Just about every building with a security department has a video surveillance room. In your favorite heist movie, there’s probably a scene where the unsuspecting security guards miss the glitch when their video feed is bypassed. Or perhaps the poor, clueless guard is rendered unconscious at their desk. The need for such rooms and desks lined with video feeds is becoming a thing of the past as embedded systems are automating building security.
Recognizing the Flaws of Conventional Security Systems
Unlike the movies, security systems are not so easily bypassed and are extremely effective when used to detect intruders or nefarious behavior. Cameras are smaller than ever and can be hidden so unauthorized personnel have no clue they’re being watched. In a room lined with screens and video feeds, or even a simple security desk, a single security guard can keep a watchful eye on the entire premises.
Employees and security personnel are well aware that these systems aren’t perfect. So, in addition to video surveillance, badges and biometrics are used to add another layer of security. But those systems also add more complexity. Fumbling for badges or submitting to biometric scans results in long lines at building entrances while rushed employees are trying to get to work.
To be most effective, someone must be watching the video feeds at all times. This requires a tremendous number of man-hours for 24-hour surveillance. Crooks can fool the cameras by concealing themselves, weapons, or anything they’re trying to remove from the building. And fatigue and complacency may cause guards to allow threats to slip by unnoticed.
How Embedded Vision Is Improving Building Security
Embedded vision is helping to boost the effectiveness and efficiency of building security. Instead of requiring humans to watch every minute of video recorded by the surveillance system, guards can be alerted only when the system detects a possible threat. This can help to reduce fatigue and keep personnel from growing complacent while staring at screens showing routine business day and night.
Security lines can also be a thing of the past when embedded vision is combined with video security systems. Complex algorithms can use everything from facial recognition to a person’s gait to identify who they are and whether they are authorized to be in a certain area. Instead of requiring employees to stop and scan at checkpoints, they can walk right through as the system processes their credentials in real-time.
Embedded vision can also detect threats that are otherwise concealed on video. Image processing software can detect anomalies to alert security of concealed weapons and suspicious behavior. This can help decrease the need for persistent or random searches of individuals. Changes can be deployed quickly to respond to threats faster and help keep building occupants safe.
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