Category: Feature

Demand for professional video surveillance cameras has been growing quickly and is forecast to continue growing in 2018. It is estimated that less than 10 million surveillance cameras were shipped globally in 2006, which grew to over 100 million in 2016, and is forecast to make over 130 million during 2018. Despite this increase in demand, the average price of cameras and other video surveillance equipment will continue to fall quickly. As a result, IHS Markit forecasts that in terms of US dollar revenues the world market for video surveillance equipment will grow at an annual rate of less than 6% in 2018. It will be challenging for vendors to continue to grow revenues and margins, but there will be opportunities for well-placed vendors. For example, both the South East Asian and Indian markets are forecast to grow at higher than average rates. There is also great potential for the next generation of products powered by technologies like deep learning and cloud computing. So, what will be the big stories during 2018? Deep learning, GDPR compliance and drone detection technologies are just some of the trends discussed in this eighth annual trends IHS white paper. The following articles are designed to provide some guidance on the top trends for 2018 in the video surveillance industry.     Josh Woodhouse Forensic Video Analytics as a Service When reviewing video for investigations one of the biggest challenges is the sheer volume of video footage which may need to be examined. It’s said that typically it may take a trained officer or analyst using traditional methods (a notepad and the pause/ rewind buttons) 1.5 – 2 hours to review just an hour of raw video footage. This can be a huge consumer of resource. The problem is particularly prominent in police forces where the issue is amplified by a combination of budgetary constraints and a spike in the amount of video inputs (increased use of body worn cameras and more publically submitted videos). There have long been grounds to find a more efficient solution. Several video surveillance analytic solutions for forensic video analysis have been available for some time, yet the improvement in accuracy in the last 18-24 months using deep learning technology has been critical. This advancement has pushed accuracy to a level of competency that can be reliable enough to assist human analysts. However, deploying this technology can prove expensive for police departments. At present there is a significant hardware cost required to run this type of video analytic. And many of the potential clients are not managing live cameras but instead looking for a tool to search through the repository of potential evidence they have collected from multiple sources in many formats. Some providers have offered use of their analytics and software packages in a ‘as a service model’ where police forces or agencies can utilize the vendor’s onsite infrastructure and internal analysts to outsource their forensic video analysis. Moving this model to a cloud platform is an obvious evolution where by following some training clients can use on-demand forensic video analytics for particular cases remotely with their own analysts without large hardware investment. This is an exciting prospect for some smaller forces, which may not have the available capital for their own infrastructure or a large enough case load to justify a large capital expenditure. For large agencies and police departments with either highly sensitive data and/ or large case-loads, their own onsite infrastructure will most likely be the most cost effective solution. IHS Markit expects that forensic video analytics will be integrated into existing cloud services. For example in the body-worn camera market many police forces already utilize the cloud to store and review body-worn video, yet, in these repositories we still see a degree of separation from other video sources, for example from fixed (public or private) video surveillance. In 2018 IHS Markit expects to see increased convergence in post recording video repositories where, even if only on case by case basis, multiple sources of video will be brought together to be investigated using deep learning video analytics for which cloud may be an important enabler for on demand requirements.   IHS Analyses  The A to I of Video Surveillance Terminology    By  – Jon Cropley Big Differences between the Chinese Market and the Rest of the World  By –  Jon Cropley General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)   By – Josh Woodhouse Video Surveillance Fault Tolerance   By – Josh Woodhouse The Evolution of Deep Learning in Video Surveillance   By –  Monica Wang Drone Detection Technologies   By –  Oliver Philippou

