By
May 08, 2024
Closed-circuit television technology (CCTV) has long been used to deter crime and provide security and visibility, allowing business owners greater peace of mind. New advancements in cloud-based analytics and smart technologies have unlocked new capabilities for CCTV beyond security.
Underpinned by future proofed, high bandwidth connectivity, next-gen CCTV has the ability to capture and transfer significantly larger amounts of high-resolution images and visual data. This, combined with the emergence of smart technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), computer vision and deep learning can address issues faced by cities including traffic and pollution monitoring, crime prevention and protecting critical infrastructure.
The next generation of CCTV
Computer vision is a smart technology that allows machines to analyse thousands of images per minute from visual inputs including digital images and videos, before making suggestions based on this critical data. This AIOT technology (Artificial Intelligence of Things) enables a seamless flow of data-driven insights, so devices can act autonomously and deliver tailored outcomes in real time.
This advanced form of deep learning doesn’t need specialised imaging cameras, making it a popular choice for smart city applications that already use pre-existing network cameras, such as CCTV. To allow the quick transfer of high-resolution images and visual data that can keep up with a camera’s frame rate, computer vision performs best on a high bandwidth, reliable internet connection.
Andrew Carr, Head of Customer Strategy at Fusion Networks says with rapidly evolving generative AI and image recognition, CCTV will essentially become a real time eye, reducing limited decision making happening at the device.
“Initially CCTV was all about deterrence and security, to look at things after the fact. But now, with the increase in computing power, high speed internet access, high speed wide-area networks, and ultra-high definition 4K and 8K video, it can be used as a real time operational tool.
“Businesses are looking at how to weave more CCTV into their operations. It gives them greater ability to actually see what's going on and where in real time, and then make a decision that has a good outcome.
Early adopters in New Zealand
Auckland Transport believes video CCTV footage is critical to ensuring road safety across the region. Operating around 5,000 CCTV cameras, from roads and intersections outside schools, to dynamic lanes and bus interchanges, their network is vast and busy.
Video allows controllers to see in real time exactly what is going on. CCTV technology supports the phasing of lights, accident avoidance, licence plate identification, speed monitoring, special vehicle and parking management, monitoring and easing congestion, with state of emergency notifications providing insights for proactive (future planning scenarios) and predictive smart city applications.
In 2022, Auckland Transport announced their ‘Vision Zero’ Safe System approach, which aims to have no deaths or serious injuries on Auckland roads by 2050. AI and computer vision, in conjunction with their current CCTV network, will play a pivotal role in achieving this goal.
Roger Jones, Chief Technology Officer at Auckland Transport believes that when supported by fibre, smart technologies can revolutionise the way Kiwi residents travel.
Auckland Transport’s fibre connectivity allows the organisation to effectively leverage computer vision capabilities to deliver business outcomes across safety, network optimisation, compliance, and incident management.
“From Waiuku to north of Warkworth, fibre connectivity provides greater reliability and reduces the downtime for our IoT devices across our network. This in turn helps keep our city moving, supporting businesses and Aucklanders as they go about their daily lives,” says Jones.
Smarter Connectivity with Smart Locations
Chorus’ world class fibre network provides connectivity for IoT projects across New Zealand. Its Smart Locations product delivers high-bandwidth business fibre that enables CCTV cameras to capture more data and transform it into actionable insights or future planning decisions, in real time.
Theresa Corballis, IoT Business Development Manager at Chorus, says reliability is a key factor for customers in selecting Chorus fibre and Smart Locations for CCTV.
“Chorus fibre reduces the chances of disruption to both video feed and analytics. As a lines technology with cables in the ground, fibre can also offer benefits such as protection from environmental and weather-related issues”.
As New Zealand works to become a smarter and more connected country, innovative AI technologies like computer vision, combined with CCTV and underpinned by fibre, mean we are well-placed to create a safer and more resilient environment for Kiwis.