Nowadays, home security has taken a significant leap forward with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into surveillance systems. AI security cameras offer innovative features and revolutionize how people safeguard their properties. This article will try to discover some innovative features of AI security cameras and how they impact modern surveillance.
Note: Apart from AI security cameras, there are plenty of camera models available in the market. Check our comprehensive guide on how to choose the right security camera.
What's Special About AI Security Cameras
These days, AI security cameras (namely artificial intelligence security cameras) seem to be in a trend that every far-sighted manufacturer wants to get involved in as quickly as possible because of the innovative features that AI home security cameras can bring:
People, Vehicle & Animal Detection
AI security cameras' most significant selling point and most fantastic thing is that they can tell the differences among natural elements, vehicles, animals, and humans.
Therefore, you will only be alerted when an actual intruder breaks in – no bothering from the tree sheds or lights as the traditional security camera might bring, even though some quality cameras have significantly reduced false alarms by using advanced motion sensors.
Facial Recognition
Another notable feature of AI security cameras you will love for home security is the facial recognition function, which means the camera will know the new faces and the familiar ones. So you can schedule to be alerted only when the unfamiliar faces appear.
More than that, AI security cameras can remember the conspicuous person, for example, the one that breaks into your house, and identify the face immediately once they show up again in the future. AI IP cameras are already reported to allow security officials to track students based on their appearance. With this type of AI surveillance camera, a guard could pull up video of everywhere else a student has been recorded on campus.
Unusual Behavior Detection
Some artificial intelligence security cameras can collect data and analyze a scene to determine what's normal for a particular situation. Suppose the AI IP cameras capture an abnormal event. In that case, the system will send an immediate alert to a user's preferred notification method, saving a lot of time reviewing large amounts of footage.
And more advanced AI security cameras can even identify certain movements, like moving specific objects from one place to another. This is helpful for business surveillance, like retail stores, to catch the shoplifters who usually take small items into their pockets.
Objects Tracking
The AI security cameras make tracking and analyzing moving objects possible for the first time. For example, if someone breaks into your home, the AI security camera system will optically zoom in, analyze the target automatically, and take a clear shot of a picture or record a video of the conspicuous person so you won't miss anyone sneaking around your property.
Voice Recognition
The AI security cameras, like voice assistants, can understand what they see and hear and take your orders. That's to say, you can speak directly to the AI security camera and tell it what you are looking for, something like when your little son came back home from school yesterday. It saves you time and trouble finding clips among large recording files.
Crowd Monitoring
With the help of AI algorithms, AI security cameras can analyze the behavior of individuals within a crowd in crowded environments, such as airports or stadiums. Specific advanced models can accurately tally the number of individuals in a particular location. Along with other innovative features, AI surveillance cameras can enhance crowd management and prevent public spaces from overcrowding or potential conflicts.
License Plate Recognition (LPR)
AI algorithms also enable security cameras to recognize a vehicle's license plate. LPR cameras capture images of the vehicle's license plates and then process these images to identify the characters on the plates. Many LPR systems are integrated with databases of known or suspect vehicles. AI can compare recognized license plate numbers with the information stored in these databases to identify or track specific vehicles.
How Do AI Security Cameras Work
How could the AI security cameras be so intelligent to understand what’s happening out there and alert us when real danger happens? That's all about the built-in sensor and hardware. The AI security cameras can produce an updated 3D model of its monitoring areas. So only 3D movements like humans and animals can trigger an alert of the AI surveillance cameras.
With deep machine learning, the AI security cameras can recognize adults, children, pets, and unfamiliar faces over time, alerting you only when real danger or a specific event occurs. AI security cameras have some preset suspicious behaviors, like picking up an item and putting it in the pocket. Generally, it will match the pose data to those predefined movements and trigger an alert intelligently when something noteworthy is detected.
Applications of AI Security Camera
AI security cameras can be applied to different scenarios for enhanced security and convenience.
Home security
Homeowners can install AI security cameras to protect their houses and loved ones from danger. AI security cameras in homes can deter potential criminals and reduce the possibility of criminal activity in monitored areas. If they detect abnormal movements or suspicious persons, AI security cameras can trigger alarms and send real-time alerts to users.
Business and commercial security
AI security cameras can also be used in commercial and business scenarios. They are ideal for consumer behavior analysis and security improvement. For example, AI security cameras in retail settings can track customer behavior, count foot traffic, analyze shopping patterns, and help retailers optimize store layouts and product placements.
Smart cities
AI security cameras can be a fundamental component of smart cities initiatives. For smart cities, AI security cameras can enhance urban environments' safety, security, and overall efficiency. For example, AI security cameras can contribute to traffic management because they can monitor traffic conditions, optimize traffic light timings, and detect accidents or congestion, leading to reduced traffic congestion, improved traffic flow, and lower emissions. AI cameras can also inspect and monitor the condition of infrastructure, such as bridges, roads, and buildings, identifying maintenance needs or safety hazards.
