Axis Communications

Axis Communications AB
Public
Traded as Nasdaq Stockholm: AXIS
Industry Video surveillance
Physical security
Research and development
Founded 1984[1]
Founders Mikael Karlsson
Martin Gren
Keith Bloodworth
Headquarters Lund, Sweden
Area served
 Worldwide
Key people
 Ray Mauritsson, CEO
Jonas Hansson, CIO
Johan Paulsson, CTO
Fredrik Sjöstrand, CFO
Products Network cameras
Network video encoders
Network video recorders
Video management systems
Video analytics
Physical access control
Revenue Increase SEK 6.635 million (2015)[2]
Increase SEK 881 million (2015)[2]
Number of employees
 2,139[2]
Website www.axis.com

Axis Communications AB is a Swedish manufacturer of network cameras for the physical security and video surveillance industries.[3][4][5] It operates in the market segments transport, infrastructure, retail, banking, education, government and industrial.[6][7][8]

Axis Communications originally started out as an IT company selling print servers.[9][10] It then applied its knowledge in networks and embedded computing to develop network cameras for the security industry.[11][12][13] Most of its products contain an embedded computer with some flash memory and run a custom version of Linux.[14] One of its major breakthroughs in technology was the development of JFFS, which extended the lifetime of the devices' flash memory.[15][16]

History

Origins

Axis Communications was founded in 1984 by Martin Gren, Mikael Karlsson and Keith Bloodworth in Lund, Sweden.[1][17] The company developed and sold protocol converters and printer interfaces for the connection of PC printers in IBM mainframe and mini-computer environments.[18][19][20] By the end of the 1980s, Axis Communications had opened its first U.S. sales office in Boston, Massachusetts and in the early 1990s started shifting its focus away from IBM mainframes towards networking and the TCP/IP protocol.[19][21]

Expansion

In 1991, Axis Communications introduced a multi-protocol print server supporting both TCP/IP and NetWare.[10][22] In 1995, the company introduced a file server independent, multi-protocol CD-ROM server, supporting TCP/IP (NFS) and Windows (SMB), for Ethernet networks, the AXIS 850.[22][23] Also by 1995, Axis Communications had opened sales offices in Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo, Japan.[22]

Focus on network cameras

In 1996, Axis Communications introduced the industry's first network camera, the AXIS 200.[6][9][24][25][26][27] This was followed in 1999 by the AXIS 2100 which was the first volume product using an embedded Linux.[22] In 2004, the company introduced the AXIS 206, the then smallest network camera.[22][28]

Founding of industry standards body

In 2008, Axis Communications announced together with Bosch and Sony that the companies will cooperate in order to standardize the interface of network video products and form a new industry standards body called ONVIF (Open Network Video Interface Forum).[29][30][31][32] Axis Communications introduced its first product with ONVIF support in 2009, the AXIS P3301. There are now over 600 ONVIF conformant products available.[33][34]

Today

Axis Communications operates offices in more than 40 countries and employs over 1,600 people.[35][5][36] According to a 2013 market research report by industry analyst house IHS Research, Axis Communications is the global market leader in the network camera and video encoder markets.[37][38][39] Installations include the City of Houston,[40] Sydney Airport,[41] Moscow Metro[42] and Madrid Buses.[43] In 2014, Axis Communications published a sustainability report disclosing it had reduced its carbon dioxide emissions by 13 percent and that 65 percent of the company's network cameras and video encoders are PVC-free.

On February 10, 2015, Japanese multinational corporation Canon, which specializes in the manufacture of imaging and optical products announced a cash bid of 23.6 billion Swedish kronor ($2.83 billion) to acquire Axis Communications.[44][45]

Technology

Network cameras

Axis Communications develops and sells network cameras for many applications. Products include PTZ,[46] vandal resistant,[47][48] thermal,[49] outdoor,[50] HDTV,[51] wireless,[52] motion detection[53] and progressive scan[54] cameras. It introduced the industry′s first thermal network camera, the AXIS Q1910, in January 2010[55][56] and the industry′s first HDTV network camera, the AXIS Q1755, in December 2008.[57][58][59]

An old AXIS 2100 network camera
A current model network camera from Axis Communications

