A guide to intelligent surveillance solutions for security and operation efficiency surveillance 2023
nergy-e cient DVR for the future Hikvision eDVR Series mbedded SSD No e orts on hard drive installation co-friendly Ultra-low power Compact design asy to use Motion Detection 2.0 cient video analytics Longer life and less maintenance nduring storage 2.0 Call Centre: +27 (0)10 085 8300 Website: www.hikvision.com @HikvisionSouthAfrica Hikvision South Africa (Pty) Ltd 9 Eden Road, Waverly Office park, Building 2, Bramley, Johannesburg, 2090, South Africa
Andrew SMART Surveillance 2023 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters to the Editor should be addressed to Andrew Seldon at [email protected]. Sending material to this publication will be considered automatic permission to use in full or in part in our Letters column. Be sure to include your name, e-mail address, city and postal code. We reserve the right to edit all letters. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, adapted, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd, Reg No. 2005/034598/07 A division of Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd Wild Fig Business Park, Block B, Unit 21, 1494 Cranberry Street, Honeydew Tel: +27 11 543 5800 ISSN 1562-952X Editor Andrew Seldon: [email protected] Contributors Dr Craig Donald Colleen Glaeser Advertising sales Tracy Wolter: [email protected] Heidi Hargreaves: [email protected] Subscription Services For address changes, orders, renewal status or missing issues, e-mail: [email protected] Subscribe online: www.technews.co.za Design and layout: Technews Production Department Disclaimer 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, inserts and company contact details are printed as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material. FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK www.securitysa.com Published by Welcome to the SMART Surveillance Handbook 2023. This is the first edition of the handbook under this branding, but regular readers will remember many issues of our ‘old’ CCTV Handbook. As it turns out, there is a remarkable focus on edge technologies this year and the excitement about cloud seems to have levelled off. That’s not to say cloud is history; in the next few pages readers will be able to see companies that are making cloud solutions work and producing some incredible solutions. However, there are those who have a ‘thing’ about cloud and still prefer to keep their surveillance tech onsite. This has opened the door to edge solutions, of which there is no shortage. In the past we focused on edge solutions as being in the camera where AI ‘apps’ can be run, and this is still a valid option for edge fans. However, this year’s handbook will show a move to edge devices that are onsite at remote locations, to keep the system running no matter what Eskom breaks, in the form of servers, NVRs and even a locally developed appliance you can play with if you install Telegram on your smartphone. And it seems body-worn devices are making a comeback. Although ‘comeback’ might be the wrong word to use since while these devices have been around and used in various scenarios for years, the local uptake is only now showing good traction. There could be many reasons for this, one being the ‘smartphone effect’ where these little devices now include almost everything you need for surveillance, communications and management (people and technology) – and integration. Then there’s the drama of false alarms and all the additional work they cause. This dilemma seems to transcend any particular field within the surveillance technology sector, with solutions (AI-enhanced, of course) included in cameras, on the edge and on the onsite or cloud server. This is another area where local innovation is making its mark. The First cloud, then edge, but all AI big caveat in all this is that while we want to use technology to get rid of all false alarms, one can’t risk missing even one real alarm. I personally think this is where the biggest challenge in the false alarm saga will separate the winners and losers. As always, there are a few articles we wanted to include in the handbook but couldn’t because of space restrictions. These will be found on the website and in the SMART Surveillance Handbook news briefs (our email newsletters. If you’re not on the list, drop me a mail at [email protected]). The SMART Surveillance Handbook is designed to offer a quick look at some of the main themes in the surveillance market and reader feedback is always a valuable assessment of what we missed or only mentioned in passing. Please feel free to let me have your comments and criticisms, they always help when looking ahead at future publications, whether an annual handbook or the monthly issues. In addition, head on over to https://ssai.africa to learn about the SMART Surveillance Conference 2023. It’s all about edge, server and cloud, and AI features in every presentation, even the one on control rooms.
