5 things you should know about AI CCTV systems
An introduction to AI CCTV, explaining the basics around how artificial intelligence CCTV works, what equipment is involved with AI CCTV and how best to set it up.
What is AI CCTV or AI Video surveillance?
AI CCTV is a catch all term that describes a number of intelligent functions typically found in IP based CCTV systems. Intelligent functions utilise software that runs either on the camera or the recorder to analyse the audio and images from video surveillance cameras in order to recognise humans, vehicles, objects and other events.
To control the functions, you typically use the CCTV software available from the manufacturer to define restricted areas within the camera's view (such as a fenced off area, a parking lot but not the pathway or public street outside the lot) and program for times of day (such as after the close of business) for the property being protected by the camera surveillance. For example, artificial intelligence ("A.I.") recorders can typically all send an alert if it detects a trespasser breaking the "rule" set that no person is allowed in that area during that time of day.
AI CCTV system use-cases
There are many use cases for AI CCTV in both Domestic and Public/Private spaces.
Main use cases of AI CCTV are: perimeter detection; people counting; face detection; access control (face recognition); licence plate recognition; behaviour analyse; parking detection and more.
What equipment is needed to create an AI CCTV system?
Generally, an AI CCTV system comprises of at least two components. An AI-enabled NVR/DVR and a AI-enabled IP camera or COAX camera.
Other configurations may include:
AI-enabled IP camera working in standalone mode equipped with SD card storage
AI-enabled IP camera + PC/Server running proprietary VMS software.
We recommend using an IP AI-enabled system but you can supercharge your current COAX based system with a AI-enabled DVR.
Just remember there’s no such thing as a COAX AI-enabled camera.
Can you upgrade an old CCTV system to AI CCTV?
Yes, as we stated above you can upgrade your existing COAX based system with a AI-enabled DVR. However, these DVR’s are expensive when you want all CH’s to have working AI functions.
Typically, “entry-level” AI-enabled DVR’s cost £100+, which net you 2CH’s out of the recorder.
What is IVS (Intelligent Video Surveillance)?
IVS adds a level of intelligence to cameras outside of just motion detections. IVS includes the following (not not all cameras have IVS functionality and those that do may only have a selection of the following:
Tripwire: Trip wire allows the operator to define a line on the field of view that if crossed (in a certain direction by a defined size intruder) will trigger an alarm or event.
Face Detection: Detect faces within the image and send them to the NVR for analysis.
Intrusion Detection: Detects object entering or leaving an area
Abandoned / Missing: Detects whether an object has been abandoned or is missing from defined area within a set period of time.
Scene Change: Detects whether the camera has been covered or moved and generates an alarm or event.
There are other specialist cameras that detect heat, number plate detection, and people counters for when intelligent detection and actions are required. You do need to check whether your recorder can provide the functionality required for these functions.
How to optimize your AI CCTV ? Get your lighting right….
What Is WDR, AWB, AGC, BLC, HLC?
WDR – Wide Dynamic Range helps balance out video that has a high dynamic range (the ratio of lightest to darkest part of a picture). WDR or True WDR uses 2 sensors to achieve compensation and then combines the results. Here is the effect on WDR in an office setting:
WDR or True WDR should not be confused with WDR or Dynamic WDR which is achieved by a Digital Signal Processor to compensate on a by pixel basis. WDR is cheaper than WDR and can result in a grainy image.
AWB – White Balance is a process of measuring colour temperature and ensuring that white appears as white in your images. Automatic White Balance may be but one option including: Auto /
Natural / Street Lamp / Outdoor / Manual for example. The desire is to render images as seen by your eye.
AGC – Automatic Gain Control adjusts images in low light conditions. AGC can be automatic or manual in many cases and images in low light that appear noisy are often a symptom of gain being too high and amplifying noise.
BLC – Backlight Compensation is used to compensate an image in the foreground when there is a brightly lit background. Without BLC the foreground would appear dark. The image below explains it quite well:
Notice the difference in the background between WDR and BLC.
HLC – Highlight Compensation is used to compensate for bright lights such as headlights or spotlights by sensing bright lights in an image and adjusting to improve the overall image. HLC helps with reading number plates at night which would otherwise be swamped by a cars headlights.
The picture below illustrates this well:
All these techniques can enhance the usability of a CCTV system providing more information than would otherwise be available with a cheaper camera or even human eyes.
Still need help?
SmartCamera are specialists in AI CCTV, and provide a CCTV support service & install service for UK-based customers.
