Page 63 - Security Today, May/June 2020

“The video system is ideally suited to serve as the foundation for a larger network of sensors like those used in the ITS environment.”
By Anthony Incorvati
For example, cameras may be deployed across a campus to provide a safe and secure environment. Because of the video system’s open- ness, it can be integrated with other purpose-built systems that are monitoring traffic, such as ATMS.
The actionable intelligence gleaned from analyzing traffic data delivers valuable insight into how facilities and roads are used, which enables informed decisions regarding planning. Data about intersec- tions of interest, traffic flow and volume, the types of vehicles enter- ing and exiting campus, parking use and more can help identify potential problem spots where traffic issues can be alleviated. How- ever, intelligence is only as good as the data it’s based on, and much of this is contributed to by the high-quality images cameras today deliver in a wide range of lighting conditions.
For example, video data and analytics could identify areas where drivers or pedestrians are ignoring traffic lights, allowing campus secu- rity to determine how best to address these unsafe situations. From a more long-term perspective, this information allows planners to deter- mine and prioritize next steps, which could simply be to increase enforcement efforts, update existing traffic infrastructure or even improve roads themselves.
Bringing It All Together
Integrating disparate devices and systems offers seemingly unlimited benefits, but doing so requires the ability to easily manage, monitor and in many cases control these technologies. The most effective and efficient way to do this is by pooling all of this information into a common plat- form that can facilitate communication between multiple systems to streamline the overall management and effectiveness of a sensor network.
VMS, ATMS and other similar platforms offer this type of central- ized approach to integration, as many solutions are equipped with capability to manage and gather data from both camera and non- camera sources. For managing traffic and other sensor networks, these platforms become an important tool that can facilitate com- munication and integration between the range of IP-based devices and systems that are connected to the same network. Easy integration between the camera, software solutions and other systems makes it possible to scale and customize systems for specific needs or to accommodate future growth or other changes.
As a single point of control and management, these software plat- forms allow operators to share video, sign control and other traffic management information with other agencies and departments while maintaining complete control over their system.
While traffic, transportation and parking will continue to pose challenges, campuses can look to advancements in ITS to help solve those problems, particularly when video is added to these solutions to improve the ability to monitor traffic, pedestrians, weather, acci- dents and many other factors. By integrating ITS, video, analytics and other devices and systems into a single platform, a video system can empower campuses to become more efficient and dynamic.
Anthony Incorvati is the segment development manager, transporta- tion, Axis Communications Inc.
lance cameras offer, it makes sense that the video system serve as the foundation of a larger network of devices, sensors and systems. Addi- tionally, the footage these cameras capture is incredibly valuable for analysis to generate intelligence to improve operational performance.
Another reason the video system is well-suited for traffic management can be seen in the sheer number of cameras currently deployed and in use around the world. Each of these cameras offers the ability to deliver more value than simply recording what is happening in its field of view, allowing end users to get even greater return on their investment. As previously mentioned, the technology is mature enough and a wide vari- ety of vendors are open to working together to ensure their technologies can be integrated. As a result, integrations between video and non-video devices and systems is much more common – and more achievable – than ever before, which is helpful in advancing traffic management.
Data and Analytics
The data generated by integrated, interconnected systems can be collected, collated and analyzed to provide intelligence that can certainly improve safety and security but certainly has value beyond these basic functions. Serving as the “brains” behind the traffic management network, analytics offer the ability to combine multiple sources of data to create a broader, more predictive view of scenarios, situations and more, thanks in large part to the open platforms that enable third-party integrations.
In a video system, the camera is the ultimate sensor, incorporating analytics in an open platform that is capable of working with any VMS or advanced traffic management system (ATMS). As processing power continues to evolve, the camera can support even more appli- cations beyond traditional analytics, including the avalanche of emerging artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning technologies.
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