Proposal Malampuzha Phase II- 360° Automation

Malampuzha Dam, the largest reservoir in

Kerala, attracts from 1,700 to 9,300

numbers of visitors each day to its newly

renovated beautiful dam garden. Such

large crowd management has become a

challenge for the authorities. ALTERSOFT

suggests a total automation of the Dam

garden which will not just make its

management simple but also boost its

revenue from the tourism.

MALAMPUZHA

GARDEN

AUTOMATION

A Large Structure Automation

project

MALAMPUZHA GARDEN AUTOMATION

www.altersoft.co.in Page 1

360° automation of tourism

management process

Proposal to Irrigation Department, Govt. of Kerala

June 2013

This document has been prepared in accordance with the scope of proposing an automation

project by Altersoft Innovation India Pvt. Ltd. for its client Irrigation Department, Govt of

Kerala. It is addressed to and for the sole use and reliance of Altersoft Innovation India Pvt.

Ltd.’s client. Altersoft Innovation India Pvt. Ltd. accepts no liability for any use of this document

other than by the client and only for its purposes, stated in the document, for which it was

prepared and provided. No person other than the client may copy (in whole or part) use or rely

on the contents of this document, without prior formal written permission from Altersoft

Innovation India Pvt. Ltd. Any advice, opinions, or recommendations within this document

should be read and relied upon only in the context of the document as a whole. The contents of

this document are not to be construed as providing legal, business or tax advice or opinion

© Altersoft Innovation India Pvt. Ltd., Thrissur, Kerala, 2013



Contents

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 3

Project Scope .............................................................................................................................................. 3

Chapter 1 – Observations ......................................................................................................................... 4

Requirements .......................................................................................................................................... 4

I. People Counting System ........................................................................................................... 4

II. Child access control ................................................................................................................... 4

III. Management Information System (MIS) ................................................................................. 5

IV. Public Information System ........................................................................................................ 5

V. Website ........................................................................................................................................ 5

Issues ....................................................................................................................................................... 6

VI. Exit Automation ....................................................................................................................... 6

VII. Staff and Vehicle Tracking .................................................................................................... 6

VIII. Authorization ........................................................................................................................... 7

Chapter 2 – People Counting Mechanism.............................................................................................. 8

Thermal Imaging..................................................................................................................................... 8

3D imaging .............................................................................................................................................. 8

Computer vision using CCTV camera ................................................................................................. 9

Comparison of features between the 3 technologies ........................................................................... 9

Diagrams ................................................................................................................................................... 10

Fig 1. Existing entry/exit layout .......................................................................................................... 10

Fig 2. Proposed entry/exit layout ....................................................................................................... 10

Fig 3. Proposed people counting system ......................................................................................... 11

Chapter 3 – Revamping the existing system at Malampuzha Dam Garden ................................... 12

Chapter 4 – Telescope tower ................................................................................................................. 14

Chapter 5 – Additional scope for automation ....................................................................................... 15

Annexure 1 - Cost and Specifications for People Counting System ................................................ 16

Annexure 2 - Cost and Specifications for Telescopic Tower ............................................................. 17

Summary ................................................................................................................................................... 18



Introduction

Malampuzha dam commissioned in 1955 by Irrigation Dept., Kerala, has since grown to

be a major tourist attraction in South India. Highly renowned sculptors, architects, and

designers have contributed to its aesthetics in its beautiful garden.

This proposal is for People counting and Service/Repairs along with a snapshot into the

issues and possibilities for automation in the campus. ALTERSOFT has also suggested

revamping of the Telescopic tower and undertaking Annual Maintenance of the

automation units in the campus

Project Scope

The Malampuzha tourism facility was developed in many phases by many eminent

artists and architects over the last 58 years. This has resulted in a variety of structures

and designs within the garden which may not align quite easily in its operational

framework. Very recently implemented civil and automation works have provided the

campus more modern outlook. However we observe a mismatch and gaps in the

automation works and material which gives us the basis for proposing 360° automation

of the campus. The 360° automation will not only bring ease in operations and maximize

revenues to the exchequer but also enhance the transparencies in operations. This

project can greatly support the management objectives and even make the garden a

standard model for large structure automation across South India.