Demand for professional video surveillance cameras has been growing quickly and is forecast to continue growing in 2018. It is estimated that less than 10 million surveillance cameras were shipped globally in 2006, which grew to over 100 million in 2016, and is forecast to make over 130 million during 2018. Despite this increase in demand, the average price of cameras and other video surveillance equipment will continue to fall quickly. As a result, IHS Markit forecasts that in terms of US dollar revenues the world market for video surveillance equipment will grow at an annual rate of less than 6% in 2018. It will be challenging for vendors to continue to grow revenues and margins, but there will be opportunities for well-placed vendors. For example, both the South East Asian and Indian markets are forecast to grow at higher than average rates. There is also great potential for the next generation of products powered by technologies like deep learning and cloud computing. So, what will be the big stories during 2018? Deep learning, GDPR compliance and drone detection technologies are just some of the trends discussed in this eighth annual trends IHS white paper. The following articles are designed to provide some guidance on the top trends for 2018 in the video surveillance industry.     Josh Woodhouse Video Surveillance Fault Tolerance The ability of a video surveillance system to tolerate faults while maintaining operation with minimal disruption is seldom discussed. No one likes to plan for the worst, yet even though the video surveillance industry is increasingly utilizing enterprise grade IT technology, many video surveillance systems still have fairly limited fault tolerance and failover capability. When compared with what is common in the IT industry, the video surveillance industry is often thought of as having a relaxed approach to many aspects of failover and redundancy. However, as the multiple uses and perceived value of video surveillance data are increasing we may see increased demands for greater failover, redundancy and backups from end-users. Surveillance systems which do have a high level of fault tolerance tend to focus on mitigating failure after video is captured by a surveillance camera. This is due to a higher impact of failure from the ‘back-end’ rather than at an individual camera. For example, if an individual camera fails, the impact is smaller than if the recording server or storage system fails which may cause the loss of all past and future video recordings. As video surveillance is being leveraged for multiple uses beyond just security the perceived value of video surveillance data is increasing. This value can sometimes be measured with incurred costs if data becomes unavailable. This may be a direct cost (e.g., a fine from an authority) or an indirect cost (e.g., lack of data for business operations, hampering productivity). Cost analysis can form the basis for evaluating potential investment into additional levels of failover, redundancy and backups for video surveillance systems such as: Additional hardware costs (e.g., redundant servers/ storage). Additional software costs (e.g., virtualization or mirroring software licenses). An interesting example of where we’ve observed increased levels of failover and redundancy is in legalized marijuana supply in the USA. Here, facility owners are investing more in higher levels of failover in their surveillance systems to ensure they do not fall foul of stringent legislation in some states. This legislation focuses on the ability to retain and produce past video recordings when demanded by authorities. Failure to comply can have dire consequences including loss of business licenses. In other industries, for example manufacturing, as video becomes more ingrained in business operations we are likely to see similar patterns of investment for greater failover in video surveillance systems.   IHS Analyses  The A to I of Video Surveillance Terminology    By  – Jon Cropley Big Differences between the Chinese Market and the Rest of the World  By –  Jon Cropley General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)   By – Josh Woodhouse Forensic Video Analytics as a Service   By – Josh Woodhouse The Evolution of Deep Learning in Video Surveillance   By –  Monica Wang Drone Detection Technologies   By –  Oliver Philippou

Demand for professional video surveillance cameras has been growing quickly and is forecast to continue growing in 2018. It is estimated that less than 10 million surveillance cameras were shipped globally in 2006, which grew to over 100 million in 2016, and is forecast to make over 130 million during 2018. Despite this increase in demand, the average price of cameras and other video surveillance equipment will continue to fall quickly. As a result, IHS Markit forecasts that in terms of US dollar revenues the world market for video surveillance equipment will grow at an annual rate of less than 6% in 2018. It will be challenging for vendors to continue to grow revenues and margins, but there will be opportunities for well-placed vendors. For example, both the South East Asian and Indian markets are forecast to grow at higher than average rates. There is also great potential for the next generation of products powered by technologies like deep learning and cloud computing. So, what will be the big stories during 2018? Deep learning, GDPR compliance and drone detection technologies are just some of the trends discussed in this eighth annual trends IHS white paper. The following articles are designed to provide some guidance on the top trends for 2018 in the video surveillance industry.     