Using Open Source AI for Efficient Security Video Monitoring

Let’s think, what if we had a security system that watches the surroundings but additionally it can also evaluate and respond in real time, it would be so cool, wouldn’t it? That’s exactly what imagined when I was younger. Because, at that time we just had security systems that were traditional, which required monitoring manually. They just record the footages and we used to re-watch them if we had any suspicions (by that time, the danger might already have happened). But right now, thanks to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) as well as open source tools, the imagination we had of what it would be to have security system that doesn’t just record but also analyzes and responds immediately has been fulfilled. In this blog, we’ll be exploring into the impact of AI on surveillance of security videos. By the time you finish reading this blog, you’ll be able to recognize the main tools and methods as well as the benefits of using AI in your security systems.

How Artificial Intelligence (AI) is Transforming Video Surveillance

While monitoring security systems, the traditional methods completely depend on what we humans can see. The cameras keep recording the footages but those footages are usually left unseen until it is checked manually, only if something bad occurs. The main purpose of cameras are for surveillance, but these traditional methods results in limitations in surveillance itself.

But when we use AI, specifically through machine learning models, the security systems become more active. Let me list down the features AI brings:

• Detection of humans and things in real-time: This is a really cool feature, because it detects suspicious behaviors, trach and identify things at the same time it happens. This feature is usually made available by using advanced high-tech models like the YOLO (You Only Live Once) model.
• Reduces False Alarms: Compared to the traditional methods which can get triggered sometimes by wind or even shadows, AI will give you alerts only when there are cases of something suspicious, thereby reducing false alerts.
• Monitors Efficiently: AI has the ability to scan long duration footages in just a few minutes, at the same time it also flags important events or based on the observed patterns, they can also create trends.

All these features makes the security system more proactive with AI. It reduces the need of constant monitoring by humans and furthermore, it offers insights in real-time.

The Role of Open Source alongside AI In Surveillance

So, to briefly tell you, Open Source is referred to a software that have their source code available to the public, so that anyone can view it, make changes and distribute them. While we know AI is a game changer for the surveillance systems but it can be quite expensive and its flexibility may be limited. In such cases, open-source tools from AI makes it easily accessible to everyone.

Below I will let you know about some of the leading open-source tolls which are being used to develop security systems powered by the AI.

1. ZoneMinder

ZoneMinder is an open-source tool which is featured completely for surveillance of videos. It can work with various camera models and also allows the monitoring of several areas or zones in real-time, along with parallel detection of objects and producing alerts when necessary. It can be set up on a standard hardware which can be mounted based on your needs, either up or down.

2. Kerberos.io

Kerberos.io is another open-source tool which uses AI and cloud-native technologies and is designed to monitor video management. It provides footages in real-time from the cameras with several features. Some of the features include: detecting motion, heatmaps and also searches videos based on deep learning, with these features it can be an ideal tool to be used in offices, retail chains and also smart cities.

3. Frigate

Frigate, is a specific type of open source tool that integrates with Home Assistant, which uses TensorFlow to produce object detection in real-time. This tool can identify among humans, animals and several other objects, contributing to accurate monitoring.

4. Viseron

Viseron, is also an open-source tool that provides face detection in addition to object detection, which makes it ideal for areas with tight security. It also works well with hardware from IP cameras to NVIDIA Jetson Nano and Raspberry Pi, which makes it a great option for DIY setups.

Setting up an AI-Powered Video Surveillance System

As I had mentioned before, the rise of open sources have made setting up of AI-Powered Video surveillance systems more available, which would have been more intimidating if there weren’t any open sources. Let’s get to the steps of its setup:

1. Choosing of Open-Source Software: You can begin by selecting one among the list of platforms listed above, like Viseron or Frigate. You can then go through the documentation, which is detailed so you can get guided throughout the process of setting up.
2. Selection of Cameras: Great number of open-source systems work with most models of IP cameras. You can select for a camera in your budget or much more high-tech cameras based on your needs.
3. Installation and Configuration: Your platform will provide you with a guide with installation steps, which you can follow to install the system. For instance, in the case of Kereberos.io, it provides a rather easier Docker setup, that allows you to run it quickly.
4. Usage or Training of Pre-Built Models: Some tools such as Viseron or Frigate comes with models that are pre-built for detecting objects, but there is also an option where you can train and customize the models based on your needs for your security.
5. Setting Alerts and Automation: At the end of the setting up process, after it becomes operational, start shape it to send your devices real-time alerts. In addition, you can also connect it to your smart home systems such as the automation of lights, locks, doors and other appliances if there is detection of some events by using Home Assistant system.

Arising Challenges and Overcoming Them

Even with the spread of AI in this generation, nothing is perfect. Even if it’s perfect, it does have certain challenges. Some of these challenges are:

• False Positives: Sometimes when using AI, there can be something that causes false alerts. To overcome this, you can change and train your settings so that the model can identify only specific motions or things.
• Limitations in Hardware: If you look, processing algorithms that are AI dependent can require too much resources. For huge setups, Hardwares can have limitations, it would be better to purchase a hardware that is compatible with GPU processing such as NVIDIA Jetson.
• Concerns over Privacy: These AI-dependent surveillance systems does have some privacy concern, specially when in the public spaces. You should always abide by the local laws and try to use anonymizing characteristics such as using the blurring of faces to protect identities.

Benefits of Using AI-dependent Open-Source Tools

If you’re still thinking, why should I think about using open-source security systems that are enhanced by AI? Then, let me tell you:

Affordable Prices: Compared to other tools that take a huge amount of fees for licensing, open-source tools such as Frigate are accessible for free, but even for hardware costs they just charge a small amount.

Modifiable: These open-source tools, you can modify features unlike some tools, where you’ve to live through the default features. The features can be changed as per your requirements, even training them to alert in the presence of specific motions.

Scalability: Here, you can begin by using just one camera and then start multiplying more as depending on your needs and demands. These open-source softwares have the ability to manage so many cameras easily, which makes them ideal for any area, whether its your home or your office or even the entire city.

Community Support: The community of open-source systems are always active and keeps updating their platforms. This allows you to contact them anytime you’re struck with an issue.

Lastly, after reading all this, you’ll know that open-source AI tools indeed has allowed video surveillance to get advanced, making security systems much more budget friendly, effective and scalable. It empowers the individuals as well as businesses to regulate their spaces by detecting objects in real-time, automation and even smarter ways of alerting. The most leading tools that provide these features are ZoneMinder, Kerberos.io, Frigate and Viseron. Doesn’t matter, if you want a surveillance to protect your home or you want to provide security for your business buildings or complexes, these tools gives you a more modifiable and budget friendly approach. If you use the idea AI-powered setup, your surroundings and spaces can be just beneath your eye.

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