What has changed in video surveillance is not how data is captured, but how it’s used to drive actions, not only to support fast data applications that analyze collected data now, but big data applications ready to analyze data in the future.
With the common purpose of detecting, monitoring and recording intrusion, security systems can be as elementary as a video camera or as complex as a biometric system.
Digital surveillance techniques in the form of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, burglar alarm systems and access control systems have become household names.
Intellectual property (IP)-based surveillance technology, touted as the future of surveillance systems, has replaced closed-circuit analogue systems, which, until recently, predominantly dominated the security market.
Today’s surveillance systems collect huge amounts of data, but only a small amount is actually utilized. Unless a security incident occurs, you typically don’t need the data. However, the captured data can be extremely valuable for other types of business or operational insights, not related to security and protection. These insights can lead to generating revenue, improving efficiencies, and problem solving.
Smart video is about the shift from imagery to insights, from simply collecting data for forensic or backwards-viewing, to analyzing and understanding its context. It uses artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithms derived from big data apps to provide immediate insights and forward-looking predictions that are driving today’s smart video applications.
According to a report by Markets and Markets, the video surveillance market, which was valued at US$ 30.37 billion in 2016, is projected to cross US$ 75 billion by 2022, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.4 per cent between 2017 and 2022. Likewise, a report by Business Wire states that the intrusion detection systems market is expected to grow from US$4.12 billion in 2016 to US$5.82 billion by 2021, at a CAGR of 7.1 per cent.
Latest Tech Trends
According to Ashish P. Dhakan, MD & CEO, Prama Hikvision India Pvt. Ltd., A typical electronic security product portfolio includes systems across intrusion and detection, access control, surveillance, security, and such. Today’s security market has evolved from traditional analogue to digital systems with technology taking center-stage.
The new-age electronic security market has moved much beyond traditional camera devices to include technologies such as sensors, biometrics, real-time connectivity, advanced processing software and analytics. These technologies are also opening up new application areas. Dominant technologies being Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Then, cloud-based technologies are the next emerging wave within the security and surveillance space.
“Overall, customers are rapidly moving from analog and hybrid solutions to pure IP solutions. With this, analog DVRs are being replaced by IP Network Video Recorders. Video codec H.265 is also becoming the norm. Video is storage hungry and storage was always a constraint. But, now higher capacity hard-disks are increasing storage capacity. Another big trend is more and more multi-location organizations are investing in VMS to integrate and centralize their existing isolated legacy solutions. Software applications now available are web based and support mobile applications. Video analytics is another exciting area where analytics are becoming more reliable and therefore useful for real-life applications. New generation of Intelligent Video Analytics (IVA) algorithms on Deep Learning help automate many manual processes and create newer functions and applications. Moreover, we are also seeing new generation analytics bringing opportunities to solve previously unsolved problems. Some of these analytics such as Face Recognition are erasing the boundary between Video Surveillance and Biometric technologies. Users are moving from desktop and laptop to mobile as their choice of device to operate their Video Surveillance applications, fuelling need for innovative mobile apps,” said, Ganesh Jivani, Managing Director Matrix Comsec.
“ Video Surveillance as another focus area where technology is going to get smarter leading to a seamless integration. Alongside, Perimeter Security is also set to expand in the coming year. Video surveillance and sensor-based security solutions could be very soon moving towards providing business intelligence as well. We are already witnessing this trend in organized retail, hospitality, banking and many more areas,” he added.
“Artificial intelligence, Deep Learning Algorithms backed by Data Analytics and to add Cloud Computing as well, are set to play key roles in shaping the next course. Features such as facial recognition, people counting, and ANPR are widely in application already. Video content analytics may move beyond analysis and will increase its capabilities with the help of AI (Artificial intelligence) and Deep Learning Algorithms to make an evidential impact on the vertical market solutions, majorly across the Retail, Health and Transportation sectors. An adoption of IP technology, h.265 video encoding and accompanied with 4K resolution imagery and other high-resolution imaging formats will put focus on advancements in video streaming and capturing innovations. In addition to this, the storage demand can witness significant shift and can move past hardware for storage solutions; Cloud storage or Video on Cloud solutions can become the next-trend setters,” said, Yogesh Dutta, COO, Aditya Infotech Ltd.
