The Role of AI in Modern Security
Security solutions have changed dramatically in a short time, and artificial intelligence (AI) is paving the way for even more change. Many of today’s security systems and software developers are using AI to tackle some of the industry’s biggest challenges, like sifting through large amounts of footage and minimizing false alarms. Whether applied to residential or commercial spaces, AI security cameras and access control solutions could offer significant advantages for property owners.
Artificial Intelligence for Video Surveillance
AI’s role in video surveillance mostly involves video analysis. With the help of machine learning and deep learning, AI excels at identifying patterns. It can analyze huge amounts of data — including unstructured information like video and audio — and connect the dots. For example, an AI camera system could flag a suspicious individual with the help of facial recognition and a large database. A human operator might be able to identify some threats, but could never memorize as much information as AI.
With the ability to find patterns in large data sets, AI is helping security teams and homeowners overcome some traditional challenges, such as:
- False alarms: Although security systems have used detection and recognition software before, this technology often inundated operators with false alarms. To avoid these time-consuming alerts, operators would simply turn them off. AI continuously improves its knowledge based on a specific environment. It also offers much more context for a given situation to better identify real and false threats.
- Threat triaging: Similarly, AI security systems can use all of these data points to prioritize different threats. If multiple threats occur, AI can process them rapidly and make split-second decisions about where to focus efforts. Human operators generally cannot process information as comprehensively or quickly. These capabilities can be particularly advantageous for security on large commercial properties or in spaces with big crowds.
- Threat analysis: AI can add much more context to a situation after it occurs. While human operators would need to manually sift through mountains of video and information, AI could provide considerable context through related data. For example, AI security cameras might identify a shoplifter through a database from local authorities. Then, the system could find the shoplifter in previous videos, log their physical characteristics or collect their license plate number from the parking lot, potentially increasing the likelihood of apprehension.
- Learning curves: Natural language processing (NLP) is a branch of AI that can reduce the learning curve for users. Instead of searching a large catalog of footage, you might say, “Show me all videos of employees entering the warehouse between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.” Operators could also use NLP to perform complex tasks, like setting up authorization parameters, making it easier for people with less training to use the system.
Accuracy and efficiency are two significant benefits of this technology, as AI can make security systems more reliable and improve decision-making speed, which are vital advantages for businesses. With these capabilities, AI security systems offer a promising opportunity to address talent shortages in the industry. They can reduce the resources required for managing threats while minimizing training requirements with easy-to-use systems.
Homeowners also benefit from AI in security systems with many of the same capabilities. AI could offer more reliable alerts for potential threats and help users sift through footage. For instance, you might tell your AI security camera app to show you all videos of a specific person, like a suspicious individual you’ve seen around the neighborhood lately. AI can help identify the person, while NLP would make it easy for the user to access the information.
Applications for AI Security Cameras
You can find AI in many types of security cameras, from home security systems to large commercial properties and public spaces. Typically, AI solutions focus on software-based video content analysis (VCA), which reviews videos upon capture. Security systems often use VCA to create real-time alerts based on the people, objects or behaviors in the footage. AI and the VCA algorithms compare the images to examples and look for factors like size, color, speed, direction and path.
Some of the ways you can use artificial intelligence for video surveillance include:
- Facial recognition and detection: One of the most prominent uses for AI is to flag people of interest. It can compare individuals to images from other security videos or databases, like a watchlist or image of a known thief. Security teams could use this information for real-time alerts or investigations after an event. Even homeowners use facial recognition to tag people or pets in videos. AI’s high accuracy is ideal for these applications.
- Behavior and object detection: AI can similarly identify unusual behavior, such as leaving a suspicious package in an area. Object detection also allows AI cameras to detect and categorize items.
- License plate recognition (LPR): With LPR, AI security systems collect license plate numbers from footage and log them with the video. The system can also offer alerts if it’s connected to a database of known vehicles.
- Crowd monitoring: In properties with large crowds, such as airports and stadiums, AI camera systems can count the number of people in an area and track movements. Crowd monitoring supports surveillance and safety efforts, but it can also collect data for other purposes, like analyzing foot traffic or improving loss prevention strategies.
Applications for AI in Access Control
Security cameras have many applications for AI and often work hand-in-hand with access control systems. Since access control systems can be complex, AI’s decision-making skills and predictive capabilities are particularly useful. AI can reduce the level of human interaction required for these systems and improve their accuracy, especially for properties with large amounts of data.
Many of the same AI features used for security cameras apply to access control systems, such as facial recognition, behavioral analysis and license plate recognition. They can help with common issues in access control, like tailgating, which occurs when an unauthorized individual enters an area by trailing behind an authorized person. Facial recognition technology can help identify an individual’s clearance accordingly.
AI can also connect access controls and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, which include many Internet-connected electronics, such as smart locks and sensors. Many businesses and homeowners use large networks of IoT devices, and an AI access control system can pull data from IoT devices to inform analysis. For example, a facial recognition scan on a user’s phone could grant access to a doorway.
AI’s contribution to access control can boost convenience and accuracy while limiting labor requirements.
Explore AI’s Video Surveillance Capabilities for Your Property
AI has transformed the video security landscape for business owners and homeowners. The right system for your property varies based on many factors, from your budget to your IT infrastructure. Consider working with a professional who can help you implement a secure, effective solution for your space.
If you own a property in Oregon, the video surveillance experts at Security Monster are well-versed in implementing AI camera systems and access controls. We can help with selection, installation, cabling, remote monitoring and other services. Request a quote today to learn more!