The Continuing Evolution of Video Analytics

The world of video analytics is rapidly changing. Industry professionals in surveillance, information technology, operations and even marketing seek ways to leverage new technologies for loss prevention, safety, operational efficiency and improved sales.

At the same time, many businesses have yet to tap into the full power of video analytics, in some cases, overlooking opportunities to get more out of the equipment they already have.

This article touches on the evolution of video technology, what’s on the horizon, and how your business could possibly get more from video analytics.

Moving from surveillance to video intelligence

Over the past few years, we’ve helped clients leverage video technology as it has evolved from basic surveillance to video intelligence that can do so much more.

Initially, video surveillance was used primarily for security and loss prevention, enabling security teams to expand their watches by monitoring a few feeds in a central location. However, as the need for video surveillance grew, so did the need for massive data storage, and it became impossible for security teams to monitor every video feed 24/7.

Video motion detection helped but was prone to false alarms triggered by trees, animals and other moving objects. Artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning (DL) were the real game-changers. These technologies make it possible to monitor hundreds of cameras simultaneously and make complex distinctions between people, animals, automobiles and other objects. Driven by AI and DL, intelligent video systems instantly process and react to volumes of data faster than humans can filter, find and decipher video.

The filtering capabilities of these systems continues to improve which dramatically reduces video search time when looking for something specific such as a person with a red jacket or silver SUV.

In addition, the advent of edge analytics and cloud computing has decreased the need to invest significant resources in on-site servers and bandwidth. Cameras can perform analytics on the edge to reduce bandwidth and latency. Analytics can also be performed with an on-site appliance or via cloud computing, further reducing the need for on-site resources.

Going beyond surveillance

Advancements in IP video and digital technology have made video analytics much more accessible and usable for other business areas. Video intelligence has segued video from a surveillance tool to valuable technology employed by security, operations, safety and marketing professionals.

Just a few practical uses of video today include:

• Gaining deep insights into customer behavior
• People counting
• Alerting store personnel of long lines
• Reporting traffic patterns of people, vehicles, forklifts, etc.
• Notifying personnel or authorities of suspicious behavior
• Triggering audio messages to provide direction, reduce crime or enforce safety protocols
• Reporting workstation occupancy in a shared office environment
• License plate recognition

In this new frontier, computer vision technology can  make informed decisions  react to real-time situations and automatically trigger critical measures or responses.

Learn more

Of course, knowing about video technology is one thing; identifying the best way to deploy it for improved business operations, safety and security is another. Ever-evolving technology consistently introduces new opportunities to get more out of video, often with the equipment businesses already use.

Talk to your integrator about what is possible or schedule a visit to the MTG Innovation Lab to see some examples of what video can do for your business.