Video analytics can be a cost-effective and key component in certain security applications

(15/06/2010)

Since the very first video analytics systems were introduced, the technology has experienced a number of false dawns in terms of its acceptance as a reliable and cost effective addition to traditional video surveillance tools. Although predicted as a significant growth area in the security industry for many years, the wide adoption of analytics has not materialised for a number of reasons.

Early manufacturers made impressive claims for their solutions, often over-promising on what systems were able to deliver. These solutions were usually created by start-up companies and were focused only on delivering video analytics. As a consequence, they were incapable of being effectively integrated with other components or disciplines in real-world security applications. This also resulted in many early systems being installed on a trial only basis.

More recently, a number of factors have contributed to an increase in interest and demand, enabling video analytics to be reconsidered as a viable video surveillance option. The growing transition from analogue to networked CCTV has seen a wider acceptance of digital solutions, including analytics, leading to further benefits in terms of being able to monitor and manage systems from remote locations.

End users and integrators were historically unable to refer to a standard for analytics systems in order to judge their effectiveness before purchase. This was the case until the introduction of the Home Office’s i-LIDS certification.

The Imagery Library for Intelligent Detection Systems (i-LIDS) is the UK government’s benchmark standard for video analytics technology and is awarded to security products judged to have met the stringent criteria specified by HOSDB in the development of video based detection systems for government use.

The Home Office Scientific Development Branch (HOSDB) run regular i-LIDS performance evaluations. Video analytics systems are submitted for evaluation in a number of scenarios, and for either an 'Operational Alert' or 'Event Recording' role. In the Operational Alert role, systems provide real-time detection of suspicious events to be dealt with by a human operator. In the latter, systems act as a trigger for recording suspicious events and the recordings are analysed post event. Manufacturers meeting the highest level of performance classification receive the i-LIDS accreditation.

Security manufacturers provide solutions that enable end users to collect ever more video information, and allow the recording of more and more terabytes of video data. However, technologies that allow effective analysis of all that data have lagged behind in comparison. This, in effect, has created a security gap between the amount of video data being collected and the ability to analyse it, resulting in significant events being recorded, but subsequently missed.

It would take a huge resource in order to effectively analyse all the video footage that was recorded in a year, however, the cost would be dramatically reduced with the use of analytics. An alternate view would be that the quantity of video being searched could be significantly increased, using the same level of resources.

When the costs of manned guarding and operators are considered, it’s tempting when assessing analytics to assume that the number of security staff can be immediately reduced by introducing the technology. Perhaps it’s more appropriate to view video analytics as a way to improve the efficiency of operators and guards.

CCTV operators begin to miss significant events after monitoring video footage for more than twenty to thirty minutes. This effect is multiplied by the large number of screens that operators are now required to monitor in a control room environment. Analytics can be employed to assist in highlighting notable events, thereby allowing operators to decide whether an incident is suspicious or not. Security functions can therefore handle more cameras, more effectively with their existing staff. The job of monitoring is also made more stimulating, removing the need to constantly survey a wall of video screens for long periods.

In replacing guards with yet more cameras, the net effect is to create more footage and screens for the operators to monitor. Supporting the guards with analytics means the ability to switch guards to mobile patrols based on analytics incidents, covering a larger area more effectively and responding to real incidents quicker, rather than just following a routine guard tour. Above all, analytics also enables security teams to highlight potential risk situations developing and have patrols pre-empt and prevent incidents rather than just respond after an incident has occurred.

Although attracted by the benefits of video analytics, security managers have always faced challenges in justifying the investment in what has been perceived as a premium technology. One method of providing a clear return on investment is to look at the existing costs for a business, or its losses.

In retail, losses from shop theft are accepted and can be easily measured. Using analytics as a tool to prevent theft of high value items can dramatically lower the risk, and increase the probability of preventing it.

Another area of strength for analytics is that of remote monitoring, particularly in after hours sites or unoccupied buildings. Static guarding can be expensive, particularly when there is a requirement for extra shifts to cover evenings and nights. In these situations, there may be a case for implementing unattended monitoring through analytics. Using the technology, the likelihood of detecting an actual event may also be increased when compared to employing a single guard on site.

Prevention is almost always cheaper than cure. Analytics ability to highlight suspicious behaviour and let operators react to and prevent them turning into incidents rather than just reviewing video to help catch suspects after the event, can provide quick returns in avoiding loss and damage.

Using analytics in a central station environment can also enable the Central station to manage more sites, more effectively for the same amount of staff – or deal with sites historically notorious for constant false alarms. This can significantly improve the economics of central stations and allow problem sites to be properly monitored once more.

There are a number of video analytics packages available in the market today, all offering a multitude of capabilities, not always linked to security. However, the majority of installed systems have focused on one of video analytics’ core competencies; perimeter protection.

Perimeter protection systems can supplement fences, or replace external PIRs, seismic detectors etc., allowing the user to identify specific areas where intruders will be identified. Potentially this includes virtual ‘fence’ lines that will trigger when an intruder climbs over it (rather than when a guard patrols along it), tripwires that trigger when crossed in specific directions and alert areas, which will trigger if a car sized object dwells in them for too long. Combining these rules ensures only suspicious behaviours trigger the alarms and not spurious objects such as the local wildlife, or weather related effects.

Eliminating such false alarms in a sterile zone is a primary test in the HOSDB’s evaluation of video analytics systems. This specific scenario continues to be a much demanded i-LIDS accreditation as increasing numbers of end users and integrators realise the performance and cost benefits of video analytics in perimeter detection type applications.

Related topics:  CCTV system and accessories   Detection systems   Intrusion detection   Knowledgebase   Monitoring systems   Security guarding   Sensors and detectors 

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