P-Iris

P-Iris (Precise Iris Control) is a type of network camera lens that together with specialized software installed in the camera itself regulates the iris opening through the use of a stepper motor for contrast, clarity, resolution and depth of field.[60][61][62] P-Iris maintains image quality by continuously adjusting the iris position.[63][64] This position, also referred to as a specific f-number, is where the lens works best and optical errors are reduced.[63] P-Iris was developed by Axis Communications and the Japanese lens maker Kowa.[65][66]

If the iris closes too much in bright situations this causes diffraction in the image.[65] P-Iris is used for Megapixel and HDTV network cameras because of the compounding effect caused by the smaller size of the pixels in the image sensor [65][66][67] Megapixel and HDTV network cameras are based on a megapixel image sensor (1 million or more pixels) and have significantly more pixels than standard resolution network cameras. A smaller pixel can’t gather as much light as a larger pixel as it has less surface.[68] This results in a need to be able to precisely adjust the levels of light coming into megapixel and HDTV network cameras.[62][69][70] The first product incorporating P-Iris technology was the AXIS P1346 network camera.[62][67]

Corridor format

Corridor format is a video surveillance format for HDTV network cameras making full use of the 16:9 aspect ratio when monitoring narrow view areas such as staircases, hallways, aisles or tunnels.[71][72] When using the regular landscape video surveillance format for narrow view areas, the full resolution of a HDTV network camera is not utilized as large parts of the field of view are redundant.[73] Corridor format technology turns the 16:9 aspect ratio into 9:16 while HDTV standards such as full frame rate and resolution are maintained.[74] Either the HDTV network camera is installed sideways or the 3-axis lens is rotated 90 degrees when mounting the camera.[75] Then the video image is rotated back 90 degrees by the internal camera software.[74] Corridor format can be accessed by software vendors through an open API.[76][77]

Lightfinder

Lightfinder is a technology that allows network cameras to maintain details and colors in very dark and low light conditions compared to conventional day/night technologies that provide a black-and-white image.[78][79] It consists of a high performance low light CMOS image sensor, an optimized lens and a custom-designed ASIC chip running specialized software for image processing.[80] Algorithms fine-tuned to the characteristics of the lens and image sensor allow for better image quality in near darkness.[81] Lightfinder technology helps identify people or vehicles in demanding video surveillance applications such as construction sites or parking lots.[79][82] IR illuminators are often no longer required.[77][79] The first product incorporating Lightfinder technology was the AXIS Q1602 network camera.[77][83]

Video encoders

Axis Communications develops and sells video encoders allowing for video from analog systems to be converted into digital format for IP networks.[84][85] These are based on the H.264 video compression format lowering bandwidth and storage requirements without impacting image clarity.[86][87] The company sells 1-port, 4-port, 6-port and 16-port video encoders as well as rack solutions for large installations.[88][89][90][91][92]

Video management software

Axis Communications sells a video management software which it markets under the name AXIS Camera Station.[93][94] The software provides remote video monitoring, recording and event management functionality.[95][96] Its API allows the integration with other systems such as point of sale and access control.[93][96]

Video analytics software

Axis Camera Application Platform, an open API, enables development of applications by third parties that can be downloaded and installed on Axis products.[97][98] This allows software companies to offer video analytics applications for Axis network cameras providing functionalities such as recognition, counting, detection, and tracking.[99][100]

