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
additional cost
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
additional cost
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

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