CCTV Design Software

• Professional design of CCTV systems

• The principles of CCTV design in VideoCAD:
  • Part I. Camera view area"
  • Part 2. Person detection area, person identification area, license plate reading area. Pixel density.
  • Part 3. 3D modeling in VideoCAD
  • Part 4. Illumination and camera sensitivity in CCTV.
  • Part 5. Video surveillance of moving objects
  • Part 6. Lens distortion in CCTV design

• VideoCAD for professional CCTV system design
• Publications about VideoCAD

CCTV design software VideoCAD

VideoCAD Professional - the most multifunctional of specialized CCTV design software tools. In addition to placing video cameras on background, modeling cameras in 2D and 3D, visualizing pixel density and importing 3D models, VideoCAD Professional allows you to model parameters of cameras and lenses with physical accuracy (resolution up to tens of megapixels, sensitivity, exposure time, frame rate, depth-of-field, noise, aperture and distortion of lenses, etc.), parameters of scenes (illumination, meteorological visibility), lamps and infrared projectors (radiation power, radiation angle, spectrum ).

Capability to simulate lens distortion allows to do projects with high precision unattainable without taking into account lens distortion.

The ability to model CCTV equipment parameters extends the scope of use of VideoCAD beyond standard commercial proposals and conventional CCTV designs. Using VideoCAD actually allows you to to raise quality of your CCTV design work to a new level, unavailable without its use.

Importing and exporting to AutoCAD format allows using VideoCAD in conjunction with AutoCAD for detailed elaboration of CCTV sections in large projects.

Importing and exporting COLLADA 3D file format allows using VideoCAD in conjunction with SketchUP and other 3D modeling software.

VideoCAD compares favorably by:

The main features of VideoCAD 12 Professional:

• Calculations
• Working with 2D projections
• 3D modeling layout and camera view areas
• Modeling images from cameras based on camera parameters and scene conditions
• Modeling special cameras
• Design operator interface
• Bandwidth and storage space calculator
• Import from other CAD programs
• Export
• Printing
• Database of real camera models
• Licensing
  

Calculations

Calculating geometric parameters of camera view area in any camera position.

Calculating size of the active area of the image sensor in dependence of the aspect ratio of the image sensor and the aspect ratio of the output image of the camera.

Calculate the horizontal projection sizes of person detection, identification and license plate reading areas.

Calculate the image size on display of any object in camera view area in percentage of display size, pixels and millimetres (or inches in case of Imperial format).

Calculate depth of field of each camera in project.

Calculate the length and electric parameters of cables.

Calculate light power and illumination produced by illuminators with photometric accuracy, including discharge lamps with complex spectrum and infrared LED illuminators.

Working with 2D projections

Choose visually a relative location of cameras using the graphics window with CAD interface. Use a lot of 2D/3D constructions and CAD tools, snaps, line types, font types, horizontal and vertical projections, up to 10 layouts in each project, unlimited number of layers.

2D modeling in horizontal and vertical projections is possible.

Display on the 2D layout results of calculations: view area projections, person detection and identification areas, depth of field limits, test object, cables and luminaries.

Display by separate colors and hatch styles different regions of pixel density and field-of-view size. There are prepared pixel density patterns according to the following criteria: Home Office Scientific Development Branch; Home Office Guidelines for identification; P 78.36.008-99, Australian Standard AS4806: Closed Circuit Television, European Standard EN50132-7, ISO/IEC 19794 Biometric data interchange formats, EN 62676-4 2015.

The Edit Test Image tool to quickly create test images for pixel density tables from custom photos. Using any photos allows you to take into account specifics of real goals and scenes.

Calculate the horizontal projection of camera control areas including shadows from obstacles on the scene.

Choose the best positions and calculate control areas in 360 degrees.

Modeling camera rotation around the main optical axis.

Modeling lens distortion. Modeling influence of the lens distortion on view area shape, on view area projection shape and pixel density distribution. Correct modeling wide-angle lenses with strong distortion.

Simulating distortion of varifocal / ZOOM lenses with a complex dependence of distortion on the focal length.

Quick assessment of the view of any 3D model through any camera, depending on relative position of the camera and the 3D model in space.

3D modeling layout and camera view areas

VideoCAD has special 3D World window with standard tools for 3D navigation (Orbit, Move, ZOOM, Walk, Look around, Zoom frame). With the help of the window you can observe the layout in 3D representation. You can work on the project in usual 2D projections and watch it in 3D. You can "walk" on the floors of 3D models of buildings and study every detail.

 

3D visualization of the camera view area surface taking into account pixel density, shadows, lens distortion.

3D visualization of the active camera coverage on the environment taking into account pixel density, shadows, lens distortion.

3D visualization of the control areas of PTZ cameras, Dome cameras and 360 degree cameras.

