Three practical monitoring applications of human-based video metadata

Issue 7 2021 Surveillance

Human-based video metadata, as its name suggests, are data derived from human targets in the monitored scene. It can be utilised based on user’s requirements to significantly enhance the management and operation of various application scenarios, while carefully maintaining people’s privacy at the same time.

To give you some insights into its practical usage, here are three conventional applications of human-based video metadata that you can adopt based on your own monitoring needs:

Search targets and generate statistics

One of the most common applications of human-based video metadata is for target searching after an event. Intelligent surveillance devices, such as the Dahua WizMind products, offer Quick Target Search function that can locate suspects in time using their physical attributes. Target attributes include beard, glasses, mask, hat, etc., which are continuously being developed and increased to meet the requirements of various application scenarios. Irrelevant targets in the captured images are also filtered out by the back-end devices (IVSS, NVR) or by the platform. It can capture up to 640 targets (with attributes) per second with an impressive detection rate of 98% [1].

In addition, another useful application of the human-based video metadata technology is for target statistics. WizMind counts, in real-time, the human targets in the monitored scene and filters them based on target category and direction. The directions include A>B, B>A, or A<>B. And it can also generate reports by year, month and day. It can capture up to 96 objects per frame, providing a detection rate of 98% and accuracy rate of 96% [2].

Detect PPE

Wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE) is a must in any construction site. Depending on the scope of the project, monitoring proper wearing of PPEs in the site could be a tough challenge to implement.

The latest PPE detection technology of Dahua WizMind can detect wearing of commonly used PPEs in construction sites, including safety hats, protective vests, face masks and glasses. It can even detect the colour of the uniforms (top and bottom) of workers. When a violation has been detected, the site supervisor or manager can be notified via the DMSS mobile app. Similar to target searching and statistics functions, it also offers a detection rate of 98%, with accuracy rate of 96% [2].

Aid city road planning

Who would have thought that aside from vehicle-related data, statistics related to people on the street can also be useful in planning city roads? By collecting attributes of pedestrians, directions and time periods, local road planning departments can design better roads tailored for road users and commuters.

One good example is the Dahua solution developed for a local organisation in Ireland. Aside from motor vehicles and non-motor vehicles, metadata of pedestrians are also captured on main city roads and streets around plazas. These data are then securely transferred to an SFTP server for further data analysis. The data summary is relayed to the local transportation department to help them plan and manage streets more efficiently.

Key takeaways

Human-based video metadata can be effectively utilised to optimise the monitoring operation of various application scenarios. Metadata based on human targets can be used to search suspects after an event and to generate accurate statistics of the people in the monitored scene. Also, the structured data can be used to detect proper wearing of PPEs in a particular site and help local transportation departments in planning and maintaining city roads to benefit the general public.


[1] Based on the maximum performance of WizMind IVSS7000-16M

[2] Based on actual performance of WizMind IPC 7 series


Credit(s)




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

Identity, Security & Access Alliance focuses on intelligence and integration
SMART Security Solutions Ideco Biometrics BoomGate Systems Bosch Building Technologies Technews Publishing Integrated Solutions Surveillance Access Control & Identity Management
The Identity, Security & Access Alliance (ISAA) hosted several launch events in Johannesburg in August, showcasing the participating companies’ technical solutions with a primary focus on the solutions made possible by integrating high-quality systems to deliver comprehensive solutions.

Read more...
Make BIG and COMPLEX small and manageable
neaMetrics Suprema AI & Data Analytics Surveillance Integrated Solutions
Traditional CCTV and access systems often operate separately, creating gaps in visibility and efficiency. TRASSIR and Suprema have partnered to develop an integrated platform that improves security, operations, and situational awareness.

Read more...
Get the AI fundamentals right
Technews Publishing SMART Security Solutions Leaderware Editor's Choice Surveillance AI & Data Analytics
Much of the marketing for CCTV AI detection implies the client can just drop the AI into their existing systems and operations, and they will be detecting all criminals and be far more efficient when doing it.

Read more...
SMART Surveillance Conference in Johannesburg
Arteco Global Africa Technews Publishing SMART Security Solutions Axis Communications SA neaMetrics Editor's Choice Surveillance Security Services & Risk Management Logistics (Industry) AI & Data Analytics
SMART Security Solutions hosted its annual SMART Surveillance Conference in Johannesburg in July, welcoming several guests, sponsors, and speakers for an informative and enjoyable day examining the evolution of the surveillance market.

Read more...
LiDAR protects railways from new and existing dangers
Surveillance
3D LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensors are being installed to monitor rail traffic and ensure safety of passengers as well as individuals walking near the tracks, or trying to perform dangerous stunts for social media.

Read more...
Securing South Africa’s logistics sector
Secutel Technologies Products & Solutions Surveillance Logistics (Industry)
Unlike traditional guarding services, Visual Verifier operates on an ‘Always On’ principle, ensuring continuous 24/7 coverage of warehouses, depots, transit hubs, and delivery points.

Read more...
Unlock the future of security operations in Bloemfontein
DeepAlert News & Events Surveillance
Security professionals and business leaders are invited to revolutionise their offsite monitoring operations at the DeepAlert Product Road Show, taking place on 16 – 17 September 2025, at the Schoemanspark Golf Club, Bloemfontein.

Read more...
Your Wi-Fi router is about to start watching you
News & Events Surveillance Security Services & Risk Management
Advanced algorithms are able to analyse your Wi-Fi signals and create a representation of your movements, turning your home's Wi-Fi into a motion detection and personal identification system.

Read more...
Secure, modernise and optimise CCTV
Surveillance Products & Solutions
Industrial and commercial organisations are navigating complex digital transformation processes. With SecuVue, companies can bridge the gap between operational technology and information technology for safer, smarter operations.

Read more...
Eagle Eye Precision Person & Vehicle Detection
Surveillance Products & Solutions AI & Data Analytics
Eagle Eye’s new Precision Person & Vehicle Detection feature detects people and vehicles at long distances with high accuracy and is especially designed for customers who actively monitor for intruders

Read more...










While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd. | All Rights Reserved.