Easy upgrade to turn old cameras into smart criminal detectors

South African homes and businesses with old and elaborate CCTV camera systems can upgrade their cameras with intelligent event detection capabilities using a relatively simple plug-in device instead of replacing all their hardware.

While security cameras have been around for a long time, the more recent emergence of software that can detect human and other activity has made them far more useful.

Where someone previously had to be watching a feed at just the right time to see an incident in progress, smart cameras raise the alarm when they pick up unusual activity, providing the opportunity for immediate response.

One of Pretoria’s top private security companies, Bull Security, recently told MyBroadband it used Avlytics SA’s solution to augment its existing CCTV camera feeds with intelligent detection capabilities.

The Gqeberha-based company has developed a system called Artificial Mind Engine (AME), which it says can be applied to nearly any analogue HD or IP CCTV systems.

It supports on-site and off-site monitoring and is compatible with leading alarm monitoring software.

MyBroadband recently spoke to the company about developing the solution and how it compares to using an off-the-shelf smart camera kit.

Avlytics is the result of a collaboration between Cape Town-based AI solutions company Cognitive Systems and security equipment wholesaler Intertrade Security Distributors (ISD), started in 2018.

“ISD had already developed a video verification solution for the armed response industry called the A-Box,” explained Avlytics director Tim Fraser.

“The idea was to co-design and develop a local AI solution that brought a high level of accuracy of human detection along with a low level of false alarms, that integrated seamlessly into the control rooms of the armed response and guarding providers.”

“Avlytics transforms an otherwise dormant and reactive CCTV solution, into a very effective addition to one’s security,” he said.

Fraser said the system was compatible with most — if not all — recognised CCTV manufacturers. Its support extends to old low-resolution models, including 640×480 (VGA) or 352×240 (CIF).

Avlytics regularly posts updates on its Facebook page, showing incidents captured by its system that have assisted in apprehending criminals.

In addition to Bull Security, the company also counts City Wide Security, Corcomm Sekuriteit, Safebay, and Bloemsec among its customers.

The solution is primarily edge-based, which requires deploying Avlytics specialised device locally, although the company also offers cloud-based detection.

The device comes with the patented AME algorithm that can analyse Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) streams for event matching, probability, and machine learning.

When it detects an event, a notification is sent to the security provider’s control room or via the Telegram channel.

The device can also give control rooms an immediate live view and the ability to trigger various on-site solutions remotely.

Avlytics plans to expand the system to support more capabilities, including weapon detection, people counting, and other security-based AI solutions for the South African market.

Fraser told MyBroadband Avlytics was comfortable that its product not only met but exceeded detection standards currently available in off-the-shelf products.

“Many of South Africa’s leading armed response providers, currently make use of Avlytics as their detection and monitoring solution of choice, preferring it over many of the larger international brands, something we are very proud and thankful for,” he said.

“Avlytics was designed and developed by South Africans, for the South African security industry, specifically for the armed response and guarding providers.”

“In doing so, we have onboarded monitoring ‘feature sets'” ‘and operational requirements, specific to local control room operators’ needs.”

While Avlytics can be used by households, the system must be managed by a PSIRA-registered armed response or guarding provider.

Fraser also explained how retrofitting with the Avlytics system can be significantly more cost-effective than replacing old hardware.

Upgrading an outdated system may require a complete overhaul of all infrastructure, including cabling, connectors, power supplies, a new recorder, and cameras.

“In contrast, retrofitting your current setup typically requires only a network connection and power source, which significantly reduces the overall cost of implementation,” Fraser explained.

“The expense for retrofitting consists solely of the hardware add-on components and a one-time licence fee.”