Customer Asked For A Mobile Solution, What Questions To Ask?

trying to connect to Wi Fi hot spots while mobile is going to be next to impossible. The handoff just isn't fast enough.

If they want 'real time' video, you'll have to put a cell card in each car. The CATCH is, mobile streaming of IP video is going to absolutely destroy your data plan. (I'm talking 100 gigs a month). Unless you turn the video quality WAY down (like, to SIF) or if you can find an NVR that transcodes.

I used to be the mobile NVR product manager for a company. I spent a lot of time looking at mobile options.    I only came across one product that would actually do it, reasonably, and that's the Servision  MVG-400.   It's analog though, and very picky about what cellular devices it uses.   IT gives you audio, and GPS tracking though, which is cool.

If you want to retrieve the video afterwards, or just have automatic offload via Wifi when the cars 'get home' then your options get better.

What should the cameras cover? Well that depends on what you're trying to protect. I worked with a towing company. They wanted 2 things..  A: to watch driver behavior (so we put a camera facing forward out the windshield) and B: to prove to their 'customers' that their vehicle wasn't damaged by the tow truck, so we put a camera facing backwards.

If you're thinking of putting cameras in the CAB of a limo, I think you're going to run into privacy/legal issues.. 

I'd love to hear what other people have done for mobile deployments..

 The questions about how to get your data are spot on.   You have to match the 'infrastructure' to the VMS application capabilities (assuming you are going to use one).

I know the newer Milestone code allows many methods to get data from a mobile installation....even a cell phone.

I recall Genetec has a similar set of capabilities as well.

If you are also considering a small mobile server on the vehicles please contact one of our sales folks for guidance.   The units we have cover many scenarios.

Jay,

For other articles on the same subject, check out

Advice On Vehicle-Based Camera Systems

and

Using IP Cameras And An NVR On a Semi Tractor And Trailer

Craig

Here is an update:

Customer will be providing private transportation for prisoners and mental health patients in cars such as the infamous Crown Vic, as well as full 30-40 passenger buses.

Details:

• Vehicles may travel out of state and may not be home for several days
• So they will need a NVR/DVR instead of edge recording, they would like 30 days of recording time
• At this time no external coverage, just coverage of passenger and driver area
• They would like to have real time access to cameras. This will not be a full time streaming situation, but they will require a cellular connection
• A bonus but not required would be integration of their body cameras

I have seen some recorders, I checked out the Servision website but the specs on the IVG400 seem to be the same as the older model

• 4-ch video inputs, 2-ch audio input
• Proprietary/patented video compression technology, ideal for transmitting live video over cellular/wireless connections
• Built-in Wi-Fi, GPS, G-Force (accelerometer)
• Geofencing, Speed Limit, Idle Monitoring and Route Deviation
• D1/CIF/QCIF recording up to 30FPS
• 4-input sensors; 2-output activators (dry-contact)
• Data rate: variable 5kbps to 2Mbps per channel
• Bi-directional audio support; built-in speaker
• Patented shock absorbers increase system reliability
• Recording: Event-driven or Continuous
• Ignition-sensitive delayed system shutdown
• Power input: 9-36V; Max. power consumption: 9W
• Operating temperature: 0C – 45C; 32F – 113F (extended: -5C-65C)
• Dimensions: 185(W)x158(D)x76(H) mm; 7.2”x6.2”x2.9”
• Weight: 2kg; 4.8 lbs

Cameras, what do we do for cameras? We usually sell Dahua, and I think a Dahua dome is going to be a little big in the back seat of a Crown Vic.

Thanks

Check netgear arlo solution, it's battery operated, according to spec should last 30 days, then recharged I believe there is a option to hardwire power, each cam are LTE, recording to cloud