Broadcast Technology in the Security & Defence Domain

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1 Technical Brief S e c u r i t y & D e f e n c e Bringing The Digital Edge To Your Operations Broadcast Technology in the Security & Defence Domain Synopsis: This technical brief argues that the broadcast industry has developed a number of technologies and processes that could be adopted by the security and defence domain to make a significant contribution to achieving the information superiority, which is a pre-requisite to operational success. Technology in the broadcast media sector continues to develop at breakneck speed; broadcasters compete ferociously to meet insatiable consumer and media demand for ever-higher quality imaging, available in multiple formats and delivered to multiple viewing platforms. Increasingly, the broadcast industry is expected to deliver these top-quality images regardless of geographical, climatic or technical challenges. In this highly-competitive marketplace broadcasters are in a race to achieve a sustained performance edge over their industry rivals and secure market share, all the while suppressing cost pressures to preserve their operating margins. At first glance it may appear that the technology and processes in the broadcast industry have limited relevance to the security and defence domain. Closer examination suggests, however, that there is much that is relevant, with both sectors sharing a number of common characteristics and, potentially, technologies and processes. Furthermore, the centrality of broadcast (and social) media in the popular orchestration of major political and public order events requires governments, police forces and other agencies to harness relevant technologies and processes in response.

2 Harnessing synergies for success Harnessing synergies for success It is striking how much commonality there is between the broadcast and security and defence domains. The following characteristics, in particular, are worth highlighting: System resilience is key No fail broadcasters cannot fail to maintain their feed, regardless of the technical and environmental challenges; to do so risks losing viewers to rivals and undermining competitiveness. In security and defence, C4ISTAR is a mission-critical capability on which - at the tactical level at least - lives depend. For different reasons then, both domains share this absolute need for resilience in imaging, communications and data management capabilities. Real-time data management Both domains involve fast moving and complex situations that require rapid integration and assessment of multiple data feeds, to support real-time actions. Complex data asset management, fusing of multiple feeds, in multiple formats, and the ability to disseminate decisions rapidly to multiple agencies are critical components of this information management capability. Security and police forces have to handle an array of imaging data to support their current operations, provide intelligence and to gather evidence for potential prosecution. The broadcast industry faces a similar image data management challenge, having to gather multiple live images and retrieve others from data archives, then packaging them ready for live broadcast to a number of distribution platforms. The ability to manage large volumes of metadata effectively is the key, common, challenge for both sectors. the heart of this system is a data management engine sufficiently capable of providing decision support functions. This interdependent network of capabilities needs to be rapidly-reconfigurable in response to operational situations. Similarly, the broadcast industry needs to be agile if it is to maintain broadcast-quality transmissions from multiple mobile news teams. It has to exploit multiple channels, entailing constant re-configuration of local and strategic communications networks, to ensure priority news feeds have sufficient transmission data capacity, all at acceptable transmission cost. Sophisticated software Both domains increasingly deploy image-manipulation software to manage ever-more complex imaging requirements. In broadcast, this includes such techniques as player-tracking in sporting events, whereas for security and defence this may include facial recognition in support of, for example, suspect tracking, crowd control for police forces, or pattern-of-life scanning to support counter-terrorist operations. In both industries, it is the combination of image quality with sophisticated software that provides the operational edge. So what, specifically, should the security & defence domains consider adopting from the broadcast industry? Contemporary military and security operations rely on multi-channel, multi-format networks to meet strategic to tactical-level communications needs and to enable the real-time transmission of multiple sensor inputs. At

3 The Effective Application of Technology The Effective Application of Technology There are a number of fast-evolving broadcast technologies that offer enhanced operational capability to the security and defence sectors: Camera systems & software High resolution cameras are the norm in the broadcast domain, with beyond-hd 4k cameras becoming increasingly common, with 8k cameras in prospect. Such cameras can be mounted in terrestrial or airborne platforms and offer a step-change to remote surveillance capability by radically increasing ranges and image quality, at a relatively low cost. By contrast, current security and defence-specification cameras are expensive but rarely allow even HD-quality imagery, inhibiting collection of actionable intelligence and reliable evidence. The increasing use of on-camera software (see below) further enhances performance by reducing down-link bandwidth and lowering cost, particularly for airborne surveillance platforms. Most of this technology can be ruggedized. On-camera processing power is increasingly used in the broadcast industry to enhance further image quality, manage potential image distortions and reduce downlink bandwidth needs. Such software is increasingly enabling techniques such as: on-camera facial recognition; pattern of life monitoring; electronic stabilisation of images that would otherwise require physical stabilisation; counterblinding and colour-balancing to respond to changing ambient light levels; and noise reduction to improve sound quality. Miniaturisation of ever-greater processing power underpins these developments, all of which are available to the security and defence domain. People-tracking techniques are common in the broadcast industry, with facial-recognition software, linked to highresolution camera arrays common in supporting coverage of sporting events, where player-tracking is required. This combination of high image quality from multiple cameras, linked and processed by sophisticated software can provide the inputs that enable facial recognition or pattern of life software to work more effectively in the security and defence domains. Mobile rapid deployment Portability, mobility and deployability are key considerations for broadcasters in covering fast-moving events such as political turmoil, public disorder or disaster recovery. 2-3 man news teams are the norm for these events, equipped with lightweight, ergonomic and resilient kit that does not compromise broadcast quality, whatever the local conditions. Where mobile newsrooms are also deployed, they are expected to be able to handle multiple inputs and outputs, and the associated data asset management task, as well as from a fixed studio facility. In a range of security and defence scenarios perhaps small military teams deployed to remote locations, or a police force facing a public disorder situation these light, deployable yet highly capable, integrated surveillance, communications and data management capabilities are equally relevant. Active multi-spectrum communication Central to successful broadcasting is the active management of multi-mode communications links, without which high-resolution imaging is wasted. Broadcasters have to manage a continually-changing mix of satellite, terrestrial point-to-point, WAN, LAN and Wi-Fi links, which may be both static and mobile, to ensure the transmission mode is optimised for broadcast priorities, guaranteed signal quality and (importantly) cost. While the networks may be configured differently in the security and defence domain the multi-spectrum, multi-mode communications challenges are similar, not least the harnessing of technology to meet the insatiable demands for high quality image data. Additionally, political or civil disorder situations may require security forces to integrate broadcast capabilities (including social media management) into their operations.