Physical access control

Axis Communications started offering physical access control solutions in late 2013.[101][102] The first product was the AXIS A1001 network door controller.[103][104] It had an open interface for integration with other IP-based security system components and third-party software.[101][105] The AXIS A1001 network door controller was the first ONVIF conformant physical access control solution available on the market.[106][107]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Diane Ritchey, Security Magazine. "Security’s 25 Most Influential." December 1, 2006. Retrieved November 9, 2011.
  2. 1 2 3 "2015 Annual Report, Axis Communications AB." Retrieved May 11, 2016.
  3. ↑ Timothy Compston, Security Middle East. “The Man Behind I.P.” January 10, 2014. Retrieved Nov 23, 2015.
  4. ↑ Silicon India. "Axis Communications aggressive to tap Indian market." Jul 23, 2009. Retrieved Aug 17, 2011.
  5. 1 2 NASDAQ OMX Nordic. "Company Profile." Retrieved 2011-03-14.
  6. 1 2 John Adams, Security Electronics and Networks. "Axis Communications: Success Sells." Apr 14, 2011. Retrieved Jun 28, 2011.
  7. ↑ Trade Arabia. "Axis Communications to take part in Intersec." Jan 12, 2011. Retrieved Sep 12, 2011.
  8. ↑ GIT Security. "Axis Communications: A Strong Year." Feb 3, 2011. Retrieved Aug 17, 2011.
  9. 1 2 GIT Security. "The Development of Video Technology over the Last 20 Years." Jun 30, 2011. Retrieved Aug 25, 2011.
  10. 1 2 Caryn Gillooly, Network World. "Print server market heats up with new, less costly products." Dec 13, 1993. Retrieved Sep 20, 2011.
  11. ↑ SDM Magazine. "Interview with Martin Gren, inventor of the network camera." Oct 18, 2011. Retrieved May 29, 2015.
  12. ↑ Scott Goldfine, Security Sales & Integration. "2014 SSI Hall of Fame Inductee Martin Gren." April 1, 2014. Retrieved Apr 28, 2014.
  13. ↑ John Adams, Security Electronics and Networks. “Martin Gren: IP CCTV's Founding Father.” Dec 8, 2015. Dec 9, 2015.
  14. ↑ Jan Bosch. "Design and Use of Software Architectures: Adopting and Evolving a Product-line Approach." New York, NY: Pearson Education, 2000. ISBN 0-201-67494-7. pp 176-180.
  15. ↑ Woodhouse, David. "JFFS : The Journalling Flash File System". Red Hat, Inc. CiteSeerX 10.1.1.128.6156Freely accessible.
  16. ↑ Karim Yaghmour. "Building Embedded Linux Systems." Sebastopol, CA: O'Reilly Media, 2003. ISBN 0-596-52968-6. p 90.
  17. ↑ By Lennart Alexandrie, Security World Hotel. “His idea and passion was turned into a world leading industry.” Sep 5, 2008. Nov 25, 2015.
  18. ↑ Leonor Barroca, Jon Hall, Patrick Hall. "Software Architectures: Advances and Applications." New York, NY: Springer, 1999. ISBN 1-85233-636-6. p 161. Retrieved November 9, 2011.
  19. 1 2 Security Solutions. "Axis celebrates 25 years in the network business." November 1, 2009. Retrieved August 17, 2011.
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  26. ↑ Dan Seoane, InfoWorld. "The Eyes have it: Microplex, Axis offer unique views." Nov 4, 1996. Retrieved Sep 20, 2011.
  27. ↑ Mary Brandel, CSO. "A Buyer’s Guide to Network Cameras." Mar 1, 2008. Retrieved Sep 19, 2011.
  28. ↑ Dave Mitchell, PC Pro. "Axis 206W Wireless Network Camera review." 2004-11-03. Retrieved 2011-03-14.
  29. ↑ Open Network Video Interface Forum. "Axis, Bosch and Sony cooperate to standardize the interface of network video products." 2011-02-17. Retrieved 2011-03-14.
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  31. ↑ GIT Security. "ONVIF Compliance Is Not Enough to Integrate High End Camera Functionalities." Jul 11, 2011. Retrieved Aug 25, 2011.
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  38. ↑ GIT Security. "Market study: Axis is No.1 in network and security cameras and also video encoders." June 26, 2013. Retrieved July 2, 2014.
  39. ↑ Josh Woodhouse, IHS Research. "The World Market for CCTV and Video Surveillance Equipment 2013 Edition." May 30, 2013. Retrieved July 2, 2014.
