As 2021 begins, customers and enthusiasts avidly look forward to the latest technology trends in the security industry. Recent developments have shown that 2021 technology trends will depend significantly on the advancements in intelligent video surveillance, analytics, and cloud storage. Trend predictions from certain manufacturers also indicate this.
There is also an increased awareness of the need for video surveillance systems, which has led to more regulations on the use of cameras. However, there are more privacy concerns as well, as artificial intelligence-based video surveillance systems appear more invasive.
Considering all this and the fact that we are still reeling under the pressure of COVID-19, here is a list of top trends in video surveillance technology that experts expect to see.
Artificial intelligence, with its two popular components, machine learning, and deep learning, is already driving innovation by offering improved data and business intelligence. We have seen significant achievements in diversifying metadata, improving accuracy, and increasing the granularity that would enable surveillance systems to ensure better security.
Experts believe that in 2021 we may see wider adoption of Deep Learning technology that would make video surveillance even more accurate while lowering costs. It is expected that Deep Learning, along with Computer Vision, to drive progress in several sectors beyond security, including robotics and medical imaging. When used in video surveillance, Deep Learning could speed up investigations by allowing search and filter based on specific criteria, rule-based alerts based on behavior or particular objects, etc.
More business intelligence applications from video analytics software in 2021 are expected. The pandemic accelerated a trend that was already happening, and we're seeing more and more non-security related CCTV analytics applications being developed.
Specifically, we are seeing more useful applications around people counting, and the detection of large gatherings and crowds. We expect to see a move towards delivering enterprise-level analytics at scale and making use of the analytics data in applications that drive business value.
Trend 2: Beyond "edge" to increase speed and efficiency
Recent years have seen an increased focus on edge-based solutions that reduce processing time and is resource-efficient. But debates on edge vs. Cloud vs. server have continued, as manufacturers seek to take maximum advantage of each platform.
In 2021 we would see intelligent solutions deployed across edge, server, and Cloud, terming it a "horizontal" shift. Leveraging the benefits of each platform would help manufacturers offer more scalable and flexible video surveillance solutions. For instance, an edge-based solution can provide instant alerts when detecting a threat, and an operator can verify it through a cloud-based application to respond.
COVID-19 has prompted the increased use of touchless solutions like facial recognition access control. In video surveillance, the use of solutions such as license plate recognition could become more popular in the coming year as customers look to minimize physical contact risk.
As touchless solutions continue to be a topic of conversation, AI-enabled cameras can automate many of the processes which previously would've needed some access credential. For example, license plate recognition for smart parking areas can optimize space usage and streamline overall access. The benefits of detecting complex events in real-time are becoming more vital to overall responsiveness.
Adapted from a&s Magazine