www.securitysa.com SMART Surveillance 2023 3 From the editor’s desk.........................................................2 Trends & Opinion Smart systems need smart people to work...................................4 Efficiency strategies for installation business...............................8 An integrator’s view...............................................................................9 Women in Security: The drive to succeed?..................................10 Surveillance @ Securex AI for gun detection and false alarm reduction.........................14 Home security made simple.............................................................16 African developed and trained AI...................................................18 Edge Technology Edge technology can transform manufacturing in South Africa........................................................................................19 The pros and cons of edge surveillance.......................................20 Adding edge intelligence to surveillance....................................22 Edge vs server analytics......................................................................24 Storage Creating an all-flash data centre.....................................................26 SSDs in video security appliances...................................................28 Achieve up to 45% energy savings with eDVRs.........................29 Camera Selection Guide 2023 ..........................................30 Storage for Surveillance Selection Guide 2023...............36 Video Analytics Selection Guide 2023 .............................38 Body-worn cameras An unbiased witness always present.............................................40 SecuTraq F2 Bodycam.........................................................................45 False alarm reduction Considerations for false alarm AI systems...................................46 Dallmeier releases ‘PlanD’..................................................................47 False alarm filtering..............................................................................48 OUR COVER Local technology Fit for purpose........................................................................................49 Surveillance events Connecting the ecosystem...............................................................50 Dahua AIoT Summit 2023..................................................................51 Intelligent systems Accurate, fast and simple video search.........................................52 AI cameras for logistics.......................................................................52 Delivering value beyond video........................................................54 AI in the box............................................................................................54 Parking management Parking by camera................................................................................55 Low-light technology The latest in low-light technology..................................................56 Seeing colour in the dark...................................................................59 Surveillance by drone Five considerations for a security drone infrastructure..........60 Directory of CCTV products, solutions and service providers........................................61 CONTENTS In the shadows of justice, a silent witness emerges. Body-worn cameras has long since captured untold tales, revealing truth where words falter. In their presence, truth finds a steadfast ally, for the silent witness speaks volumes in its wordless testimony. Welcome to the next generation silent witness. 12
4 SMART Surveillance 2023 www.securitysa.com Smart surveillance using video analytics or ‘AI’ on camera views has increased in sophistication and capacity over the past few years, and with proper use can contribute hugely to expanding effective security coverage and detection. If one looks at sales pitches, web sites and demos, and discussions in the industry, it seems that the capability of video analytics has reached almost optimal levels. With the use of the ‘AI’ term and adverts talking about intelligent systems and learning, it seems from the marketing narratives we can almost hand over much of control room security to AI based systems. So, I was somewhat surprised to find when visiting a site earlier this year that the setup of the analytics was a major weak point in an otherwise well-constructed security infrastructure and accompanying personnel. More to the point, the capabilities of an international top line system were far less capable than I expected. Smart systems need smart people to work By Dr Craig Donald. The marketing tells us we can hand over most control room operations to AI systems, but the reality doesn’t always confirm this view. My disappointment in delivery was primarily around the combined functions of movement detection, electronic trip wires or line crossing and bounded boxes where movement rules can be applied, and object classification. These are all key analytics techniques used in perimeter and area protection along with other security functions. The problems I viewed were around accuracy of detection and extremely high volumes of false alarms, the importance of which I wrote about a couple of years ago (https://www.securitysa.com/9445a). In fact, I had a flashback to about 25 years ago when I remember a movement detection system at a mine being trialled and then turned off because it was generating about four alarms per second and turned out to be more of a distraction than anything. Yet only a few months ago in 2023, I was watching a control room commonly experience about one alarm per second, despite all this modern security technology and software systems, excellent cameras, and a fairly well designed and functional control room. The vast majority of these alarms were also false alarms, which overload the operator and make the real alarm condition much more difficult to anticipate and detect. With an alarm per second occurring on a regular basis, multiple activations sometimes occurring almost simultaneously, and a spot monitor refreshing so quickly that operators didn’t have a chance to properly view the alarm conditions, analytics were hamstringing the operators of a perfectly capable security system. Perception vs reality This experience, which made me question why the video analytics of a sophisticated new system on a site wasn’t working well, caused me to speak to a number of technical specialists in other operations where I was working, as well as the supplier of security cameras and VMS on the site. I found that Continued on page 6 TRENDS & OPINION