  40. ↑ Glenn Bischoff, Urgent Communications. "Houston deploys fixed video surveillance system." September 22, 2011. Retrieved February 3, 2012.
  41. ↑ Source Security. "Sydney Airport takes security to new heights with Axis." Retrieved February 3, 2012.
  42. ↑ Drew Wilson, EETimes. "Contract wins bring security tech firm to Moscow." June 23, 2008. Retrieved February 3, 2012.
  43. ↑ Security Electronics and Networks. "Axis cameras to secure Madrid's buses." April 12, 2010. Retrieved February 3, 2012.
  44. ↑ Grace Huang, Adam Ewing, Bloomberg. "Canon to Buy Axis for $2.8 Billion in Move to Video Surveillance." Feb 10, 2015. Retrieved May 28, 2015.
  45. ↑ Takashi Mochizuki, Megumi Fujikawa, The Wall Street Journal."Canon to Buy Sweden's Axis for $2.8 Billion." Feb 10, 2015. Retrieved May 12, 2016.
  46. ↑ Todd Datz, CSO. "Product Watch: Pan, Zoom and Tilt." April 15, 2005. Retrieved February 3, 2012.
  47. ↑ Tracy Ting, A&S International. “Safeguarding Harsh Environments With Ruggedized Cameras Archived August 21, 2014, at the Wayback Machine..” September 25, 2009. Retrieved February 3, 2012.
  48. ↑ T. Riley Pierce, Security Sales & Integration. “A Look Under a Pair of Axis’ Vandal-Resistant Domes.” July 19, 2014. Retrieved November 25, 2015.
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  50. ↑ Euro Security. "Outdoor-ready HDTV PTZ domes strengthen Axis’ camera offerings." May 19, 2010. Retrieved November 9, 2011.
  51. ↑ John Adams, Security Electronics and Networks. "AXIS M1054 & M5014 720p HD Cameras." August 29, 2011. Retrieved September 30, 2011.
  52. ↑ Campus Safety. "Axis M1004-W Network Camera." March 26, 2013. Retrieved Dec 10, 2014.
  53. ↑ GIT Security. "A New Axis Surveillance System at Freightliner’s Manchester Terminal." December 10, 2012. Retrieved June 16, 2014.
  54. ↑ Vesna Zeljkovic. “Video Surveillance Techniques and Technologies.” Hershey, PA: IGI Global, 2013. ISBN 9-781-46664-8975. p 271.
  55. ↑ Dave Mitchell, PC Pro. "Axis Q1910 Thermal Network Camera review." April 6, 2010. Retrieved June 28, 2011.
  56. ↑ GIT Security. "Top Trends in Physical Security 2011: The IMS Research Security Predictions." Jun 30, 2011. Retrieved Aug 25, 2011.
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  58. ↑ Vertical Systems Reseller. "Axis Introduces First HDTV Network Camera." Dec 3, 2008. Retrieved Jul 16, 2012.
  59. ↑ Dave Mitchell, PC Pro. "Axis Q1755 review." August 10, 2009. Retrieved June 28, 2011.
  60. ↑ Government Video. "Axis Introduces Arctic-Ready PTZ Cam." May 11, 2009. Retrieved March 8, 2012.
  61. ↑ Nathan Eddy, eWeek. "Axis Communications Releases Surveillance Tools." March 29, 2010. Retrieved March 8, 2012.
  62. 1 2 3 Professional Security. "Iris Control." May 20, 2009. Retrieved March 8, 2012.
  63. 1 2 Security Electronics and Networks. "The Outsiders: New Axis P1347-E." Dec 14, 2010. Retrieved March 8, 2012.
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  65. 1 2 3 Derek Rice, SDM Magazine. "Fix It & Forget It." Jan 2011. Retrieved March 8, 2012.
  66. 1 2 GIT Security. "Precise Iris Control." Mar 19, 2010. Retrieved March 8, 2012.
  67. 1 2 Government Security News. "Axis and Kowa introduce precise iris control." May 15, 2009. Retrieved March 14, 2012.
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  72. ↑ Security Today. "Aimetis Symphony First VMS with Analytics to Support Axis' Corridor Format." Jan 24, 2011. Dec 10, 2014.
  73. ↑ GIT Security. "Axis broadens Surveillance Horizons." Aug 12, 2012. Retrieved Apr 20, 2012.
  74. 1 2 Security Magazine. "A Cowboy Boot Full of New Technology Spotlighted at ASIS Exhibits." Oct 13, 2010. Retrieved Apr 20, 2012.
  75. ↑ Security Products. "Axis Unveils Corridor Format." Oct 13, 2010. Retrieved Apr 20, 2012.
  76. ↑ Security World Hotel. "First video analytics software to support Axis Corridor Format." Jan 22, 2011. Retrieved Apr 20, 2012.
