Video Surveillance: Advances on the Horizon

If you're interested in the latest advances in video surveillance technology, you're in the right place. Over the past few years, researchers have developed a vast array of applications for real-time computer processing of surveillance video camera data, and we've pulled together some truly fascinating resources for understanding the future of video surveillance systems.

When you think of video surveillance cameras, chances are you think of the cameras in your local convenience store. Typically, the data gathered from these systems is used after a problem has already taken place. Using forensic video analysis, law enforcement personnel can detect crime patterns as well as solve individual crimes. However, crime prevention is also crucial. Video surveillance is also used to prevent and detect crime in other areas, such as homes, office buildings and schools. There is increasing emphasis on crime and terrorism prevention via biometrics (and closely related facial recognition techniques), vehicle recognition, and individual behavior tracking and detection. Video surveillance can also be used in battlefield situations, with data accumulated from aerial views. Portable video systems are also under development. In addition to crime prevention, law enforcement, and military applications, there are a stunning variety of other uses for good surveillance systems.

Video surveillance faces ever-increasing challenges, and we keep up with the latest advances in technology. Of course, many of the ideas that are mentioned here are still in the development phase, but as technology advances, some are sure to become part of the regularly available features of video surveillance.

Advances in computer vision mean that large-scale monitoring is becoming increasingly feasible, as computers are able to process larger amounts of the data that cameras communicate. For example, even with low-resolution security cameras, it would be possible to detect a crowd converging on a certain area (or fleeing a certain area) which would alert law enforcement personnel to a potential problem. Or security camera systems might be able to classify and track vehicles based on certain parameters. Researchers are also trying to integrate information from different systems for a more complete picture of events. Others are improving the detection of anomalies, detection of specific events, and multi-object tracking capability. The better this type of recognition technology becomes, the fewer people will be needed to manually monitor video screens, and detection of potential problems will be made easier with improvements in security monitoring technologies. In short, video surveillance is possible for a wide variety of applications, and the possibilities are growing.

Some might wonder about the issue of privacy with all of this video surveillance available. In some instances, the use of surveillance data might be legally ambiguous, so it is advisable to consult with a lawyer, depending on the intended use of your security system data. In examining history and in observing the present, it is clear that video (including the use of the ubiquitous cell phone video cameras) has already become quite prevalent. In fact, those businesses without some type of security system may find themselves increasingly vulnerable to theft or other problems.

There are many logistical factors to consider when planning for a surveillance camera system, such as lighting, field of view, resolution, and special casings for adverse environmental conditions. It's important to consider your requirements carefully, as there are benefits to various different kinds of video surveillance systems. The benefits and possibilities will grow as advances in technology make it possible to meet virtually any security requirement.