Josh Woodhouse General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) In 2018 there will be an increase in the wider discussion about privacy and how the video surveillance industry protects the data it gathers. Much of this will stem from the new EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which will become law across EU member states (including the UK) in May 2018. However, the effects of GDPR and compliance will also have far reaching implications outside the video surveillance industry. GDPR will replace each EU member state’s own version of data protection law and is likely to increase public awareness about the rights ordinary citizens have regarding their own personal data protection. With a wide ranging scope covering many industries, GDPR also has specific coverage for video surveillance data. GDPR sets out principles for video surveillance data collection, use limitation, security safeguards, individual participation and accountability. Some of the clauses which will apply to video surveillance installations include: Public authorities must appoint a data protection officer, an individual who will be responsible for data protection. Private organizations which manage public space video surveillance may also need to appoint a data protection officer. Privacy impact assessments (a type of risk assessment) will be required relating to the storing of data from public spaces and some other areas. In publically accessible spaces individuals will have the right to request a copy of their data – in the case of video surveillance this means providing a copy of video footage. For installations in the EU if there are data breaches, the systems manager is legally obliged to notify the authorities within 72 hours of discovery. Failure to do this can result in sizeable fines (up to €20m or 4% of turnover). It may be deemed there has been a high risk of impact on the rights and freedoms of individuals whose data is contained in a breach. If there were not sufficient precautions to protect the data (for example in video footage – encryption or anonymization of individuals) individuals may have case for civil damages. Although without test cases post-GDPR, it is difficult to predict the outcome of these cases. Concerned parties should watch this space with interest. What can be said with certainty is that if unprepared, the requirement in GDPR for organizations to respond to requests for copies of video surveillance data featuring them could overwhelm those organizations. If an organization’s surveillance system covers publically accessible areas they may be required to provide a copy of any video footage featuring an individual to them on request. If their system is not optimized for this, this is likely to pose a high administrative workload in validating and processing these requests. Video footage featuring multiple individuals would need to be redacted to protect the anonymity of other individuals. At present many US police forces are engaged in a large number of freedom of information requests from the public for body worn camera footage. Image redaction is consuming large amounts of resource and budget. For some organizations GDPR could have a similar affect. Technology to automate and assist with the redaction workload such as automatic identity masking, video analytics are available. Going forward solutions like this are expected to be utilized by organizations which may be prone to high numbers of GDPR data requests. Perhaps most interestingly in GDPR is the discussion surrounding data breaches. Video surveillance has already had numerous high profile examples of hacking due to vulnerabilities exploited in several products. GDPR outlines real potential consequences for future data breaches. Risk assessments may lead organizations to place a higher value on the features of surveillance systems which allow for mitigating data breaches such as tools for detection/ reporting and additional steps to protect data in case of its unlawful extraction (e.g., encryption). For smaller organizations, if there is going to be additional compliance work for GDPR, it may spur them to use a security-as-a-service provider (not necessarily cloud based VSaaS) whom they pay to manage their system and all corresponding data compliance. For the surveillance industry the timing of GDPR is particularly interesting. It comes at a time when several EU country markets (in the light of increased terrorism threats) have expanded their video surveillance coverage in public spaces, and even increased the use of police body worn cameras. GDPR is seen by many as long overdue legislation from the EU to protect citizen’s privacy in the light of all the technological advances of the past 20 years. In many European countries (Germany being a regularly cited example) citizens have long been cautious of greater collection of their personal data. GDPR provides citizens with clearly defined rights to keep organizations from open ended data collection with the…

Demand for professional video surveillance cameras has been growing quickly and is forecast to continue growing in 2018. It is estimated that less than 10 million surveillance cameras were shipped globally in 2006, which grew to over 100 million in 2016, and is forecast to make over 130 million during 2018. Despite this increase in demand, the average price of cameras and other video surveillance equipment will continue to fall quickly. As a result, IHS Markit forecasts that in terms of US dollar revenues the world market for video surveillance equipment will grow at an annual rate of less than 6% in 2018. It will be challenging for vendors to continue to grow revenues and margins, but there will be opportunities for well-placed vendors. For example, both the South East Asian and Indian markets are forecast to grow at higher than average rates. There is also great potential for the next generation of products powered by technologies like deep learning and cloud computing. So, what will be the big stories during 2018? Deep learning, GDPR compliance and drone detection technologies are just some of the trends discussed in this eighth annual trends IHS white paper. The following articles are designed to provide some guidance on the top trends for 2018 in the video surveillance industry.     