“Owing to the recent tech advancements there have been marked new trends and changes in the security and surveillance sector. Deep technology like Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things has given way for new developments in the field of security and surveillance. With this advent, there are a few surveillance systems that come with features that will change the Landscape of security industry,” said, Sudhindra Holla, Director, Axis Communications, India &SAARC.
“Some of the key trends that we will shape the sector in 2019 are Analytics:Video analytics enable proactive surveillance, providing technological extension to the security staff by protecting the premises and alerting and deterring crime. The applications can, for example, detect trespassers or loiterers and automatically notify a guard or Broadcast a messageover aIP audio speaker. The edge-based applications are scalable and help reduce bandwidth and storage use by sending and recording only video that is of interest. Thermal Cameras: Thermal cameras create images based on the heat that radiates from any object, vehicle or a person. A thermal camera is less sensitive to light conditions, such as shadows, backlight, darkness and even camouflaged objects; and delivers images that allow operators to detect and act on suspicious activity – 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This is best suitable for high-end industry like Manufacturing, Critical Infrastructure, Defence, etc. Facial Recognition: Facial Recognition helps improve customer service and protect assets by identifying repeat customers or potential perpetrators. Facial recognition when used in applications like retail is a perfect complement to existing surveillance system, enhancing security and customer experience in real time. Perimeter Defender: A surveillance system which covers blind spots the perimeter. AXIS Perimeter Defender provides an effective security system for critical sites such as chemical plants, power plants, prisons etc.. The video analytics application, together with Axis network cameras, provides a highly effective system that automatically detects and responds to people and vehicles intruding on your property. IP audio: IP audio is another emerging trend in the security industry. Audio system provides additional security as it can be used to trigger alerts and broadcast any live or scheduled announcements. Can be extensively used in educational institutes, retail and manufacturing plants where it can also be used for a varied purposes. In retail, use it as in-store ambiance with background music or in education where it can be used to make announcements pertaining to student safety and also in day to day activities such as morning prayer and assembly. IoT has a huge scope in the field of surveillance, for example, an IoT sensor can detect even more than humans, such as level of pollutants, noise level and vibrations. These sensors complement camera-based security solutions as they allow users to monitor not just threatened areas but monitor environmental factors as well,” elaborated Sudhindra.
“ The industry is moving towards vertical solutions based on IOT and enhanced through AI and Machine learning,” opine Sanjeev Sehgal – Managing Director- Sparsh (Samriddhi Automations Pvt. Ltd).
“ Currently, one of the biggest trends in surveillance and security industry is the rapid adoption of video analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology. The amalgamation of both is helping drive superior efficiencies in the processes where they are deployed. For instance, they can identify various kinds of motions such as walking, running, and even vandalism. Depending on the situation, they can automatically trigger an alert with the security team or any designated official. This completely eliminates the chances of missing out on critical events and enables security professionals to timely take defensive measures to prevent further escalation. The approach is moreover taking surveillance systems beyond their traditional role of security. Today, surveillance systems are helping corporates to analyze performance of their employees and other Business Intelligence (BI) initiatives. The ‘Video Dewarping’ technology has simultaneously decreased the deployment and maintenance costs while also eliminating blind spots. The technology is used in 360o and 180o cameras and isgreatly adding to the effectiveness of video analytics and Artificial Intelligence,” concluded, Abhishek Kumar, Regional Director, South Asia, Oncam.
Growth of security and surveillance market in India
“The demand for IP-based products and solutions with integrated application and availability over the mobile platform has constantly risen. Security threats have evolved lately; apart from incidents of violence, social crimes, terrorism has emerged as the single most crucial global threat with a potential to impact billions of lives. Consequently, a wider adoption of network-based, IP-integrated video surveillance solutions, advanced video encoding & image capturing technologies has been evident, catapulting the growth of the sector. While adoption of IoT-enabled tech has also propelled the demand for integrated solutions across each industry vertical. The present scenario seems promising, since technology is also rapidly evolving, and we are optimistic that the growth rate will continue to surge high in the upcoming years,” said, Yogesh of Aditya Infotech.
“With a projected growth rate of 16.4%, the security and surveillance market has a great scope of growth in the Indian marketplace with renewed interest from the Government of India and business. With new solutions that can cater to a business’s needs across multiple verticals will ensure steady growth of the security and surveillance market..The 2019 budget affirms the government is encouraging indigenous production and manufacturing in India as they’ve announced tax incentives to high tech manufacturing plants. This in turn makes the manufacturing vertical very crucial for the growth of the security and surveillance sector. In addition to the usage of surveillance systems, they can also install sensors in the manufacturing plant to cut down on wastage and quality inspection,” said, Sudhindra of Axis Communication.