6 SMART Surveillance 2023 www.securitysa.com TRENDS & OPINION Dr Craig Donald is a human factors specialist in security and CCTV. He is a director of Leaderware which provides instruments for the selection of CCTV operators, X-ray screeners and other security personnel in major operations around the world. He also runs CCTV Surveillance Skills and Body Language, and Advanced Surveillance Body Language courses for CCTV operators, supervisors and managers internationally, and consults on CCTV management. He can be contacted on +27 11 787 7811 or [email protected] these problems were not just common, but widespread, showing industry performance just didn’t meet the claims that you read about, where you get a packaged solution that will ‘solve all your problems’. I identified a number of reasons for the shortfall in performance compared to expectations. 1. The demonstrations we often see with techniques like movement detection, electronic trip wires, and object classification are based on near perfect conditions for the analytics to work. The more they are exposed to potentially difficult conditions, the worse they get. This type of problem gets compounded when one is attempting to pick up things at the extremes of camera ranges – not unusual as people tend to maximise the distance of camera ranges to avoid the costs of having more cameras. 2. Video analytics are not one size fits all. A technique that works well in one place may totally fail in another, and even what works on one camera on a site will not work with another camera on the same site and similar conditions. 3. The nature of the background, activity level in the foreground, uniqueness of the object you are looking to detect, and its potential variable nature can significantly affect detection success. 4. Smart analytics needs a lot of smart people input. Like any tool, how the analytics are set up are going to deliver variable results – these are not plug and go processes and interfaces. The better the setup, they better they will work. Not only this, but one needs to actively work at eliminating false alarms due to anything from trees to live creatures. 5. Object classification of these ‘intelligent’ systems can be rudimentary at best. Speaking to a technical specialist at one site, he was having to spend appreciable time getting the system distinguishing between cars and people, something I thought would easily be done with modern analytics. Distinguishing between a buck, a rabbit, a lizard, and a human are done remarkably poorly, especially when these are not in the camera foreground. The further the camera viewing range is pushed, the more difficult it is to make these kinds of distinctions. Movement does make event detection easier, but object classification or recognition is still lacking. 6. It is possible to teach these ‘intelligent’ systems something specific to look for and customise this amazingly well. But somebody has to do the teaching and it takes huge amounts of time for very specific purposes – you are likely to have to resort to camera specific learning and define specific targets such as certain PPE. Machine learning needs a lot of practice. A lot of practice with real behaviours and not just some simulated vectors. Once done, the one size fits all issue may mean that you can’t simply transfer that knowledge to another camera. Even under different situations such as changes in season, the learning effect in the algorithms may become invalid. 7. Using blank (or black) screen technology with analytics where a screen activates when there is an alarm creates a constant flow of false alarms with only a few positives, creating a cry wolf effect and Continued from page 4
TRENDS & OPINION reducing the control room operator’s attention and concern over the ‘alarm’. Where I’ve seen operators with a video wall showing all cameras (at a viewable size), operators acclimatise themselves to some degree to what causes triggers on which cameras, how these get displayed on screen with boxes or highlights, and what is unusual. This enables them to get used to the pattern of false alarms and focus on potential events and overcome the shortfalls of the technology they are working with. However, continued alerts, which are mainly false still cause a major distraction from detection of potential key event alarms. 8. Natural factors such as trees and other vegetation such as bushes and grass, especially exaggerated by wind, still create huge numbers of false alarms despite the ‘intelligence’ of analytics. 9. There is a distinct trade-off between moving analytics further away from the critical protection point or fence line to give early warning, and the number of environmental variables that are going to negatively impact on system performance beyond your control. Much of the success in setting up and managing video analytics is how much time and attention is given to defining the rules, parameters, and conditions under which the analytics must operate. Smart analytics need smart people to set them up with an understanding of the risk profile of the area and the impact that it makes. Rushed jobs are not going to deliver, as thoroughness is one of the important success factors. Most analytics systems allow a fair amount of customisation. Looking at issues such as triggering time, thresholds of when something is recognised, and the combination of movement and vector signals are all ways in which recognition can be improved. These can be applied to the nature and direction of movement, which is already a potentially potent tool. If you are using a camera on a long fence line, defining different zones like foreground, middle ground and background, and customising the analytics for these different zones, can give improved detection and lower false alarms at some expense of use for middle and background conditions. Developing your own parameters through the learning capabilities of the analytics is also a way of getting more targeted effect and getting better efficiency, but be prepared to spend a lot of time on it – teaching both normal and event conditions that have to be realistic. Finally, maintenance and ongoing refinement are essential to a properly functioning video analytics system. Identifying causes of false alarms, keeping areas under surveillance free of environmental triggers, such as branches and other moving vegetation, telling the system what to ignore, and defining areas on screen that should not be affected, are all ways of optimising the analytics system and getting it to deliver. The consequences of poor setup of analytics are typically born by the control operators, not the management or technology providers, until a major failure hits the site. Often poor implementation is hidden by a wealth of alerts that are flashed up on screens to show the video analytics system is ‘working’, when instead it is a facade of poorly implemented alerts that have no relevance to the actual task of detection. False alarms are still the biggest deterrent to effective analytics, and it is as much of a human issue as a technical issue. Your smart surveillance, if it really is smart, is only as smart as the way you set it up and implement it.
