AI-Powered Video Analytics for Public Sector

Imagine a bustling market or downtown with hundreds of people visiting or moving around every hour, a bag is left abandoned in the corner of a block. In a traditional surveillance scenario where human operators monitor multiple screens at the same time, the bag, a potential threat to people around, might go unnoticed or merge with the background. 

Now, let’s bring AI-powered video analytics into the picture. Intelligent surveillance systems backed by artificial intelligence can level up the surveillance game by analyzing the live video feed and raising an alarm in real-time. An AI-powered video analytics system for the public sector can improve public safety by marking objects as unattended or suspicious if they exceed a safe threshold. The best part is that “all this happens with least manual surveillance or human intervention.”

However, improving public safety is not the only purpose an AI video analytics solution can be used for. Let’s dig deeper to explore further use cases, benefits, the implementation process, core technologies that are the backbone of such systems, and more. 

What is AI-Powered Video Analytics for the Public Sector

AI-enabled video analytics is the integration of artificial intelligence technology into traditional surveillance to analyze the stored or live video feeds from various sources. You can consider AI video analytics as an advanced security camera with eyes as well as a “brain.” Artificial intelligence, when integrated with traditional security and surveillance systems, can analyze live video streams to fetch crucial insights and even alert authorities in real-time. 

The implementation of artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer vision, and other similar technologies makes these intelligent video analytics systems capable of processing enormous amounts of visual data to detect, classify, and track objects, events, and behavior. 

Such a powerful system is no less than a boon for public sector organizations that have to deal with large crowds with a consistent requirement for improved situational awareness and rapid response capabilities. 

How does an AI-enabled Video Analytics System Work

An intelligent security camera analytics also leverages artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning to assess the video content in real-time to fetch actionable insights. Here is the stepwise process to understand how an AI-powered video surveillance system installed in any public space or organization works:

1. Video Capture: HD CCTV cameras and smart surveillance systems capture live feed from a particular location or area.
2. Data Pre-processing: AI-powered smart city solutions or AI video analytics systems process this data in real time to minimize noise, stabilize the footage, correct colors, and standardize formats to make it ready for analysis. 
3. Object Detection and Recognition: Deep learning and AI algorithms thoroughly scan each video frame to find and categorize pre-defined objects such as bags, vehicles, animals, and individuals, to draw bounding boxes around them. 
4. Object Tracking: After detecting objects and assigning them a unique identifier, the system tracks the object to keep an eye on its position, speed, size, and other factors. 
5. Behavior Analysis: While tracking and monitoring the object, AI algorithms look for predefined patterns or anomalies to detect intrusion, loitering, and analyze the crowd for any unusual behavior. 
6. Alerts Triggering: The system immediately triggers an alarm (either by raising an alarm or showing visual cues on the system’s dashboard) upon detecting an anomaly or pattern for the intervention of security personnel. The systems are also capable of taking actions like automatically locking doors.
7. Data Storage and Reporting: The video analytics system stores the analyzed video data to generate critical insights and reports that can help authorities to visualize critical data points, track metrics, and get the required info for investigating the incident. 

You might want to read: AI-Enabled Video Analysis: Everything You Need to Know

AI-Powered Video Analytics in the Government Sector: Market Statistics 

Check out some interesting statistics to understand the transformative potential of artificial intelligence-powered video analytics for the public sector, including healthcare, education, law enforcement, infrastructure, and others:

• According to an online report, the estimated market size for the AI-powered video analytics market is projected to reach USD 26.54 billion by 2032.

• The Asia Pacific region is projected to witness the highest growth in the AI video surveillance and analytics sector.

• The government sector in major countries is investing heavily in AI-enhanced video analytics and surveillance technology for various purposes. 

How AI-Powered Video Analytics Transforms the Public Sector 

The public sector, including government agencies, municipalities, educational institutions, and others, uses video surveillance massively. Traditional surveillance systems undoubtedly collect vast amounts of data, but the challenge is that manually processing such huge amounts of data requires significant time and cost. 

Another challenge is to get actionable or crucial insights from that in real-time to adopt a proactive approach. AI-powered video analytics turn passive video into intelligent and proactive tools that revolutionize the way the government sector operates. Here are some use cases of AI video analytics in the public sector.

