Day: July 28, 2024

Hardware keeps improving, but the benefits to image quality are decreasing In the AIoT industry, image quality has always been the core goal for IP cameras. Therefore, the key components of IP cameras have been continually upgraded in recent years. Lens apertures have increased from F1.6 in the first generation to F1.0 today, and sensors have advanced from 2013’s FSI to 2018’s 1/ 1.8 BSI sensors. Despite these improvements, we see signs that hardware development is reaching its limits. Issues like motion blur and detail loss in complex environments still persist. Further hardware upgrades are costly and face the challenge of production quality. To achieve breakthroughs in image quality, many people are looking for solutions with fill lighting. However, even with color temperature, the improvements are subject to diminishing returns: costs rise, but the enhancements become minimal. We need to seek new technological breakthroughs. When hardware reaches the limit of image quality improvement, what is the next technological breakthrough? The answer lies in Wise-ISP technology based on UNV large model. Uniview is the first in the industry to apply large models to image processing, achieving significant improvements in night vision through deep integration of image technology and algorithms. Redefining image capabilities with UNV large model Large models have found widespread application and attention in various fields. From ChatGPT’s success in language processing to Midjourney and Sora’s advancements in text-to-image and video generation, the potential of large models is undeniable. In AIoT field, UNV large model shows strong application prospects. UNV large model focuses on multiple aspects of the AIoT field, including vision, natural language, multimodal, and image processing, with core advantages. Additionally, the large model redefines scene coverage, with over 200 detailed scenarios achieving all-time, all-weather coverage. Uniview invested in over 200 people in the development stage, 80% of whom hold master’s degrees or higher, leading to comprehensive improvements in image technology across models, scenarios, and productization. This resulted in the unique fifth-generation night vision technology, Wise-ISP. Game-changing improvement in image quality Based on UNV large model, Wise-ISP night vision technology surpasses traditional limits, easily handling ultra-dark scenarios and meeting diverse needs. To ensure product consistency, Uniview established an objective image evaluation system to rate camera performance in complex lighting conditions. This system looks at eight major indicators and over 1,000 image factors, optimizing each grade. To further enhance image quality, a new automated image professional lab was built to simulate various angles, brightness levels, and color temperatures, challenging cameras in low light, ultra-wide dynamic, strong light, and complex white balance environments. The vast data generated by automated testing feeds back into Uniview’s large model, helping Wise-ISP’s model training. Through continuous software and algorithm optimization, Uniview is leading the future of night vision technology. This is not just technological progress but a redefinition of industry development. UNV large model and Wise-ISP technology show our commitment to future image processing technology. We believe that through sustained innovation and technology growth, Uniview will continue to lead industry development, providing users with higher quality image experiences. In the AIoT field, hardware setup determines cost, software and algorithm tuning determine image quality, and price dictates market choice. The Owlview series cameras, equipped with Wise-ISP technology, have become the top choice for night vision cameras. In the future, we will extend Wise-ISP technology to more product series, so stay tuned. * Views expressed in the article are solely of the Author

Introduction In the ever-evolving landscape of security and surveillance, CCTV technology continues to play a pivotal role in safeguarding our homes, businesses, and public spaces. As we proceed towards the second last quarter of 2024, a host of exciting trends are reshaping the CCTV industry, offering unprecedented levels of intelligence, efficiency, and accessibility. In this article, we explore the upcoming CCTV trends that promise to revolutionize the way we monitor and protect our environments. AI-powered Analytics at the Edge Redefining Surveillance: Computing for Real-time Analysis Artificial Intelligence (AI) is at the forefront of the next-generation CCTV revolution. By harnessing the power of machine learning algorithms, modern CCTV cameras can now analyze video feeds in real-time. Advanced AI-powered analytics enable features such as facial recognition, object detection, and behavior analysis. This not only enhances security but also facilitates proactive decision-making and anomaly detection. Infinova has already introduced Edge based AI solutions, thereby directly making Metadata accessible for quick analysis and action. Edge computing is rapidly emerging as a transformative trend in the CCTV industry. With increased processing power at the device level, cameras can perform advanced analytics and decision-making locally, reducing the need for continuous data transmission to central servers. This not only minimizes bandwidth usage but also enhances response times and real-time event detection. Infinova has evolved its AI solutions from simple loitering, tripwire and motion detection to include various categories like video anomaly, behaviour analysis, sound detection, statistics detection, optimum selection, face capture, video structurization, person and vehicular attributes etc., catering to a plethora of combinations which can be simultaneously run on cameras. As the use cases change there is always a demand for something new and with AI at the helm, nothing but ‘Change is Permanent.’ “In the ever-evolving landscape of security and surveillance, CCTV technology continues to play a pivotal role in safeguarding our homes, businesses, and public spaces. As we proceed towards the second last quarter of 2024, a host of exciting trends are reshaping the CCTV industry, offering unprecedented levels of intelligence, efficiency, and accessibility” High-resolution and 4K Cameras for Unmatched Clarity As demand for clearer, detailed footage grows, CCTV manufacturers are increasingly adopting high-resolution and 4K cameras. These cutting-edge devices provide an unmatched level of image clarity and precision, enabling more accurate identification of suspects and critical details. As the costs of 4K technology continue to decrease, and Infinova have been one of the first company to introduce it in Indian market, the first 4K CCTV camera device we sold in India in 2017, and over the period there have been many improvements in product design, capabilities and encoding which has been a game changer in exceptance of these solutions, we expect to see a broader adoption across various surveillance applications and verticals. Cloud-based Storage and Remote Access The paradigm of CCTV storage is shifting towards the cloud. Cloud-based storage solutions offer numerous advantages, including cost-effectiveness, scalability, and easy remote access. Users can now securely access footage from their CCTV cameras through mobile devices or web interfaces, regardless of their physical location. This trend is set to democratize surveillance, empowering users with greater control over their security systems. Though in our Indian market context, homes and small businesses have started experimenting with it; however, major critical industries and Government entities are still to find a way to come to acceptance amongst the hurdles of safety and data protection. Thermal Imaging and Enhanced Night Vision In the quest for comprehensive surveillance, thermal imaging and enhanced night vision capabilities are gaining prominence. CCTV cameras equipped with thermal sensors can detect heat signatures, enabling efficient monitoring in challenging low-light or dark environments. By incorporating cutting-edge night vision technologies, surveillance systems can deliver clear, actionable footage even in the darkest hours. Infinova has aligned interests in this segment and have included thermal product range in our kitty offering various dual sensor solutions for fixed and PTZ deployments capable of identifying heat signatures over large distances incomprehensible by standard optic sensor based cameras. Privacy Enhancements for Ethical Surveillance With public awareness about privacy concerns growing, the industry is prioritizing privacy enhancements. There is growing emphasis on privacy features like on-device processing for certain analytics, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations. CCTV manufacturers are developing technologies that enable on-device processing for specific analytics, safeguarding individuals’ privacy while still providing effective surveillance solutions. By adhering to ethical practices, the industry seeks to strike a balance between security and individual rights. Infinova has achieved OWASP Security Audit Clearance for all its products by government empanelled CERT-IN affiliated agency. Integration with Smart Home Devices Seamless integration with smart home systems is becoming a norm for modern CCTV cameras. Users can now control and access their surveillance feeds through voice commands and dedicated mobile applications. This integration not only enhances user experience but also unlocks possibilities for intelligent automation and customization of security settings. “As demand for clearer, detailed footage grows, CCTV manufacturers are increasingly adopting high-resolution and 4K cameras. These cutting-edge devices provide an unmatched level of image clarity and precision, enabling more accurate identification of suspects and critical details. As the costs of 4K technology continue to decrease, and Infinova have been one of the first company to introduce it in Indian market, the first 4K CCTV camera device we sold in India in 2017, and over the period there have been many improvements in product design, capabilities and encoding which has been a game changer in exceptance of these solutions, we expect to see a broader adoption across various surveillance applications and verticals” Conclusion As we move further into 2024, the CCTV industry continues to evolve rapidly, driven by the relentless pursuit of innovation. AI-powered analytics, high-resolution cameras, cloud-based storage, and privacy enhancements are just a few trends shaping the future of surveillance. These advancements promise to redefine the way we approach security and surveillance, making it more intelligent, accessible, and effective than ever before. As the technology matures, the possibilities for safer environments and streamlined operations become more apparent, heralding…