Physical-Security
Physical security is a highly complex, multifaceted
challenge. It encompasses all of the physical measures designed to
safeguard personnel; to prevent unauthorized access to equipment,
installations, material, and documents; and to protect against numerous
threats, such as theft and damage. The diversity of
potential menaces to physical security calls for multilayered, flexible
solutions that use innovative technology to keep up with ever-changing
risks. The present article will explore recent developments in physical
security for both facilities and personnel and discuss how companies
engaged in physical security innovation can take advantage of federal
R&D tax credits.
The Research & Development
Tax Credit
Enacted in 1981, the federal Research and
Development (R&D) Tax Credit allows a credit of up to 13% of
eligible spending for new and improved products and processes.
Qualified research must meet the following four criteria:
New or improved products,
processes, or software
Technological in nature
Elimination of uncertainty
Process of experimentation
Eligible costs include employee
wages, cost of supplies, cost of testing, contract research expenses,
and costs associated with developing a patent. On December 18,
2015, President Obama signed the bill making the R&D Tax Credit
permanent. Beginning in 2016, the R&D credit can be used to offset
Alternative Minimum tax and startup businesses can utilize the credit
against $250,000 per year in payroll taxes.
Protecting People: Personal
Physical Security
Physical security accessories, such as Tasers,
bulletproof vests, and body-worn cameras, can save lives and reduce
exposure to injuries. They constitute invaluable assets for numerous
professionals, particularly security personnel and police officers. The
following sections discuss recent innovation trends in technology
designed for personal protection.
Non-Lethal
Weapons
Electroshock weapons temporally
incapacitate neuromuscular transmission, disrupting voluntary muscle
control through the stimulation of sensory and motor nerves. This kind
of weaponry is often preferred to other less-lethal force options due
to its overall effectiveness, which presents virtually no variation
relative to the subject’s pain tolerance, drug use, or body size.
Electroshock weapons are often divided into three categories, namely,
1) those that work through direct contact, such as stun guns and cattle
prods; 2) the so-called conducted electrical weapons (CEW), which fire
dart-like electrodes that deliver shocks through thin wires that remain
connected to the gun; and 3) wireless long-range electroshock weapons.
Though undoubtedly an important
means of self-defense and law enforcement, non-lethal weapons are often
subject to criticism. When it comes to technical shortcomings, the
first two categories have obvious limitations of range, which is
restricted to the arm’s reach, in one case, and to the length of the
wire, in the other. The third type, though capable of reaching more
distant targets, presents higher risks of death and serious injuries,
due to the speed of the projectile and the inability to control the
shock after firing. Costly ammunition and an inconveniently large size
are also drawbacks of long-range non-lethal weapons.
Numerous innovative companies are
entering the $8.5 billion non-lethal weaponry market with the objective
of overcoming the limitations of existing technology. For instance,
Lenexa, Kansas-based Digital Ally is working on a wirelessly controlled
electronic weapon that is more compact and easier to carry than those
currently available. Other proposed improvements include enhanced
accuracy, reduced projectile speed, and post-firing control of the
shock via radio frequency.
A more traditional player in this
market, Scottsdale, Arizona-based TASER International is also
innovating through the development of a line of smart weapons designed
to save lives and reduce injuries. With advanced firing logs, these
weapons enable highly accurate reports that help understand the
reasoning behind the decisions made in the field. Sensor technology
registers, for instance, how long a weapon was armed and when the
trigger was held. Other technical improvements incorporated into
TASER’s latest CEW products include dual lasers for enhanced accuracy,
an audible warning to facilitate voluntary surrender, and a smart
cartridge that reduces accidental discharge. More importantly, there is
the possibility of a backup shot, which is a major breakthrough in a
field dominated by single-shot weapons.
Bulletproof
Vests
Bullet-resistant vests are
designed to absorb the impact and stop or reduce penetration of
firearm-fired projectiles and fragments from explosions. They work by
dispersing the energy from incoming projectiles across multiple layers
of material. The very strong fibers in their composition “trap” the
bullet and slow it down to a full stop.