8 SMART Surveillance 2023 www.securitysa.com TRENDS & OPINION In South Africa, the demand for security installation services is on the rise. Speaking to hundreds of customers a month, we know first-hand that operating a security installation business can be challenging, especially when it comes to managing customers, people, processes and technology efficiently. Margins are in constant focus, whether you’re discounting to win business, or looking to increase profit. In this article, I’ll discuss five strategies that you can implement to improve your operational efficiency and increase your profitability. Streamline your processes Having a process doesn’t mean having a good process. Streamlining your process involves identifying inefficiencies in your current operations and finding ways to eliminate them. Start by mapping out your process on a board from the moment a customer reaches out to the moment they pay. Bring the team Efficiency strategies for installation businesses By Charles Freedman, CEO, ServCraft. together to challenge each other on what can be cut or consolidated. Think about the controls you need and your customer experience. You may want to consider automating certain tasks or using technology to improve your workflows. By streamlining your processes, you can save time and money, reduce errors, and improve customer satisfaction. Invest in your people Your people are your business. Making sure they have the right skills and tools to work smarter and not harder is a key lever for improving operational efficiency. This could include providing your teams with regular training on new technologies and products, as well as offering leadership and management training for your managers. While it’s important that the team knows the technical elements of security installations, ask yourself, who (besides you), is thinking about how to run a better business. Investing in people improves their skills and knowledge, reduces turnover, and increases productivity. Embrace technology In a world where ChatGPT is passing MBA exams and we’re sending people to Mars, this one should be obvious. By embracing technology, you can automate your processes, improve your communication with customers, and increase your efficiency. You may want to consider using job management software tools to manage your jobs, track your inventory, and analyse your efficiency. Accounting software helps you make sure you’re making money and not losing money on jobs and across your business. Payment portals help you get paid faster. FYI: using emails and WhatsApp is not embracing technology (see Streamline your processes above). Focus on quality assurance Getting it right the first time saves you doing it a second time. Building in checks and controls in your processes will reduce the risk of your teams getting it wrong, and customers getting upset. Your business is built on trust. Quality assurance can include regular quality checks, customer surveys, and feedback mechanisms. By focusing on quality assurance, you can improve your reputation, reduce rework, and increase customer loyalty. Build strong relationships with suppliers It’s impossible to stay on top of all the developments of security hardware and be an expert on all things. By developing long-term partnerships with your suppliers, you can benefit from their expertise and experience, as well as their economies of scale. This can help you to reduce your costs, improve your delivery times, and ensure that you have access to the latest technologies and products. Running a security installation business in South Africa can be challenging, but by implementing these five strategies, you can improve your operational efficiency and increase your profitability. By streamlining your processes, investing in training and development, embracing technology, focusing on quality assurance, and building strong relationships with your suppliers, you can take your security installation business to the next level. Charles Freedman is the CEO of ServCraft (www.servcraft.co.za), a South Africandesigned and built job management application for security installations and other field service businesses. Charles Freedman. Improving your operational efficiency is not a chore, but a dependable way to increase profitability.
www.securitysa.com SMART Surveillance 2023 9 TRENDS & OPINION The marketing teams of surveillance manufacturers and vendors do a great job of telling people about their company’s products and what they can do. The problem is that they are the marketing team, they will give the best overview and capabilities they can come up with. Similarly, end users often don’t want to talk about the products they use as some see it as giving away too much information about their security system, while others don’t want to admit they sold their bosses a story and spent a fortune on something that doesn’t quite deliver. We experienced this at Securex when someone offloaded about how a certain brand was touting their AI as the best there is, but it didn’t deliver when installed in the user’s realworld environment. SMART Surveillance decided to ask a systems integrator (SI), the person usually caught in the middle and who gets blamed by the users and the vendors alike when something goes wrong, what their experience is like in the surveillance market right now. We obviously didn’t ask for any horror stories (they wouldn’t have told us any, not on the record anyway), but for their experience in how the industry has changed and how the user environment is dealing with the new technologies and options offered to them. Our questions went to Rivash Raghubir from RR Electronic Security Solutions. Starting out, we focus on the cameras available today; there are many high-end cameras capable of functionality a server would struggled to perform 20 years ago, but what, in general, are customers after? (Do they want cameras with all the bells and whistles or are they still relying on servers to handle the heavy processing? Raghubir says it is still pretty much a 50/50 split in terms of what end users want. “The older generation don’t really want to trust edge-type solutions and rely heavily on servers An integrator’s view By Andrew Seldon. What are SIs experiencing in the surveillance and general security integration market today? and the processing power of multiple cores etc. for AI-type applications, but the younger generation seem to be very comfortable using analytics on the edge.” Another concept that has been widely promoted is that of opex vs capex; paying a monthly fee for a service including hardware, software and maintenance, as opposed to the big budget spend every few years. This is closely linked to the rise of cloud services both in the security and ICT industries. However, Raghubir firmly states that monthly fees are not popular among RR’s clients. “Almost all of our clients