivity for IoT
• SORACOM Gate: private IoT LAN

FUTURE PLANS

Bringing users new experiences through network cameras

aroba View Koro is a marketing solution that combines facial recognition and emotion analysis. Data is obtained from footage offline, then sent to Microsoft Cognitive Services and the analysis results polled. Video analysis does not require significant bandwidth, so SORACOM Air is ideal for these needs. Similarly, there are many latent uses for cameras where there is a need to get up and running anywhere and can make use of a pricing structure for light data usage.

Combining SORACOM Air and aroba View lets a range of industries get an optimal solution for their needs and achieve a more convenient business or lifestyle.

*aroba Inc.Akira Shiramasa, Representative Director, aroba Inc.