The current shift from analog systems to digital, network technology has initiated a renaissance in video surveillance applications. The move to digital format makes possible the adoption of the Internet for remote monitoring, smart sensors, wireless networks, and the integration of intelligent software. Intelligent Video Surveillance (IVS) software, which greatly improves the quality of surveillance and decreased labor cost, is one of the newest and fastest growing segments in the industry.

From Image Capture to Image Analysis

IVS software, with its use of computer vision technology, sees instantly, filters extraneous data and delivers clear information in the blink of an eye. Experience has shown that the fallibility of the human brain – due to its flawed memory, intrinsic biases and distractibility – limits the quality and productivity of conventional human-based video monitoring and management. The advent of IVS software is completely revolutionizing video monitoring and management processes. No longer is a person required to watch hours of continuous live or recorded video to analyze or identify interesting events. Rather, once IVS software detects unusual activity, it pushes only relevant information to the monitoring agent who can determine the appropriate response, or it can take automatic action on its own.

Benefits of IVS Software

The efficiency gains of IVS software over conventional video surveillance are significant:

• IVS software saves on labor cost by either: increasing the surveillance capacity of the monitoring agent (e.g. more video can be analyzed per agent); allowing for the redeployment of the agent to perform non monitoring duties; or remove the need for the agent entirely. Early customer ROI analysis concludes that IVS software pays for itself in less than six months.

• IVS software greatly improves the accuracy of live and recorded video analysis and reporting. Unlike humans who fail to see over 50% of scene activity after 20 minutes of continuous video monitoring, IVS does not miss anything, greatly reducing the number of false alarms.

• IVS software is far more scalable than man. For humans, large amounts of video data can prove to be fatal obstacles to quick, intelligent video analysis and incident response. Not so with IVS. IVS software allows for real-time analysis of very large amounts of video-derived data in a matter of seconds, eliminating the need to hire more personnel as an organization’s video surveillance area needs grows.

• IVS software expands the reach potential where video surveillance can be used productively. In areas that are too hazardous or cost-prohibitive for human based monitoring, IVS can provide “intelligent” analysis and automated local response

• IVS software ensures that organization security and surveillance policies are followed. Unlike human based monitoring, where incident response is dependant on the integrity of agents, IVS adheres to the customer defined analysis and response processes. It also classifies, indexes, and archives every single scene event allowing for accurate reporting.