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| photo courtesy of AXIS Communications |
The development work differentiates the products
Research and development has always been a highly prioritized area in order to maintain Axis’ market-leading position. With a high rate of innovation within a number of different areas, Axis continued to advance the network video products during the year in order to add value for the end customers and differentiate the products on the market.
Axis has developed a broad knowledge base through many years’ experience and has built up a high level of expertise within network video. About 350 engineers work methodically to develop the technology platforms and products of the future. The products are based on open systems, which means that they may be easily integrated into other security solutions and that software from partners may be added.
During the year, 16.1 percent (14.9) of consolidated sales were invested in research and development in both hardware and software. The R & D expenses increased by SEK 63 M compared with the preceding year and amounted to SEK 332 M (269).
The aim of the R & D work is to ensure that Axis shall remain at the technical leading edge in relation to image quality, image analysis and network security. Future market needs are identified through business intelligence, which are subsequently transformed in the development work into added customer value.
Demands on light sensitivity, dynamics, color reproduction and resolution in the network cameras are constantly increasing. Thus, Axis focused on the following areas during the year:
- Axis conducts long-term work on development of proprietary chips that provide high image quality and fulfil the demands of the network video products of tomorrow. ARTPEC® is an innovative image processing and image compression chip, delivering high performance, good bandwidth efficiency and high image quality. Axis continued to advance the chip during the year as part of work to add new functionalities.
- Intelligent functions are in focus on a market where passive surveillance is being replaced by active. Axis’ long-term work within image analysis has given the company solid experience and a high level of competence in the area. Examples are alarm in the event of vandalism (Active Tampering Alarm) or transit of a fence (Cross Line Detection) and automatic tracking (Auto-tracking). Other functions are developed by partners within application development (ADPs), for example, measurement of customer flows in stores or face recognition.
- In order to offer the highest image quality on the market, Axis has developed and introduced HDTV-quality network cameras and this work will continue over the coming years. Axis is the first supplier to offer a range of HDTV cameras and is thereby strengthening its leading position.
- An important objective has been to broaden Axis’ product portfolio with a thermal network camera. With the launch in January 2010, Axis is the first company on the market to offer a thermal network camera which can detect people and objects in challenging conditions.
Patents safeguard the innovations
Axis’ investments in technological and product development are protected by patents and registered designs. During the year, applications for four new patent and registered design families were filed. They describe Axis’ latest inventions within network technology and camera construction, and also cover Axis’ innovative design. Thirteen national patents and a number of registered designs were granted during the year. The patent portfolio now contains 71 active patent and registered design families.
Cooperation with universities and colleges
Since the beginning, Axis has collaborated with universities and colleges and offers students the possibility of carrying out course work. Axis maintains long-term and good relationships with research groups at Lund University, The Royal Institute of Technology, Chalmers and Linköping University.
Articles & photos courtesy of AXIS Communications