  77. 1 2 3 Security Products. "Axis Introduces Camera Based On Lightfinder Technology." May 19, 2011. Retrieved Apr 20, 2012.
  78. ↑ John Honovich, IP Video Market Info. "Axis Lightfinder / Q1602 Examined." May 25, 2011. Retrieved Apr 24, 2012.
  79. 1 2 3 Euro Security. "Lightfinder identifies colors in darkness." May 18, 2011. Retrieved Apr 24, 2012.
  80. ↑ Anthony Incovarti, Mass Transit Magazine. "Color Video: Changing Transportation Security at Night." Oct 4, 2011. Retrieved Apr 24, 2012.
  81. ↑ Stephen Withers, IT Wire. "What's ahead for the surveillance camera market?." Aug 2, 2011. Retrieved Apr 24, 2012.
  82. ↑ SDM Magazine. “Behind the Technology: Lightfinder Q&A.” Nov 20, 2012. Nov 24, 2015.
  83. ↑ Andrew Seldon, Security Solutions. "IFSEC UK review." Jul, 2011. Retrieved Apr 24, 2012.
  84. ↑ Traffic Technology International. "Axis introduces Q7424-R rugged video encoder." January 17, 2012. Retrieved December 19, 2014.
  85. ↑ Anne Vazquez, Today's Facility Manager. "AXIS T8646 PoE+ over Coax Blade from Axis Communications." Apr 22, 2014. Dec 10, 2014.
  86. ↑ Tom Coyne, Security News Desk. "Axis launches new video encoders for a cost effective CCTV solution." Jun 2011. Retrieved Apr 5, 2012.
  87. ↑ Urgent Communications. "Axis introduces flexible surveillance solution with new video encoders." Jun 17, 2011. Dec 10, 2014.
  88. ↑ Euro Security. "Axis Communications - World’s smallest video encoder with H.264." Mar 11, 2009. Retrieved Apr 5, 2012.
  89. ↑ SourceSecurity. "Axis launches four-channel video encoder blade with H.264 and audio capabilities." May 23, 2011. Retrieved Apr 5, 2012.
  90. ↑ Security Magazine. "Full Frame Rate Video Server and Rack Solution." Mar 01, 2007. Retrieved Apr 5, 2012.
  91. ↑ John Honovich, IP Video Market Info. "Axis New Encoders (M and P Series)." Jun 15, 2011. Retrieved Apr 5, 2012.
  92. ↑ Professional Security. "Video encoders." Sep 12, 2013. Dec 9, 2014.
  93. 1 2 Security Magazine. "It’s H.264 for Axis Communications." Apr 3, 2008. Retrieved Apr 12, 2012.
  94. ↑ Brian Chee, Oliver Rist, InfoWorld. "Digital Security Sentries." Jul 5, 2004. Retrieved Apr 12, 2012.
  95. ↑ John Honovich, IP Video Market Info. "Testing Axis Camera Station - VMS Software." Jun 01, 2009. Retrieved Apr 12, 2012.
  96. 1 2 Laura Stepanek, SDM Magazine. "New at ISC West: AXIS Camera Station 3.0 Video Management Software." Apr 03, 2008. Retrieved Apr 12, 2012.
  97. ↑ Source Security. "Network video expert Axis Communications launches AXIS Camera Application Platform." Sep 12, 2007. Retrieved Apr 13, 2012.
  98. ↑ Hayden Hsu, A&S International. “Anywhere, Anytime: An Update on Network Cameras Archived August 21, 2014, at the Wayback Machine..” Sep 12, 2007. Retrieved Nov 20, 2015.
  99. ↑ ITS International. “Axis demonstrates innovative traffic monitoring.” May 18, 2015. Retrieved Nov 24, 2015.
  100. ↑ John Honovich, IP Video Market Info. "Axis Video Analytic Platform Examined." Oct 19, 2009. Retrieved Apr 13, 2012.
  101. 1 2 Martha Entwistle, Security Systems News. "Q&A with Axis co-founder Martin Gren." February 18, 2014. Retrieved December 19, 2014.
  102. ↑ Professional Security Magazine. "Network door controller." September 26, 2013. Retrieved July 2, 2014.
  103. ↑ Security Electronics and Networks. "Axis 1001 NDC Access Controller: Review." May 20, 2014. Retrieved July 2, 2014.
  104. ↑ GIT Security. "Axis: Market Leader for Video Surveillance Takes a Step into the Access Control Market." September 24, 2013. Retrieved July 2, 2014.
  105. ↑ Brian Rhodes, IP Video Market Info. "Testing Axis Access Control." January 27, 2014. Retrieved July 3, 2014.
  106. ↑ SDM Magazine. "ONVIF Opens Doors With Profile C, New Membership Level." March 18, 2014. Retrieved July 3, 2014.
  107. ↑ Security Products & Technology News. "Axis Communications brings industry’s first open IP-based access controller to the Canadian market." March 25, 2014. Retrieved July 3, 2014.

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