The benefits and shortcomings of video analytics have been argued for years. From the days of simple motion detection to the future of artificial intelligence enabled analytics, the ongoing maturation of video analytics cannot be debated.
As video analytics have seemingly taken over the antiquated motion detection option in security cameras, many more advancements of video analytics are emerging. The field of competitive options is full of new solutions, and determining the best option for your application will require the direction and assistance of a trusted advisor and likely real-time demonstrations to ensure efficacy in your environment.
Calibration Setup
One of the most frustrating and complicated procedures for installing and programming a camera enabled with video analytics has been camera calibration. For the camera’s analytics to work properly, the software must “know the scene.” The camera height, down angle, tilt, roll, and other information about the camera placement needs to be input into the analytics. Historically, this was a difficult procedure to accurately execute. Today, sensors in cameras have virtually eliminated the manual gathering of the relevant data required for the analytics rules to render accurate results.
Analytics Options
When researching video analytics today, it is interesting to see the plethora of technologies being used in modern security cameras or in the servers analyzing the video streams. Manufacturers will tout Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, IoT, Cloud Processing, and a variety of other terms, acronyms, and technologies that enable the high reliability expected by integrators and camera system users today. Video analytics purchasing decisions must absolutely be made after expert consultation and extensive demonstration and testing.
Common camera platforms are now emerging, like when ONVIF was introduced years ago to simplify integration of various camera brands. For example, the Open Security and Safety Alliance (OSSA) framework enables third-party apps to run on cameras. This concept allows a camera user or integrator to test a variety of apps on a camera to see which works best for the application. For example, an integrator can install a camera at a parking garage entrance for the purpose of collecting license plate information, or LPR. The integrator can then load and evaluate the efficacy of multiple apps designed to capture the license plate data. Once the ideal app is identified, the others can be removed from the camera and the best app can be licensed in the camera for long-term use. Think of this like your mobile phone platform. Your phone can have multiple voice recording apps loaded, and once you find the one you like best, you simply delete the others and stick with your favorite, most effective voice recording app.
Analytics Reliability
With all the advancements made and new technologies available, determining the efficacy of video analytics in your environment from any given camera or software manufacturer must be closely evaluated. It is more important than ever to have an experienced, expert trusted advisor at your side to determine the best path forward. With proper evaluation and planning, video analytics can streamline security system operations, improve real-time detection of threats, and speed up review of post-incident footage for investigations.
Using timely, relevant solutions to solve modern challenges is the mark of an experienced and expert security and safety solutions provider like Vision. Selecting a security integration partner that has experience and expertise in solutions that solve new and emerging challenges is the key to success.
Contact Vision today to get started on your integrated health, safety, and security solutions.