There are generally two kinds of
bulletproof vests: 1) “Soft vests” are usually made of para-aramids,
which are essentially plastics woven into fibers, or of
Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE), a gel-spun,
multi-filament fiber also made from plastic. Though presenting very
high levels of strength-to-weight ratio, these materials remain
flexible and are capable of absorbing significant amounts of energy,
thus being effective against most kinds of small-caliber ammunition. 2)
“Hard vests”, on the other hand, are designed to offer protection in
extreme situations involving higher-caliber threats, including rifle
rounds. In addition to the fibers used in soft vests, these reinforced
armors incorporate plates of ceramic, steel, or titanium. Because of
the extra layers of protection, hard vests are heavier and thicker than
soft ones.
Despite the general distinction
between hard and soft vests, more technical classifications, such as
the one from the US National Institute of Justice (NIJ), refer to
different ballistic levels. The choice of armor to wear should take
into consideration the likely threats to be faced. Recent events
involving the deaths of police officers point to an increasing use of
hard vests. For instance, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick recently asserted
that he would ask legislators for up to $20 million to provide 40,000
police officers with reinforced vests.
In addition to ballistic
protection, a growing number of body armors offer spike and stab threat
protection. Spike threats refer to sharp pointed objects, such as
needles and ice picks, while stab threats take the form of edged blade
attacks. Protection against both of these menaces is important to
various professionals, such as prison guards, bouncers, and bodyguards.
Innovation in body armors is key for enabling enhanced protection and
greater comfort. Outstanding challenges include the development of
thinner, lighter, and more flexible vests that maintain high levels of
ballistic protection. Improved ergonomics as well as cooling systems
are also priorities, especially when targeting prolonged users in hot
or humid conditions. Promising areas for body armor innovation include
the field of “biomimetics”, which draws inspiration from nature (such
as the scales of fish). This line of research can take advantage of 3D
printing technology, which has emerged as a valuable asset in the quest
of understanding how materials are formed and utilized in nature.
With offices in Rogersville,
Missouri, worldwide manufacturer and distributer of body armors
Safeguard Armor illustrates the importance of continuous innovation.
The company points to the immense potential of unusual materials, such
as wood pulp, which can be used to create ballistic-resistant
nanocellulose, and graphene, a sheet of single carbon atoms that can
absorb considerably more energy than currently available materials.
Among the most exciting recent
developments in bulletproof vests are “liquid” body armors. Polish
company Moratex has developed an innovative material called
Shear-Thickening Fluid (STF), which constitutes a lighter and more
flexible alternative to traditionally used materials. STF increases in
viscosity when exposed to impact, behaving like a solid when struck
with fast-moving projectiles. It is further designed to reduce
indentation when hit by bullets, thereby lessening the impact felt by
the wearer and reducing risks of injury.
Body-Worn
Cameras
Video evidence systems are
designed to work not only as a deterrent mechanism but to help increase
both the transparency and accountability of police officers and
security personnel. Despite the ongoing proliferation of such systems,
recent events have brought their effectiveness into question. In this
scenario, innovation is key to enabling the necessary improvements to
existing technology. The following paragraphs present recent
advancements by innovative companies in the field of body-worn security
cameras, whose work exemplify the kinds of efforts that could
potentially qualify for federal R&D tax credits.
In October 2016, Axon, a business
unit of TASER International, unveiled a new generation of police body
cameras, designed to overcome the limitations of previous solutions.
The innovative Axon Flex 2 automatically turns on in certain
predetermined situations, such as opening a car door, unlocking a
weapon, or turning on the overhead lights and siren. In addition, there
is a “buffer” that starts recording up to two minutes before the
officer pushes the start button. These features aim to overcome common
criticisms to existing technologies that often rely on the discretion
of the user to be turned on and off, leaving many unanswered
questions.
With offices in Huntersville,
North Carolina, British security and investigations company Reveal
Media has also invested in new technologies for video evidence. With
award-winning design, the RS2 body camera features a front facing
screen and an intuitive one-touch record function. Besides providing
enhanced low light performance and clearer sound, the solution uses
advanced compression technology to facilitate the upload and storage of
files as well as an AES-256 encrypted memory for improved security.
Headquartered in Logan, Utah,
Safety Innovations designs highly resistant body-worn cameras that can
withstand even the toughest working conditions. The company’s
innovative VidMic VX integrates a radio microphone with the camera,
allowing for a lighter duty gear load while keeping the equipment
practical and discreet. The solution is compatible with over 200 models
of commonly used radios.