#1 Intrusion Detection and Perimeter Security 

Artificial intelligence video analytics systems can autonomously monitor restricted areas, government spaces, and critical infrastructure to prevent unauthorized access. Not just this, these systems are also capable of making a difference between human beings and animals to reduce the chances of false alarms. 

For example, AI-enabled video analytics systems installed in a power station can detect and automatically alert security authorities if an unauthorized person attempts to climb a fence to enter the premises. It can even automatically turn on alarms and floodlights to prevent a security breach. 

Also Read: Use of AI in CCTV Monitoring: Top Use Cases

#2 Anomaly and Suspicious Behavior Detection

The next amazing use case of AI video analytics for the government sector is the identification of unusual patterns of behavior that may point towards a potential threat. This may include anything, including an individual loitering in a sensitive area, bags or any other object left unattended for hours, and unusual movement of people. 

For example, an AI-powered video analytics system installed at a railway station can raise an alarm upon detecting a bag left unattended for more than usual hours. It can even identify individuals showing aggressive behavior and trigger an alert to security personnel. 

Explore More: AI-Powered Object Detection: Use Cases, Benefits, and Future Trends

#3 Crowd Management and Control

One of the great applications of AI-powered video analytics for the public domain is monitoring crowd density and flow for efficient management and control. With real-time crowd management and control, authorities can prevent unwanted situations and incidents like overcrowding and stampedes. 

For example, AI video analytics systems installed in a large public gathering or event can automatically monitor crowd density and flow to avoid incidents like overcrowding and stampedes. In such cases, event organizers can create new pathways or place additional staff for crowd management. 

#4 Facial Recognition and Suspect Identification 

When it comes to using AI video analytics for the public sector, facial recognition and suspect identification are the most popular use cases. Video analytics can assist law enforcement agencies in enhancing privacy and security. They can also use such systems to find suspects or missing persons from stored or live video footage.  

For example, AI video analytics platforms designed for border control security forces can help them match faces with a watch list and alert the authorities upon detection.

You might like to read: Why AI Facial Recognition System is the Future of Cybersecurity?

#5 Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR)

Automated license plate recognition systems powered by artificial intelligence can read license plate numbers from video footage. This can be used to find stolen vehicles, vehicles linked to amber alerts, and vehicles involved in some crime. As soon as the AI video analytics system detects such a vehicle, it raises an alarm. 

#6 Intelligent Traffic Management

Smart video analytics platforms can be used to analyze vehicle and pedestrian movements to optimize traffic signal timings in real-time. It can help with efficient and intelligent traffic management. 

For example, cities like Pittsburgh have implemented AI video analytics to smartly manage traffic, resulting in reduced travel and wait times at intersections and minimizing the number of traffic accidents.

Read More: AI for Smart Traffic Management: Reducing Congestion and Accidents

#7 Smart Parking Systems

Traditional cameras can only provide a view of the parking spaces; however, when these cameras are backed with AI video analytics, transportation management authorities can put a smart parking system in place. Such systems can identify available parking spaces in real-time and even guide drivers who use the smart parking apps to park smartly. 

#8 Public Transport Optimization

An artificial intelligence-enabled video analytics system can transform transport management by tracking occupancy on buses and trains. With this data, it is easier to optimize resources for transport management agencies. 

For instance, AI video analytics can detect a bus that remains overcrowded during particular hours for a specific route, based on this, authorities can make the decision to add more buses. 

#9 Road Condition Monitoring and Infrastructure Maintenance

Video analytics solutions powered by artificial intelligence can detect issues potholes, cracks, and damaged road signs, which may go unnoticed in manual surveillance. It can also raise an alert for maintenance to prevent costly repairs or avoid accidents. 

#10 Pedestrian and Cyclist Flow Analysis

Intelligent video analytics can help government companies to analyze pedestrian and cyclist traffic patterns in public spaces, parks, and pathways. Urban planners can use the analytics to design better infrastructure, including wider sidewalks, bike lanes, and more.

#11 Waste Management Optimization

AI-powered video analytics solutions for the public sector can be used for waste management to identify overfilled bins or waste that has been dumped illegally. Such a solution can also optimize waste collection routes while improving sanitization. Authorities can implement AI video analytics to ensure cleaner public places. 

