THE Jacksonville, Florida Port Authority (JAXPORT) has selected a smart thermal analytics system developed by SightLogix to boost security at its port facilities in a project partially funded by a US Homeland Security grant.

The technology is being deployed at several JAXPORT locations, where it will serve as a tool to apprehend vandals, thieves and even potential terrorists.

SightLogix was selected after careful evaluation and on-site demonstrations of its perimeter security solution. The company's thermal "sightSensors" provide clear, detailed thermal images night and day, and can detect intrusions in complete darkness, a company statement posted by Marketwire via Comtex said.

The system's onboard image processing enables the camera to ignore nuisance alarms such as small animals, birds, blowing debris or moving tree branches, and detect a person entering a secure area. Upon detecting an intruder, the system determines the exact location of the intrusion and automatically steers cameras to zoom in and follow the intruder using PTZ tracking.

"Port security requires accurate, cost-effective situational awareness over expansive outdoor areas," said president and CEO John Romanowich.

The JAXPORT contract was awarded to WW Gay Fire & Integrated Systems, Inc, a SightLogix dealer headquartered in Jacksonville and one of the largest independent systems integrators in the Southeast.