By Jon Cropley Big Differences between the Chinese Market and the Rest of the World China is forecast to account for over 46% of global professional video surveillance equipment revenues in 2018. Despite this, the Chinese market has some unique characteristics that make it very different to other regional markets. This has led to the suggestion that there are two markets for video surveillance equipment – the Chinese market and the world market excluding China. Below are 5 ways in which the Chinese market differs from the rest of the world. Supply of equipment is more concentrated in China The two largest vendors of branded video surveillance equipment accounted for over 50% of the Chinese market in 2016. This compares to the world excluding China where the two largest vendors accounted for less than 20% of the market. Shipments of deep learning-enabled equipment are much higher in China It is forecast that three quarters of all deep learning-enabled servers for video surveillance shipped worldwide in 2018 will be shipped in China. Domestic vendors dominate supply of equipment in China Chinese vendors account for more than 80% of Chinese market revenues. There are other countries where domestic brands dominate supply (Germany, Japan and South Korea are all examples). However, in most other country markets, foreign vendors account for a much higher proportion of revenues. Shipments of HD CCTV are proportionally lower in China It is forecast that HD CCTV cameras will account for only around 10% of all cameras shipped in China in 2018. It is forecast they will account for over half of all camera shipments in the world excluding China. The market has been growing faster The Chinese market has grown at an average annual rate of 13.3% between 2012 and 2017. In comparison, the World market excluding China has grown at an average annual rate of 2.6% over this time. Despite all of this, growth in camera shipments has been slowing in China as the market becomes increasingly saturated. Continued high market growth will increasingly depend on shipments of higher-priced next generation deep learning-enabled equipment.   IHS Analyses  The A to I of Video Surveillance Terminology    By  – Jon Cropley General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)   By – Josh Woodhouse Video Surveillance Fault Tolerance   By – Josh Woodhouse Forensic Video Analytics as a Service   By – Josh Woodhouse The Evolution of Deep Learning in Video Surveillance   By –  Monica Wang Drone Detection Technologies   By –  Oliver Philippou

Demand for professional video surveillance cameras has been growing quickly and is forecast to continue growing in 2018. It is estimated that less than 10 million surveillance cameras were shipped globally in 2006, which grew to over 100 million in 2016, and is forecast to make over 130 million during 2018. Despite this increase in demand, the average price of cameras and other video surveillance equipment will continue to fall quickly. As a result, IHS Markit forecasts that in terms of US dollar revenues the world market for video surveillance equipment will grow at an annual rate of less than 6% in 2018. It will be challenging for vendors to continue to grow revenues and margins, but there will be opportunities for well-placed vendors. For example, both the South East Asian and Indian markets are forecast to grow at higher than average rates. There is also great potential for the next generation of products powered by technologies like deep learning and cloud computing. So, what will be the big stories during 2018? Deep learning, GDPR compliance and drone detection technologies are just some of the trends discussed in this eighth annual trends IHS white paper. The following articles are designed to provide some guidance on the top trends for 2018 in the video surveillance industry.     By Jon Cropley   The A to I of Video Surveillance Terminology The past 12 months have seen a range of new terms becoming regularly used in the video surveillance industry. We attempt to provide a brief summary of some of these. AI (artificial intelligence): Computers are able to perform specific tasks as well as, or even better than human intelligence. In the context of video surveillance, AI is used in the field of computer vision to classify visual images and patterns within them. Big data: Huge amounts of different information are  stored, organized and analyzed by computers to identify trends, patterns, and relationships. In the context of video surveillance, the data could be metadata describing hours of video surveillance footage combined with other data sources to highlight patterns relating to security or business operations. Cloud computing: Instead of using a local server to store or manage video surveillance data, use a network of internet-connected remote servers. Generally this network has the ability to provide additional resource if and when required from a larger available pool. The available resource may be clustered into a datacenter or network of datacenters. These may be private (entirely or partly owned for exclusive use by specific organization/s) or public (resource accessible to multiple separate users). Deep learning: A branch of machine learning and subset in the field of AI. Deep learning makes use of algorithms to structure high-level abstractions in data by processing multiple layers of information, emulating the workings of a human brain (a neural network). Edge computing/ storage: Performing data processing and analytics/ storage