The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has paved the way for its integration across various industries, and the physical security sector is no exception. One area where AI is making significant strides is in video surveillance, particularly with the use of deep learning algorithms. At ACS Safety & Security Ltd, we are closely following these developments as they offer promising new capabilities for enhancing security solutions.
How AI is Transforming Video Surveillance
The application of AI in video surveillance has gained momentum in recent years. While the physical security industry has traditionally been slow to adopt new technologies, AI is changing that. For instance, the consumer TV market has already embraced high-resolution 4K and 8K displays, but in 2017, only 2% of global network camera shipments in security were at 4K resolution or above. However, as the number of installed cameras increases, so too does the volume of video footage generated. Managing this growing data efficiently is where deep learning comes into play, offering enhanced capabilities similar to those used in autonomous vehicles and medical diagnostics.
In the past few years, there has been significant investment in research and development of deep learning neural networks for video surveillance. These innovations are proving to be game-changers, offering much greater reliability and accuracy than traditional video analytics. The shortcomings of older rules-based systems, which struggled to interpret complex scenes, are being addressed by AI. Deep learning algorithms now enable object and behaviour detection with a level of precision that was previously unattainable.
The Benefits of Deep Learning in Video Analytics
1. Improved Accuracy
One of the most significant criticisms of traditional video analytics has been its inability to accurately distinguish between objects and behaviours that humans can easily identify. This limitation stems from the reliance on geometric rules in older algorithms. As a result, these systems often missed security breaches or triggered false alarms.
Deep learning, however, allows AI to process a scene in a more intuitive, human-like manner. Neural networks enable AI to recognise intricate details, such as edges, colors, shapes, and tones, far beyond what rules-based systems can achieve. With continuous improvements in computing power, these networks can handle larger datasets, leading to even greater accuracy in identifying objects and behaviours. This progress is vital for the future of video analytics in physical security.
2. Enhanced Processing Power
Deep learning not only improves accuracy but also boosts the ability to process and analyse large volumes of video footage more efficiently. Advances in powerful graphics processing units (GPUs) and AI-driven analytics now allow video data to be quickly searched, categorised, and transformed into actionable insights.
Today’s video analytics software offers capabilities that make surveillance footage searchable using natural language, much like a Google search. This means users can quickly find relevant footage using simple terms like “FedEx van” or “delivery man in driveway,” drastically reducing the time spent sifting through hours of video. Additionally, deep learning can classify multiple objects in a scene, providing deeper insights such as identifying a car’s make, model, colour, and speed. This level of analysis opens up new possibilities for understanding patterns, behaviours, and trends in video data.
AI and the Future of Physical Security
As AI continues to evolve, its applications in video surveillance will only grow more powerful. At ACS Safety & Security Ltd, we believe that adopting AI-based solutions will help us provide our clients with more effective and reliable security systems. From improving detection accuracy to turning vast amounts of video footage into actionable intelligence, AI is revolutionising the way we approach security.
Stay tuned as we explore more innovations and how we plan to integrate them into our services to keep your properties and assets secure.