Visualization of camera coverage area and pixel density distribution on the surrounding objects of Panoramic cameras (fisheye, 360°/180°).

Free cutting 3D layout by six planes to provide access to any point of complex 3D buildings.

Working with multilevel 3D layouts and terrains with complicated vertical structure.

Possibility of loading prepared 3D models (a person, a car, etc.). Built in 3D model library.

You can import ready 3D models of objects and territories from files: *.3ds, *.ase (3D Studio max), *.dae, *.xml (Collada), *.obj and more than twenty 3D formats. You can download 3D models in Collada format (*.dae) from free SketchUP 3D Warehouse library, use 3DS Max models from designer's libraries, 3D models from game model libraries, create 3D models in SketchUP, save them in *.dae and import in VideoCAD.

You can create 3D models in VideoCAD itself from selected constructions and existing 3D models in any combinations, you can merge 3D models and constructions.

You can transform, rotate and tilt 3D models (including 3D models created from constructions).

You can cut out parts from 3D models, import parts from complex 3D models.

You can delete parts from 3D models.

You can import 3D models and scenes from SketchUp using free VideoCAD Plugin for SketchUP 2.0. The package includes a plug-in, an example and a User Guide with step-by-step instructions on how to add a new 3D model to VideoCAD library.

Possibility of using 3D models-territories, to place inside them cameras, constructions and other 3D models.

All constructions can be not only painted, but also covered by materials. Any raster images in the formats *.bmp, *.jpg, *.gif, *.tif, *.png can be used as materials.Using materials you can significantly improve appearance of images of the project.

 

Modeling images from cameras based on camera parameters and scene conditions

Model observed scene parameters (illumination, visibility limitations).

Model luminaires with photometric accuracy considering spectrum of radiation and spectral sensitivity of image sensors, including discharge lamps with complex spectrum and infrared LED illuminators.

Model camera parameters (spectral response, number of pixels, resolution, minimum illumination at known signal/noise ratio, IRE and aperture, maximum signal/noise ratio, electronic shutter, AGC, BLC, gamma, day/night cameras, frame rate, interlace scan, global shutter and rolling shutter).

Model lens parameters (focal length, aperture, auto iris DC and Video Drive, resolution).

Visually control modeled resolution with the help of the Test chart.

Model images from megapixel cameras with number of pixels exceeds Windows screen number of pixels (Up to 100 megapixel and more!) with PiP (Picture in Picture) and without PiP.

See examples: 5 megapixels,10 megapixels, 25 megapixels.

Calculate and model in 3D depth of field of each camera in project.

Model brightness, contrast, compression, horizontal and vertical sharpness.

Model moving objects, camera frame rate, create animated images with moving 3D models.

Model blur and distortion of moving 3D models depending on camera parameters (exposure time, interlacing, rolling shutter).

Modeling images taking into account lens distortion (barrel and pincushion). Correct modeling wide-angle lenses with strong distortion.

Simulation of image resolution and view area limits of Panoramic cameras (fisheye, 360°/180°).

Obtain Image Model for each camera in the project based on models of scene and equipment. This image can be printed and saved.

 

Modeling special cameras

Modeling horizontal projection of the view area and visualization of the pixel density of PTZ cameras.

Visualization of the coverage area on the surrounding objects and the pixel density distribution of PTZ cameras.

Modeling presets of PTZ cameras.

Modeling images from presets of PTZ cameras.

Modeling horizontal projection of view area and visualization of distribution of the pixel density of cameras with Fisheye lens.

Visualization of the coverage area on the surrounding objects and the pixel density distribution of cameras with Fisheye lens.

Modeling round images from Fisheye cameras.

Modeling combined round images from Fisheye cameras with one fragment with camera resolution.

Modeling dewarped image fragments from Fisheye cameras with camera resolution.

Modeling horizontal projection of view area and visualization of distribution of the pixel density of multisensor cameras with arbitrarily directed modules.

Visualization of 3D view areas of multisensor cameras.

Modeling images from multisensor cameras with arbitrarily directed modules.

Modeling multisensor cameras with horizontal directed modules.

Modeling multisensor cameras with linked modules and arbitrary position in space (tilt angle, rotation angle around its axis).

Modeling matrix multisensor cameras with linked modules directed in two dimensions and arbitrary position in space.

Calculation and draw on layout the IR illumination zone (where the built-in IR illumination provides an image of the target with a quality not worse than the specified one) The calculation is carried out based on the camera parameters (sensitivity, lens aperture), IR illumination (wavelength, power, radiation angle, concentration) and the required target's image quality (signal-to-noise ratio).

Instead of a rigorous calculation, you can draw a projection of the IR illumination zone, setting only the maximum distance of the IR illumination and the angle of radiation.

