What is Bosch Video Systems SmartSuite for Milestone XProtect and what features does it contain?

Question

Answer

The Bosch Video Systems SmartSuite for Milestone XProtect is a consolidated and enhanced integration package designed to optimize the use of Bosch cameras and analytics within the Milestone XProtect environment.

It merges previously separate and new features into a single, streamlined installer. Those are features both for XProtect Smart Client (i.e., the operator of the system) and XProtect Management Client (i.e., the installer of the system) users.

The latest version of the Bosch Video Systems SmartSuite can always be downloaded from https://downloadstore.keenfinity-group.com/index.php (Apps & Tools -> Milestone Plug-ins) or the Milestone Technology Partner Finder. Release information can be found in the release letters.

Feature Overview

The SmartSuite contains the following features for the Milestone XProtect Management Client:

SmartSuite itself: Merges previously separate plug-ins into one, streamlined installer
Forensic Search:

o Dedicated interface to search for (1) camera-detected attributes* and (2) Bosch IVA tasks such as line crossings and object-in-field

o Search for attributes like

- Vehicles (e.g., truck and bus)

- People of specific interest

- Bags and backpacks

- PPE equipment (helmet / safety vest)

- Brandished firearms / guns

Camera Configuration:

o Configure your cameras directly within XProtect Management Client

o Option to adjust and configure >100 camera parameters in a simple way

o No camera credentials needed: XProtect takes care of authorization

o No need to “update hardware” after adjusting camera configuration

Quick Event Subscription:

o Search for and subscribe to Bosch IVA events in seconds

o Save lots of mouse clicks during configuration of analytics

Project Assistant Import:

o Flawlessly add your Bosch Project Assistant projects into XProtect

o Upon import, auto-configure characteristics like:

- Network settings

- Date and time

- Camera name and group

- Image settings, alignment & focus

*Upon release, the SmartSuite supports forensic search for the licenses: IVA Pro Buildings, Traffic, Perimeter, Appearance, PPE, Visual Gun Detection. No support yet for IVA Pro LPR(X), MMR, DGS.

The SmartSuite contains the following features for the Milestone XProtect Smart Client:

Metadata Utilization:

o Apply advanced inferencing, like:

- Add bounding boxes or shapes to camera-detected objects

- Add trajectory lines to detected attributes for better tracing

- Add attribute icons for object classification in the cameo

- Add (multiple) counters to your cameo

o Enable AI or mouse click auto-tracking of attributes (PTZ cameras)

Panoramic De-warping:

o Easily (de)warp images from Bosch panoramic cameras

o Upon installation, virtual PTZ can be used to navigate the stream

Device Control:

o Enable and disable camera hardware features, like:

- Wipers

- White light indicator

- Infrared light

Technical Details

Supported versions of Milestone XProtect: Compatible with all versions as of 2024 R1 onward
System Requirements: Refer to Milestone’s official system requirements: System requirements for Milestone Systems VMS products
Installation: It’s advisable to install the Bosch Video Systems Smart Suite for Milestone XProtect wherever an XProtect Smart client or an XProtect Management client is being used.

Commercial Information

Licensing of the SmartSuite: Free of charge. Supported by Bosch Video Systems support organization. Please be aware that additional camera analytics licenses (IVA Pro) might be needed for specific use cases.
Availability: Globally available. EULA applies upon installation and use.
Compatibility: Designed to work exclusively with Bosch cameras and analytics.

Configuration Guidance

Impact on Existing Configurations: Some settings (e.g., camera resolution) can be configured both natively and via Bosch tabs. Changes in one place reflect in the other.
Migration Path: First de-install older plug-ins before installing the new Smart Suite.

Best Practices

Recommended Settings:

Use TCP for Bosch/Milestone communication.
Ensure proper time synchronization, preferably via NTP.
Set metadata to 'Bosch Binary + ONVIF' in XProtect.

Limitations & Support

Known Limitations:

Tunnel setup for 'Bosch Video Settings' and 'Bosch Events' tabs may take 5–15 seconds.
XProtect Management client needs to be in a network where direct access to the camera is possible.
Changing IVA Pro profiles requires ‘update hardware’ in XProtect.
No support for CPUs/GPUs from the brand AMD
No support yet for IVA Pro LPR, IVA Pro MMR, IVA Pro LPRX and IVA Pro DGS

Planned Improvements:

Future goal: Add support for IVA Pro LPR, IVA Pro MMR, IVA Pro LPRX and IVA Pro DGS