IoT in Physical Security: Past, Present & Future Trends

The Evolution of IP Cameras and the Rise of IoT in Security

Following the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Axis Communications introduced the first internet protocol (IP) camera, initially met with some uncertainty.

The market hadn't actively requested connected cameras, and numerous industry professionals debated their actual necessity.

Currently, however, traditional analog cameras have been largely replaced.

Organizations now acknowledge the substantial benefits that IoT devices provide.

This technology, though, was perceived as a significant gamble in its nascent stages.

A Quarter Century of Transformation

The changes observed since the initial IP camera release are considerable, to put it mildly.

The expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) exemplifies the evolution within the physical security sector.

Connected devices are now standard, unlocking innovative opportunities that extend beyond simple video recording.

Improvements and broader adoption of the IP camera itself have fueled further advancements.

These include enhanced analytics, greater processing power, and the proliferation of open-architecture technology.

Looking Ahead

As the IP camera celebrates its 25th anniversary, it’s valuable to consider the industry’s progress.

It is also important to contemplate its future trajectory.

The initial skepticism has given way to a landscape where connected security solutions are integral to modern operations.

This shift demonstrates the power of innovation and the ongoing evolution of physical security technology.

The Evolution of IP Cameras: A Technological Overview

A comparison between contemporary IP cameras and those first appearing in 1996 reveals a dramatic transformation. Early models, while innovative for their time, were limited to capturing a single frame every 17 seconds – a stark contrast to the capabilities of modern devices.

Despite these initial limitations, forward-thinking security professionals recognized the potential of IP camera technology. The ability to establish a networked camera system promised enhanced remote surveillance. If scalability could be achieved, it would facilitate the deployment of extensive systems, integrating numerous cameras across diverse locations.

Initial applications included monitoring critical infrastructure such as oil fields, airport runways, and remote cellular towers. Crucially, the technology held the promise of advanced analytics capabilities. However, realizing this potential necessitated advancements in core components.

The initial slow frame rate hindered widespread adoption for traditional surveillance purposes. Significant investment in improved chipsets was required. This investment ultimately propelled IP cameras from a 17-second frame interval to a rate of 30 frames per second.

With this improvement, the argument against adopting IP cameras in favor of analog systems based on frame rate diminished. Developers were then able to fully investigate the analytical possibilities offered by these devices.

A pivotal advancement arrived with the introduction of embedded Linux, greatly simplifying development. During the 1990s, most devices relied on proprietary operating systems, posing challenges for developers.

These proprietary systems demanded specialized training, increasing costs for companies in both time and resources. Attempts at industry standardization, like the Wind River OS, proved unsuccessful due to limited resources. A superior alternative emerged: Linux.

Linux provided numerous advantages, including the ability to collaborate with a wider developer community through open-source contributions. This collaboration was reciprocal. Because early IP cameras lacked sufficient hard disk space for Linux, JFFS hardware was created.

JFFS enabled the use of Flash memory chips as virtual hard drives. This technology was then contributed back to the open-source community and, after three iterations, remains widely used today.

Video compression also presented a significant hurdle. Dominant compression models in the late 1990s and early 2000s were ill-suited for video data. Storing video as individual frames proved inefficient and resource-intensive.

The emergence of the H.264 compression format in 2009, specifically designed for video, provided a solution. By the end of 2009, over 90% of IP cameras and video management systems utilized H.264.

Improvements in compression technology have also facilitated advancements in video resolution. Prior to H.264, video resolution remained stagnant since the 1960s with NTSC/PAL standards. Today, most cameras can record in high definition (HD).

The Evolution of Video Analytics

While not a recent innovation, analytics has undergone substantial development. Even in the initial phases of IP camera technology, customers were requesting analytical functionalities. Early implementations, such as video motion detection, now appear rudimentary compared to current capabilities.

The initial need was to differentiate between genuine security threats and innocuous movements like trees swaying or animals passing by, thereby minimizing false alarms. Continuous improvements in detection and recognition technologies have progressively automated numerous facets of physical security. This automation triggers alerts upon detecting potentially suspicious activities, ensuring prompt human review.

By mitigating the potential for human error, analytics has transformed video surveillance from a reactive approach to a proactive one. Motion detection remains a prevalent analytic, and although completely eliminating false alarms is challenging, modern advancements have significantly enhanced its reliability for identifying potential intrusions.

Object detection is gaining traction, demonstrating an increasing ability to categorize objects like vehicles, individuals, and animals. License plate recognition, widely adopted in many nations, serves purposes beyond identifying vehicles involved in criminal acts; it also facilitates applications like parking management.