“The different state Governments are investing heavily on the installation of CCTV cameras in educational institutions. For example, the Delhi government recently announced that more than 1000 schools were to install CCTV cameras. The growth of the security and surveillance market also depends on these verticals and it’s commendable to see that the institutes are working towards it. The smart/safe city initiative plays a major role in the growth of this industry as surveillance systems can make a city safer and analytics-based systems make a city smarter,” he added further.
“The industry growth is beyond expectations and is showing no signs of decline anytime soon. India is spearheading digital adoption across all walks of life at present. This is making everyone including individuals and businesses to envision the benefits of IP surveillance systems for different use cases. Smart City Mission is brilliantly complementing the industry growth. It is acquainting our cities with new-age infrastructure for enhanced security and robust resource management. Due to the fragmented nature of the industry, there aren’t absolute figures in terms of growth. However, we believe that the market will continue to maintain a double-digit growth rate for the foreseeable future,” said, Abhishek of Oncam.
“We see a tremendous growth, market growing at double digit figures,” added, Sanjeev of Sparsh.
“The Indian market is at an inflection point. The organized market for surveillance equipment in India is expected to touch Rs. 50-60 billion by 2020, according to an IHS Markit study. Security and Surveillance market has higher penetration in Tier I and Tier II cities, which together account for more than 80 per cent market in India, according to Research and Markets, market research firm. However, there is a deeper connect than just numbers. We need to make India and all our citizens safer and that is where global players with technological edge should come forward and take the lead with advanced products and solutions. Public safety should be the number one drive in our country and we are committed to cooperate in all efforts towards this end,” concluded, Ashish of Prama Hikvision India Pvt. Ltd.
Growth of Blockchain Technology enabled applications and IP Adoption
“Blockchain improves the affordability of smart surveillance solutions for smaller businesses and residential customers. Apart from this, it also boosts the digital security of network cameras. Analog HD systems, on the other hand, lose in terms of effectiveness since they do not typically transfer a video feed in digital format. This makes it hard to recognize events or the particular use case for which a surveillance system is deployed. Further, technologies like blockchain cannot be integrated to such systems. This is why IP surveillance systems are better positioned in this context,” said, Abhishek of Oncam.
“IP is becoming the basic requirement of the customers due to the known facts of scalability and enhancements through video analytics and AI. Blockchain technology seems more limited to VMS and C2 applications. We do not see its implementation at camera or NVT hardware level yet,” said, Sanjeev of Sparsh.
“The growing demand for public safety in urban environments is supported by monitoring using video surveillance. The need to analyse multiple video-flows from different cameras deployed around the city by heterogeneous owners introduces vulnerabilities and privacy issues. Video frames, timestamps, and camera settings can be digitally manipulated by malicious users; the positions of cameras, their orientation and their mechanical settings can be physically manipulated. Digital and physical manipulations may have several effects, including the change of the observed scene and the potential violation of neighbors’ privacy. To face these risks, a Blockchain-based video surveillance system that jointly provides validation and immutability to camera settings and surveillance videos, making them readily available to authorized users in case of events is the need of the hour. Such results can be easily obtained through Blockchain technology,” said, Ashish of Prama Hikvision India Pvt. Ltd.
“ Blockchain technology has gained immense popularity, though it was invented decades ago. It’s a distributed digital ledger system connected with chain of blocks encrypted with digital signatures. The appositeness of block chain technology is under-trial due to the restrictions it holds in the implementation. Block chain can act as an enabler for Video Surveillance technique, since the applicability would be suitable when the solutions are devised around cyber security while the physical security domain serve as the unified platform,” concluded, Yogesh of Aditya Infotech.
Penetration of Artificial Intelligence & Deep Learning technologies
According to Sudhindra Holla, Director, Axis Communications, India &SAARC, Artificial Intelligence and Deep-learning technologies have played a crucial role in the video surveillance market and will continue playing a crucial role in this industry as well.
Earlier, video surveillance systems played one role and that was monitoring crime but, using AI and DLT video surveillance systems offer a variety of solutions to the consumer that range from heat signature monitoring to checking environmental pollutants. AI and DLT allow video surveillance systems to do more than just video surveillance.
