Hitachi Unveils Advanced 3D Camera System for Intelligent Monitoring

We all appear on camera hundreds of times daily thanks to the amount of street-level CCTV monitoring in our towns and cities, and soon we could see street cameras that will predict and analyse our behaviour.

Japanese technology conglomerate, Hitachi, has developed systems that it says can accurately interpret our behaviour and even determine our personality characteristics. And it can do this in real-tim

The Technology Behind the System

The system employs 3D camera technology to achieve this. Previously, conventional 2D surveillance cameras were incapable of such intelligent monitoring. Unlike conventional monocular surveillance cameras, a stereo camera can capture stereoscopic 3D data with its right and left lenses. This means the distance of an object from the camera can be determined in the same way as human eyes do by calculating the disparities in images captured by the left and right lenses.

3D-LiDAR (TOF) Motion Sensor

Real-Time Data Processing

Based on this range of information, 3D data is created. By extracting data near the head region of people and converting it to image data representing a downward view, people's positions in a crowded space can be measured, and highly accurate processing can be performed in real-time.

Also, by determining temporal changes in people's positions in the images, their movements can be precisely tracked, says Hitachi.

Estimation of Personality Characteristics

When it comes to people's characteristics, this 3D technology estimates people's characters by performing stereoscopic analysis of the shapes of people and the objects around them, such as baby buggies and wheelchairs. The technology makes it possible to identify the mass and shapes of objects from the analysis of 3D data of people's positions at any height and their surroundings. By comparing the 3D data with the data of objects registered in advance, objects such as baby buggies, shopping carts, and wheelchairs can be identified.

The behavioural traits of their owners - for example, a person with their child or an elderly person who needs assistance - can also be estimated. In this way, services that meet individual needs can be provided. Examples include changing contents presented on information terminals and signage in response to different estimated characteristics and providing assistance to help elderly customers move by alerting support staff.

Applications of the Technology

Hitachi says it is engaged in research and development to commercialise this technology and contribute to realising more comfortable urban spaces and providing services tailored to individual needs.

Enhanced Security

Hitachi's 3D camera technology offers a range of enhanced security features that make it a valuable tool for real-time detection and alerting. For example, the sensor can detect when someone enters restricted or dangerous areas and immediately notify security personnel, reducing the risk of accidents and unauthorised access.

In addition, the sensor can be used to prevent "tailgating" by unauthorised personnel. When someone without an ID card follows someone with a card, the sensor will detect this and alert security personnel, preventing unauthorised access.

The sensor's ability to detect suspicious behaviour and movements also makes it an effective tool for deterring shoplifting. By identifying potential shoplifters and detecting movement in areas where security cameras have blind spots, the sensor can alert security personnel to investigate.

In addition to enhanced security, the sensor also provides valuable in-store analysis, such as tracking the number of people entering and exiting the store, their behaviours, and product selections. This information can help retailers to better understand customer behaviour and make data-driven decisions.

Real-time data provided by the sensor can also help retailers optimise staffing and improve customer experience. By tracking the number of people in a particular area, retailers can quickly adapt to changes in traffic flow and improve efficiency.

Conclusion

Overall, Hitachi's 3D camera technology offers a comprehensive security solution that helps to prevent accidents, unauthorised access, and shoplifting while also providing valuable in-store analysis and real-time data to retailers.