Page 16 - Security Today, May/June 2024

course, deep forensic searches for past events also save consider- able time and resources as well.
For operations and sales, companies have never been hungrier for data and metrics that validate strategy while revealing ineffi- ciencies and areas for improvement. AI-enabled cameras can pro- vide a wealth of valuable data that displays performance, trends and even compliance.
KEEPING PACE WITH TECHNOLOGY
Keeping up with rapidly evolving technology can be challenging for hardware vendors. The time it takes to research and devel- op a product, and then get it to market can be significant. For example, to provide the latest AI benefits in a security camera, manufacturers can elect to “roll their own” AI SoC (system on a chip) or use a third-party chip specializing in AI.
Some “pros” of creating an AI SoC in-house include the po- tential for customization and optimization, along with some cost efficiencies when manufacturing at a large scale. The “cons” of such an approach include the excessive cost of R&D, fabrication and testing coupled with a much longer time to market and lack of flexibility. With the current pace of innovation, there is a sig- nificant risk that once an AI chip is finally released to market, it might be already obsolete.
To recoup costs, the manufacturer must continue to sell the tech- nology for a fixed amount of time and then start the process over again. For rapidly changing technology such as AI, using a chip from a third-party specialist like Ambarella makes a lot of sense. Pros include significantly lower initial costs, faster time-to-market, and complete flexibility when upgrading components. Using a chip like the CV52 from Ambarella minimizes risk for manufacturers and customers alike while delivering benefits from AI advances in other industries, such as autonomous vehicles, robotics and more.
CHANGING PERCEPTIONS
The perception of AI-enabled security cameras as IoT devices has evolved significantly as modern security cameras are now part of the broader IoT ecosystem. Manufacturers continually develop new features and capabilities to meet the demands and expectations of businesses, pushing the limits of what these cam- eras can achieve.
No longer stand-alone devices, the integration of IoT technol- ogy has transformed AI-enabled cameras into sophisticated tools that offer real-time monitoring, analytics, and integration with other systems such as access control, alarms, lighting and busi- ness intelligence platforms. These integrations further enhance a security team’s ability to provide coordinated and proactive secu- rity measures.
When considering security cameras as IoT devices, we natu- rally assume they are monitored and controlled remotely using smartphones or other devices, allowing operators to view live feeds, receive alerts, and even communicate through two-way in- tercom features regardless of their location.
However, it is not safe to assume any camera, VMS and access control solution can deliver the integration required. That is why it is important to carefully vet solutions from manufacturers and
partners of open platforms to ensure maximum compatibility.
OPEN VS. CLOSED
When the industry talks about open platforms, it is making a distinction between manufacturers and providers who supply one-size-fits-all or end-to-end solutions, and those who readily partner and collaborate with best-of-breed manufacturers to give customers a complete choice of deploying bespoke solutions. One-size-fits-all solutions frequently place restrictions on what equipment can be used and, as a result, force compromises.
These end-to-end solutions can seem attractive due to their simplicity and low up-front costs, but the trade-offs mean com- panies find themselves locked in (Hostage as a Service) and un- able to take advantage of the latest innovations that might deliver exactly the capabilities customers require. An example of an open platform might be a readily available software development kit (SDK) or application program interface (API) that third-party developers can use to integrate different applications more easily.
Going further, if a camera manufacturer uses a standardized platform like Docker, a developer of specialized AI tools could create a customized Docker application that runs on any Docker- compatible edge device. This is akin to the apps that run on our smartphones. In this case, the phone OS includes the platform, and the apps are guaranteed to just run.
ENHANCED CAPABILITIES DEMAND MORE SECURITY
As AI-enabled security cameras become more sophisticated and interconnected, concerns over data privacy and cybersecurity also increase. The capacity of these cameras to harvest and trans- fer valuable data can make them a preferred target for hackers.
As such, we must ensure that these devices have robust secu- rity features to shield them from unauthorized access and po- tential exploits. As the capabilities of IoT devices expand, so do the legal and ethical considerations surrounding their use. Issues such as consent, data retention and the scope of any surveillance are increasingly under scrutiny, impacting how these devices are deployed and used.
It is time to change our mindset about security cameras, what we can expect from them, and how they fit into the larger ecosys- tem of IoT devices.
Just as we expect our smartphones to continually evolve through automated updates and ongoing app development, a future-proof platform approach lets us take advantage of new applications and capabilities as they become available. The evolu- tion of security cameras into sophisticated IoT devices reflects broader trends in technology and society.
While they offer significant benefits in terms of security and convenience, they also raise important questions about privacy, data protection, and ethical use. As these de-
vices continue to evolve, it will be crucial to bal-
ance these considerations to harness their full potential responsibly.
Adam Lowenstein is the Americas Product Director at i-PRO.
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