prefer to budget and spend once-off projects costs.” Brand loyalty Like cars, surveillance brands used to have their loyalists who would stay with one brand under almost any circumstances. These days, however, the hardware at the high and mid-levels is pretty similar, and the software differentiators depend on who you are talking to. So, what do the end users look at when making buying decisions? Raghubir notes that with the bigger corporates, RR’s clients prefer to stick to a single brand, mainly for cybersecurity reasons. This allows the client to create rules and processes according to their internal requirements; it is much simpler to manage a single brand instead of multiple brands with different security offerings. “With smaller clients, in terms of 30 - 50 cameras, they are not really brand specific and any brand that does the job will be considered.” On the issue of cloud services, Raghubir says the company has not felt any impact in its CCTV and access control business. “There was quite a lot of hype about 12-18 months ago where clients were very interested in cloud, but as this hype unfolded there were many questions around costing due to monthly and data charges etc. Additionally, the main factor influencing the decline in interest is cybersecurity, in terms of the protection offered from the hosting side to the client’s infrastructure.” Integration issues No matter which brands one chooses, the question of integration is still key – even after all these years of talking about its importance and the vendors all claiming openness and their integration capabilities. In the surveillance market, ONVIF is the basic standard for integration, but there are always other needs, and other equipment users want to manage centrally and share data where necessary. Is integration still a challenge or have vendors accepted that openness is a necessity? Integration is still a challenge, according to Raghubir, although he says that most are adhering to ONVIF standards. However, the limitation of what an API can be integrated with still holds true. If the vendors include an SDK for integration work, optimal performance would be achievable. There are still issues and Sis, like RR, understand that with an SDK, vendors will be opening the product’s IP and some are not keen on that idea. As an SI, integration is naturally key for RR. “Our latest offering is an application called Omnitrac, which is an application we created from scratch over a period of four years with a focus on a single platform that can simultaneously communicate with multiple hardware devices, such as different types of controllers, and even directly to multiple biometric and facial devices without the use of a controller. We are officially taking this product to market from June 2023.” (More information is available at https://omnitrac.co.za/.) For more information, contact RR Electronic Security Solutions, +27 11 794 2825, [email protected], www.rress.co.za
10 SMART Surveillance 2023 www.securitysa.com WOMEN IN SECURITY As a woman in the security industry in South Africa for over 23 years, I have experienced first-hand the challenges and triumphs that come with pursuing a career in a traditionally male-dominated field. I am proud to be part of a growing community of women who are breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and making a significant impact in the security sector. I’ve been privileged to live out my passion for the safety of my community and country. In this piece, I will share my personal journey, offer advice, and inspire other women who aspire to forge their path in this industry. Embrace your strengths In a field where physical strength is often valued, it is crucial to recognise and embrace the unique strengths that we, as women, bring to the table. Our empathy, intuition, and exceptional communication skills allow us to build trust, diffuse tense situations, and connect with people on a deeper level. Embracing these strengths and using them to our advantage can make a tremendous difference in our professional success. Seek mentorship and support Throughout my career, mentorship and support have played a vital role in my growth and development. Surround yourself with “You have the power to make a difference in the security industry and beyond.” The drive to succeed By Colleen Glaeser, AxxonSoft Southern Africa & SADC. Colleen Glaeser is a success story 23 years in the making, experiencing first-hand the challenges and triumphs that come with pursuing a career in a traditionally male-dominated field. individuals who believe in your potential and can offer guidance and support. Seek out mentors who have walked a similar path and can provide insights, advice, and encouragement. Their wisdom and experiences can be invaluable in navigating the challenges and uncertainties that may arise. Challenge gender stereotypes I’ve faced many challenges over my career. One of the greatest challenges we face as women in the security industry is overcoming gender stereotypes. It is essential to challenge these biases head-on by demonstrating our competence, expertise, and dedication. Let your work speak for itself and prove that gender is not a limitation. By consistently delivering exceptional results and breaking down barriers, we can change perceptions and pave the way for future generations of women in security. Continuous learning and professional development In a dynamic and ever-evolving industry like security, continuous learning and professional development are crucial. Stay updated with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices. Seek out training opportunities, certifications, and workshops that can enhance your knowledge and skills. By staying ahead of the curve, you not only empower yourself but also become a valuable asset to your organisation. Build a supportive network Connect and network with other women in the security industry. Building a supportive network of like-minded individuals who understand the unique challenges we face can be empowering. Share experiences, exchange ideas, and collaborate on projects. Together, we can create a strong support system that uplifts and encourages one another to reach new heights of success. Inspire the next generation As women in security, we have the power to inspire and shape the future. Take every opportunity to mentor and support young women who aspire to join the industry. Share your story, highlight your achievements, and be a positive role model. Encourage them to pursue their passions and assure them that their voices matter. By empowering the next generation, we ensure a more diverse and inclusive security industry. Remember, you have the power to make a difference in the security industry and beyond. For more information, contact AxxonSoft Southern Africa & SADC, +27 10 442 4284, [email protected], www.axxonsoft.com Colleen Glaeser.