#12 Environmental Monitoring

Environmental monitoring is one of the best use cases of AI video analytics for the public domain. The technology can automatically analyze videos from sensors to monitor air quality. It detects smoke or any other unusual emission to raise an alert to the authorities. 

For example, AI-powered video analytics, when integrated with CCTV cameras installed near forests, can even detect early signs of wildfire by determining or detecting if there are any smoke fumes.  

#13 Social Distancing and Mask Compliance

One of the common applications of AI-powered video analytics for the public segment is ensuring social distancing and mask compliance to avoid the risk of spreading contagious diseases. AI-powered smart surveillance can detect if anyone is violating the rules in public spaces. Public health officials can immediately take action. 

#14 Hygiene and Safety Protocol Monitoring

AI-enabled video analytics can also be used to ensure hygiene and safety protocols in hospitals, food service industries, and other segments. Such systems can easily detect handwashing in food service areas and the wearing of PPE, helmets, and other safety gear in construction zones and public facilities.

#15 Fall Detection and Emergency Response

Public care facilities can make the most of AI-powered video analytics to detect falls and get immediate alerts. This way, the healthcare settings can ensure a rapid response to individuals falling or in distress. This can be a boon for elderly care facilities. 

Similar Read: IoT for Elderly Care: Solutions and Use Cases

#16 Asset Management and Monitoring

One of the best use cases of AI video analytics in the public sector is the management and monitoring of bridges, roads, buildings, and other infrastructure to detect wear and tear and damage. The systems are so smart that they can even schedule preventive maintenance. AI video analytics can be integrated with drones to inspect large structures and offer visual data for better understanding and quick decision-making. 

#17 Workplace Safety in Public Facilities

Artificial intelligence-powered video surveillance and analytics can ensure workplace safety in government offices. The technology can quickly detect and flag unsafe practices, possible hazards, and mark personnel in distress. 

For example, in a government warehouse, an intelligent video analytics system can detect personnel or workers operating machinery without safety gear. 

You might be interested in: Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Monitoring Workplace Safety

#18 Visitor Management and Access Control

Visitor management and access control are two amazing applications of AI video analytics systems for the public domain. Such systems, when installed in government buildings, can detect unauthorized visitors and can even track visitor flow to enhance security. 

Benefits of Intelligent Video Analytics for the Public Sector

Artificial intelligence-enabled smart video analytics can benefit the government sector in many ways, some of which are as follows:

#1 Improved Public Safety and Security

Using AI video analytics for the government sector, i.e., public spaces, critical infrastructure, and government facilities, enhances public safety and security by proactively detecting threats, suspicious activity and behavior, unauthorized access of sensitive areas, the presence of weapons, and more. These systems can even trigger immediate alarms to alert authorities and ensure quick intervention and rapid response. 

#2 Enhanced Operational Efficiency and Automation 

Manual monitoring of feeds can eat up a significant amount of time without guaranteeing accuracy or precision. AI-powered video analytics automates this process and detects anomalies, crowd movements, traffic patterns, and unattended and suspicious objects in no time, with complete precision. 

#3 Optimized Resource Allocation 

With AI-based video analytics, organizations in the public sector can optimize resource allocation using the real-time data and insights provided by smart camera analytics solutions. 

For example, by using an AI-powered video analytics and smart surveillance system, public sector agencies can understand crowd density to manage large gatherings at an event. 

#4 Cost Savings

The automation and real-time insights provided by smart video analytics solutions can help government agencies save big. They don’t need extensive manual surveillance, streamline and expedite investigative processes, and prevent losses that may be incurred due to theft or vandalism. 

#5 Faster and More Informed Decision-Making

AI video analytics systems can be used by government agencies to transform raw video data from live or stored feeds into actionable insights. Based on those insights, agencies or organizations can conduct trend analysis and generate comprehensive visual reports that can further help in decision-making. 

#6 Improved Investigative Capabilities

AI-backed video analytics systems can significantly increase or expedite the speed of investigations. These systems can go through hours of footage in minutes to find a suspect or a particular object. This allows law enforcement and other similar agencies to identify suspects and gather evidence to resolve cases quickly and efficiently. 

Core Technologies Driving AI Video Analytics 

Here are the technologies that work in the background to offer intelligent analytics by analyzing live and stored video feeds. 