Environmental monitoring
AI security cameras are also environmentally friendly. AI security cameras equipped with sensors can monitor air quality and provide data on pollution levels. This information can be used to implement pollution control measures and inform residents about air quality conditions. These cameras can also help monitor waste collection and optimize routes for garbage trucks. This functionality makes waste collection more efficient and reduces environmental impact.
AI Security Camera Price
If you have searched the AI security cameras around, you might find many choices, and the price varies from brand to brand. Generally, they are priced much higher than the traditional analog or IP cameras, with a price tag of $100 to over $1000.
More than that, most AI security cameras will involve subscription fees for cloud video storage, and you need to pay monthly, which could be a considerable expense in the long run.
Benefits of Using AI Security Cameras
Using AI security cameras in various applications and industries brings numerous benefits. One of the enormous benefits is that AI algorithms can differentiate between real security threats and false alarms triggered by non-threatening events and reduce the burden on security personnel. Secondly, Al security cameras can provide real-time threat detection and build alert systems. This intelligent feature can help to prevent and respond to security breaches and incidents more effectively.
Most importantly, AI security cameras can process and analyze large volumes of video data. Authorities can extract valuable insights and patterns that inform decision-making from this database and optimize operations.
Possible Concerns Related to AI Surveillance
AI security cameras also raise several concerns related to privacy, ethics, security, etc. Some of the possible problems include:
Data privacy and storage
AI security cameras can capture video and audio of people in public and private spaces. This feature could infringe on individuals' privacy rights. The data collected by AI security cameras, including video footage and metadata, can be vulnerable to hacking or unauthorized access if insufficient security measures are taken.
Laws and local regulations
The widespread deployment of AI security cameras can contribute to a surveillance state, where citizens may feel constantly monitored, leading to concerns about civil liberties and freedom. In some regions, there may be a need for comprehensive regulations and standards governing AI security cameras, creating concerns about oversight and accountability.
Ethical considerations
Ethical concerns arise when AI cameras are used in ways that could be considered unethical or morally questionable, such as tracking individuals without their knowledge or consent. Expanding AI security camera usage beyond its original intended purpose can lead to inefficiency, where the cameras are used for unrelated or unforeseen purposes without proper oversight.
Best Security Camera with Smart Features
Multiple security cameras with innovative features are already available in the market. If you plan to implement intelligent surveillance, here are some products you can consider.
Best Wire-Free Security Camera with Smart Detection: Reolink Argus 3 Ultra
While we wait for the best AI security cameras to become more reliable for home use, a home security camera with smart features might be a better option. The wire-free Reolink Argus 3 Ultra can be an excellent alternative to AI security cameras. With an advanced PIR sensor and embedded detection algorithms, this smart security camera can distinguish between people, vehicles, and animals from other objects. If it detects some abnormal activities, it will send instant notifications and trigger the built-in spotlights and siren.
4K 8MP Standalone Wire-Free Camera
4K 8MP; Smart Detection; 5/2.4GHz Dual-Band WiFi; Battery/Solar Powered; Color Night Vision; Alerts Without Subscription.
Best PoE Security Camera with Smart Detection: Reolink RLC-823A
As a PoE security camera with smart features, Reolink RLC-823A only requires one Ethernet cable to simultaneously get power and network connection. This camera is smart enough to differentiate a person, vehicle, or pet from other objects. The embedded algorithms can significantly reduce false alarms. The PTZ functionality of this camera can also keep track of the moving person/vehicle automatically and make the monitoring range even broader.
Smart PTZ PoE Camera with Spotlights
4K 8MP Ultra HD, Person/Vehicle Detection, 5X Optical Zoom, Auto Tracking, Manual Pan & Tilt, Two-Way Audio, 190ft Night Vision, Live View.
FAQs
What is an AI security camera?
An AI security camera incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies to enhance its functionality and capabilities for surveillance purposes. These cameras offer smart features like human detection, facial recognition, object tracking, crowd monitoring, etc.
Are AI security cameras worth the money?
The value of AI security cameras depends on your specific needs, budget, and the level of security you require. AI security cameras are worth the money if you need advanced features like object tracking or facial recognition.
Can AI security cameras be used in outdoor spaces?
The answer is yes. AI security cameras can be installed outdoors and withstand different weather conditions. You can check the camera's IP rating before purchasing. For outdoor use, look for an IP66 rating or higher.
Conclusion
AI security cameras offer several benefits but bring some possible concerns about individual privacy and data security. Traditional smart home security cameras can already cover security needs for the home, like watching the real-time video feed anywhere, recording videos when motion is detected, sending push notifications to your phone if anything happens, and more smart features.
Suppose you are not locked to the AI security camera's world. In that case, there will be more options today to suit your various monitoring needs, like the wire-free camera for easy installation and the 4G cellular camera for video surveillance without the Internet. So, what do you think about the AI security camera? Would you use AI for home security cameras? Please share your thoughts with us in the comment area down below!