Limitations

This proposal may not be sufficient to elaborate on the detailed automation

requirements that need to be further assessed in order to identify the

improvement needs of Malampuzha campus at enhancing its performance as an

organization. The large geographical area of the campus, its daily operations,

governing policies, and the lack of sufficient data restricts the study to a

superficial assessment based on observations.



Chapter 1 – Observations

Requirements

I. People Counting System

Currently there is no mechanism at Malampuzha campus to account for the number

of visitors entering or exiting the garden as well as the numbers present within the

campus at any given time other than the ticketing system.

Causes

Every day at closing time it is difficult to know whether all the visitors have

exited the garden and a manual check has to be conducted in the premises

to ascertain the same.

The administrative and security personnel find visitor management such as

the influx, congestion, and evacuation a major challenge

In case of any emergency evacuations, there is not actual data on the

number of people inside viz., men, women, and kids

II. Child access control

The adult guardians of children who visit the Malampuzha garden purchase the

ticket on behalf of the children. Only adults have to use smart cards to gain access

to regulated entry while children are excused from any regulation at entry

Causes

There is no automated mechanism to verify whether guardians of children

visitors have purchased tickets for every one of them especially when in

large numbers.

During peak hours the staff find it difficult to manually regulate and count

every child entry



III. Management Information System (MIS)

The campus has many facilities and resources, majority of which is handled by the

Department officials while a few are run by contract owners. However the

Department does not have a proper track of its resources and activities

Causes

Issues like unlicensed software and improper configuring result in lack of

online video feed, visitor flow statistics, revenue reports, surveillance reports

are not easily available to the top management on demand.

IV. Public Information System

PIS consists of permanent guidance boards and its maintenance in and around

garden, a large map of the garden at the entrance, mobile map application for public,

website information of latest photographs and content management system and

appointment of a PRO. The content has to give glimpses of the garden facility on the

spot using vast expanded public address system in 4 major languages.

Causes

During times of emergency and closing time every day the visitors cannot

be addressed at large or selectively as per video surveillance.

The visitors do not have proper access to information related to route and

facilities across the campus.

There is language issues for providing information when it comes to visitors

with different dialects and nationalities

V. Website

There is no official website for Malampuzha garden where we can find all information

about the garden and allied facilities, the tourist spots, hotels list etc.

Causes

Due to the lack of content management system, announcements regarding

events and updates cannot be shared with a larger audience who check

online before making travel plans.

There is quite congestion at the ticket counters especially during peak

seasons or school trips which could be alleviated to a great extent by

providing bulk bookings online



Issues

VI. Exit Automation

Every smart card and printed ticket holds information such as the number of children

or adults and amount collected. Actually the smartcard and paper ticket has to be

kept with the visitor during the time of his visit and returned back only at the exit

automated collector. But now the operation is done at the entrance itself where

security personal peel the paper ticket just like at old cinema theatre and retain the

smartcards as there is no card collection facility working. Thus there is no

automation mechanism at exit.

Impact

The visitor does not have any identification or tracking mechanism on him

while inside the campus and neither his exit is registered.

The administration does not have any idea whether a visitor has exited the

garden.

At peak hours the security staff has to be tightened to ensure visitors do

not enter through the exit gates especially children.

VII. Staff and Vehicle Tracking

There are regular staff and department vehicles entering the premises for various

reasons. There are different entry gates for electricity department and for service

vehicles. However all such vehicle movement is not tracked and validated for entry.

Impact

Lack of vehicle authorization could pose serious threat to the security of the

Malampuzha campus.

There is no report generated on vehicles movement inside the campus



VIII. Authorization

ALTERSOFT was not directed to handover the automation master controls and

passwords to any technically competent official assigned to keep sophisticated data.

Impact

Currently unauthorized people may have access to master passwords

which leave the system security unaccountable and also amount to larger

disparity in transparency

The management does not have total control on smartcard authorization,

initialization, and issue tickets

Entry without ticket or false ticket can lead to large losses for the

Government which cannot be tracked at the moment.



Chapter 2 – People Counting Mechanism

The existing ticketing system developed by ALTERSOFT gives the counts of visitors,

viz., adults and children, which requires smart cards to pass through the turnstile gates.