closest to the source of the data (normally, in this context, in a video surveillance camera). Face recognition: When a video surveillance system can automatically match a person’s face against a database of individuals. GPU (graphics processing unit): A programmable chip specialized for use in image processing. Due to the requirement to be able to simultaneously processing multiple large data blocks required in modern image processing, GPUs have been found to be highly suitable for deep learning/ neural network processing. H.265 (or MPEG-4 part 2): H.265 is a video compression codec standard approved by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU-T). Compared with H.264, H.265 has the potential to use 30-40% less bandwidth for a video stream of the same quality. IoT (Internet of things): IoT is not a specific device or technology – it is a conceptual framework, driven by the idea of embedding connectivity and intelligence in a wide range of devices. IHS Markit defines an IoT device as a device which has some form of embedded connectivity that allows the device to be directly connected to the internet (i.e., IP addressable), or allows the device to connect (tether) to an IP addressable device. In the context of video surveillance, this could be using video surveillance data with other sensors or sources of information.   IHS Analyses  Big Differences between the Chinese Market and the Rest of the World  By –  Jon Cropley General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)   By – Josh Woodhouse Video Surveillance Fault Tolerance   By – Josh Woodhouse Forensic Video Analytics as a Service   By – Josh Woodhouse The Evolution of Deep Learning in Video Surveillance   By –  Monica Wang Drone Detection Technologies   By –  Oliver Philippou  

Genetec Inc. has recently introduced a new version of Security Center, an open-architecture platform that unifies video surveillance, access control, automatic license plate recognition (ALPR), communications, and analytics. Security Center 5.7 allows users to make insight-driven decisions based on security and analytics data. This latest version also adds privacy protection for individuals, efficiently distributes HID mobile access control credentials, and ensures business continuity with native access control fail-over. Protecting data, the network, and the organization Cyber resilience is about securing communications, authenticating users, and protecting businesses from employees unwittingly allowing vulnerable network-connected devices to threaten the business. To improve overall cybersecurity, Security Center now automatically identifies whether connected edge devices are running the most recent and secure device firmware. Once notified of known vulnerabilities and given firmware recommendations, administrators can take immediate action and eliminate known security gaps. ‘GDPR-ready’ privacy and video analytics More than a trend, protecting individual privacy is fast-becoming a necessity of security management. In some regions like Europe, it is already becoming codified in law. By embedding the KiwiVision™ Privacy Protector ™ module, Genetec enables organizations to automatically blur and mask sensitive video, and anonymize people to protect their privacy. Privacy protector was recently re-certified for its fourth consecutive term with the European Privacy Seal (EuroPriSe), and remains the only video solution to hold this certification.Privacy protector is also rated as ‘GDPR-ready,’ meeting the stringent compliance criteria of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which will go into effect May 25th, 2018 in the European Union. The KiwiVision Intrusion Detector™  module is also unified with SecurityCenter 5.7 to generate real-time alarms that automatically notify security staff when individuals or vehicles enter sensitive areas, secured perimeters, or restricted zones. Through an accompanying analytics-based intrusion report, operators can now engage in deeper investigations. Additionally, to assist users in scanning through hours of footage, a new Quick Search forensics tool identifies changes in recorded scenes in seconds, ignoring irrelevant footage to narrow down searches. Enterprise access control with native failover and HID mobile credential support The Security Center Synergis™ access control system now comes with built-in failover, so customers can take advantage of continuous monitoring of devices and events. This safeguards critical information and ensures business continuity, even when servers fail. The new HID Mobile Access Portal API integration allows organizations to efficiently deploy mobile credentials to their employees, contractors, and visitors. These credential holders receive an email to download the HID Mobile Access Portal application on their devices, which enables access via Bluetooth® or NFC wireless technology. Employees and visitors will now be able to use their smartphone, wearables, and tablets to gain approved access credentials to securely open doors and defined areas of the premises. Insight-driven reporting and decision support The new advanced Security Center reporting feature intuitively displays data in dynamic charts and graphs, helping organizations gain a deeper understanding of their data, identify trends, and spot undetected patterns. Visualization of physical security data can be employed to quickly isolate security gaps and suspicious activity, identify maintenance issues, find valuable opportunities to improve operations, and ultimately make smarter decisions.    

