video analytics Archives - Integrated CCTV

video analytics. Do they work?

Video analytics were originally hailed as the answer to just about everything in the world of CCTV when it first came to the fore some years ago . The concept that an intelligent camera that was able to look at a scene , interpret the difference between human activity and and other forms of movement such as foliage or wildlife was both appealing and very exciting news for the CCTV industry. In essence video analytics spelt the end of the use of PIR sensors and fixed beam technology , manned guarding would be made redundant and the biggest issue of all false alarms would be eliminated.

As installers of course there is always a learning curve and entering into video analytics at an early stage would be risky but potentially very rewarding. So how did the early pioneers fair ? Well not so good really, Analytics promised much more than it was actually able to achieve . Demonstrations were always impressive but when it came to the real thing, an installation out in the field, false alarms plagued the early external systems.

Internally it was a different storey a more sterile environment coupled with smaller areas of coverage meant that video analytics proved both accurate and rewarding. People counting, intrusions into secure areas and missing objects were easy to both alarm and action so all in all we would highly recommend using video analytics for this purpose i.e internally .

Externally though the technology is still blighted to the point where it becomes unusable for unmanned systems . Spiders, rain,snow, moving side curtains on lorries and foliage still seem to be insurmountable issues for the manufacturers although if the system is manned this minor interference is nothing but a nuisance factor for an operator .

So in summary, internally brilliant. Used in conjunction with manned security then it is satisfactory . Unmanned for remote monitoring we are afraid to say video analytics still have a long way to go , in fact there has to be doubt whether it will ever be reliable enough at all .

HD cameras but no Video Analytics

HD Camera manufacturers are struggling to offer Video Content Analytics on their HD / Megapixel IP cameras……… they don’t tell you why – it is simple, their hardware cannot cope with it and needs updating……….probably too much stock of legacy kit though

At least one company (VideoIQ) has cut out the middle man and gone straight to hardware that can support it – clever people

VideoIQ – an interesting entry into the UK IP HD Market

VideoIQ

a name not commonly known here in the UK……..but they have some extremely innovative products…

Video IQ claim, to be the ONLY IP HD manufacturer that can offer intelligent Video Analytics on HD and Megapixel IP cameras…..most of the IP HD pixc units out at the moment cannot offer video analytics ‘at the edge’, instead relying on D1 modules for the clever on board Analytics

Here’s a snapshot of their range

Probably the main interesting point, is that EVERY device is also an onboard DVR…….Dome cameras and Encoders all have onboard storage for up to 6 months recording! 1GB flash and then SATA Ruggedised HDD means that network outages are irrelevant.

Video IQ have made Software available or alternatively 3rd Party integration with companies such as Genetec and Milestone mean these products are flexible as well as feature rich.

Offering Analytics on Thermal is another string to their bow

And, sshh, we’ve heard a rumour that a certain UK manufacturer of PTZ IR, Thermal, Overt and Dome cameras could well be linking up with VideoIQ to add analytical tracking and onboard recording to its range of high speed PTZ units…….more soon!

So, VideoIQ, keep an eye as we think these guys are going to be getting some good attention in 2011!

CCTV Predictions for the coming year?

Well, here are our predictions, maybe not in 2011, but perhaps in the next few years?

In a prophetic, Nostradamus style,what is going to be the next big thing in our CCTV Industry?

3D CCTV – 3D might have the ability to increase resolutions on SD (Standard Definition) images, plus offer enhancement for Video Analytics
Enhanced Video Analytics – in line with heightened Terrorism alerts, analytics will play a greater part in many CCTV specifications
DVRs with solid state HDD’s – as prices for Solid State Drives reduce, increased use in our industry will happen – greater life, reliability and speed
HD PTZ Domes – don’t write off the PTZ yet !! Sure, PIXC Megapixels offer superb resolution, but PTZ capture so much more!
HD over analogue cabling – what? yes, I know, is that a step back? well, no, it might be a way to smooth the path to quicker/greater acceptance – the ability to use existing cable infrastructures to transmit HD CCTV images
Cameras with larger on board storage – IP Cameras with flash storage or in built, ruggedised HDDs to store images at the head – take the strain away from the Network, particularly as more systems go HD
More off site recording – as ADSL/Broadband connections get better, expect more and more off site recording solutions to pop up – companies specialising in off site storage

these are just a few of our ideas………….some come from rumours, some come from our imagination, but we wouldnt be surprised if a few of these don’t appear in the market very soon!!

Tell us your predictions for 2011 and beyond!

Integrated security solution for global forwarders

Recent disturbing news regarding a Global Courier company receiving alleged suspect packages to forward on to the US just shows that no matter where or how, terrorism can be targeted using almost any means….

But, maybe Video Analytics could be used to complement the tracking procedure, highlighting suspicious activity or intervention….

Take for example a potential scenario:-

Person arrives at Courier depot somewhere in the world with a package to send

Package is booked in, with a bar-code and immediately POS (Point of Sale) text insertion associates the parcel, sender facial image, sender details along with video evidence of receipt.

Video stored at the Global Couriers Central HQ – even in another country or continent – via corporate high speed Intranet and via an IP CCTV system…..

Package moved to transportation where it is scanned again, along with POS Insertion tie up to video evidence of personnel loading the actual parcel onto plane/train/automobile…

Package unloaded at next checkpoint – again, bar-code time stamped and POS inserted with video evidence….

And so on and so on…….

Basically, any package that is identified as suspicious would have video evidence accessible immediately via IP connectivity from anywhere on the planet, virtually instantly

We can already track our packages throughout the world, maybe it is time for the ability to also track the video handling of the packages……..obviously with a degree of common sense as to who can access it of course….

But it is not just potential security threats it could help avoid or solve……what about the thousands, probably millions, of ‘lost’, ‘damaged in transit’ or ‘late’ deliveries? Video evidence right through the shipping process will shore up the efficiencies of service and allow that Global Courier to stand out from it’s peers……maybe even allowing the ability to advertise that their service can be examined for true evidence of quality and reliability….

So, all the couriers of the world, take a look at your on site, insular CCTV and ask, is it time to get it networked and accessible and make it work for you !!!