Image analytics hold the possibility of a brave new world where video surveillance images can actually be used as a prevention tool, a momentous alternative to the limitations of post-event forensic evidence.
Truly intelligent video analytics involves a decision and reaction support system that uses and analyzes data from various processes, applications, sensors and imaging devices. Some of this software has its origins in the space industry and is now being deployed in the civilian sector.
In order to power advanced image analytics, sophisticated algorithms have been developed that extend the software’s intelligence so that it more readily recognizes certain rules. A basic example of this is license plate recognition (LPR). License plates in some states and countries begin with a letter; algorithms are able to discern the letter B from the numeral 8. This is crucial when you have only milliseconds to execute the read.
Algorithms also provide the capacity to read vertically-positioned shipping container information as well as horizontally, which can prove vitally important for identification and security purposes. Moreover, the ability to clearly identify facial features of a suspect who may be in disguise can be important to providing event and response security. Here, an alert can be sent to the proper authorities and they can respond in a timely fashion.