“ Definitely. We have to understand that this is merely the advent of the AI technology. More sophisticated solutions will be developed as both technology and the market mature. Further, Deep Learning will help us create value to an extent that is beyond imagination. If you look it that way, we will be able to save billions of dollars through the technology across the globe. We will, moreover, be able to bring greater precision to processes while freeing human resources from fatigue-causing and amateurish work,” said, Abhishek of Oncam.
“Yes, they have helped I increased accuracy of systems specially applications like ANPR, RLVD, FRS and all major video analytics which is helping increase the system accuracy and have started to being used for mass deployments,” said, Sanjeev of Sparsh.
“ There is absolutely no doubt there. Artificial Intelligence allows machines to do jobs previously done by people. When it comes to security and surveillance, this technology allows cameras and control room equipment to identify a wide range of threats automatically and in real time across hundreds or even thousands of cameras – allowing security teams to take immediate action to protect people and assets. Video surveillance cameras are the electronic eyes of any security operation. In the past, human supervision was needed to make sense of the images captured, and to assess whether certain events posed a security risk or not. With some organizations using hundreds or even thousands of cameras to protect their people and assets, manual review of footage is simply impossible – potentially leaving them vulnerable to security breaches. That is where AI and DLT have established themselves as the future technologies,” said, Ashish of Prama Hikvision.
“ Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Deep Learning technologies (DLT) have altered the course of development in the video surveillance market, majorly impacting the architecting of solutions and bringing an integrated approach to solution-offering for different market industry verticals. Security solutions today, are IoT-enabled, data-driven, and far more agile than they were earlier. This has made an influential impact on market demand; intensifying customized solution making and integration of more than one technology format into a unified platform-based surveillance solution,” concluded, Yogesh of Aditya Infotech.
Smart cities and safe cities project to drive
According to Sanjeev Sehgal of Sparsh, Smart City mission by our honourable Prime Minister has been an important initiate and seeing the progress, we are sure that more and more smart city and safe city projects will drive the surveillance market in times to come.
“The security and surveillance market in India is growing at a huge growth rate on account of rapidly increasing demand from various verticals. Government initiatives such as Smart cities and Safe cities are fostering the growth of surveillance market in India. Smart cities and safe cities projects include various applications such as city surveillance, secure parking facilities, smart traffic solutions, smart transportation, etc. The government’s Smart City Mission and Safe City initiative are creating new opportunities for the security Industry. India is one of the fastest growing markets for security products and solutions across the globe. In the next 10 years, India’s security market is expected to experience an unprecedented growth and Hikvision is committed to be a part of this growth in India,” said, Ashish of Prama Hikvision.
“ Ideas of living in Smart and Safe cities have been doing the rounds since the wave of digital transformation has disrupted the process and means of securing commercial spaces, while making deeper in-roads into the housing projects for civilians, impacting each live in the society at the granular levels. Today, the focus is clearly on building “Smart Cities”; facilitating the concept of Safe & Secure surroundings for the citizens. In the goal of shaping up “Future-Ready Cities”, surveillance solutions like the Central Command Centers, Concentrated Video Surveillance techniques, and Early Alarm mechanism will be instrumental to keep a sharp on eye Public Spaces, Traffic Management, Public Transportation & Transit Services and more. Hence, we can evidently comment that the concept like “Smart Cities” will give a huge boost to the surveillance market in India and abroad,” said, Yogesh of Aditya Infotech.
“The main agenda of the smart city project is to Improve and simplify the quality of life of citizens. Public safety and security play a pivotal role in a city’s overall reputation. A smart city requires a surveillance system that can cater to the diverse needs of a smart city ranging from monitoring and controlling crime rates, weather condition forecast, monitoring pollutants, waste management, controlling sewage overflowing etc. IP based security systems can not only guarantee surveillance but also offer a variety of solutions to make the citizens feel safer and protected. The use of analytics leads to more effective, data driven decision making. Effective data analytics empower city’s authorities city’s administration with information to deploy police in high risk areas plan for expansion while monitoring festivals, intensive traffic corridors and regulate crime. The advantages of analytics are endless, enabling stronger decision making and improving the standard of living,” said, Sudhindra of Axis Communications, India &SAARC.