Modeling cameras with built-in Infrared illuminator.

Simulation of cameras with built-in visible light illumination and mixed illumination (IR + visible light).

 

Design operator interface

Design operator interface using the Monitor window.

Modeling resolution of monitors.

Create animated monitor models as html files with moving 3D models and separate frame rates of each camera.

 

Bandwidth and storage space calculator

Bandwidth and storage space calculator is a tool for calculating network bandwidth needed for IP cameras (video encoders) and disk space required for storing video archives. It is a well-proven IP Camera CCTV Calculator integrated into VideoCAD as a tool.

With the Calculator you can:

• Calculate network traffic generated by IP cameras and video encoders for the proper design of network IP CCTV systems.
• Calculate disk space required for storing video archives during a specified time.

Calculation can be carried out for IP cameras that generate up to 3 simultaneous video streams (Viewing, Recording, Alarm recording) with different resolution, compression, frame rate and recording time.

Calculation can be carried out for a single IP camera, all cameras in the project, as well as for isolated groups of IP cameras, that is useful to estimate the load of separate network segments or equipment. Filtering and sorting are possible in the Table. It is possible to group cameras by models, plans, groups, scenes,templates or by any combination of parameters with calculation of traffic values for each camera group.

It is possible to correct intermediate results of calculations (frame size, traffic) if you know more accurate experimental data.

The Calculator can be a simple calculator for simplified calculation only one stream from IP cameras, and a complex calculator, which takes into account three independent streams, color, sound, scene features, compression algorithm and hardware in use. The Calculator can work with different sets of input data, depending on their availability and required accuracy. Default values will be assigned to unused fields. Unused columns in the table can be hidden and excluded from the calculation. Created Table Views can be saved and restored when needed.

Source list of IP cameras can be entered manually or imported from VideoCAD working project, from VideoCAD project file or copied from MS Excel table.

Table of results or its fragments can be printed or exported to the formats: *. txt, *. csv, *. htm, *. rtf, *. xls, *. xlsl, *. xml.

It is possible to include the table of calculation results in the PDF report.

Using calculation patterns, you can customize the calculator taking into account any compression algorithms, processor features of any camera model, various scenes and your practical experience.

Import from other CAD programs

Locate cameras and cables on the prepared layouts in *.bmp, *.jpg, *.emf, *.wmf, *.png, *.gif, *.tif, *.pdf, AutoCAD *.dwg, *.dxf formats.

As a background, you can paste raster files from the Windows clipboard, for example, a copy of the Windows screen with a Google, OSM, Yandex map. In VideoCAD, you can crop [PICTURE cropbackgroundbtn.png] the desired part from the imported background. This handy method of importing maps is suitable for any program, allows to get background of several monitors size and does not depend on third-party services.

For backgrounds in AutoCAD *.dwg, *.dxf formats you can choose Layout in the background, control visibility of layers, hide texts. For backgrounds in *.pdf format you can choose page and resolution of the background.

Import constructions from a 2D background in AutoCAD formats to 3D VideoCAD constructions automatically. Use of this tool allows to reduce efforts of outlining background to convert it to 3D constructions.

You can import ready 3D models of objects and territories from files: *.3ds, *.ase (3D Studio max), *.dae, *.xml (Collada), *.obj and more than twenty 3D formats. You can download 3D models in Collada format (*.dae) from free SketchUP 3D Warehouse library, use 3DS Max models from designer's libraries, 3D models from game model libraries, create 3D models in SketchUP, save them in *.dae and import in VideoCAD.

Import raster images to display them in 3D.

Import camera model parameters to the Table of camera models via copying and pasting from Excel.

 

Export

Export the 2D drawing into any of the following formats:*.bmp, *.jpg, *.emf, *.wmf, *.png, *.gif, *.tif, *.pdf (raster and vector), AutoCAD *.dxf, AutoCAD *.dwg, PLT (HPGL/2), CGM (Computer Graphic Metafile), SWF (Adobe Flash).

Advanced export to AutoCAD *.dwg, *.dxf formats. At exporting to AutoCAD *.dwg, *.dxf formats, cameras and illuminators are exported as blocks. The most important parameters of cameras and illuminators are recorded to the block attributes. VideoCAD layers, fonts and line types are exported.

When you export a drawing with a background in AutoCAD *.dwg, *.dxf format, VideoCAD constructions can be added to the background on separate layers or the background can be added as an external links to the file of the background. In both cases the structure of the background is saved.

Possible scheme of the combining AutoCAD + VideoCAD:
1. Load drawing in AutoCAD format as a background;
2. Import AutoCAD lines to VideoCAD 3D constructions automatically;
3. Adding cameras and constructions on special layers;
4. Export the obtained drawing to AutoCAD format to work with it in AutoCAD.

