30 Aug 2007

Video analytics software from Ipsotek has been added to the UK government's catalogue of approved security equipment after meeting stringent performance criteria.

Ipsotek's V10 intelligent scene analysis system satisfied Home Office requirements, thus achieving i-LIDS approved secondary detection system for operational alert use in sterile zone monitoring applications - and it will be included in a list of approved security equipment suppliers.

The Home Office Scientific Development Branch is recognising the important role of intelligent video monitoring in providing automatic event detection and so making CCTV more effective.  Training and tests are being made available to manufacturers and academics to assist them in developing robust, dependable VBDS (video-based detection systems).

Having assessed manufacturers' performance in sterile zone monitoring, the i-LIDS programme will continue in coming months by providing independent assessment of video analytics providers in the fields of abandoned baggage detection, parked vehicle detection and doorway surveillance.

The aim is to promote robust, dependable analytics systems with the kind of functionality required, as surveillance of public areas and infrastructure sites becomes more and more important.  The CCTV sector has welcomed the testing since it shows government awareness of scene analysis in security as well as the more familiar field of machine vision.

Andy Marchant, Sales & Marketing Director at Ipsotek, said, "Until now the video analytics sector has lacked a benchmarking system that allows the offerings of different suppliers to be compared.  As a world leader in the field, we welcome the testing which will speed up and widen the deployment of intelligent scene analysis."

He continued, "Customers should now be able to understand better the features and performance of different brands through this far-sighted and thorough Home Office initiative which constitutes a major step forward for the industry."