March 6, 2007
Intelligent Video - Will it Fill the Surveillance Gap?
Security cameras have long been heralded as the ultimate security solution for businesses and retail stores. While it's true that cameras can help identify criminals, and their presence has a psychological effect that prevents some crimes, the major shortfall with video surveillance cameras has been their inability to detect crimes as they occur.
Video analytics or "intelligent video" is out to change that. Video analytics refers to a series of embedded analytics, either in the camera or recorder, which enable the camera to independently analyze footage for specific characteristics. What does this mean for security cameras? "Intelligent" video cameras with video analytics capabilities will notice certain occurrences (someone entering a door, passing a certain direction, even walking in a suspect manner) in real time and notify a security guard or manager of the occurrence. This type of recording drastically increases the amount of security a camera can provide. Imagine if a camera could tell you that there is a suspicious looking person in your store, just by analyzing how he walks. This may be possible through video analytics. Several cities, like Chicago and Washington DC already have complex video analytics in place. These systems send alerts when they detect a bullet being fired or graffiti being sprayed on a wall or other surface.
Another interesting use for intelligent video comes for museums and sales-motivated retail stores. Along with recognizing suspect behavior, cameras enabled with video analytics can track movements around your store, monitoring when someone enters or leaves a room, where they go in a room, and how long they stop in front of displays. Not only is this kind of tracking great for statistical reference and marketing techniques, it also helps provide valuable clues for potential shoplifters.
So what does video analytics look like? Check out this clip from Turkish manufacturer Kade Bilisim which uses analytics to track people as they move around a public street.
Posted by Jennifer on March 6, 2007 4:19 PM | Comments (0)
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