Video Analytic Software Tightens Security

Video Surveillance cameras and the software used with them have tightened security in various establishments. Most everyone watches a CSI show or on the news, when a criminal is caught in the act on the surveillance camera. The image of the criminal's face or clothing has more definition with the software application making the culprit more recognizable. Some programs can even use facial recognition to identify an individual that has been in the store before or has a criminal record.

We have all seen the news videos when a convenience store taped an attempted robbery or a criminal attacks the cashier. Some analytic software can give different views of the offender from different angles. The images on the video can focus in and is very clear to make out the details. Some stores owners have a continuous feed of the entire store taped and recorded, especially in high crime areas. Others will push a button under the counter when something suspicious is going on.

The larger chain stores or grocery stores have several cameras located throughout the store. Some software can detect suspicious activities of the customers and alert security personnel so they are not always monitoring the cameras in a little room. You have probably heard someone over the loudspeaker in some retail stores, announcing to security about activity on a certain aisle that needs checking out.

The analytical software is not only for catching a customer stealing something. The cameras are in the employee only areas too, to prevent an employee from stealing or going into an area that they are not authorized to go into. You would be surprised how many employees feel they are entitled to a little extra something in their pocket to take home. They feel it makes up for not getting that last raise. Disgruntled employees are video recorded on camera getting their revenge.

Some cashier's have tried to give incorrect change to a customer on purpose and end up prosecuted in court. The different angles from the different cameras the software puts together makes the whole scene evident. I was in a courtroom where a cashier claimed to get a hundred dollar bill from a customer. Then there was a disturbance in her area. She claimed the customer gave her the hundred dollars and she gave him change for it. The analytical software on the camera system showed that she never took a hundred dollar bill from him or put one in the register, yet she gave him change for it. Not only did she lose her job but was found guilty in court.

So whether it is the surveillance system in the casinos that can catch one out of hundreds of gamblers cheating, or the robber at the local liquor store, or your own employees stealing, the analytical software available now makes it hard to get away with anything. Just watch an episode of any CSI show that has video surveillance tapes used and you will see some of the amazing facts that can be found and will hold up in a court of law.

source: Handbook of Video Databases: Design and Applications by Borko Furht and Oge Marques