Intelligent video surveillance system based on image analysis and continuous monitoring of the system performance improve dramatically efficiency of the system management performed by the operator. The unquestionable advantages of such systems are:

Image analysis is an improvement of the video surveillance system that makes the job of the operator much easier. It practically eliminates the most boring part of operating typical system, i.e. continuous observation. Built-in intelligent functions practically eliminate the risk of an oversight of critical events, which is very important for the safety of the monitored place.
The use of such functionality in large systems (with many cameras) allows to reduce the number of operators. Small systems can be fully automated (work without operator). There is also possibility of combined operation, e.g. with operator during days and automatic at nights.

Depending on the structure and components of the installation, the image analysis can be performed in different parts of the system:

• in IP cameras or video servers (with built-in firmware),
• in DVRs (in analog systems),
• as functionality of the managing software (of IP cameras and video servers).

This article has been based on the NUUO software package.

NUUO software package

The module of image analysis and system monitoring being a part of the NUUO package can react to the following events:

• loss of video,
• motion detection,
• appearance of a new object,
• disappearance of an object,
• loss of focus,
• camera crash.

It is also capable of:

• counting objects,
• monitoring the computer system,
• monitoring states of alarm inputs.

All the cases are processed by the "Guard" application (reaction to events) and "Counting Application".

Menu options in Guard application

Any event can trigger the following action:

• OSD information,
• audio transmission/alarm sound,
• activation of any PTZ camera (preset, route),
• notification to the headquarters,
• activation of alarm output,
• sending an SMS,
• sending an e-mail,
• phoning a specified telephone number.

Each action can be performed for a specified period of time.

The software continuously monitors the state of connections between IP cameras or video servers and the NUOO server. If one of them is lost, the software informs the operator about it in the window displaying this channel. "Guard" application enables the user to program a desired reaction of the system.

Standard motion detection function triggers recording in the case of any movement detected in defined areas. The "Guard" option enables the user to program any desired reaction of the system. Additionally the option allows to set any number of the areas, whereas the standard function limits it to 10. These both functions es are independent one from the other. It is important to program the areas carefully - improper layout or parameters can be the reason of lack of reaction or triggering false alarms.

This function alerts the operator to a risk caused by the appearance of a new object in the observed area. It is important to define adequate size of the grid and location of the active fields (from a single one to the grid covering the whole image). The next step is setting one field informing the system about the potential size of a new object. Proper settings practically eliminate a risk of false alarms, ensuring good sensitivity of the function.

A very useful function that helps to monitor location of important objects. Any change of location or disappearance of such an object will trigger the desired action. The configuration of the function consists in pointing the object to be specially monitored. For any camera the user can set unlimited number of the objects. Proper settings practically eliminate a risk of false alarms, ensuring good sensitivity of the function.

Theft warning with "disappearance" function

This function allows to react to loss of focus in any channel.

This option allows to react to loss of image caused by an external blockade (covering with something etc.)

All the functions can be set independently for each channel. The configuration process is easier due to possibility of simulating the events. It enables the operator to test proper operation and reactions, allowing precise adjustment of the sensitivity of the functions (proper reactions without false alarms).

After setting the parameters of the functions the operator should choose the methods of reaction. For a specific event in a particular channel there can be chosen one ore more reaction(s). They are set individually for each camera. Below there is description of possible reactions:

Example reaction after motion has been detected

In the case of a defined event this function allows to move any PTZ camera to a programmed preset or tour. The operator has to choose the PTZ camera, preset/tour, period of time. There are no limitations on the umber of the chosen PTZ cameras (as well as on the number of the events and number of the channels).

These reactions require suitable components of the system. In the case of sending an e-mail or notification to the headquarters there is needed Internet connection. Phoning a specified telephone number (recorded announcement) requires telephone modem and connection to a telephone line. SMS messaging is possible with GSM modem.

Aside from image analysis, the Guard module can monitor the performance of the computer systems, measuring a number of parameters (temperature, CPU voltage, fan rates) and disc space. There is available a set of possible reactions, similarly to image analysis.

Image analysis options include counting of objects. This option allows to count objects that move from one point to another. There are defined two areas, the input and output area. In the next step the operator defines the size of the objects to be counted (it helps a lot in proper counting). The counting can be performed in both directions (e.g. of the people coming in and coming out of a building).

Simulation of counting of objects

It is well to remember that an excess of alerts can hinder the work of the operator. Always a compromise is needed between the number of automatic features and capability of the operator to manage the system.