In recent years, video surveillance technology has evolved rapidly by adopting AI capabilities, offering new ways to secure buildings, make people safe, and protect assets. From license plate recognition to advanced gun detection, modern surveillance systems are now equipped with powerful tools that make them smarter, faster, and more efficient.
Check out the Spotlight on Technology presentation recording below from the 2024 Security Technology Forum featuring Matt Cirnigliaro and Nils Zerrer from Bosch Security and Safety Systems where they discuss some of the latest advancements in this technology, focusing on what this means for users of these systems and how they can enhance safety and security in various environments.
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The first step in securing a building is monitoring who is coming in and out. A big innovation here is license plate recognition (LPR). This feature is embedded directly in the Bosch camera and can identify vehicle license plates in real-time, providing details like the state or country of the plate's origin. In addition to reading license plates, some cameras are equipped to identify the vehicle's make and model, which can be useful for logging vehicles in high-security areas.
LPR technology from Bosch doesn’t require any extra servers, making it a practical solution for sites with limited space and resources. For those concerned about night-time visibility, these cameras also have a specialized license plate capture mode optimized to record clear images in low-light conditions. This helps security teams capture critical details, such as license plates, regardless of lighting or weather conditions.
Securing the perimeter is often as important as securing the building itself. New perimeter detection systems use deep learning to identify threats more accurately. Deep learning is an AI technique that enables the camera to recognize patterns, distinguishing between a person, a vehicle, or even a wild animal that could trigger a false alarm.
With this layered technology, perimeter security systems can now cover long distances, which is helpful for large properties like warehouses or campuses. In practical terms, this means fewer cameras are needed because each one can monitor a larger area, reducing the total cost of installation and maintenance. Additionally, these systems are better equipped to avoid false alarms by filtering out distractions like moving flags or small animals.
One of the most crucial features in modern surveillance is gun detection. Cameras with gun detection algorithms can recognize visible weapons, like guns, based on their shape and positioning. For example, a camera at an entrance can detect if someone is carrying a weapon even before they enter the building. Bosch systems also incorporate gunshot detection, which adds a sound-based alert in case of an active shooting event.
These capabilities are especially valuable for schools, shopping malls, and other places where immediate alerts can save lives.
Once inside a building, knowing the location and appearance of individuals is essential for maintaining a safe environment. Advanced IVA Pro Appearance technology identifies not only the presence of people but also specific characteristics like clothing color or accessories. For example, if security needs to locate a person wearing a red hoodie and carrying a backpack, the system can quickly search through video footage and locate that individual based on these details.
This feature is very helpful for retrospective searches when reviewing footage. The ability to sort by specific attributes makes it much easier to investigate incidents or track individuals, saving time and reducing the manual effort required for security teams.
Setting up these complex systems can be challenging, but auto-calibration simplifies the process. In previous models, technicians needed to manually adjust each camera to align it correctly, which could be time-consuming and prone to errors. Now, with Bosch's auto-calibration, the camera can self-adjust by using deep learning algorithms, allowing technicians to simply walk through the area while the camera makes the necessary calibrations on its own.
This ease of setup means security systems can be deployed more quickly, reducing installation costs and enabling teams to focus on critical tasks rather than technical adjustments.
An essential aspect of effective gun detection video analytics is reducing false alarms. If a system issues too many alerts, users may become desensitized, overlooking real threats. To address this, some advanced surveillance systems have adopted a cloud-based review process similar to the instant replay feature used in sports like the NFL. When a camera detects a potential threat, it sends a clip to the cloud for a quick review. If the alert is validated, the system continues its response protocol. If it’s a false alarm, the alert is dismissed without any further action needed.
This approach helps maintain high accuracy, making the system reliable and ensuring that alerts are genuine, ultimately building trust in the system’s ability to secure the facility.
Modern surveillance technology is designed to integrate seamlessly with video management systems (VMS) like Genetec and Milestone. This integration allows security teams to view all relevant data and metadata (like location information) on a single platform, creating a holistic view of the site’s security. When a person or vehicle is detected, the system provides real-time location data, allowing security personnel to track the movement of potential intruders across the facility.
This smooth integration with VMS platforms not only makes the system easier to monitor but also enhances response times by centralizing all security information in one place.
These advancements in video surveillance are more than just technical upgrades; they represent a fundamental shift in how buildings, facilities, and campuses are secured. With tools like license plate recognition, gun detection, deep learning for false alarm reduction, and seamless VMS integration, surveillance technology is evolving to meet modern security needs effectively.
Whether for protecting an entire campus or ensuring the safety of a single entry point, these new systems offer end-users advanced options tailored to their specific needs, making safety more accessible, efficient, and responsive. By understanding these features, end-users can make informed decisions about the security solutions that best fit their environment, ultimately creating safer spaces for everyone.
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