Intelligent cameras can provide a wealth of valuable information. Especially when camera footage is combined with information from other systems. It is therefore no coincidence that camera systems are increasingly being used to optimize business processes. In this article, we provide five examples of successfully deploying smart cameras.
When Video Content Analysis (VCA), Intelligent Video Analysis (IVA) or simply ‘a smart camera’ was introduced more than 10 years ago, we thought this would make many security systems obsolete. By now we all know the enthusiastic sales stories and demo videos, but we also know that expectations and reality – especially in the beginning – differed considerably. Nevertheless, the number of smart camera applications is increasing enormously.
Today, many IP security cameras have VCA on board as standard. Moreover, modern intelligent cameras have faster processors, making them function even better. In many cases, the analysis already takes place in the camera, making separate heavy servers for centrally analyzing the footage obsolete. Thanks to these developments, intelligent cameras are now widely and successfully applied. Below are five successful examples.
1. People counting at stores or service points
Various separate, expensive systems are available for accurately counting people. But did you know that you can also use (your existing) security cameras for this purpose? Stores or certain service points regularly use cameras to count people. Thanks to this information from the camera system, a retailer knows what the busiest and quietest times of the day are. They can then adjust store staffing or, for example, security accordingly. And if it is detected that someone stands at a display for longer than x-period, the camera system sends a notification to staff. The system also provides insight into where in a space people are located throughout the day. This can be done through heat mapping, for example, but also by setting certain detection areas in the camera, such as the area in front of the information desk. The intelligent system offers complete trend reports that can be configured entirely to preference.
2. Queue detection at ATMs or cash registers
Waiting times at ATMs or checkout counters are undesirable and generally reduce customer satisfaction. Banks and retail companies need management information to optimize processes when necessary. A smart camera system can not only count how many people are in the queue, but also register how long each person has been standing in line or when someone leaves the queue. And if people wait longer than 2 minutes or the queue is longer than a certain number of people, the system can send a notification. In combination with data from the ATM or checkout counter itself, processes can be improved when necessary.
3. Forensic Analysis
With VCA software, it is also possible to quickly analyze camera footage after an incident. For example, you can select based on specific characteristics, such as color in a certain area. For instance, when there is a description of a perpetrator wearing a red jacket. Only the events in a certain period that meet this characteristic (red color in a specific area) are then quickly displayed. Such analyses are not performed in the cameras themselves, but centrally by a dedicated server.
4. Outdoor security without human intervention
To optimally secure your building, it is important to detect a break-in attempt as early as possible. Outside when possible. Surveillance cameras equipped with intelligent software automatically detect when someone enters a certain area and can automatically generate actions, ranging from a notification to a specific action directed against the intruder. This eliminates the need for human intervention through, for example, a control room. Although VCA software can even account for weather conditions such as snow, it may be necessary in specific cases to deploy additional other techniques, such as thermal cameras.
5. Wander detection in healthcare
In (long-term) care, there is an increasing need for technical aids that improve the care process. Security cameras monitor when a resident starts wandering or is no longer in their bed. Cameras can also provide remote care during times when hands-on care is scarce. The idea that a system continuously watches without nightly disturbance by a caregiver making their rounds gives many elderly people a comfortable feeling. This despite the ‘invasion of privacy’. For this, it is naturally required that the system is well secured against external intrusion.
6. Aggression prevention
In the healthcare sector, an increase in aggression against healthcare personnel has been visible in recent years. This is partly caused by increased workload and waiting times, which often lead to frustration among patients. The coronavirus pandemic has further increased this pressure, making the situation even more complex. In response, body cameras are increasingly being deployed. The visible wearing of these cameras and informing in advance that recordings are being made can in many cases help prevent aggressive behavior.
Conditions for success
Implementing intelligent cameras remains work for specialists. To optimally utilize a system with smart cameras, it is important that it works reliably and accurately. For this, the system must be carefully configured by specialists, taking into account numerous factors. Mactwin advises conducting a Proof of Concept beforehand, so that initially unforeseen circumstances are also included in the final setup.
Besides security applications, intelligent cameras can therefore yield a wealth of useful information. In many cases, you do not even need to purchase a separate system for this, but can use the already existing camera system! By combining information from the camera system with so-called ‘events’ from other systems, you have important information with which you can optimize not only your security, but your entire business process.