Interfaces of Video Surveillance Systems

An interface constitutes the “data bridge” to other units or systems.

We differentiate between hardware, software, system and user interfaces.

Standardised serial and parallel hardware interfaces in computers, e.g. SCSI, USB, RS-232, V-24 or Centronics, operate following defined industrial standards, physical requirements (plug-in connectors, cables) and standardised logical rules (syntax of protocols or drivers).

Components of different manufacturers, for example printers, hard discs, USB components etc., can therefore easily be connected or exchanged.


Software interfaces (or ‘data interfaces’) are based on a joint hardware connection and allow to freely exchange data between two software programmes using non-standard commands.

For this purpose, command and data formats need to be specified in detail for both systems, a common language must be developed. In many cases, an additional hardware component is required for “translating” the different commands.

System interfaces allow mutual and comfortable access to functionalities and data using special programme libraries (API, Application Programming Interface). The advantage: the interconnected systems and related software programmes do not require detailed knowledge about each other, they communicate via commands determined in the API.

This architecture does not only allow to connect individual programme modules of different units, it also enables network communication (TCP-IP) between complex system parts via a logical nodal point.

A very important interface within security systems is the user interface, colloquially often called “man-machine-interface”. This interface significantly determines comfort, functionality and the actual security of a security system.

Operation of all system components must be self-explanatory, simple, fast and centralised for the guards. The system status must be detected, processed and displayed automatically. Dangerous situations must be identifiable and, above all, assessable immediately. This also comprises a subsequent analysis and evaluation as well as a consistent documentation of the event.

These demands made on modern, user-oriented security systems require an intelligent interface management between all individual components of a security system.

Since its foundation in 1970 GEUTEBRÜCK, as one of the precursors, develops intelligent system-encroaching interfaces for its video-technical core products. This does not only apply for “internal interfaces” for connecting GEUTEBRÜCK products within a system but also - and above all - for interfaces that can be used by third-party systems.

Transparency, constructive openness and will to communicate in each respect.

The interfaces incl. the interface commands of all GEUTEBRÜCK products and system components are disclosed without any restrictions.

Comprehensive software development kits (SDK) incl. help tools, documentation etc. can be downloaded for all GEUTEBRÜCK software products for integration into third-party systems.

As a result of the close co-operation with well-known manufacturers many different systems and components have been connected in the past years:

GEUTEBRÜCK currently cooperates actively with 20 additional manufacturers to define OPC-standards (OLE for Process Control / OLE = Object Linking and Embedding) for video system controls.

GEUTEBRÜCK Interfaces in Practice

Why are intelligent interface link-ups with large scope of functionalities important for modern security applications?

Interfaces allow to unite the functionality of self-sustaining, highly specialised technical equipment of different manufacturers.

• Automated teller machines automatically control the video recording and allocate time, date, bank code and account number to the recorded images in order to be able to quickly clarify frauds, etc.

• Fence systems, access control systems, intercommunication and alarm systems operate in close interconnection with video surveillance equipment. Picture display, recording and transmission are controlled via messages of the individual systems. Messages of the video system (e.g. activity detection, alarm reset etc.) are re-transmitted to the individual systems. The overall system is controlled via the graphical operator surface and can be adapted ideally to the user’s requirements.
• Facility management systems control the video surveillance system:
  video motion detectors, video matrix systems, digital picture storage systems, picture transmission, dome cameras and much more.
• Viewers are integrated into the operator surface of management systems.
• Data sets such as cashdesk data (product, price etc.), barcodes, number plates and much more are allocated to the video recordings as search criteria.

All GEUTEBRÜCK interfaces offer the complete functionality of the respective product for link-up and control.

These are ideal pre-conditions for your system, today and in the future.