In recent years, video surveillance cameras have taken a leap forward thanks to artificial intelligence integrated directly into the device. It is no longer just about recording what is happening, but understanding what is happening, automatically distinguishing between people, vehicles, animals, and other objects of interest.
What changes compared to traditional motion detection
Entry-level cameras detect motion by comparing pixels between successive frames: any variation, from foliage moving in the wind to the headlights of a passing car, can trigger a notification. Cameras with artificial intelligence, on the other hand, process the image through neural networks trained to recognize specific shapes and categories, which is why they are able to filter out most false alarms, sending a notification only when they truly recognize a person, a vehicle, or a pet.
The most useful AI-based features
- Person and vehicle recognition: allows for targeted notifications, for example, only for human presence in a restricted area.
- Pet filter: highly requested in residential settings, it avoids continuous notifications when the family dog is simply in the garden.
- License plate recognition (LPR/ANPR): useful for controlling driveway access, private parking lots, or loading areas.
- Smart search in recordings: allows you to search through recorded footage by object category or even clothing color, drastically reducing review times.
On-device vs. NVR AI: comparing two approaches
Some cameras process artificial intelligence directly on-board (edge AI), while others offload processing to the network video recorder (NVR) to which they are connected. The first approach reduces network load and latency, while the second can be more cost-effective for systems with many cameras because it centralizes computing power in a single device. The choice depends on the number of channels, the budget, and the level of accuracy required.
Concrete help, not just for security
Beyond security itself, the data collected by camera artificial intelligence is increasingly being used for management purposes as well: counting people in a store, analyzing queues at checkout counters, and controlling access during specific hours. A well-designed system, therefore, can pay for itself beyond just the realm of security.
Discover our range of AI-powered IP cameras to find the most suitable solution for your system.