Details often overlooked by human observers – such as vehicle models, clothing colors, or license plate numbers – are now systematically recorded and stored for easy retrieval thanks to advanced analytics. The emergence of technologies like deep learning, with its superior pattern recognition and object classification capabilities, will continue to propel advancements in this field.

The growing importance of analytics also underscores the security industry’s adoption of open-architecture technology. No single manufacturer can comprehensively address the diverse application needs of all customers. Open architecture empowers users to select tailored solutions without requiring device-specific customization.

For example, hospitals may integrate audio analytics to detect signs of patient distress, while retail establishments might prioritize people counting or theft prevention. Law enforcement agencies could focus on gunshot detection – all within the same device framework.

The COVID-19 pandemic spurred novel applications for both security devices and analytics, although some, like using thermal cameras for fever screening, proved difficult to implement accurately. Camera usage within the healthcare sector increased considerably during this period, a trend expected to persist.

Hospitals have recognized the benefits of cameras in patient rooms, utilizing video and intercom systems to monitor and communicate with patients while maintaining a secure environment. Even basic analytics, such as cross-line detection, can alert staff if a patient at risk of falling attempts to leave a designated area, potentially reducing accidents and liability.

The relatively understated mention of such analytics today underscores the significant progress made in physical security since the inception of IP camera technology.

Anticipating Future Developments in Security Technology

Considering current industry trends allows for informed speculation regarding the evolution of security systems. A key area of advancement will undoubtedly be in video resolution capabilities.

A decade ago, 720p (1 megapixel) was the prevailing standard for video surveillance. Prior to that, analog NTSC/PAL resolutions of 572×488, equating to 0.3 megapixels, were commonplace. Currently, 1080p (2 megapixels) is the norm, and projections based on Moore’s Law suggest a shift to 4K (8 megapixels) within the next ten years.

The escalating storage demands of higher-resolution video remain a significant challenge. However, innovations in intelligent storage solutions, such as Zipstream technology, have provided substantial benefits in recent times.

Further refinements in both smart storage and video compression techniques are anticipated, facilitating the implementation of higher-resolution video systems.

The Increasing Importance of Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is poised to become an increasingly critical concern for both security manufacturers and end-users alike.

A recent cyberattack forced a week-long closure of one of Sweden’s largest retail chains, and similar incidents are likely to occur if the use of inadequately secured devices persists. While software vulnerabilities are inevitable, only those developers and manufacturers dedicated to identifying and resolving these issues can be considered trustworthy.

It is probable that governments worldwide will enact new regulations to mandate cybersecurity enhancements. California’s recent IoT protection law serves as a precursor to the broader industry expectations.

The Rise of Ethical Considerations

Ethical conduct will continue to gain prominence within the security industry.

A growing number of organizations are prioritizing their ethics policies, establishing guidelines for the responsible application of technologies like facial recognition – and preventing their misuse.

Although new regulations are forthcoming, it’s crucial to recognize that regulation typically follows innovation. Companies aiming to cultivate a positive brand image must proactively adhere to their own ethical standards.

An increasing number of consumers are factoring ethical considerations into their purchasing decisions, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses today must prioritize communicating and enforcing responsible product usage.

• Key takeaway: Proactive ethical practices are becoming essential for long-term success.

The Constant Evolution of Security

The landscape of physical security has undergone substantial transformation since the advent of the IP camera. However, it’s crucial to recognize that these advancements weren't instantaneous; they unfolded over a period exceeding twenty years.

Significant alterations require time – frequently, a longer duration than initially anticipated. Nevertheless, a comparison between the current state of the industry and its position a quarter-century ago reveals remarkable progress.

Technological capabilities have expanded, the demands of end-users have been redefined, and prominent industry participants have experienced shifts in fortune based on their adaptability.

Understanding Current Trends

While change is a certainty, diligent monitoring of present-day trends and their alignment with evolving security requirements can empower developers and manufacturers to strategically position themselves for future success.

The recent pandemic demonstrated the capacity of modern security devices to deliver unforeseen benefits. This further emphasizes the critical importance of open dialogue, dependable customer assistance, and adherence to ethical principles.

Prioritizing Core Values

Organizations that consistently champion these fundamental values will be best positioned to thrive as we progress.

Maintaining a focus on these tenets will be key to navigating the future of the security industry.

• Adaptability: The ability to evolve with changing technologies and user needs.
• Customer Support: Providing reliable assistance and building strong relationships.
• Ethical Conduct: Operating with integrity and transparency.

These elements are no longer simply beneficial; they are essential for sustained success in a dynamic market.