12 SMART Surveillance 2023 www.securitysa.com Body-worn cameras and the truth Chronicles of the ‘he said, she said’; the nightmare and the untold stories of what actually happened. For more information, contact Forbatt SA, +27 11 469 3598, [email protected], www.forbatt.co In recent years, body-worn cameras (BWC) have gained significant attention as a means of enhanced transparency and accountability in various fields, including law enforcement, security and emergency services. These compact devices, worn by personnel on the front lines, have proven to be invaluable tools in providing a reliable and unbiased account of events. By capturing visual and audio evidence, BWC offer an objective perspective, effectively mitigating the ‘he said, she said’ scenario and promoting factual accuracy. Objective documentation Body-worn cameras serve as objective documentation tools that provide an unaltered account of events. The cameras record interactions, encounters and incidents from the perspective of the wearer, offering an unbiased viewpoint that can be later reviewed for investigative purposes. HD video and audio is captured vividly and provide a holistic record reducing the chance of ambiguity or misinterpretation. Enhanced accountability The presence of BWC encourages individuals involved in potentially contentious situations to act more responsibly. Knowing they are being recorded, both parties tend to behave in a more respectful and cooperative manner, as the footage will ultimately serve as evidence. The increased accountability helps prevent inappropriate behaviour, de-escalates conflicts, and reduces the likelihood of false accusations or claims. Improved evidence collection Body-worn cameras aid in the collection of accurate evidence by capturing real-time footage of incidents in high quality. This footage can be used to collaborate or refute statements made by individuals involved, thus enabling a more accurate assessment of the situation. In some cases, depending on the manufacturer, this can happen in real-time. Training and development BWC also have significant benefits for professional development and training purposes. The recorded footage can be used to assess the performance of personnel, and provide constructive feedback of actual incidents, surveys done and more. This can be used by organisations to enhance their training programmes, ensuring that personnel are better equipped to handle similar situations in the future. Building trust and transparency Body-worn cameras contribute to building trust between law enforcement and security personnel and the communities they serve. By promoting transparency, BWC demonstrate that actions are being monitored and recorded, fostering accountability and reducing the occurrence of abuse of power. Communities feel more reassured when they know that their interactions with authorities are being documented, leading to improved confidence and positive community relations. Body-worn cameras have revolutionised the way events are documented. Providing a reliable and unbiased account of events. By capturing audio and visual evidence, BWCs significantly reduce the ‘he said, she said’ scenario, offering a factual representation of events. These devices promote transparency, enhance accountability, and contribute to building trust between communities, personnel, guarding and protections services. As BWC technology advance, its implementation will undoubtedly lead to more effective and fair outcomes, fostering a safer and more just society. Welcome to the next generation of Kedacom BWC with industry leading technologies, all brought together into a very compact device. These devices are exceptionally rugged with uses in nearly any industry. COVER STORY
14 SMART Surveillance 2023 www.securitysa.com SURVEILLANCE @ SECUREX AI for gun detection and false alarm reduction By Andrew Seldon. Another American entrepreneur with links to South Africa talks to SMART Security Solutions. Sonny Tai, CEO and co-founder of Actuate stopped by the SMART Security Solutions’ stand at Securex to tell us about the company, its history and what it can do to reduce the false alarm rate that plagues so many surveillance installations today, as well as its ability to detect weapons. Tai is another American entrepreneur with links to South Africa. Born in Taiwan, his family moved to South Africa in 1993 where they stayed and he went to school until 1999, a period from which he still remembers a few rude Afrikaans expressions. They then moved to the USA where he completed his education and joined the Marine Corps. After his stint in the marines, he completed his MBA and joined the world of management consulting, only to find it wasn’t really where he belonged (being fired from Accenture helped him make that decision). One of America’s unique characteristics is mass shootings. While these are increasingly happening in other countries too, America seems to be the epicentre of these senseless crimes with ‘active shooter’ incidents rising by over 96% since 2017. After doing some research, Tai realised that technology was now mature enough to assist in preventing mass shootings using gun detection algorithms. With a co-founder on board, Actuate was born with the goal of using AI to detect weapons and provide early warnings of potential shootings. He says that in the initial stages of developing the software, his engineers were paid via PayPal, and he received no salary, keeping his head above water with a loan from his mother and a good friend. In late 2018, the technology was advanced enough to attract investors and