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LEICA BLK247
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

 
DETECTION/ALARMS     |     COMPARISON FOR VMS     |     INSTALLATION/HARDWARE     |     SOFTWARE CONNECTIVITY     |     COMPLIANCE

 

Where can I buy the BLK247?

Contact Sales

 


Which industries, applications, or facilities is the BLK247 best suited for?

The BLK247 is designed for smart 3D surveillance and it can be used in various industries and for multiple applications. The primary use is security and surveillance in public and private spaces and facilities, especially for Smart Buildings and Safe Cities, and even in private homes. Another use for the BLK247 is Smart and Autonomous Factory environments as well as Transportation and Logistics.

DETECTION/ALARMS

How does the LiDAR detection work on the BLK247?

The BLK247 uses a dual-axis LiDAR to scan the surrounding 3D environment. By using a 3D model or a “static scene” as a reference for the space it monitors, the BLK247 can detect in real-time any objects or intruders within the LiDAR's field of view of 360° horizontal x 270° vertical. These detected objects are then compared to the user's configuration of the static scene to determine if it is a threat and if an alarm should be generated.


Can the device be used while ensuring people’s privacy within field-of-view of the BLK247?

Yes. The device only needs LiDAR to detect objects and generate alarms. The LiDAR only produces 3D points of the static scene and only uses LiDAR to detect movement and intrusion, so an individual cannot be identified by this limited data.

The RGB video and IR thermal cameras can be toggled on and off depending on the needs of the user. When toggled off, no data whatsoever is recorded by the RGB/IR sensors or transmitted via video streams; this will ensure that no identification information of people is collected within the BLK247's field of view.


What information can the BLK247 provide when an alarm is generated?

There are multiple options how the BLK247 can record information each time an alarm is generated. These include:

  • 3D mesh of the scene, the zone triggering the alarm, and object that triggered the alarm.

  • Short videos recorded at the time of the alarm event, including up to 30 seconds of video prior to the alarm (RGB and IR) according to device configuration.

  • Single, overlay, and 360° panoramic images captured when the alarm was triggered (RGB and IR).


Can the device be scheduled so that alarms will only be generated within set times of day or for specific 3D geofenced locations?

Yes. The BLK247 can be scheduled to activate itself and trigger any alarms based on the custom schedule for the day or week, and this can be applied uniquely to each individual 3D geofenced zone created by the user.


Can heavy snowfall trigger alarms on the BLK247?

Yes, heavy snowfall is able to raise an alarm on the BLK247. However, when using AI, it will be correctly classified as a non-human object.

BLK247 AI - Object Classification

What is the primary benefit of having AI functionality?

The AI functionality is of most benefit to those who are specifically interested in being notified when humans are entering into a virtually geofenced area. The classification is done based on the 3D LiDAR data and it works regardless of the lighting conditions.


Does the external computer need to be located in close proximity to the BLK247?

No, however, the network connection between the external computer and the BLK247 needs to be at least 100Mbit/s.


What data is used for the classification?

Only LiDAR data is used for the classification.


Will the AI work where I am not allowed to use RGB cameras due to privacy concerns?

Yes, for the classification only LiDAR data is used, therefore it does not matter whether you have the RGB cameras enabled.


Will someone crawling along the ground be classified as a human?

Yes. The system is trained to recognize humans in all body positions.


I bought a BLK247 some months ago, can I still buy and enable AI?

Yes, the license can be bought separately and therefore also after the device has been bought.


Can I have a trial version of the AI functionality?

Currently, software trial versions are not available. Please contact your sales responsible for a trial system

COMPARISON FOR VMS

Why are BLK247 analytics superior to 2D security cameras and VMS analytics?

2D security cameras and VMS analytics are constrained to 2D information used for analysis. The BLK247 leverages an active, constantly scanning LiDAR sensor to capture true 3D information and allows for better detection of a physical object or intruder.

LiDAR also operates completely independent of an external light source, therefore backlighting, darkness, or bright light do not affect the BLK247 analytic capabilities.

By using the LiDAR data for detecting objects, the BLK247 can also filter out alarms based on the location and size of the object or intruder. For example, the BLK247 can filter out alarm triggers for tree branches, rain, small animals, or trash blowing through the scene, but it will still determine if there is an unauthorized intruder and trigger an alarm.


What is the maximum resolution and frame rate of the RGB and IR sensors?

RGB Full HD 1080p at 30 frames per second is the maximum resolution and frame rate.


What encoding and compression does the BLK247 use for the video streams?

