Page 20 - Security Today, July/August 2022

“Recent breakthroughs in digital imaging surveillance technology including facial recognition, AI and audio/video analytics add even more tools to a casino’s security arsenal.”
The role of on-board analytics will continue to expand as the gaming industry combines edge computing and AI to achieve en- hanced monitoring and search efficiency. The use of Edge AI, especially with analytics based on deep learning algorithms, can be a key element in a range of “smart surveillance” applications.
These include object detection and classification, and collec- tion of attributes in the form of metadata – all while reducing la- tency and system bandwidth burdens and enabling real-time data gathering and situational monitoring.
Smart Video Surveillance, Smarter Casinos
Smart video surveillance involves integrating analytics into an or- ganization’s surveillance camera architecture. The results of such integrations can include improvements in threat detection, oper- ating efficiencies, and solve numerous other common pain points facing casinos. A modern, well-designed AI video surveillance architecture consists of five main components: cameras, recorder, network, monitoring, and analytics.
Most casinos today incorporate these five items to mitigate risk and enhance their situational awareness. For example, with
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slot machines, one huge challenge is ensuring coverage of every machine on the casino floor. Working with an expert security consultant is crucial when it comes to deciding where to place the cameras and the type of cameras installed.
Most casinos look for cameras with enough flexibility to cover large areas with great detail and at high resolution, selecting ca- pabilities such as 4K resolution or Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) technology for challenging lighting conditions.
Today, when you walk in most casinos you will see dozens, if not hundreds, of cameras overlooking the gaming floor. Not all cameras are necessarily up above. They can be strategically placed facing the slot machines or inserted in poker tables. Secu- rity departments are tasked with monitoring for any suspicious activity via the camera network. Fortunately, newer security tech- nologies are making their job much easier.
Digital imaging technology have AI capabilities that not only assist with table monitoring. This same technology can go as far detecting blacklisted individuals through facial recognition and unwanted vehicles through license plate recognition. Facial recognition data on potential scammers can also be shared with other gambling establishments and some technologies can even identify underage visitors, with staff notified to check the player’s ID. These advanced video analytics can be used as investigative tools in the event of a security incident, but they can also inform staff of a high-profile client arriving on the premises.
Essential Cameras
Every detail in a gaming environment needs to be meticulous, making cameras essential to the 24/7 operation of a casino. If
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