When it comes to public safety, response time is critical. A US report estimated a reduction in response time by just one minute could save 10, 000 lives. Normally emergency services are reacting to a phone call, so there’s a already a time delay between, the incident, 000 call then dispatch of personnel.
AI connected surveillance cameras can slash response times to an incident, or in some cases, prevent them from happing. Humans are still involved in the decision making process but all the heavy lifting is done by computers. Image Matrix Tech experienced this type of technology first-hand at Motorola Solutions HQ in Singapore last week.
It involved entering a photo of myself and other volunteers into Avigilon Unity Video, a security system powered by AI and high resolution cameras. In close to real time the system identified us every time we entered the field of view of a camera. It was quick and accurate.
Now, imagine the same system in a shopping centre or main street. A person of interest or criminal on the run would be instantly recognised and flagged for authorities to act. This could prevent terror attacks or property theft by alerting police within seconds or minutes. Computers can not only be trained to watch for persons of interest, they can also determine if someone is carrying a weapon, even if it’s hidden.
Privacy is a legitimate concern as surveillance expands globally. There needs to be a compromise so governments can offer modern, fast acting public safety while not scrutinising our normal day-to-day activities. The reality is no human can watch the vast amount of video camera feeds generated globally. It’s simply not possible. A computer AI system will quickly watch you in public then dismiss or elevate the video if it thinks there’s an issue.
Image Matrix Tech will have more reports from our Singapore assignment with Motorola Solutions over coming days.