However since the children entry gates and common exit gates are not automated, the

introduction of a people counting system can help to double check any manual error in

the ticketing process. Along with the people counting system, it is also important to have

an online access to the people count numbers, camera feed in order to make the

process transparent across all levels. ALTERSOFT can offer many types of high

efficiency people counting systems like beam sensors, computer based video camera,

thermal camera and another with 3D video camera.

Thermal Imaging

Thermal imaging sensors are mounted overhead and maintain

separate counts for multiple people in two directions

simultaneously, in and out. This tracks and records both

entrances and exits. Thermal imaging sensors count

individuals by detecting body heat within the specified

detection area. Thermal sensors are not affected by changes

in ambient light nor can the detection area be blocked by

lingering people or objects. Because they are detecting the

emitted heat from people, they are able to count in all lighting

levels, and also do not need to employ complex background

removal algorithms used in computer vision systems

3D imaging

This system uses 2 video cameras in order to reproduce the

human 3D vision while utilizing advanced stereoscopic

capability and object tracking technology to provide accurate

data under a broad set of environmental conditions, such as



high traffic, dynamic lighting, and indoor and outdoor environments. The 3D camera

accurately distinguishes between children, adults, and other objects.

Computer vision using CCTV camera

These systems either use a closed-circuit television

camera or IP camera to feed a signal into a computer or

embedded device. Accuracy varies between systems

and installations as background information needs to be

digitally removed from the scene in order to recognize,

track and count people. This means that CCTV based

counters can be vulnerable to light level changes and

shadows, which can lead to inaccurate counting.

Comparison of features between the 3 technologies

Based on comparison between the 3 technologies we recommend the 3D video camera

people counting mechanism as it stand ahead of the others in accuracy and robustness.

It can also help us to distinguish between children and adults which is crucial in case of

emergency evacuations. And most importantly it can detect traffic in wrong direction

such as entering through exit etc.



Diagrams

Fig 1. Existing entry/exit layout

Top view

Fig 2. Proposed entry/exit layout

Top view



Fig 3. Proposed people counting system

Front view



Chapter 3 – Revamping the existing system at

Malampuzha Dam Garden

Service, Repairs, and Annual Maintenance Contract

ALTERSOFT observe that many of the automation units installed in the Malampuzha

campus have either become dysfunctional or needs service. Further there is a

functional disparity which negates the very purpose of campus automation. Therefore it

is imperative that the existing campus automation has to recover to its full operation.

Since ALTERSOFT had done major part of the phase-1 of campus automation, we are

capable of reinstating the system to its full operational efficiency and maintain the same

with at most care under a Maintenance contract. We can evaluate its exact position only

after a system study by our team of engineers with the help of department engineers.

The Department has to provide us with proper sanctions to conduct the system study by

our team of engineers in the campus along with assistance from the relevant officials

from the department. We would initially like to look into these units

1) Camera: There are surveillance cameras installed at various garden areas, DAM

tops and entry/exit which is connected to wired and wireless networks for the

monitoring and recording facility installed in the server room. Most of these

cameras are not working wither because of faulty installation or network

problems.

2) Turnstiles: While the turnstiles at the entrance are functional by the use of smart

cards, the exit turnstiles are not properly configured, thus not in use. Exit readers

are not using because turnstiles purchased later is not suitable for the system. It

is automated one but has no technical documents or SDK to integrate with the

software. Without exit readers and exit automation, the system is not said to be

fool-proof.

3) Internet and VSAT: There is no possibility of internet through broadband

connection from any Internet service provider as the DAM garden is surrounded

by hills and it is not possible to get any connectivity till server room area. So we



had designed a dedicated internet connectivity using V-SAT satellite connection

and a low cost Wi-Max connection from BSNL established from telescopic tower

which is used at the entrance server room to remotely connect camera. All these

internet connections are not in use now because of non-payment of ISP charges.

4) Wireless networking: This feature was utilized effectively at the initial stages of

operation at the Malampuzha campus which makes it unique and cost effective

to connect long, distant areas, especially on DAM structure where concealed

wiring is not possible. Due to lack of maintenance, the system has become non-

functional

5) Server, Computers, and printers: There are 6 computers, one IBM server 4

thermal printers, and one laser printer for ticket issue and its data storage. But

the IBM server which is intended for data backup and remote access is not

configured and thus not in use. Also there is no backup of the database till now

and thus in a precarious condition when any hardware failure happens.

