Revolutionizing Surveillance: Active Guard 3.0 Introduces Generative AI
A Game-Changer in Security Technology
In a significant leap forward in security technology, Active Guard 3.0 has officially integrated Generative AI into its system. This groundbreaking enhancement revolutionizes how operators utilize video surveillance. By allowing free-text natural language queries, the platform transforms traditional security monitoring from a rigid system reliant on specific attributes to an intuitive interface. Operators can now type queries like “person carrying a backpack” or “individual who fell”, dramatically simplifying the search process.
Streamlining the Search Experience
Previously, operators had to navigate predefined attributes, working through up to 98 camera-generated identifiers. With Active Guard 3.0, this complexity fades away. The generative AI interprets queries, akin to asking a colleague for assistance. This seamless interaction is particularly beneficial for environments like airports and government facilities that require strict privacy measures. Crucially, since the system operates completely on-premises, users can benefit from advanced features without exposing sensitive data to the cloud.
Prioritizing Privacy and Cybersecurity
Concerns regarding privacy and cybersecurity have become paramount with the advent of AI technologies. Active Guard 3.0 addresses these issues head-on. As Lowenstein emphasizes, all operations occur locally, with no video data sent to the cloud for interpretation. The AI processing engine resides on the Active Guard server, eliminating the need for an internet connection and keeping sensitive video data under the customer’s control.
Additionally, the system is built with long-term security in mind. Rather than adopting a “set it and forget it” mentality, i-PRO focuses on continual updates and governance. The company made headlines when it became the first in the security sector to receive ISO/IEC 42001 certification for AI management, showcasing its commitment to evolving AI capabilities responsibly.
Integrating Third-Party Metadata: A New Era of Efficiency
One of the remarkable features introduced in version 2.0 was the integration of third-party metadata, exemplified by collaboration with Vaxtor, known for its high-performance optical character recognition tools. This development is significant because, traditionally, integrating such data into a Video Management System (VMS) required custom coding, which was both time-consuming and costly.
Active Guard 3.0 removes these barriers, allowing Vaxtor’s metadata to flow directly into the VMS interface, facilitating seamless searches. This integration also applies to other analytics, such as Morpho’s fall-detection tools, creating a neutral space where third-party insights and i-PRO camera data coexist without cumbersome coding.
Setting Itself Apart from Competitors
While many competitors opt for a closed-system approach, locking users into proprietary ecosystems, Active Guard 3.0 embraces an open platform philosophy. This means users are not restricted to i-PRO cameras but can also introduce third-party applications like Vaxtor’s ALPR without complex integrations.
The flexibility of Active Guard ensures that even users with legacy non-AI cameras can extract AI metadata from three additional camera streams, feeding directly into the Active Guard system. This adaptability and openness is a significant selling point in the competitive landscape.
Innovative Investigative Features in Version 3.0
Beyond simplified searches, Active Guard 3.0 introduces groundbreaking investigative features. Notably, the Person Image Similarity Search utilizes re-identification technology. When equipped with a still image of a subject, users can quickly locate visually similar individuals throughout the video archive, even if conditions like clothing or lighting differ.
This feature is distinct from traditional facial recognition, focusing instead on visual context to assist in investigations. The speed and efficiency it offers can dramatically reduce the time required to find crucial information, turning tedious searches into quick, actionable insights.
Aligning with Industry Trends: Edge AI and Containerization
As the security industry grapples with the limitations of cloud dependency, Edge AI has emerged as a pivotal trend. This shift allows the creation of lightweight metadata at the source, reducing the heavy bandwidth usually required for video data. However, the industry is now pivoting towards containerization, enabling specialized AI tools to run directly on cameras using technologies like Docker.
Active Guard serves as an essential link, making these edge insights accessible within a VMS framework. By transforming cameras into smart sensors, operators can efficiently search and act on data without disrupting their established workflows. The goal is a unified user interface, streamlining security operations for users.
User Feedback: Time and Cost Efficiency
The feedback from integrators and end-users has been overwhelmingly positive. Many report that investigations, which once took hours of tedious searching, can now be completed in mere minutes. This efficiency not only saves time but also significantly reduces costs.
Integrators value the simplified management of systems, eliminating the need to juggle multiple platforms or explain discrepancies to security personnel. By promoting an environment where openness prevails over a closed ecosystem, i-PRO is sealing its reputation as a modern leader in the field.
Future Horizons for Active Guard 3.0
Looking forward, the vision for Active Guard 3.0 remains robust. i-PRO plans to expand its role as the metadata bridge, continually adding new attributes and supporting seamless integration with leading VMS platforms. The ongoing refinement of natural language search capabilities is a priority, as the potential of Generative AI continues to unfold.
The overarching mission of Active Guard is straightforward: to empower security professionals to locate essential information quickly and efficiently. As technology progresses, the expectation is that video intelligence will become as accessible as entering a thought into a search bar.
Conclusion: A New Era in Security Operations
Active Guard 3.0 represents a watershed moment in the security technology landscape, seamlessly integrating Generative AI to enhance operational efficiency and user experience. With its focus on privacy, open platforms, and innovative investigative tools, i-PRO is redefining how security professionals approach video surveillance. As they continue to evolve with the trends of Edge AI and containerization, the future appears promising for both integrators and end-users alike. The goal is clear: to find what matters when it matters, all while maintaining simplicity and control.
