For this edition the author makes the second installment of a report on video analytics or software for video content analysis.
by Rafael Ramírez*
First, a prospective buyer must ask the hard questions: Is video analytics based on machine vision or is motion detection by video? Do the analysis possibilities offer all the functions or are they just a few algorithms that have limited applicability outside of the specific scenarios for which they were developed? What possibilities does the provider have to offer training, configuration and full technical support to ensure that the user gets the most out of their investment in video analytics?
In the security sector, the real value that must be offered is much more complex than simply catching the bad guy. Traditionally, cutting-edge users have been willing to try new technologies, but more conservative buyers demand a measurable return on investment before agreeing to upgrade their systems. More sophisticated buyers are strategizing to make use of video analytics technology, defining the role analytics will play within the organization.
A first part of the strategy starts with understanding how analytics technology will affect your company's mission— in other words, what can it do for you? Obviously, efficient data collection to improve business intelligence or security intelligence is a good reason to acquire truly intelligent analytics technology. But there are other fundamental motivations.
Video analytics can have a significant impact on the efficiency of your staff and your infrastructure. If your employees are not assigned to monitoring stations, they may be more mobile. This means they are more visible and can act as deterrents, and can respond more quickly should an incident occur.
In addition, video-based investigations can be automated with intelligent video so that it takes minutes and not hours. Understanding which analytics features and functions you require is a critical step in selecting the right analytics vendors and products.
A second part of the strategy involves integrating video analytics into the existing CCTV infrastructure to increase the overall value of the system. Over the course of the past few years, companies have begun to shift their CCTV infrastructure from analog video to IP-based digital video systems. This means that video data, which was once completely ignored in coaxial cable networks, can now be completely ignored in IP networks. Video can consume huge amounts of network bandwidth and digital storage.
Intelligence on the edge and more
Much has been written about intelligent video analysis at the network edge and it is true that it is of great value to locate the analysis technology in cameras, IP video encoders and other network edge devices. The vast majority of video images are completely useless for business intelligence or security, and yet consume enormous amounts of network bandwidth and storage.
Finally, intelligent analytics plays a significant role in the back-end server of a video network, in a video storage device or in a management system. The same case of bandwidth limit applies to storage capacity. Placing intelligent analytics technology on the back-end server allows the video management system to save only the video information that is important.
Also, many customers don't want the same video analytics apps to work on the same group of cameras all the time. Having a centralized intelligent analytics technology allows customers to set up different groups of applications on different cameras at different times.
And finally, locating the analytics technology in the storage solution allows a device to tag stored video with meta data derived from analytics that can make video investigations much more efficient. It would be wise for you to take a look at future projections when you are considering the role that smart video plays in security.
While it is important to select suppliers and products of analytics technology that are in line with your current mission, you need to keep in mind that as you make use of the technology and begin to reap benefits from it, new uses will appear.
Be sure to select a business partner that will grow with you as the use of smart video becomes more meaningful to your operational paradigm. And, for the same reason, be sure to choose a video analytics technology provider that can offer a comprehensive set of smart possibilities, and not just a few algorithms that are sold individually.
What to look for?
There are a few things to look for if you're considering using technology to integrate video analytics into your company's infrastructure and process. Look for strength in three independent areas: technology, product, and company.
Look for technology that has been tested in the real world. Make sure you have the ability to offer you the applications you require in environments that are relevant to your mission. An eye-catching and compelling sales presentation does not guarantee good operational performance. Don't agree to be anyone's guinea pig. Look for products with true intelligent analytics technology. The software must have features and functions that have been tested, that are compatible with its mission and can integrate your CCTV infrastructure into a single unit.
It is not a good idea to buy hardware products from analysis technology vendors, just as it is not advisable to purchase "homemade" analysis technology produced by a hardware vendor. Be sure to choose the best intelligent video analytics functionality from a market-leading vendor and get a hardware platform from a market leader in equipment manufacturing.
Even more important: be sure to integrate both components. Look for a video analytics technology provider company with a very good track record and can offer you the technical support you need.
In short, ask sharp questions to suppliers who promise smart products, use the three criteria mentioned above. Insist that the intelligent analytics technology you are acquiring as part of the solution has comprehensive functionality (not just a few possibilities), that it is very easy to integrate into an existing infrastructure, and that it is consistent with a video analytics strategy that helps you fulfill your security mission.
Make a smart decision
Everyone loves video. It's cheap, intuitive, and ubiquitous. Unfortunately, video systems have had thousands of eyes trying to see, but have achieved unacceptable results. Intelligent video analytics gives CCTV systems the power of intelligence, extracting useful data from video and reporting what is truly relevant.
Properly used, as a fundamental part of a comprehensive security solution, intelligent video technology can turn ubiquitous cameras into valuable data sources, allowing you to make quick assessments and make cautious, real-time decisions.
It's really up to the end user to guide how smart technology will work toward video operation. Be clear that currently smart video can provide you with real value. And don't worry, the insistent supplier's time has passed. Now the time has come for the sensible buyer.
* Rafael Ramírez is Regional Sales Manager in Latin America of i3 International. He is a professional with 16 years of experience in the CCTV & OCTV industry. If you want to know more about the author write to [email protected]
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