Computers are not configured with licensed operating systems

6) Software for ticket automation: There is no data backup. Currently a PC

installed with Linux and MySQL is used as server. The system is in a precarious

condition. Any hard ware failure happens, the entire data will loss. Main Server

purchased is not configured yet and not in use. It was mainly intended to be used

to back up the software like iPASS, Vehicle management, guard tour

management, SCADA software for solar and windmill power generation. Staff

attendance management software, etc. Hand held devices are not in use

because the software for the system is not developed and installed.

Once we have a detailed report on the service and repair assessments we would

propose a detailed costing and timeframe for the same. ALTERSOFT would also

recommend an Annual Maintenance Contract in order to ensure proper maintenance

and synchronized operations between the different automation units installed in the

campus. The Service policy and Maintenance schedule will be provided along with the

contract.



Chapter 4 – Telescope tower

Installation of Computer Controlled Telescope

As part of the making the Malampuzha Garden more attractive to visitors, Altersoft

suggests to install a Computer controlled telescope that can be connected with large

display which can be viewed by more people at a time.

Computer controlled telescope is very sturdy model

which allows smooth movement of the scope and can

be controlled with computer from a distance. The

telescope will be connected with wide field telescope

which allows attaching DSLR camera and getting live

view of the image. The rich field of the scope allows

having a clear view of the far off terrestrial objects. The

telescope will piggybank on the LX200 Telescope to

have detailed views of the Moon and its craters.

As mentioned above the set up allows live view which

can be taken on computer or bigger screen via USB

mode. You can also capture the image and store /

distribute in real time. Electronics interface to control the

scope from a distance. This will consist of required

cables, adapters, signal boosters, power supply etc.

for the entire set up. Small structural changes may

require accommodating entire system.

With this telescope, we can see outstanding

detail when viewing the moon and you can

see the Rings of Saturn and the Moons of

Jupiter.

One can also watch the fabulous nebulae,

galaxies, binary star systems and most of the

famed deep-space Messier objects



Chapter 5 – Additional scope for automation

There are ample possibilities where appropriate automation framework can enhance

accountability, reduce manual error and workload, and provide support at all levels.

ALTERSOFT recommends the following towards successful project formulation

I. System Study:

Malampuzha campus is a quite large structure and like every other large

structure automation project, ALTERSOFT requires to first conduct a system

study. This will range from mapping the resources, identifying gaps, and

gauging the full potential for proposing a detailed project report on 360°

automation of the Malampuzha campus. ALTERSOFT would require a

stipulated period of staff-assisted access into the garden preferably during

lean periods.

II. Client Steering Committee Discussion:

A decision level technical committee may discuss the detailed proposal and

give suggestions to improve, enhance the suggested solution framework.

The automation proposal could generally cover these areas

Remote video surveillance

Server and connectivity

Staff and vehicle tracking

Guard tour monitoring system

Data security and accountability

Hardware and software module requirements

Online ticket booking (bulk) & validation

Internet hotspots and information kiosks

Automated electronic toilets

Online data feed access and online report generation

Cashless payments for visitors for all facilities within the campus and

receipt vending machines

Ticket vending machine using a kiosk through smartcards which prints

receipts and accepts 50/100/500 rupee notes



Annexure 1 - Cost and Specifications for People Counting System

Costing with Thermal Camera:

Sl No Description Qty Rate Amount ( INR)

1 People Counting Thermal sensors one for entry and one for exit to cover the area as per our fabrication design

4 189,450 757,800

2 Software and calibration 1 680,000 680,000

3 Maintenance charges for 3 years 3 60000 180,000

4 Installation of LED display or large monitor optional

1 30,000 30,000

5 Installation 1 50,000 50,000

Note The acrylic sheet fabrication to cover enter entry and exit as per our drawing has to done with additional cost

Total 1,697,800

Costing with 3D Camera:


1 3D People Counting cameras one for entry and one for exit to cover the area as per our fabrication design

