Intelligent video looks to the future

After two days in the company of technologists, scientists and futurists at IMS Conference’s inaugural Intelligent Video Conference, there is no doubt that video analytics will have a significant role to play in the wider, non-security world.

By Niall Jenkins, Research Manager, Video Surveillance and VCA, IMS Research April 22, 2011

Having spent two days in the company of technologists, scientists and futurists at IMS Conference’s inaugural Intelligent Video Conference, I have been left in no doubt that video analytics will have a significant role to play in the wider, non-security world.

Day one of the conference focused on the potential for VCA (Video Content Analysis) in retail, healthcare, the military and security. The presentations ranged from how VCA will shape the future of the retail environment, to prototypes of video analytics that alert when patients are about to fall out of their beds, and when nurses have forgotten to wash their hands following an interaction with a patient.

Day two followed a similar theme, with presentations and panel debates on the science behind intelligent video and the likely advances over the next five years. To that end, BDTi (Berkeley Design Technology, Inc.) announced the Embedded Vision Alliance which will provide a platform for embedded system developers to work together for the benefit of the industry.

We have seen from VCA (Video Content Analysis) in the security and business intelligence markets that the success of the technology can depend greatly on the expectations of the customer. So what will be the likely customer expectations for intelligent video in the automotive, healthcare, gaming and retail markets?

It is hard to say at the moment, as many of these technologies are still at the concept and pilot stage. However, judging by the optimism generated at the event, I would be willing to bet that this is the start of something important. I, for one, have had my eyes opened to “Intelligent Video”.