Fibre connectivity supporting rapidly evolving CCTV advances.
By Joe Caccioppoli, Head of Growth and New Business, Chorus
For decades, closed-circuit television technology (CCTV) has been used to protect New Zealanders – helping deter crime and provide security and visibility, giving business owners greater peace of mind.
Now, recent advances in cloud-based analytics and smart technologies have unlocked new capabilities beyond security.
Next-gen CCTV, supported by future proofed, high band-width connectivity, has a growing ability to capture and transfer larger and larger amounts of high-resolution images and visual data. This, combined with the emergence of smart technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), computer vision and deep learning can address challenges faced by cities including traffic and pollution monitoring, crime prevention as well as protecting critical infrastructure.
Computer vision is a type of AI that enables machines to analyse thousands of images per minute from visual inputs, including digital images and videos, before making suggestions based on this critical data.
This AIOT technology (Artificial Intelligence of Things) facilitates a seamless flow of data-driven insights, enabling devices to act autonomously and deliver tailored outcomes in real-time.
Surprisingly, this advanced form of deep learning does not require specialised imaging cameras, making it a popular choice for smart city applications that utilise pre-existing network cameras, such as CCTV. But to allow the quick transfer of high-resolution images and visual data that can keep up with a camera’s frame rate, computer vision performs best on a high bandwidth, reliable internet connection.
Andrew Carr, Head of Customer Strategy at Fusion Networks says with rapidly evolving generative AI and image recognition, CCTV will effectively become a real-time eye, rather than having limited decision-making happening at the device.
“Initially CCTV was all about deterrence and security, to look at things after the fact. But now, with the increase in computing power, high speed Internet access, high speed wide area networks, and ultra-high definition 4K and 8K video, it can be used as a real-time operational tool.
“Businesses are looking at how to weave more CCTV into their operations. It gives them greater ability to actually see what's going on and where in real time, and then make a decision that has a good outcome.
Early adopters in New Zealand
With around 5000 cameras currently in their CCTV network, Auckland Transport believe video CCTV footage is critical to ensuring road safety across the region. From roads and intersections outside schools, to dynamic lanes and bus interchanges, their network is vast and busy.
Video enables controllers to see exactly what is going on in real-time. Additionally, it supports the phasing of lights, accident avoidance, license plate identification, speed monitoring, special vehicle and parking management, monitoring and easing congestion, with state of emergency notifications providing insights for proactive (future planning scenarios) and predictive smart city applications.
In 2022, Auckland Transport announced their ‘Vision Zero’ Safe System approach, which aims to have no deaths or serious injuries on roads by 2050. Smart technologies, like AI and computer vision in conjunction with their current CCTV network, will play a pivotal role in achieving this goal.
Roger Jones, Chief Technology Officer at Auckland Transport, believes that when supported by fibre, smart technologies can revolutionise the way Kiwis travel.
Thanks to its fibre connectivity, Auckland Transport effectively leverages computer vision capabilities to deliver business outcomes across safety, network optimisation, compliance, and incident management.
“From Waiuku to north of Warkworth, fibre connectivity provides greater reliability and reduces the downtime for our IoT devices across our network. This in turn helps keep our city moving, supporting businesses and Aucklanders as they go about their daily lives” says Jones.
Smarter connectivity with Smart Locations
Chorus’ world class fibre network provides connectivity for IoT projects across the country. Its Smart Locations product delivers high-bandwidth business fibre connectivity that allows CCTV cameras to capture more data and turn it into actionable insights or future planning decisions, in real-time.
Theresa Corballis, IoT Business Development Manager at Chorus, says reliability is a key driver for customers in selecting Chorus fibre and Smart Locations for CCTV.
“Chorus fibre reduces the chances of disruption to both video feed and analytics. As a lines technology with cables in the ground, fibre can also offer benefits such as protection from environmental and weather-related issues”.
As New Zealand works to become a smarter and more connected country, the application of innovative AI technologies like computer vision, combined with CCTV and underpinned by fibre, means we are well placed to create a safer and more resilient environment for Kiwis.
For more information: chorus.co.nz/business/iot-and-smart-locations
