A Look at Intelligent Cameras by 2012

In a recently released report by IMS Research, the future is very bright when it comes to video content analysis (VCA).  IMS Research predicts a VCA push into network surveillance cameras that will exceed 40% by 2012.  Furthermore, IMS Research predicts that network cameras will be the main hardware platform for embedded analytics and will grow faster than the intelligent video encoder, embedded NVR, and DVR markets.

          The report indicates that global shipments of VCA embedded network cameras are expected to exceed 2.5 million units by 2012.  However, this forecast assumes that more than 60% of the intelligent cameras will be embedded with only low-end analytics, such as camera tampering detection and system health checks.

          The primary advantage of camera-based analytics is bandwidth preservation.  By conducting pre-transmission processing, it eliminates the need to transmit all captured video to centralized servers for analysis and can reduce costs on storage.  Intelligent cameras can be set to low-resolution transmission until a predefined event of interest occurs, triggering a switch to high-resolution video transmission.

          In a prepared statement market research analyst at IMS Research, James McManus commented, “Network camera manufacturers are employing the latest technologies, such as H.264 compression, megapixel image sensors and VCA, to add value to their products to fight off commoditization.  Within 5 years, a large number of cameras will enter the market with at least basic VCA functionality.” 

          Video content analysis is now being utilized in a growing number of prisons, casinos, and multi-venue complexes.  Most recent, MATE Intelligent Video announced its system’s part in security at the Beijing National Stadium, known as the Bird’s Nest, during the Olympics 2008.  Video analytics provider ioimage also recently announced its part in protecting sensitive areas of the Vatican.