Export of a 3D scene with cameras and objects to an open COLLADA file (* .dae). COLLADA files can be imported by many 3D editors including SketchUP. VideoCAD can also import COLLADA files. See more about COLLADA file https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COLLADA

Export to DXF file 3D view areas and camera coverage taking into account lens distortion, pixel density, and shading.
This feature allows the convenient scheme of work with combination of 3D BIM Software (SketchUP) + VideoCAD.
1. Export layout as a 3D model-territory through SketchUP and loading it into VideoCAD.
2. Adding cameras with 3D view areas in VideoCAD.
3. Export 3D view areas in COLLADA or DXF format, loading them into 3D BIM Software and combining with the original layout in 3D.

Export images from the 3D World window to any of the following formats: *.bmp, *.jpg,*.gif,*.tif,*.png. Size in pixels of the exported file can exceed the Windows screen size.

Export 3D images from cameras to any of the following formats: *.bmp, *.jpg,*.gif,*.tif,*.png. Size in pixels of the exported file can exceed the Windows screen size.

Export animated image models with moving 3D models to animated gif. See an example of animated monitor (file size about 4 Mb).

Export images from monitors to *.bmp, *.jpg,*.gif,*.tif,*.png.

Export images from monitors to animated monitor models as html files, with moving 3D models, taking into account frame rate of each camera.

Obtain the text report with full description of all cameras in the project, view areas and cables to be pasted into a project explanatory note or used as instruction for installation.

Obtain the Cable report.

Get a report in PDF format, with full description of all cameras in the project, view areas and cables. The PDF Report can include images from the cameras, fragments of layouts with camera placed, a cover with logo. Report parameters and the structure of information in the report is configurable.

See examples of VideoCAD PDF reports:

• standard report (72 megabytes);
• compact report (45 megabytes);
• compact report with long strings of camera parameters (27 megabytes);
• report with images from cameras in real resolution up to 33 megapixels (92 megabytes);
  To see the Real camera resolution, zoom-in images in Acrobat Reader. Especial interesting are Camera 3 and Camera 4.
  
• report with day and night images of outdoor cameras (70 megabytes);
• report with horizontal tables of camera parameters (52 megabytes).

Copy the Camera list with most important parameters to MS Excel, MS Word and other software.

Get detailed adjustable table of all initial and calculated parameters of cameras in project. Print the table or export it to *.txt, *.csv,*.rtf, *.xls, *.htm formats.

 

Printing

Printing the obtained 2D drawing in raster or vector mode on one or several pages for pasting together. You can use prepared frames with standard title-block and logo. Sizes, colors styles of fonts and lines, weights of lines can be adjusted.

Printing image models from cameras and monitors.

Printing 3D images from the 3D World window.

Printing the Table of cameras and the Table of camera models as a whole or by selected fragments.

 

Database of real camera models

Maintain database of camera models, assign different models for cameras in project, compare models with each other.

VideoCAD distribution kit includes a database of modern cameras from well-known manufacturers. VideoCAD can model all modern types of camera models in accordance with their specifications.

It is possible to download new databases of camera models from the site cctvcad.com.

You can add any camera models to the database yourself.

You can order special Camera model database add-on file, including parameters of user-defined models, entered according to their specifications.

 

Licensing

Starting from version 11.1, licenses of all modifications of VideoCAD are supplied with a registration code. USB dongle is not required.

A personal license allows you to simultaneously install the program on two computers (work and home or mobile) belonging to the license owner. The username on both computers must be the same.

A corporate license allows simultaneous installation and launch on the number of computers specified in the license at ordering.

With a personal or corporate license, you can freely reinstall the program on new computers. To reinstall the program on a new computer, just uninstall the program from the old computer and install it on the new computer. The number of reinstallations is not limited.

Low cost One-year licenses are available for purchase.

Licenses with USB dongle are supported too. A license with USB dongle does not limit the number of computers on which the program can be installed simultaneously, but the program can only be run on a computer with connected USB dongle. The program with dongle does not use the Internet. Changing a license without dongle to a license with dongle and vice versa is possible by request of the user.

Licenses of VideoCAD Professional and VideoCAD 8 Lite allows free use of the demo versions for educational purposes, for research, theses, writing articles, etc. non-profit activities.

Screenshots | Download demo | Order | On-line Help system

It is more than you need? See:

VideoCAD Lite, Differences between VideoCAD Professional and VideoCAD 8 Lite

VideoCAD Starter II, Differences between VideoCAD 8 Lite and VideoCAD 7 Starter II

VideoCAD Starter, Differences between VideoCAD 7 Starter II and VideoCAD 7 Starter

Differences between versions of VideoCAD

What is new in VideoCAD

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