About fortnight ago our ARWS night guards were able to detect attempted robbery and their timely innervation could save the locked flat from being broken by 2-3 thieves later identified as Rangpuri Pahari residents. This type of news is generally heard from many areas. What was unique in this episode? Uniqueness is of using CCTV as AI based security solution.
About two years ago our TEAM ARWS decided to go for technology solution towards security. We decided to go for APP based entry/ exit and complaint handling system but few of our so called ‘Intellect‘ residents decided to oppose the system in the name of privacy. As most of the residents are senior citizens and not so tech savvy, they find it difficult to handle. A foolproof security system got another setback from many professionals using homes as their business spaces. They oppose it as they don’t want to get recorded their daily guests /visitors’ entry. My experience and suggestion is not to allow such business interest’s residents elected into decision-making body.
With little support from residents, it was decided to use other means of security systems, either increase guards or use tech. As the president, I decided to use unique features of CCTV tech learnt during my multiple meetings with experts and knowledge from internet. We were trying to find solutions for automated challan systems for vehicles parked in no parking zones using CCTV and Fastag (for a project proposal for Delhi traffic police and Delhi govt.)
We designed the system in such a way that all CCTVs were installed along the periphery of our sector covering boundaries and our entry points. Now some entry points need to be monitored whole day while few needs attention during nighttime. A 32 camera system is installed at our gate where 24×7 our guard supervisor is always there with 55-inch big LED commercial screen was installed showing all 32 cameras to the guards sitting and operating the boom barrier or recording ingress etc. These cameras can be configured to monitor intrusion etc. according to time and areas as mentioned below.
For example, gate 3 is used only during daytime between 6 am to 8 pm and otherwise closed; we program the camera to report detection during 8 pm to 6 am only by creating virtual boundary as well as parameter fencing. This camera can detect wall jumping or even crossing of line like Lakshman Rekha. Violation, if any is zoomed on 55″ TV full screen installed at the main gate and alerts the guard by an audio beep and transmits intrusion alert video to the authorized persons through an App. Similarly, we can configure each camera according to its position and requirement without compromising on individual privacy.
Here are some CCTV camera tricks:
1. Virtual Fencing: Set virtual boundaries to receive alerts when people or objects cross the fence, even if it’s not a physical barrier.
2. Intrusion Detection: Configure cameras to detect intrusions and alert authorities or security personnel when someone crosses the virtual boundary.
3. Object Detection: Use AI-powered cameras to detect specific objects, like cars or packages, and receive alerts when they enter or leave the virtual boundary.
4. People Counting: Use cameras with people counting analytics to track the number of individuals entering or exiting a virtual boundary.
5. Directional Detection: Set virtual boundaries to detect movement in specific directions, like entering or exiting a building.
6. Custom Zones: Create custom virtual zones within the camera’s field of view to receive alerts for specific areas.
7. Alert Optimization: Adjust alert settings to reduce false alarms and only receive notifications for legitimate breaches of virtual boundaries.
8. Integration with Access Control: Integrate CCTV cameras with access control systems to grant or deny access based on virtual boundary breaches.
Delhi Govt.’s camera can only help in investigating the unfortunate incidents but can’t prevent, now many thieves knowing very well of CCTV surveillance and they have started using face masks and caps to hide their identity. RWAs should invest their own funds to get such security system instead of relying on others’ agencies. While installing CCTV of any kind people should keep privacy issues also addressed otherwise they may find themselves into legal problems.