Another important provider of
video evidence solutions is Newark, New Jersey-based Panasonic
Corporation of North America, subsidiary of Japanese Panasonic
Corporation. The company has experienced a 180 percent year over year
growth in its mobile evidence capture division, which includes products
such as the Arbitrator 360° HD, an in-car digital video recording
system that supports up to five cameras working simultaneously to
generate full 360-degree views and maximize situation
awareness. Panasonic also produces the Arbitrator BWC, a
body-worn solution that provides 130 degrees of evidence capture with
GPS metadata, pre- and post-event recording, and WiFi for easy
offloading. Designed to make the most of the available visual data, a
unified evidence management system brings together the company’s mobile
and fixed video solutions, allowing users to analyze and preserve every
link in the chain of evidence.
Also a provider of law
enforcement video systems, WatchGuard Video is a four-time winner of
the Dallas 100 Award honoring the fastest growing, privately held
businesses in the Dallas area. Located in Allen, Texas, it has a
longstanding commitment to R&D, which has resulted in 12 issued
U.S. patents plus 12 additional pending patents. Innovative
capabilities include the record-after-the-fact feature, which enables
users to gather critical evidence with up to one-day delay, and the
ultra-wide dynamic range, a solution to common problems, such as
blown-out, overexposed, and underexposed images. WatchGuard’s
technology dramatically improves nighttime video quality through a
dual-exposure mechanism that takes two separate images (a dark exposure
and a light exposure) and automatically blends the two images into a
single video frame.
Protecting Spaces: Perimeter
Security Systems
Physical perimeter security is understood as the use
of mechanical or electronic systems to protect people and assets within
a facility, making intrusions less likely. It refers to the outermost
layer of security and includes fences, walls, and other physical
barriers as well as intrusion detection systems and electronic
surveillance. The effectiveness of a perimeter security system is
directly affected by its adequacy to the risks requiring protection,
the sophistication of potential intruders, and the probable means of
penetration. According to a 2016 report by Research and Markets, the
global perimeter security market is expected to grow at an 8 percent
compound annual growth rate between 2015 and 2021, reaching $21,000
million in 2020. The study asserts that emerging technologies are among
the most important drivers of growth, as “companies are majorly
focusing on R&D and investments in development of new technologies
in order to expand the scope of perimeter security systems.”
When it comes to physical
perimeter security, there are several aspects to be considered, besides
the ability to prevent intrusion. Desired aesthetics and visibility,
ease of installation, and adequacy to the local weather and topography
are just a few examples of important concerns. In the case of fences,
for instance, installation alone can account for roughly 1/3 of the
entire cost involved while a variety of naturally occurring threats,
such as water intrusion, corrosion, and freezing, can significantly
decrease their lifespan. Reducing costs and increasing reliability of
perimeter security systems must remain a priority for companies in this
industry.
Important areas for innovation in
physical perimeter security include anti-cut and anti-climb mechanisms,
customization against specific threats, as well as the mechanical
distribution of potential impacts as a means to increase overall
strength. Producer of non-metallic, non-conductive, and radar-friendly
fences, Birmingham, Alabama-based AMICO Security stands out for its
innovative efforts, which exemplify the kinds of initiatives that would
likely qualify for R&D tax benefits. The company’s patent pending
Amiguard system utilizes a proprietary continuous rail design that
bolts together the entire length of the fence, making sure that any
impact is distributed throughout the system, thereby enhancing strength
and working as a unified curtain wall barrier.
Innovative perimeter security
solutions combine physical barriers with technology designed to detect
and monitor intruders’ movements. Examples of such technology include
next-generation fence-mounted sensors, infrared, and integrated
fiber-optic solutions. Thermal cameras, video analytics, and intrusion
detection technologies, such as microwave, seismic sensors, and radar,
are also interesting allies in physical security strategies.
Fence-mounted sensing technology
includes various cable-type solutions that can be attached directly to
fence structures in order to detect attempts of cutting, climbing, or
lifting. The most common type of data used in these cases is vibration,
which requires varying levels of sensitivity, according to the threats
at hand. Sophisticated digital processing systems are used to analyze
the collected data, assess the existence of an actual menace, and
identify its nature. Smart perimeter security with sensing technology
has gained ground as a crucial element of integrated security
strategies, which aim for a holistic approach to security.
