Panasonic President Sees Industry Getting a Facial Recognition Lift
January’s SSI feature “Video Continues to Enhance Its Security Image” has a dozen top technology providers identifying the latest and greatest video surveillance technologies. Among the participants was Panasonic System Networks Co. of America President Bill Taylor, who addressed the topic of recording technology and how it is being implemented in DVRs, NVRs and other devices.
In the following extention of that piece, Taylor discusses challenges and opportunities in the marketplace as they pertain to digital and networked recording advances. In particular, he hones in on video analytics, and how facial recognition is making a comeback thanks to superior reliability and sensible applications.
As we begin 2011, what is the latest and greatest video surveillance technology in recording devices and systems?
Bill Taylor: As video analytics continue to gain traction for conventional video surveillance applications in markets such as retailing and gaming, there’s been an increased demand for cost-efficient means of implementing face recognition. New NVRs on the market today have embedded face matching capability that eliminates the use and added expense of external software. The new recorders provide real-time face matching functionality to match registered face images with a face displayed on a live camera feed. When a match occurs, alarm notification can be sent via multiple platforms. In addition to providing more functionality that’s easy to implement and operate, these new recorders create system solutions that deliver lower total cost of ownership [TCO] without compromise.
What are the greatest challenges or hurdles this technology faces and what is being done to make it even stronger and more viable?
Like any new technology solution for professional applications, the biggest hurdle will be acceptance and validation of performance. Up until now, face recognition was primarily viewed as expensive with limited performance. By embedding face matching into recorders, the implementation and application for this very useful security tool has a much broader appeal. Additionally, as more cameras come to market with onboard face detection capabilities, the market appeal for this solution will increase at an even faster rate.
Why should installing security integrators care about this technology and what are some of the specific opportunities it affords them from both services and market niche standpoints?
Systems integrators and installing dealers have a new powerful solution to offer their customers that delivers advanced functionality with a very convincing value proposition. It provides them with a viable reason for customers with existing working systems to consider an upgrade. In addition to providing higher performance recording capabilities, the addition of features like face matching improves overall functionality. These new recorders are also drop-in replacements, so they are also easy to replace with little to no effect on existing infrastructure.
Relative to vertical markets, there are many niche applications that will add further revenue generation possibilities for systems integrators and installing dealers. Examples include the banking and financial markets for identity verification, retail and supermarkets to alert of suspected/known shoplifters, corporate facilities for visitor management applications and notification of restricted personnel, and so many more. The bottom line is that new recording solutions with advanced onboard features like face matching can help increase the bottom line for installing integrators and dealers.
If you enjoyed this article and want to receive more valuable industry content like this, click here to sign up for our FREE digital newsletters!
About the Author
Scott Goldfine
Scott Goldfine is the marketing director for Elite Interactive Solutions. He is the former editor-in-chief and associate publisher of Security Sales & Integration. He can be reached at [email protected].
Related Content
Security Is Our Business, Too
For professionals who recommend, buy and install all types of electronic security equipment, a free subscription to Commercial Integrator + Security Sales & Integration is like having a consultant on call. You’ll find an ideal balance of technology and business coverage, with installation tips and techniques for products and updates on how to add to your bottom line.
A FREE subscription to the top resource for security and integration industry will prove to be invaluable.