Computer Vision

This technology enables a video analytics system or platform capable of seeing and interpreting visual data from images and videos. Computer vision’s main purpose is to process raw video feeds to detect objects, people, vehicles, and other specific items, recognize patterns, and understand the context of scenarios. 

Machine Learning and Deep Learning

Machine learning and deep learning play a pivotal role in video analytics system development. ML enables the system to automatically learn from vast amounts of visual data to accurately identify patterns, detect anomalies, and forecast future events. Deep learning brings object detection, facial recognition, behavior analysis, and other similar capabilities into the system. 

Edge Computing

Edge computing ensures data processing at the edge of the network or the source, i.e., the CCTV cameras and surveillance devices, in this case. It reduces latency and facilitates real-time data analysis to ensure quick response in case of incidents. 

Cloud Computing 

AI-powered video analytics system development utilizes cloud computing technology to ensure scalability and flexibility in storing, processing, and analyzing enormous amounts of video data. The technology handles complex analytical tasks, model training, and long-term data storage for edge devices. 

IoT Sensors

A video analytics platform powered by AI and designed for the government sector also relies on the Internet of Things technology. IoT sensors, such as the ones to know environmental conditions, are combined with video feeds to create a detailed understanding of the situation and trigger an alert or make decisions accordingly. 

How to Build an AI-Enabled Video Analytics Solution for the Public Sector

Building an AI-powered video analytics solution or system for the public domain requires in-depth AI expertise, development proficiency, and hands-on experience in many other technologies. If you have a team with relevant expertise, here are the steps to follow for AI video analytics platform development: 

1. Define Clear Objectives

The first step is to define the purpose for which you need an AI video analytics system. The goal could be to detect anomalies, enhance security, optimize resource allocation, or any other. For a government agency, it is crucial to be transparent about the usage of public data. Therefore, explain the clear functioning of the system and put in place the mechanisms to define accountability. 

2. Integrating AI Video Analytics with Current Infrastructure

Build an AI model from scratch or fine-tune an existing one on high-quality, clean, and relevant data that is accurate. Implement strong data encryption and security protocols to ensure the security of collected data. Develop an AI video analytics system that can be seamlessly integrated with the existing surveillance infrastructure.  

3. Testing 

Conduct different types of testing and verify if the AI video analytics system works efficiently in different scenarios and is capable of serving its intended purpose. Make necessary changes, if required. 

4. Continuous Monitoring and Improvement 

AI video analytics solutions must be continuously monitored and improved to ensure their flawless performance and superior functionality. They need to be upgraded with new features and trained on a new set of data to make sure they evolve with public needs and agency goals.

Another way for AI video analytics solution development is to partner with an experienced AI development company or hire AI developers with relevant expertise and a proven track record. 

Real-World Example of Public Organizations Using AI Video Analytics

Let’s learn how the global government organizations and agencies are making the most of AI video analytics for diverse use cases:

• The Government Technology Agency in Singapore utilizes AI video analytics for crowd management, safe distancing in public parks, and smoke detection in public spaces.

• The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) uses AI video analytics software to identify and suggest specific places where patrols could be deployed to avoid future crimes. 

• London and Zurich have implemented AI-powered video analytics systems for smart traffic management. The systems dynamically adjust traffic signal timings considering the real-time traffic flow.

• Stockholm has implemented AI-enabled CCTV systems in their subway systems to minimize common crimes such as robbery and pickpocketing. 

Build an AI-powered Video Analytics System for the Public Sector with Quytech

Join hands with Quytech, a leading AI development company, to create advanced AI-powered video analytics systems for diverse use cases. We have dedicated and certified AI engineers, over 14 years of development expertise, and experience working with government agencies to build highly secure, scalable, and custom video surveillance systems and solutions. 

Whether you want to build an AI video analytics system for anomaly detection, safety & compliance adherence, facial recognition, smart parking management, traffic control and management, or any other use case, Quytech is a perfect technology company to partner with. 

Final Thoughts

AI video analytics systems are taking the security and surveillance game up by automatically analyzing live and stored footage for object detection, suspicious activity or behavior detection, public transport management, and other diverse use cases that the blog covers. 

Apart from this, it also highlights the benefits of using AI video analytics for the government sector, core technologies that are used for development, the stepwise development process, and a lot more. 

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