4 178,350 713400



4 Installation LED display or large monitor optional 1 30,000 30,000

5 Installation and commissioning 1 50,000 50,000


Total 1,413,400

Costing with CCTV/IP Camera:


1 IP camera People Counting system one for entry and one for exit to cover the area as per our fabrication design

4 68,350 273,400



4 Installation of LED display or large monitor optional

1 30,000 30,000

5 Installation 1 50,000 50,000


Total 526,400



Annexure 2 - Cost and Specifications for Telescopic Tower

We estimate the cost for entire Telescopic Tower system as follows:

SL NO

Product description Qty Rate

1 Meade LX200 Telescope: The most widely used research telescope on earth now comes with the most advanced optical system. Meade's LX200-ACF brings Advanced Coma-Free (ACF) optics within reach of aspiring astronomers everywhere. Nearly every observatory reflector in the world uses an aplanatic (coma-free) optical system like the Ritchey-Chrétien (RC), including NASA's Hubble Space Telescope.

1 482,000

2 Dia 100mm FL 500mm Refractor Telescope 1 46,700

3 DSLR camera with Live view feature

1 78,000

4 Electronics set up and collimating the entire set up 80,000

5 Demonstration if required (To cover the cost of hire of the equipment, transportation of the equipment, traveling and remuneration to the team of astronomers. This will give you first hand idea about the results expected. You may suggest any modifications in the proposed set up after the demonstration.)

100,000

6 LED 40” screen with computer 1 145,000

7 Computer for ticket issue and networking to existing wireless network

1 45,000

8 Structural fabrication for device installation 40,000

9 Smart card reader POS ticket machine and networking system and software. This will enable smartcard issued from counter to issue tickets for the entry inside telescope tower

1 35,000

10 Total to set up telescopic system 1,051,700

The costing and specifications for REVAMPING THE EXISTING SYSTEM at

Malampuzha Dam Garden can be provided after conducting the system study by our

engineers



Summary

ALTERSOFT observes that many of the automation units installed in the

Malampuzha campus have either become dysfunctional or needs service.

Further there is a functional disparity which negates the very purpose of campus

automation. We observe issues, mismatch, and gaps in the automation works

and material which gives us the basis for proposing 360° automation of the

campus.

This proposal is for People counting, Service/Repairs, possibilities for automation

in the campus, suggested revamping of the Telescopic tower, and undertaking

Annual Maintenance of the automation units in the campus

This phase II – automation project can greatly support the management

objectives and even make the garden a standard model for large structure

automation across South India.

Currently there is no mechanism at Malampuzha campus to account for the

number of visitors entering or exiting the garden as well as the numbers present

within the campus at any given time other than the ticketing system.

Since the children entry gates and common exit gates are not automated, the

introduction of a people counting system can help to double check any manual

error in the ticketing process.

Based on comparison between the 3 people counting technologies we

recommend the 3D video camera mechanism as it stand ahead of the others in

accuracy and robustness. It can also help us to distinguish between children and

adults which is crucial in case of emergency evacuations.

Only adults have to use smart cards to gain access to regulated entry while

children are excused from any regulation at entry

There is no active regulation or counting mechanism at exit and after a visitor

uses his smart card to enter at the turnstile, the card is confiscated by the staff.

Currently unauthorized people may have access to master passwords which

leave the system security unaccountable and also amount to larger disparity in

transparency



There is additional scope for automation where appropriate framework can

enhance accountability, reduce manual error and workload, and support

management at all levels. ALTERSOFT suggest a list of areas where automation

is required.

As part of the making the Malampuzha Garden more attractive to visitors,

Altersoft suggests to install a Computer controlled telescope that can be

connected with large display which can be viewed by more people at a time

Since ALTERSOFT had done major part of the phase-1 of campus automation,

we are capable of reinstating the system to its full operational efficiency and

maintain the same with at most care under a Maintenance contract.

The Department has to provide us with proper sanctions to conduct the system

study by our team of engineers in the campus along with assistance from the

relevant officials from the department. Once we have a detailed report on the

service and repair assessments we would propose a detailed costing and

timeframe for the same

Proposal Malampuzha Phase II- 360° Automation

Documents

Transcript of Proposal Malampuzha Phase II- 360° Automation