H264 is used by the BLK247. It comes with three profile options of baseline, main and high which each have different compression rates.


Are the BLK247 video streams ONVIF compliant?

Work is currently ongoing to make the BLK247 video streams ONVIF compliant. This has not yet been implemented though.

INSTALLATION/HARDWARE

Is the BLK247 dust and waterproof?

The BLK247 x5 is protected against dust and water intrusion. This makes the x5 model suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. The BLK247 x5 is IP55, IP65, and IP67 rated.
 

As the BLK247 i5 is not IP rated, it is suited for indoor applications only.


Can I use the BLK247 on a tripod?

The BLK247 has been built for fixed installations, either mounted on the ceiling or to a wall. The device comes with a custom mounting ring which needs to be bolted to a permanent fixture.


How is the device powered?

The primary power source for the device is via PoE++ 802.3bt Type 3 Class 6 (max 51W) for the i5 and x5 devices.If no PoE + + is available, the BLK247 can be powered through the I/O connector plug, available as an accessory from Leica Geosystems. With this option, network connectivity to the BLK247 is still provided through the shielded Ethernet cable (min. Cat 5e). See user manual for specifications.


Can I use any PoE connection with the BLK247?

No, the BLK247 requires the minimum of PoE++ 802.3bt Type 3 Class 6 to support 51W.


Minimum hardware required to operate the BLK247?
  • PoE++ 802.3bt Type 3 Class 6.

  • Local network with DHCP server (internet optional).

  • Shielded ethernet cable (minimum Cat 5e).

  • Computer with web browser (Google Chrome recommended).


Can the BLK247 be connected to external I/O devices?

Yes. A physical I/O port is built into the device allowing external I/O devices or circuits to react once an alarm is generated by the device, which requires our IO connector accessory. This port acts as a switch and any external electronic circuit can be connected to it (see user manual for more details). You can view the IO connector accessory here.

SOFTWARE CONNECTIVITY

How can the BLK247 connect to 3rd party back end software?

The BLK247 already has a dedicated integration with different back end or VMS software such as Accur8Vision, Luxriot Evo, G Element (Senfi) and Precision Reality. Standardized data formats allow integration in various other VMS and PSIM software packages.

Users can also request the BLK247 API for further customization within their own software environments.


Does the BLK247 need to be connected to the internet?

No. The BLK247 can be operated within a local network that is not connected to the internet. All detection and analysis are performed on device and alarm data is also stored within device. Once the device is actively scanning the environment, the user does not need to maintain an active internet connection to the device.


Does the BLK247 require additional processing power?

No. The BLK247 both acquires the sensor data and performs edge processing onboard device itself, which is required to produce alarm information that can be accessed.


Can the BLK247 operate with another BLK247?

The BLK247 performs all analytics onboard the device based on the data it acquires. It does not directly operate with another BLK247 for alarms generated within the software on the device. For multiple BLK247 units to operate together as a system, a VMS or PSIM is required.

There is possibility to use 3rd party software such as VMS or PSIM that is run on an edge device or server that performs their own analytics on the data acquired by the BLK247. Please see the Security System Information page or contact us for more information.


Does the BLK247 have an API for integration?

Yes, the BLK247 has an API that allows 3rd party software to monitor BLK247 alarms and access recorded alarm information. The BLK247's RGB and IR video streams are also accessible via a common video streaming protocol that can be integrated into VMS software.


What are the minimum computer requirements to run the BLK247?

The BLK247 software, called the “BLK247 Control Center”, is run completely onboard the device and accessed via web browser. We recommend using the most current version of Google Chrome.


How do I get firmware updates for the device?

Updates can be downloaded via myWorld (https://myworld.leica-geosystems.com/) once you have completed registration on the site.


Where can I find the user manual and further installation information?

Customers receive a printed version of the user manual with the device. Registered customers can also download digital versions via MyWorld (https://myworld.leica-geosystems.com/) at any time.

 

COMPLIANCE

Does the BLK247 have an EU export classification number?

The BLK 247 is a “civil” product. It is not subject to the EU Regulation No 428/2009 governing dual-use items, so there is no export control classification number (ECCN).


What is the Country of Origin of the BLK247?

The Country of Origin is Switzerland.


Is the BLK247 fully compliant with Section 889 of the U.S. National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)?

Leica Geosystems is pleased to affirm that the BLK247 product portfolio, which includes solutions marketed to the U.S. government, Department of Defense (DoD) and associated contractors and affiliates, is fully NDAA compliant.