Examples of companies investing
in this field include Derwood, Maryland-based RBtec, provider of the
longest fiber-optic monitoring capabilities on the market, with up to
62 miles through a single fiber-optic cable. RBtec’s RaySense
illustrates the advantages of innovative fiber-optic solutions for
long-range, total perimeter coverage. With no gaps between sensors, it
is capable of detecting and locating within 3 meters over the entire
perimeter and can be networked to provide unlimited reach. The system
offers seven different levels of sensitivity that optimize performance
according to the targeted infrastructure. Fiber-optic systems are also
resistant to moisture and electromagnetic interference, which
facilitates maintenance.
Monitoring and Surveillance
Another important aspect of physical security is
video surveillance. In addition to allowing for the verification and
analysis of past incidents, surveillance cameras often act as a
deterrent to potential assailants. In a recent article published by
IFSEC Global, Quantum’s Vice President of surveillance and security
solutions Wayne Arvidson pointed out that, by 2019, video surveillance
will capture over 3.3 trillion hours daily. The article lists
five major drivers of growth in this highly dynamic market:
I. Video Analytics:
analyzing video-based data can help identify useful patterns and
trends. For instance, video analytics can be used for intrusion
detection, going beyond traditional motion detection and intelligently
distinguishing actual threats from disturbances caused by animals and
weather events. When combined with advanced alarm systems, this kind of
analytics enhances security while reducing the nuisance of false
alarms.
II. Intelligent Cameras:
recent developments in sensor technology allow cameras to be used in
new and exciting ways. The fast-growing adoption of intelligent
cameras embedded with sensors will require sophisticated, multi-tiered
storage strategies capable of supporting an unprecedented influx of
data. There will also be a growing need for enhanced capabilities,
including compression, streaming, and analytics.
III. Biometrics: the use
of biometric data to identify people has become increasingly complex
and in turn, increasingly valuable to many industries. The
integration of biometrics capabilities, such as face recognition, and
video surveillance is expected to widen the scope of potential
applications of video security systems.
IV. The Internet of Things:
innovative strategies must be used to merge IoT sensor data with video
surveillance data. The emergence of the IoT has been accompanied by an
unprecedented surge in the number of connected devices, which are
expected to reach at least forty billion over the next decade.
The correlation of video information with input from such smart IoT
devices can contribute to greater physical security. For instance,
motion detectors, which are traditionally used for turning lights on
and off and adjusting temperature, can now communicate with video and
security systems in order to control for unauthorized movements.
V. Video Surveillance as a
Service: aggregated service models will help companies automate
functions and optimize their resources.
The five aspects highlighted
above point to a common, underlying trend: integration. In fact, it is
safe to say that integration is at the essence of physical security
innovation, particularly when it comes to video surveillance and
monitoring. The idea is to make the most of available technologies by
allowing them to work together. Security control panels that use
information from various devices, such as motion detectors, video
surveillance, access readers, etc., are a great example of this
overarching trend.
No-camera security systems are
also a promising area, due to recent improvements in motion-detection
technology. Canadian company Cognitive Systems Corp. recently announced
a system capable of protecting and monitoring spaces without the use of
cameras. Arguably the first smart home security system of its kind,
Aura uses patented technology to monitor the disruption of wireless
signals caused by movement. In addition to differentiating human and
non-human motion, it sends notifications to household members in case
of unauthorized movements.
A recent article in Security
Sales & Integration magazine has pointed out that innovation in
motion detection has allowed for an unprecedented level of detail,
thanks to which there is practically instant response to intruders.
This is made possible by the incorporation of microprocessors that
“intelligently analyze the signals produced by motion to make a very
fast but accurate alarm decision.” Advancements that simplify
installation have also contributed to enhanced reliability,
particularly when it comes to features that minimize installation
errors, including integrated end-of-line (EOL) resistors and bubble
levels, and lift-gate terminal strips.
Conclusion
Recent developments in physical security technology
illustrate how innovation can improve the reliability and enhance the
performance of security systems. R&D tax credits are available for
innovative companies engaged in protecting people, spaces, and material
resources.
