Intelligent video surveillance processing technology
Today, there are a variety of video and storage formats that are used in existing CCTV systems. This means that each system must be accessed externally in a specific way, which complicates post-investigation tasks carried out by law enforcement agencies. Authorities require a way to make the CCTV systems interoperable. Achieving this goal was the aim of the EU-funded SAVASA (Standards based approach to video archive search and analysis) project. The project set out to create a new search platform. Through the use of cloud computing technologies, SAVASA helped provide a solution for interoperability and enabled end users to access remote video archives. Work began with the identification of user needs. End-user requirements were then translated into specifications for the new platform. The team developed a set of tailored video analytics and semantic analysis tools. SAVASA addressed the legal and operational aspects of operating video surveillance systems by examining relevant European and national legislation that applies to the areas where end users are based and validation was performed. Ethical experts were brought in to ensure that outcomes are permitted from a legal, operational and ethical perspective. Validation of the prototype platform enabled project partners to analyse current technical barriers and requirements in the standardisation of technologies and procedures. They also established protocols and guidelines to ensure that the technological aspects of SAVASA continue to develop according to their required recommendations. SAVASA was able to fully exploit the potential of video surveillance systems by overcoming several major existing barriers. Better crime detection tools should reduce or prevent criminal activities, leading to enhanced security across the EU.
Keywords
Video surveillance, CCTV, law enforcement, video archive search and analysis, video analytics
