Transform Your Security Cameras with Actuate AI

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. About Actuate
3. The Need for AI Software in Security Cameras
4. How Actuate Works
5. Applications of Actuate Technology
   1. Gun Detection
   2. Intruder Detection
   3. Loitering Detection
   4. Social Distancing Compliance
   5. People Flow Analytics
   6. Crowd Management
   7. Retail Analytics
6. Benefits of Adopting Actuate
7. Pricing and Getting Started
8. Integration with DW Spectrum
9. Bandwidth Usage and Hardware Requirements
10. Conclusion

Introduction

In today's world, security is a top concern for organizations across various industries. With the advancements in technology, traditional security cameras are no longer sufficient in addressing modern-day threats. This is where Actuate, an AI-powered computer vision company, comes into play. Actuate has developed software that enables existing security cameras to automatically identify public safety threats and provide actionable intelligence in real-time. In this article, we will delve into the details of Actuate's technology, its applications, and the benefits it offers to organizations.

About Actuate

Actuate, founded by Sonny Tai and Benji Olmec, is a leading computer vision company specializing in AI software for security cameras. Sonny Tai, the co-founder and CEO, brings extensive experience in the field, while Benji Olmec, the co-founder and CTO, is a former AI program manager at Microsoft. Together, they have built a team that combines expertise in data science, AI, and security industry sales. Actuate's mission is to transform existing security cameras into smart cameras, providing organizations with real-time intelligence to enhance security measures and improve building management processes.

The Need for AI Software in Security Cameras

Traditional security cameras are often deployed in a forensic manner, where footage is reviewed after incidents have already occurred. This reactive approach limits the effectiveness of security measures and makes it challenging for a small number of camera analysts to monitor multiple camera feeds simultaneously. Actuate recognizes the untapped potential and unused data within security camera systems. By interpreting this data in real-time, organizations can proactively respond to a wide range of safety threats, from gun detection to managing social distancing guidelines. Actuate's AI software fills this gap by enabling existing security cameras to identify threats and analyze human interactions with a high degree of accuracy.

How Actuate Works

At its core, Actuate's technology utilizes computer vision models that analyze video feeds from security cameras. These models are trained using a vast dataset consisting of real-life security camera scenes. Through advanced algorithms and customized neural networks, Actuate's models are highly accurate in detecting various threats and Patterns of human behavior. The software operates within the existing DW Spectrum, a video management system (VMS), which allows seamless integration and easy access to real-time alerts and analytics. Additionally, Actuate's AI software does not require any additional hardware installation, making it a cost-effective solution for organizations.

Applications of Actuate Technology

Gun Detection

One of Actuate's primary applications is gun detection. Their software is designed to detect gun threats in real-time with an exceptionally high degree of accuracy. Through extensive testing and customer deployments, Actuate has achieved a false-positive rate of less than one per month for 20 cameras. This capability enables security teams to immediately trigger defensive and evacuation protocols in the event of a gun threat, enhancing overall safety measures.

Intruder Detection

Actuate's AI software also includes intruder detection capabilities. By analyzing video feeds, the software can identify unauthorized individuals in restricted areas. Rather than relying on continuous monitoring by security guards, the software sends real-time alerts, allowing security teams to respond promptly to potential intruders. This incident-driven response is more efficient and ensures that security personnel are deployed at the right place and time.

Loitering Detection

Loitering, or prolonged presence in a specific area, can be a safety concern in various environments. Actuate's software can detect when individuals spend an extended period within the camera's field of view, providing insights for both safety and security purposes. For instance, in a school setting, the software can alert administrators if a student remains unattended after hours, prompting appropriate action.

Social Distancing Compliance

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing has become a crucial aspect of public safety. Actuate's AI software offers the ability to track areas in which people tend to congregate, identifying potential hotspots for social distancing violations. This information is essential for organizations to implement corrective measures, such as signage, physical barriers, or reorganizing furniture, to ensure compliance with social distancing guidelines.

People Flow Analytics

Understanding how people move within a building is critical for optimizing traffic flow and enhancing overall building management. Actuate's software provides people flow analytics, including heat maps and density mapping, to Visualize the movement of individuals. This information allows organizations to make data-driven decisions, such as redirecting traffic or rearranging furniture to improve efficiency and reduce the risk of crowding.

Crowd Management

In scenarios where crowd management is necessary, Actuate's AI software can identify and alert organizations when large crowds Gather in specific areas. This capability is especially useful in environments such as malls, stadiums, or public events, where crowd control is vital for security and preventing property damage. By detecting and monitoring crowd activity, organizations can proactively manage potential risks.

Retail Analytics

For retail businesses, Actuate's AI software offers valuable insights into customer behavior and product popularity. By analyzing people flow and dwell times, organizations can optimize store layouts, identify high-traffic areas, and determine which products attract the most attention. This data enables businesses to enhance customer experiences and drive sales by making informed decisions in product placement and store design.

Benefits of Adopting Actuate

Implementing Actuate's AI software provides several benefits for organizations. Firstly, it automates security camera monitoring, enabling real-time intelligence on potential threats and building management issues. This proactive approach allows for rapid decision-making, ultimately protecting life and property. Additionally, Actuate's software is cost-friendly, as it eliminates the need for expensive hardware installations. Existing security cameras can be transformed into smart cameras, maximizing their capabilities without significant additional costs. Furthermore, Actuate's technology is privacy-conscious and non-intrusive, ensuring the comfort of employees, customers, or students who are being monitored.

Pricing and Getting Started

Actuate offers competitive pricing for their AI software, starting at five dollars per camera per month for people detection features. Volume discounts are available, and the company provides industry-standard reseller agreements and support. To get started with Actuate, organizations can reach out to the team and discuss their specific requirements. Actuate offers a White Glove service, ensuring a smooth onboarding process for the first few customers. Collaboration with the Actuate team and the organization's IT department allows for quick implementation without significant disruption.

Integration with DW Spectrum

Actuate's AI software seamlessly integrates with Digital Watchdog's (DW) Spectrum, a leading video management system. By leveraging DW Spectrum's SDK/API, Actuate can trigger real-time alerts within the DW Spectrum interface. These alerts can manifest in various forms, including pop-up video feeds, camera movements, or sending notifications to the mobile devices of security personnel. The integration enables organizations to leverage their existing DW Spectrum infrastructure while benefiting from Actuate's advanced AI capabilities.

Bandwidth Usage and Hardware Requirements

Actuate has optimized its software to minimize bandwidth usage and hardware requirements. The software pulls video feeds at a low resolution, typically requiring a maximum bandwidth of 50 kilobits per Second per camera. In simpler scenes, the bandwidth usage can even be as low as 5 to 10 kilobits per second. This efficient utilization of network resources ensures that Actuate's AI software does not burden an organization's network infrastructure. Moreover, Actuate's software is cloud-based, eliminating the need for additional on-site hardware installation.

Conclusion

Actuate's AI-powered software provides organizations with the ability to transform their existing security cameras into intelligent monitoring systems. With applications ranging from gun detection to crowd management and social distancing compliance, Actuate offers comprehensive solutions for enhancing security and improving building management processes. By adopting Actuate, organizations can gain real-time intelligence, automate security camera monitoring, and make data-driven decisions to protect life, property, and public safety. With its cost-effective pricing, easy integration with DW Spectrum, and minimal bandwidth and hardware requirements, Actuate is a valuable choice for organizations looking to enhance their security measures.