e-con Systems’ RouteCAM_CU25_IP67 for bus vision systems

School buses are an integral part of the daily commute of students. Of course, the safety and security of these journeys are extremely important for schools, parents, educational authorities, and governments, as well.

Stop-arm vision systems play a major role in achieving high safety standards in school buses. For instance, they monitor and record violations when vehicles illegally pass these buses. So, as you can imagine, the need for reliable and high-quality cameras is absolutely critical.

The need for stop-arm cameras in school buses

• Improved student safety: Stop-arm cameras help protect students as they board and disembark from school buses. They capture images and videos of vehicles that illegally pass stopped school buses, thereby deterring such dangerous behavior.
• Deterrence of illegal passing: Stop-arm cameras strongly discourage drivers who might consider passing a stopped school bus. Knowing that violations are being recorded and will result in penalties significantly increases the odds of drivers complying with traffic laws.
• Enhanced law enforcement: Stop-arm cameras provide law enforcement agencies with clear, irrefutable evidence of stop-arm violations. Hence, it becomes easier to issue citations and prosecute offenders.
• Data collection and analysis: Stop-arm cameras provide valuable data that can be assessed to evaluate patterns in stop-arm violations. It can help in developing targeted safety interventions and policies to improve school bus safety.
• Support for school transportation departments: Stop-arm cameras empower school transportation departments to evaluate the effectiveness of their school bus services. For example, the recorded footage can be used for training purposes.

RouteCAM_CU25_IP67: a powerful stop-arm camera

Choosing the right stop-arm camera is key for vision systems to function accurately without compromising image quality.

e-con Systems’ RouteCAM_CU25_IP67 is an excellent choice as a stop-arm camera for school buses. This full HD global shutter GigE camera captures moving scenes accurately and quickly at 60 frames per second (fps) in full resolution. Its high frame rate minimises frame-to-frame distortion and reduces motion blur, delivering smoother images with finer scene details.

It means that fast-moving objects like vehicles that violate stop-arm regulations can be easily captured.

Housed within e-con Systems’ RouteCAM_CU25_IP67 is the full HD onsemi® AR0234 color image sensor. It delivers superior image quality for monitoring and recording activities around school buses.

Additionally, the ability to stream compressed Full HD data at 60 fps in MJPEG, H.264, and H.265 formats offers high-quality video with efficient bandwidth usage.

Key features that make RouteCAM_CU25_IP67 ideal for stop-arm cameras

Strobe external trigger: RouteCAM_CU25_IP67’s strobe external trigger feature enhances the stop-arm system’s ability to operate in diverse lighting conditions. By synchronising with external light sources, every frame is well-illuminated across different environments. For instance, during early morning and late evening hours, lighting can be highly variable, with shadows, glare from the sun, and artificial lights all affecting visibility. As the school bus moves through different lighting zones, the strobe trigger adjusts the camera’s exposure to match the available light.

Global shutter and high FPS: RouteCAM_CU25_IP67 is equipped with global shutter technology and high frame-per-second (fps) capabilities to capture stop-arm violations. This combination ensures that even fast-moving vehicles violating the stop arm signal near school buses are clearly recorded. The global shutter mode also eliminates motion blur, providing sharp, undistorted images for identifying license plates and vehicle details. With its high fps, the camera offers a complete sequence of the violation event.

Compatibility with different host platforms: RouteCAM_CU25_IP67 is compatible with a wide range of host platforms, making it a versatile solution for various stop-arm camera systems. It can be conveniently integrated into existing surveillance and monitoring setups, lowering the need for extra hardware investments. This compatibility allows stop-arm camera operators to choose the best platform for their needs without worrying about integration issues.

Long distance data transfer: RouteCAM_CU25_IP67’s GigE interface makes it a breeze to transfer video data with a cable up to 100 metres long. It also comes with cable customisation options for flexible installation in various environments. Since the cable length can be customised, this stop-arm camera can be installed in the most optimal location, delivering the best possible coverage. Customisable cables result in easier installation and maintenance of the stop-arm camera system.

Multiple lens options with different FOVs: RouteCAM_CU25_IP67 comes with multiple lens options that offer different fields of view (FOVs). The best-fit lens can be chosen, whether it’s a wide-angle lens for comprehensive coverage or a narrow-angle lens for focused monitoring of specific areas.

In-built ISP for superior image quality: RouteCAM_CU25_IP67’s onboard Image Signal Processor (ISP) helps capture high-quality images by leveraging auto white balance and auto exposure functions. It automatically adjusts this stop-arm camera’s settings to optimise image quality in varying lighting conditions, depending on the school bus, for clear footage.

IP67-rated enclosure: RouteCAM_CU25_IP67’s enclosure protects against dust and water ingress, ensuring this stop-arm camera is suitable for outdoor use and harsh environments. This IP67-rated durability ensures consistent performance regardless of weather conditions, maintaining the integrity of the stop-arm camera system.

Cloud-based device management: RouteCAM_CU25_IP67 can be easily integrated with CloVis Central, e-con Systems’ cloud-based device management platform. It provides comprehensive remote management of all on-field device operations. This platform enables real-time monitoring, updates, and troubleshooting, ensuring that the stop-arm camera system is always functioning optimally. The data transmitted from the camera to the cloud-based monitoring system is also encrypted and secure, preventing unauthorised access and tampering.