“Security processes are quite challenging, especially when they are executed on an enormous scale as in the case of cities. They have to be monitored through video walls with multiple professionals dedicatedly analyzing the video feed. Still, there is a sizeable room for error and omission. The security professionals further have less importance for trivial events and cannot apprise the respective department about the same. This directly creates inefficiency. However, using smart IP surveillance systems, it is possible to convey the minutest of detail to respective departments and on-ground teams. For instance, any person displaying aggressive behavior can be non-intrusively monitored using such systems and preemptive measures can be taken. Similarly, it is possible to spot and nab absconding criminals and habitual criminal offenders. This creates a safe environment for the city dwellers as well as incoming tourists without causing any kind of disruption. At the same time, it is possible to more effectively manage traffic movement, analyze the current and future development needs, and drive initiatives such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan,” concluded, Abhishek of Oncam.
Future Prospects
“ The consolidation trend will continue to drive the future of security industry. The smart integration and innovation of transformative technologies will define the future course of security and surveillance systems. India may emerge as a key manufacturing hub for security and surveillance systems. According to IHS Markit report, “There are likely to be further mergers and acquisitions. However, a spree of large scale mergers and acquisitions is not expected.” Said, Ashish of Prama Hikvision India Pvt. Ltd.
“Government has realized the importance of surveillance, especially in the education sector and started to implement installation of CCTV cameras to curb criminal activities in the schools and colleges. Owing to this We do see an increasing demand for security surveillance in the education industry owing to the growing security issues in the segment. We also see an increasing demand for surveillance system in the healthcare sector,” said, Sudhindra of Axis Communications, India &SAARC.
“It would be more of solution approach than product approach which would define the industry and companies operating,” added, Sanjeev of Sparsh.
“ At present, the market is shifting from traditional analog-based security to IP-driven surveillance solutions. This trend will continue and a sizeable market share will be acquired by IP surveillance systems. There will also be a strong focus on cybersecurity of network cameras to prevent botnet attacks as well as Advanced Persistent Threat (APT),” said, Abhishek of Oncam.
Finally
As IP surveillance cameras continue to gain traction, the need to secure this network layer, which has increased the overall network boundary of organizations, is also imperative. The industry has to holistically move towards this direction as a forward-looking approach and address the cyber security concerns to ensure that any undesirable event doesn’t occur in the future.
Highlights
Mr. Ashish P. Dhakan, MD & CEO, Prama Hikvision India Pvt. Ltd.
“Artificial Intelligence allows machines to do jobs previously done by people. When it comes to security and surveillance, this technology allows cameras and control room equipment to identify a wide range of threats automatically and in real time across hundreds or even thousands of cameras – allowing security teams to take immediate action to protect people and assets.”
Mr. Yogesh Dutta, COO, Aditya Infotech Ltd.
“Artificial intelligence, Deep Learning Algorithms backed by Data Analytics and to add Cloud Computing as well, is set to play key roles in shaping the next course. Features such as facial recognition, people counting, and ANPR are widely in application already.”
Mr. Sudhindra Holla, Director, Axis Communications, India &SAARC
“With new solutions that can cater to a business’s needs across multiple verticals will ensure steady growth of the security and surveillance market..The 2019 budget affirms the government is encouraging indigenous production and manufacturing in India as they’ve announced tax incentives to high tech manufacturing plants. This in turn makes the manufacturing vertical very crucial for the growth of the security and surveillance sector. In addition to the usage of surveillance systems, they can also install sensors in the manufacturing plant to cut down on wastage and quality inspection. “
Mr. Abhishek Kumar, Regional Director, South Asia, Oncam
“Blockchain improves the affordability of smart surveillance solutions for smaller businesses and residential customers. Apart from this, it also boosts the digital security of network cameras. Analog HD systems, on the other hand, lose in terms of effectiveness since they do not typically transfer a video feed in digital format.”
Mr. Ganesh Jivani, Managing Director Matrix Comsec
“Another big trend is more and more multi-location organizations are investing in VMS to integrate and centralize their existing isolated legacy solutions. Software applications now available are web based and support mobile applications. Video analytics is another exciting area where analytics are becoming more reliable and therefore useful for real-life applications. New generation of Intelligent Video Analytics (IVA) algorithms on Deep Learning help automate many manual processes and create newer functions and applications. “
Mr. Sanjeev Sehgal – Managing Director- Sparsh (Samriddhi Automations Pvt. Ltd),
“Smart City mission by our honourable Prime Minister has been an important initiate and seeing the progress, we are sure that more and more smart city and safe city projects will drive the surveillance market in times to come.”