The hospitality industry is constantly evolving. Hotels focus on leveraging technology to enhance the user experience, which includes streamlining processes and adding additional amenities that draw repeat visits. At the same time, efforts to maintain the safety and security of individual hotels and hotel chains face a sea change. Although security began as a property protection function, it has broadened to include plans to mitigate several types of threats, ranging from fraud and malfeasance to terrorism to response to major events including natural and manmade disasters. It is clear from the growing demand for technology solutions within this segment that hospitality is very focused on ensuring a safe environment for those inside the facility. Hotels strive to deliver exceptional customer service while balancing the safety and security of guests, employees and visitors with a welcoming environment. Modern risks, including those related to cybersecurity, liability and compliance, have propelled the need for stringent yet creative security strategies to be integrated into a hotel’s overall business strategy. As hotels don’t report incidents, there is limited public data regarding the safety and security of these properties. However, it’s still clear that threats exist in hotels and resorts. A 2009 study that examined crimes reported by 64 Miami Beach hotels to the Miami Beach Police Department showed that theft is a chief problem, with nearly half of the 756 reported crimes being thefts. Growth ahead Threats like those mentioned above continue to be a significant driver in the deployment of video surveillance, video intelligence technologies and other security systems. The demonstrated value of video drives further interest in surveillance platforms, and this along with other factors propels the use of video surveillance as it continues to advance globally. According to a 2017 report from Research and Markets, the video surveillance market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.6 percent from 2017 to 2023, with hospitality, healthcare and education verticals forecasted to grow at an even higher rate. Technology plays a critical role in the effectiveness of a security function in all organizations, and the hospitality industry is no exception. In research conducted by Professor Alexandros Paraskevas, Chair in Hospitality Management at the University of West London, with assistance from the International Centre for Hotel and Resort Management, a large majority of hotels reported that video surveillance is by far the ‘core’ solution in use today. According to one participant, “95 percent of the discussion on security technology investment is about video surveillance.” Most executives consider video to be the leading investment, used as a deterrent or as an investigative tool. It is predominantly used in a reactive, not proactive manner. Even though technology is considered a force multiplier, many hotels struggle with allocating sufficient budget for security measures. Security investment within the hospitality sector is typically a ‘reluctant spend’ since it is not considered a revenue generator. That does not mean that the hospitality industry doesn’t prioritize security, it’s just a matter of setting the right mindset. Owners and managers who realize the importance of employee and guest safety, and the overall benefit of security are keener to discuss investment. This is why security leaders must be willing and able to educate senior leaders on the technology being proposed. As video surveillance becomes more prominent as a business operations tool in addition to a critical piece of a comprehensive security plan, valuable innovations such as panoramic and 360-degree cameras and video analytics, are important tools to reduce cost and increase coverage of large areas such as hotel lobbies and parking lots. But these products are only one piece of the puzzle – a comprehensive security solution can not only prevent and provide investigative/ forensic support, but also reduce insurance premiums and increase business. It is critical that video cameras and other security solutions are integrated to form a more comprehensive view of a hotel’s overall security posture. Simple, intelligent systems that bring information to the operator are optimal because they help hotels gain new levels of intelligence to help mitigate risks more effectively and proactively. The future is now Advancements in technologies propel new ways for security technology – most predominantly video – to be leveraged throughout an organization. Video data can be leveraged for additional uses that span several departments including business operations and marketing. The capital investment in video capture technology then becomes more widely distributed as more departments utilize the information, going from a required ‘grudge purchase’ to a ‘Swiss Army Knife’ of operational benefits. For example, the future of analytics provides heat-mapping functionality that hotels can use to identify busy areas for target marketing. Users can analyze traffic and people flow, and use that information to determine how to best use specific areas. With facial recognition software, hotels can better address the needs of VIPs by allowing hotel staff to be alert when a frequent guest arrives. How’s that for customer service? Hotels and resorts can use advanced technologies to better serve guests in an effort to deliver the kind of personalized service that customers will come to expect from their visit in the future. This will allow brands to build long-term relationships and ensure return visits, leading to increased revenue streams and a successful sustained business model. At the same time, hotels will be able to realize new levels of safety and security to keep their most important assets protected.                                    Author:-       Abhishek Kumar ( Regional Director, Southeast Asia, Oncam)