A Sneak Peek into the Future of CCTV

Every year, new surveillance technologies are being developed. Just as criminal elements are learning how to bypass the current security systems in place, a whole new system is introduced. This is a good thing, especially for those who are looking to protect their homes, establishments, businesses, and properties from intruders. We have the military to thank for the many advances in surveillance technology. They are the ones who have developed and refined most of the technology used for commercial purposes that we are using today.

The future of CCTV security systems is bright. There’s always something new that’s coming out to help enhance security and give homeowners, business owners, and property owners some peace of mind. Here are some of the new CCTV features that have just come out in the market:

·         Facial Recognition – This technology was once used separately from surveillance cameras. Screen grabs from CCTV camera footage are loaded onto a computer with facial recognition software and the data gathered is compared with a database of images. Today, there are sophisticated security systems available that have facial recognition software integrated into them to identify people authorized in the security system and detect intruders who aren’t.

·         Video Content Analysis (VCA) – CCTV cameras with this capability are also called Smart CCTV. VCA technology has  been around for a while and has been used in different commercial products such as the Xbox 360’s Kinnect – a   motion detection system that allows a person to play games without the use of a joystick or remote control. This new technology detects movement, analyzes the footage, and converts the images into data. It can be programmed for facial recognition, plate number recognition, and people counting among other things.

·         Walk-by Systems – CCTV cameras with integrated walk-by system detects objects concealed underneath clothing. It’s like having a metal-detector installed in your camera, but better. This is because it not only detects metallic objects, they also detect non-metals such as plastic, liquids, gels, ceramic, and other materials that easily passes through metal detectors and can be used to make an improvised weapon or explosive. This type of surveillance camera is now in use in several high-security installations where weapons and other dangerous items are banned. 

·         Remote Biometric & Behavioral Suspect Detection – An all-in-one CCTV surveillance, security, and screening system has arrived. This do-it-all CCTV camera was developed to reduce the cost of operating a 24/7 security and screening system. It can also provide more convenience for people passing through high-security areas such as airports, train stations, stadiums and other locations where a large number of people pass through. This is because they don’t need to go through manual screening anymore. Everything is caught on camera and analyzed by the system. It can be pre-programmed to detect certain biometric triggers, behaviors, and stimuli that used to take 3 or more separate security systems to do.

These security and surveillance systems may seem like something out of a sci-fi or spy film, but they are real. The market for high-quality security systems is getting bigger and bigger by the year and pretty soon, these high-tech gadgets will be the standard by which all new security systems will go by.

(Images courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net)