As one of 7 Scottish cities striving to become world-leading smart cities, The Municipality of Edinburgh recently began a project to build a new control centre for video surveillance systems using artificial intelligence and modern cameras to enhance its internal security. This is part of the city’s Vision 2050 strategy to employ technology to adopt a simple, connected and environmentally friendly lifestyle and reach zero levels of carbon dioxide emissions by 2030.
Many cities around the world use artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques integrated into crowd monitoring processes to collect data, enhance oversight and maintain public safety. And even in increasing revenues by directly monitoring traffic violations.
Video surveillance cameras are the most common global means of deterring crime and offenses in public and private places. However, most of them help to resolve crimes after they have occurred or to apprehend perpetrators. So, There is a growing need for more sophisticated and intelligent means of monitoring violations, preventing crimes and providing assistance to victims before it is too late.
Through an innovation model based on public-private partnership, Edinburgh City Council has teamed up with North, the UK’s leading provider of IoT-based services and solutions, to launch a project to create a smart centre for video security surveillance systems, which will be completed in late 2022.
This cooperation comes within the framework of the “Eighth City” program, Smart City”, Supported by the Scottish Cities Alliance, It is a partnership between the government and the seven local authorities in the country, It received £48.2m in funding.
To fund the new security plan, The Council partnered with the European Regional Development Fund to allocate £2.6 million for the construction of the city’s new monitoring systems management centre.
The project uses the latest smart technologies to upgrade the operational efficiencies of surveillance systems, improve security and analyze new data-driven trends. The center will be equipped with high-quality surveillance cameras that provide a comprehensive and clear view of the city. The company will integrate the security system with transportation platforms to manage the daily activities and operations in the city, The Council will be provided with a follow-up platform for the smart city, Allows future integration with other smart technologies such as air quality sensors, Smart Valet Parking Applications, flood sensor systems to determine the water level, and intelligent monitoring and analysis systems to track emissions in areas that are supposed to be areas with low levels of carbon emissions.
The work will include renovating the control room of the central surveillance facility and equipping it with smart systems to upgrade video surveillance cameras to be part of the future operations of the smart city. Advanced mechanisms have also been developed to analyze videos to improve the management of city operations and data analysis. After installing high-resolution cameras, To serve as optical sensors that form a modern video surveillance system. These devices will replace traditional cameras to collect more accurate data and improve the ability to analyze their content. A modern system can capture a range of variable factors to be measured.
Cameras provide advanced analytical functions such as vehicle detection and identification numbers, facial recognition, Limit the number of people in a gathering, and traffic tracking. Cameras collect data and send it to a recorder linked to AI algorithms that analyze the video into discrete data. They are set up manually using images and reference rules such as shots of people in different poses and from different angles. For example If someone violates a decision that prevents being in a certain area at a specified period, The camera will send a live image from the site, As for the algorithm, It will detect the presence of an object moving within the control range and send an alert to the relevant authorities.
Some of these systems are self-learning, such as those using “behavioral analytics.” Artificial intelligence analyzes the natural behavior of the area, gradually, Constructs a definition of this behavior, It includes sizes, speeds, and colors of certain items. Then normalizes data, by distinguishing the assets and patterns observed by certain signs, When activity outside the usual conduct is detected, Sends an alert to the control center to send response units immediately. These systems also allow traceability, A red rectangle appears on the monitor screen and automatically starts tracking the source of the danger. Moreover, This system allows snapshots to be stored and retrieved quickly when needed.
In addition, The project took into account the achievement of community participation, Having provided professional courses, employment of professional experience and volunteer work to complete the tasks stipulated in the partnership, Coordination with locally active organizations.
Because the project is still under implementation, The challenges and impacts associated with it will gradually be monitored, It is hoped that it will provide a clear picture of the current circumstances so as to allow the identification of existing and potential threats. and improve the efficiency of security operations.
By monitoring and managing transport networks, The authorities will be able to control hostile behaviors and violations, uphold public law and protect property and residents, This, in turn, will increase the sense of security in the city and contribute to locating people at risk, finding and providing assistance to missing persons and responding to public emergencies. It supports the government’s endeavor to deal with issues related to safety and public health.
Administratively, The Council will have a more nuanced view of how people interact with the urban environment through different modes of transportation. This means better long-term city planning.
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