Actuate received its first investment of just under $300 000, followed by another $600 000 and then further $2 million investment in mid-2019. Fast forward to May 2021 and the company, now focused on scaling its operations, received another $8 million investment. A COVID interruption Actuate soon had 20 US schools, testing their product with complimentary reviews, but then the COVID lockdowns hit, and Tai had to find another way for the company to stay relevant (and survive). Fortunately, the largest security provider in Puerto Rico approached Actuate with the idea of being able to detect people and vehicles automatically using its existing camera infrastructure, and the company expanded to include additional functionality. This company is still a customer, using Actuate AI to enhance its offsite monitoring service. The offsite monitoring market in the US was quite immature at the time in terms of using video analytics and AI to enhance video verification services, and this was an opportunity that Actuate capitalised upon. Actuate is a cloud-based AI service that video monitoring companies can use to identify guns, people, vehicles, as well as offering intruder, loitering and crowd detection solutions. Other solutions in the pipeline at the time of writing include functionality such as hard hat and fire detection, and vehicle gate automation technology. The company currently has around 1100 customers and Tai boasts that satisfied customers are the key focus of the company – it has never lost a customer. Instead of trying to be all things to all people, Actuate is focused on one product with various functions, which it obsesses over to continually improve. This is borne out by the fact that it has its own engineering team and focusses on its own data labelling teams (data labelling is a key aspect in training machine learning models; hiring cheap resources in foreign countries to handle the task does not produce the quality required, which means the resulting services are of low quality). Pure AI Now that the company is focused on growth, it has partnered with local companies to make their offsite monitoring services more efficient. Tai adds that, while growth is naturally key for the company, his personal connection to South Africa also drives him to make a difference in the country and play a part in dealing with the high crime rate. As a pure AI company, Actuate enhances businesses efficiency and improves its customers’ service to their clients. As a cloudbased system it requires no additional hardware to be installed and can deliver accurate results (with well over 90% false alarm detection rate) on a sample video at 480p and 2/3 fps. Privacy is also a key component of its service, so it doesn’t
SURVEILLANCE @ SECUREX In early 2020, the Genesis Security monitoring centre was facing an influx of false positive motion alerts. This high influx was costly and endangering the centre’s profitability, so Genesis sought an analytics partner that could reduce false positive alerts to focus on true threats. Actuate’s remote guarding and monitoring technology offered the most desirable solution to Genesis’ security challenges. The results achieved include: • Reduced false positives: Actuate reduced false positives by 97%, enabling Genesis’ central station operators to monitor cameras more effectively. • Increased savings: Actuate reduced the need for post-crime forensic analysis due to real-time detection, allowing for Genesis to pass cost savings to its customers. • Minimised downtime: Actuate’s daily camera status report notified Genesis whenever a camera was offline or obstructed from view, effectively minimising system downtime. • Improved insights: Actuate’s user-friendly dashboard made it possible for Genesis to quantify cost savings and provide enhanced security insights to customers. Find out more at https://actuate.ai/security-resources/remote-guarding Better insights, increased efficiency do facial recognition, but reacts to anomalies, successfully eliminating false positives (gun detection naturally requires better resolution). Tai notes that in a school or business shooting scenario, the people doing the crime are generally known so facial recognition would not flag them as a threat. The AI recognises behaviours that are out of the norm and alerts the relevant operator in real time. The system is able to differentiate, for example, between those loitering with bad intentions from those who may be looking at an advert or product display. The Actuate system can integrate with almost anything, including RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol) streams. A list of integrations with numerous platforms and brands can be found at https://actuate.ai/security-resources/integrations. Looking ahead Looking ahead, Tai sees Actuate evolving over time to ‘almost automate offsite monitoring’. This includes additional features such as automated voice response functionality in real time, although he says this is a long-term goal. In a world focused on privacy, Actuate may also offer identification services via opt in programmes, but he reiterates the hesitance to adopt facial recognition as so many others have done, because of the various global privacy regulations, as well as the increased resolution one needs to accurately identify people. Another strength he believes will stand the company in good stead is hiring the right people, those who ‘believe in the mission’ of the company and want to make the world safer and more secure. Find out more about Actuate at https://actuate.ai/ or contact the company at [email protected].
