Sharp as a tack – security software detects friend, foe and accident

That the retail trade protects goods with RFID chips and video surveillance is nothing new. What is new is the highly innovative progress being made behind the camera lens – with object recognition, gender identification and customer-traffic counting.
In addition to the sensor resolution of CCTV lenses, the accuracy of surveillance programmes has been increasing for many years. Powerful computer systems run data-intensive applications for registering friend and foe, customer and thief. But current systems are not the last word in accuracy, as clearly demonstrated by providers of state-of-the-art surveillance software at the recent Secutech Taipei and Intersec Jeddah trade fairs. Intelligent computer programmes identify, inter alia, customer numbers, the length of their visit, gender and type of behaviour. The prerequisite for this is smart software and an ability to use deep-learning algorithms. Systems of this kind analyse data, e.g., images, videos, texts and signals, in real time. And, with time, the programme analyses types of behaviour and becomes increasingly accurate. The possibilities range from theft prevention, via an analysis of consumer interest, to accident recognition. Naturally, this is not only of interest to the retail trade but also to security-sensitive businesses, factories, the health-care system, smart cities and the transport sector, not to mention the own home.
Smart tagging
Another benefit of using intelligent surveillance systems: to date, security experts have been forced to review hours of surveillance videos after an incident. However, reconstructing the past on film is much more efficient if the material has been smart tagged, i.e., linked with a digital keyword. To this end, the intelligent software behind the CCTV lens must be able to identify and classify objects automatically. The system then attaches specific properties as tags in real time. The user is responsible for determining what elements are to be tagged. Subsequently, the system shows all relevant results with a time stamp on the display.
Thus, passive security and market research become a single entity if necessary – a milestone from the user’s point of view because security now has the potential to change from being a pure cost centre to a profit centre. By, for example, processing all the data collected.
Security worldwide
In many cases, security is a regional or even national topic. On the one hand, this is due to regulatory differences and, on the other hand, the very different weighting given around the globe to security needs in relation to personal transparency. With ten strategically located trade fairs and forums around the world, Messe Frankfurt offers security platforms for greatly divergent needs. There, established manufacturers and innovative newcomers present their latest products and, increasingly, networked systems, which benefits a variety of companies, especially those wanting to fill the synergistic gaps between security technology and customer analysis.
Thus, Secutech Taipei in Taiwan (25 to 27 April 2018) recently closed its doors after a highly successful run that attracted 19,907 visitors. The trade fair met the growing demand for intelligent and customer-specific security solutions with products in the fields of ICT, IoT, artificial intelligence, big data, edge computing, intelligent video analysis and deep learning.
For the second time, 150 exhibitors from 20 countries had the chance to generate innovative security impulses at Intersec Jeddah in Saudi Arabia (14 to 16 April 2018). Due to the geo-political situation and the announcement of numerous state-aided infrastructure projects, the Saudi market is characterised by great growth potential for security products.
The coming Guangzhou Public Security Technology trade fair
(9 to 12 June 2018) is being organised jointly for the first time by the GPST Association and Messe Frankfurt. Around 200 exhibitors have grasped the opportunity and will be making presentations about themselves and their innovations at the China Import & Export Fair Complex in Guangzhou. Focusing on ‘public security’, the fair is the leading event for the sector in South China.
In Germany, the 4th Intersec Forum in March 2019 will offer value added for visitors interested in security. Held concurrently with the ISH trade fair in Frankfurt am Main, Intersec Forum is a great source of specialist knowledge and represents an outstanding opportunity to exchange ideas and information.
Against the background of a nine-percent rate of growth in the Russian security market, Messe Frankfurt is launching the first Intersec Forum Russia from 6 to 9 November 2018. Held parallel to Interlight Moscow, the networking and information platform will cover both regional and global security issues.
Further details of all events for the security sector can be found at www.safety-security.messefrankfurt.com