4 Alternative Data Management techniques Complex data asset management processes are at the core of broadcast capability. Elements include: the management of multiple real-time inputs and outputs, with low latency; the default to low bandwidth and low cost communications; the management of large image archive and retrieval systems; video data compression; and sophisticated data asset management software. All these have to be managed to deliver fast-paced, live broadcast outputs. This complex, multi-format, multi-layered and multiple-source data management need continues to grow and is reminiscent of the security and defence C4ISR challenge, where the demand for high quality real-time images continues to rise. Efficient Project Management & Processes Efficient Project Management & Processes In addition to technology, the broadcast industry adopts a bespoke, COTS-based rapid-acquisition approach that contrasts with the more traditional, monolithic programmes that tend to characterise government procurement. It is worth highlighting some of these features: Bespoke design & quality build Requirements based on output specifications, with the expectation that equipment will be designed and delivered in short timescales, are the norm in the broadcast industry. Bespoke design, modular builds and use of COTS equipment are default approaches. Due to unique user requirements, technological evolution and design developments few outside broadcast vehicles or installations are the same. While fleet numbers in the broadcast industry tend to be smaller than in security and defence, interoperability with legacy equipment and the need for utter reliability are common considerations. It follows that design, build and component quality are all key considerations. Collaborative project delivery Close collaboration between user and designer underpins most broadcast solutions. Requirements are usually evolved collaboratively over short timescales. This approach minimises requirements creep, decreases the risk of customer dissatisfaction and suppresses cost growth while ensuring an agile and responsive supply base, with a strong element of trust present in the customer-supplier relationship. By contrast the competitive tendering for a detailed system specification that is common (and a legal requirement) in public sector procurement processes tends to lead to a more transactional relationship in which delay and additional costs (not least for additional design or support services) are a feature. In the UK for instance, the increasing trend to compete for customer friend or strategic partner -style contracts is in part a recognition that this conventional approach, while achieving compliance, does not necessarily deliver acquisition value and agility, and that a service-delivery model that incorporates through life design, technology and support services may be more effective. The broadcast industry takes this approach as standard and in doing so presents a compelling example of effective design, delivery and support of technology-based programmes.

5 End-to-end system agility In broadcast it is essential that whole-system design, from cameras, through outside broadcast facilities and back to base locations are configured for both performance and resilience and that they can be re-configured live, as events evolve, without loss of output. This requires considerable organisational agility as well modular, re-configurable equipment. Achieving this optimal mix is also a challenge shared by security and defence industries. Conclusion Conclusion We have presented a case for defence and security procurement agencies to look closely at how the broadcast industry acquires its capabilities. Some of the technologies and processes it routinely adopts offer considerable potential for value-for-money capability improvements. Some security and defence agencies have already seen the potential to adopt broadcast technology and practices, not least in an era where social media is such a pervasive influence; in some the capabilities form a key part of national resilience planning. But the reality is that there is more that could be readily adopted from the broadcast industry that would enhance the operational effectiveness of security and defence domains. All that is needed is the adoption and integration of the technologies where appropriate and an agile approach to bring the digital edge from the broadcast industry to security and defence operation. About BN Security & Defence BN Security & Defence is a leading systems integrator with over 16 years experience delivering a range of mobile turnkey solutions that enable governments, military, police & civilian organisations to operate effectively in the modern digital environment. From Mobile Public Order, Airborne & Border Surveillance units to agile Tactical Operation Centres, Safe-City & Disaster Recovery systems, our custombuilt & rapidly deployable solutions bring the digital edge to your operations. With end-to-end services including requirements -capture, bespoke design, full project management, training, maintenance & on-going support, BN S&D delivers functionality built to the highest standards, technical excellence & peace of mind at a competitive price.

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