In the early years when video content analysis (VCA) was introduced to the market, it created a ripple of excitement. However, when the high expectation was not met by the technology, the excitement was chilled quickly. In the recent years, we have seen many applications been adapted to different vertical markets.
In 2014, there are few product trends and technologies that will be heavily addressed, including intelligent surveillance, higher resolution technology, growing demands for entry-level market, upgraded analog, steady growth in access control and biometrics and video verification applications.
Intelligence is the breakthrough in surveillance
In the early years when video content analysis (VCA) was introduced to the market, it created a ripple of excitement. However, when the high expectation was not met by the technology, the excitement was chilled quickly. In the recent years, we have seen many applications been adapted to different vertical markets. For example, people counting is highly used in the retail sector for flow management or distinguishing out the hot selling products in malls. Another practical usage is to use VCA as a filter, to isolate suspicious activities for further determination by people. This application can be programmed to the cameras at the front end as an activity detector. If it is to be used at the back end as an intelligent analytic tool, then the pictures will become information-rich tool or further applications.
As to the improvements of VCA, there are 2 ways to go. One is through adding in the three-dimension (3D) technology--- by incorporating determining factors such as height measured from the ground, the accuracy of the image analysis could be highly enhanced, becoming a more reliable application. Another improvement is through self-learning technology. The precision of VCA is dependent on how well the VCA corrects its mistakes through multiple trial-and-errors.
Cameras are like the human eyes. If the image registered by the eyes is not just “seen” but “comprehended,” then the application will become more valuable to the system. The hottest topic in IT now is the big data. If combing intelligent surveillance and big data, security will definitely be brought to a higher level.
Higher resolution, clearer images
Recently, we have heard the coming of 4K images or H.265 compression technology – the revolution of visual demands is stimulated by the consumer market. As a product, HD can be described as mature; however, if we are talking about a system or an environment, then it is yet to be accomplished. From my point of view, it is very difficult to find new marketing topics for the IP market that is heavily competed for. In order to stay ahead in the industry, many manufacturers will pioneer into incorporating the 4K and H.265 technologies into their products despite that the environment is not mature yet.
Entry-level markets' rising demands
As mentioned, security has become more affordable and much accepted in the consumer markets. Many leading players such as AXIS, BOSCH, and SONY continuously introduce new entry-level products specially designed for this market. Similarly, the cost-downed made-in-Asia products from both IT and security industries all have something to offer to the entry-level market. To offer a stage for manufacturers to showcase their consumer-defined products, the 2014 Secutech International Expo, organized by Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media (a&s company), is going to launch a concurrent SmaHome show, to greet the coming of age of the new security market.
Analog – bullish with upgrades
The analog technology still dominates the security market in terms of quantity with an 80 % share even in 2013. Although the competition is so intense that little profit can be generated, the cheap pricing will still affect the market for another while. However, if manufacturers can take advantage of the large need for analog upgrades and produce some innovation for improving the existing technology, profits can certainly be yielded. Hence, we should pay attention to those solutions designed for the upgrade of the existing analog systems, such as the highly developed 960H, HD-SDI to be lowered in price, or the 800TVL products hot in China. These upgrades will aggressively seize the large analog market.
Access control onto a steady rise
Access control applications has followed closely with the IP trend, and can go along with other mature technologies such as biometrics, RFID, wireless electric lock, IP video door phone. As IP continues to excel, access control is definitely going on a stable growth for the following years.
Biometrics be lifted up outside security
In the previous issue, we have picked out iPhone 5s as the product of the month due to its selection of fingerprint technology. Biometrics will definitely be riding an upward spiral with consumer 3C products--- free from the constraints of the security market. Applications such as facial recognition, voice identification, and many more will also be in demand. Some of the technologies that were unable to be supported by the surveillance industry could possibly find a new stage to shine through 3C.
Video verification enhancing applications
False alarm has always been a headache for the alarm providers. Some of the countries now have regulations requesting all alarm services to add in video images to enhance verifications that alleviate the burden of police on duty. Some alarm service providers add in the video verification to reduce the unnecessary dispatch of guards. This is even more appreciated in Asian countries, where people are accustomed to image viewing. Although alarm is not highly requested in India, perhaps more can be secured through the combination of alarm and video.
Looking ahead the transition phase of security
The most exciting trajectory of security is pointed towards to follow the path of 3C, as the value of surveillance becomes tangible through mobile devices. The untapped opportunities in the security industry will lure both geniuses and funds as how it is in the Silicon Valley! There is going to be a fiery image revolution changing the old professional security. I myself am very curious, just how will the core value of professional security---“trust”--- be redefined in the consumer-driven new markets? Maybe we can hold on to this thought, and come back to examine it in 2016.