16 SMART Surveillance 2023 www.securitysa.com SURVEILLANCE @ SECUREX Home security made simple By Andrew Seldon. Premium Brand Distributors unveiled the eufy Security and Anker PowerHouse products and solutions at Securex. Securex South Africa 2023 was held in June and one of the interesting new players in the security market, although its value lies in more markets than security alone, is the American brand eufy. Distributed by Premium Brand Distributors (PBD), eufy offers a range of home automation products as well as the Anker range of power stations. What is different, and very beneficial for users with privacy concerns, is that the eufy HomeBase sets up a ‘home cloud’ for all eufy devices, not requiring one to send data to a third-party cloud provider where you have no control over it. All data is encrypted in the home cloud, adding to user privacy and security, and avoiding any recurring monthly subscription fees for any of the products. Despite not relying on a cloud provider (although the data can be stored in the cloud if users choose to), users still have full control over their devices via their smart phones. eufyCam 3. While more products from the eufy and Anker brands are going to be released in the future, Securex saw the release of eufy’s HomeBase 3, the hub of the home security and automation set-up, along with surveillance cameras, motions sensors and video doorbells. Not forgetting artificial intelligence (AI), eufy products have BionicMind AI recognition built in to add to the security of the home. The HomeBase comes equipped with 16 GB of storage (with 256-bit encryption) for video footage, but if users want to store video for years, it can be expanded to 16 TB with an external SATA drive. It can connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi or a LAN connection, and in turn connects to the cameras and other devices via the home Wi-Fi. Resolution for anything Starting with the eufyCam 3, this camera features 4K resolution, which some may think is overkill for home security, but in fact delivers excellent images which the BionicMind AI can use to recognise people with 99% accuracy, as well as pets and objects. This allows homeowners to differentiate between family and strangers. Alerts sent to users’ mobiles will tell them that a family member has arrived home or that a stranger is on the premises. It also differentiates between humans and animals. In this writer’s opinion, the best feature of the eufyCam 3 is the built-in solar charger (also available in some other cameras from the company). Grant Norton, CEO of PBD told SMART Security Solutions that two hours of direct sunlight is enough to keep the camera running for 24 hours via its 13 600 mAh battery eufyCam Solar Panel. eufyCam 2 Pro.
SURVEILLANCE @ SECUREX (naturally there is also a charging port if the camera is used indoors). A full charge will obviously last far longer than 24-hours. In reality, this means that as long as the camera gets at least two hours of sunlight per day, it will never need Eskom power to run. It is also rated IP67 and includes motion activation functionality – which can send an alert to the customer(s) – and it includes 2-way audio. Night vision is also standard with this camera. The eufyCam 2 Pro is similar, offering 2K resolution and the ability to pan and tilt the camera as required (360o horizontal x 96o vertical). It also includes AI pet detection and 2-way audio to make sure your pets don’t feel lonely – or for security purposes. The SoloCam S40 again offers 2K resolution, 8 GB local storage and colour night vision via its F2.0 aperture lens and high photosensitivity sensor. It is also rated IP67 and the spotlight offers 600 Lumens of light which is switched on as soon as motion is detected. A full charge can last up to one year, and it also sports a built-in solar panel for charging. A 2K indoor camera is also available in a stand-alone format that can be moved easily and can also rotate as the Cam 2 Pro. Audio is available, but there is obviously no solar power, however, one charge can last months. All the cameras offer mobile alerts when motion is detected and HomeBase can store the video footage of past motion-activated recordings if required. The mobile app also allows users to view live or recorded video, zooming in and setting the AI recognition as required. Additional security options Apart from the cameras, PBD is also supplying eufy motion detectors that are also synced to HomeBase. Users can set the sensitivity and receive alerts when motion is detected. It sports a two year battery life. A battery-powered security video doorbell is also available which offers 2K streaming and human body detection. One charge will last up to 180 days. All eufy products are simple to set up. Users simply press the configuration button while their mobile is in range and the rest happens automatically – assuming the app is set up and running. Synchronising with the HomeBase keeps everything recorded and available. Power options Apart from the solar chargers on many of its cameras, PBD also supplies eufy’s eufyCam Solar Panel. This is a small 26 W solar panel that can be used to charge a camera continuously if the camera is placed out of direct sunlight or indoors. Connecting a camera to the solar charger means that, once again, Eskom is out of the picture. Power Stations from Anker are also available for households to use for more than powering their cameras. Currently the Anker 535 and 521 PowerHouse chargers are available, with one currently offering 1200 Wh, and 1500 W set to become available in the near future. The stations have been designed using an automotive-grade aluminium alloy that is corrosion and temperature resistant, providing durability for the harsh environments. They are powered by a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery, like those used in modern electric vehicles, and offer six-times more usage than conventional batteries. LiFePO4 batteries also offer improved discharge and charge efficiency compared to Lithium-Ion. The 535 Portable Power Station offers 512 Wh of power capacity and 500 W total output power. The entry-level 521 Portable Power Station offers 256 Wh of power and 200 W total output power. PBD offers the eufy and Anker brands through a number of retail outlets. For more information, contact Premium Brand Distributors, +27 12 003 7000, [email protected], www.premiumbranddistributors.co.za Anker PowerHouse 521.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjEzMjU=