Using IoT in security
Decentralised in-camera intelligence, with the help of IoT (Internet of Things), helps boost security beyond the usual CCTV systems, writes Balqis Lim
SECURITY has become one of the main concerns among us, be it at home, in the workplace or common areas. While having closed-circuit television (CCTV) or surveillance cameras may deter theft but is it enough?
Fire, burglary or vandalism are reported to the police daily, resulting in financial and reputation damage, with not all incidents solved.
Installing smart video solutions can help resolve such issues and also prevent them.
A pioneer of stand-alone intelligent IP (Internet Protocol) video systems, Mobotix, has created the first IP cameras that do not require any central PC or software.
This decentralised in-camera intelligence enables enterprises to build costeffective surveillance systems that facilitate automatic video recording.
Its sales director for the Asia-Pacific region, Ryan Fairclough, says traditional cameras record things.
“When something happens, you will go back and look at the recordings. But our smart cameras will tell you before the incident happens so you do not have to look at it after that,” he says.
IOT IN CAMERA
According to Fairclough, the company does not see itself as a camera manufacturer.
The term “intelligent video surveillance” refers to systems that independently analyse the recorded video material and trigger actions.
Mobotix video systems are like computer with eyes. The cameras are equipped with a range of sensors and a powerful computer that analyses data which logically links it and independently initiates actions to defend against hazards.
“The cameras also provide high-resolution video surveillance that ensures comprehensive security including against cyber threats,” says Fairclough.
Its high-quality smart IP cameras and video management console adopt decentralised architecture with edge processing, analytics, behaviour analysis and thermographic technology to secure and monitor premises, and identify events or activities for preventive measures.
The gathered data from the solution can also be used to deduce and analyse traffic and movement of people, such as duration, direction and speed in environments such
as retail, banks, schools, and buildings.
“Using the information, businesses can activate additional resources to manage traffic, design optimal layout or push marketing for a concentrated area.
“Alarms can also be triggered in the event of unusual activities beyond predefined parameters such as movement into restricted areas,” he says.
SMART FEATURES
Mobotix IoT camera has MxAnalytics which analyses the video and behavioural detection which are perfectly suited to monitor stores and other retail environments.
It can visualise activities with heat maps and count objects in user-definable corridors with automatic reports.
“Which shelves in the shop are attracting the most customers this Saturday? Which paintings by the new artist capture most of the visitors’ attention? Which waiting areas in the departure hall are preferred in the afternoon? All movements of objects of a particular size are recorded and evaluated, either in the live image or in a previously
defined detection area, to provide answers to questions like these.
“This is beneficial for retailers as they will know what the most-sought items at their store are. More promotions can be done to increase output,” says Fairclough.
The MxActivitySensor is a revolutionary Mobotix technology that only registers movement of people and objects, while dismissing all redundant changes in the scene, like rain, snow, clouds or trees and bushes moved by the wind.
In future, Fairclough says this technoland ogy will be able to accurately detect general human and vehicular activity.
“Through the development of activity sensor, we can track things through the image and which direction they are going to and if it’s a one-way street and someone is going down the wrong way, the system will lower the boom gate at the end, so no accidents will happen,” he says.
There are other features such as Automatic Number Plate Recognition which can increase the speed of vehicular access and departure, open barriers automatically relieve surveillance staff of repetitive tasks.
Another interesting smart feature is the thermal detection and notification of possible hazards, such as smouldering fires, overheated appliances and other sources of heat or fire, including the automatic triggering of alarms to protect your premises.
KONICA MINOLTA PARTNERSHIP
Having acquired the majority ownership stake in Mobotix a few years back, Konica Minolta will focus on expanding projects in the global scene.
Fairclough says the partnership sees Konica Minolta sharing its database of customers for Mobotix’s access to developers.
However, rather than competing as a camera manufacturer, Fairclough says Mobotix is positioning itself as a specialist in high-quality IP surveillance software.
“We are not selling products, but instead concentrating on the solution and experience of these devices.
“The cameras can be installed anywhere, thanks to their weatherproof, robust and virtually maintenance-free design.
“Our markets include mining, industrial, oil and gas, retail, education, transportation, healthcare, and the list is set to expand with the addition of Konica Minolta’s expertise.”
For the Malaysian market, there are still no companies using its technology but Fairclough says Mobotix will also be taking aggressive measures to pitch to companies from various sectors.
“We have just restructured our company and a team has been placed in Malaysia. Our focus at the moment is to enter the Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore markets. In addition, training programmes will also be provided for clients,” he adds.
Using the information, businesses can activate additional resources to manage traffic, design optimal layout or push marketing for a concentrated area.
Ryan Fairclough