Canon develops video content analysis plug-in for network cameras

October 26, 2015
Canon News
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Canon is investing heavily in new markets. Video surveillance is one of these markets. Canon press release:

Canon develops video content analysis plug-in for network cameras

Realizes coordination with Milestone Systems’video management software

TOKYO, October 9, 2015—Canon Inc. announced today the development of a plug-in that facilitates greater video-analysis efficiency in systems employing multiple network cameras through the combination of Canon’s video content analysis (VCA), which includes multi-person tracking technology currently under development, and Milestone Systems’¹ XProtect^® video management software² (VMS). The plug-in was realized through Canon’s ongoing development of VCA, which makes possible the analyzing and application of data from video captured by network cameras to realize benefits in such fields as marketing and service.

The use of network cameras is not limited to applications targeting crime prevention, as they are also expected to contribute to enhancing marketing and service processes. In addition to the use of network camera video data to realize high levels of safety and security, Canon is working to develop VCA for applications in the field of marketing. Using VCA multi-person tracking technology, Canon aims to provide users with the following four detection functions.

1. Passing detection:: Counts pedestrian numbers while estimating genders and ages
2. Congestion detection:: Maps out and displays areas of congestion
3. Crowding detection:: Detects pedestrian numbers captured as crowds within a designated area
4. Trajectory detection:: Visualizes foot traffic flows and circulations

Through further development, Canon aims to commercialize its VCA incorporating multi-person tracking technology in 2016 in coordination with various types of video management software.

1: Milestone Systems, headquartered in Denmark, is a global industry leader in open platform IP video management software. Acquired by Canon Europa N.V. in 2014, Milestone Systems now operates as a stand-alone company in the Canon Group.
2: The Canon VCA plug-in was developed using the XProtect Software Development Kit (SDK) offered by Milestone Systems.