Technology

Video surveillance: IoT expands the realm of possibilities

1 July 2024
The security and surveillance market has been equipped with numerous tools in recent years to enable businesses and local authorities to improve the safety of people and property. At the forefront are image capture technologies (surveillance cameras, drones with cameras, etc.). In other words, IoT opens up a world of possibilities. IoT ensures connectivity and real-time access to these devices. But what are the real uses in this market, and how will it evolve?

A New Era of Connected Video Surveillance

IoT sensors deployed in the security and surveillance sector are predominantly used in public transport, Smart Cities, Smart Buildings, and industry. They enable many uses, including video surveillance. Whether it’s outdoor or indoor surveillance cameras, onboard cameras, mobile cameras, or drone imaging, the footage helps secure locations.

Thanks to IoT, alongside Cloud storage technologies and Artificial Intelligence, image capturing is entering a new era. Connected cameras allow for:

  • Recording video streams in real-time,
  • Analyzing them,
  • Sending alerts or initiating emergency procedures when a malfunction is detected.

Beyond security, video streams can also be used for other lesser-known applications. A connected camera in a store, for example, can monitor foot traffic but also analyze circulation habits in aisles to streamline movement.

Other “time-lapse” applications allow for monitoring the development of construction and development sites for more commercial purposes. During the health crisis, applications for verifying social distancing have also emerged.

 

A New Era of Connected Video Surveillance

IoT sensors deployed in the security and surveillance sector are predominantly used in public transport, Smart Cities, Smart Buildings, and industry. They enable many uses, including video surveillance. Whether it’s outdoor or indoor surveillance cameras, onboard cameras, mobile cameras, or drone imaging, the footage helps secure locations.

Thanks to IoT, alongside Cloud storage technologies and Artificial Intelligence, image capturing is entering a new era. Connected cameras allow for:

  • Recording video streams in real-time,
  • Analyzing them,
  • Sending alerts or initiating emergency procedures when a malfunction is detected.

Beyond security, video streams can also be used for other lesser-known applications. A connected camera in a store, for example, can monitor foot traffic but also analyze circulation habits in aisles to streamline movement.

Other “time-lapse” applications allow for monitoring the development of construction and development sites for more commercial purposes. During the health crisis, applications for verifying social distancing have also emerged.

 

Video Surveillance and IoT: what evolutions to expect?

Technological advancements in the IoT and video surveillance sectors enrich the multitude of available offerings and promote their standardization. With artificial intelligence and facial recognition, the quality of information gathered becomes more precise. IoT reinforces the realm of possibilities in terms of security. However, this also means that the volumes of data collected can be more substantial, necessitating broadband connectivity technologies and offers that comply with current regulations.

Cellular IoT, through 4G and 5G IoT SIM cards, addresses this problem. It allows for a much larger and faster volume of data in transit. Once inserted into the device, the IoT SIM automatically connects the sensor to the nearest available local network. Thus, if the original network experiences connectivity issues, the IoT SIM card enables an automatic scan of other available networks to ensure the continuity of connectivity. This translates into the possibility of offering XXL high-consumption commercial offers adapted to fleets of connected video surveillance devices.

IoT and the Realm of Possibilities

Thanks to all these technological advances, investments in IoT are increasingly numerous. But now is the time to specifically consider the legal framework applied to connected devices, particularly video surveillance. Whether for public or private projects, the stakes here are twofold: technological on one side and legislative on the other. The uses of the future and their permissions are subjects of ongoing reflection.

Current topics under consideration for legislators include:

  • Facial recognition, onboard cameras for delivery drivers,
  • The use of drones for city security,
  • Video surveillance of borders,
  • Or the broadcasting of recorded content.

IoT is a sector that has now reached maturity, and uses in terms of video streams are multiplying every day. It is imperative to initiate a discussion among legislators, local authorities, industrialists, and IoT professionals to establish a clear and lasting framework.