Addressing the problem of live monitoring large video surveillance networks is no easy task. Firstly, only a fraction of the cameras can be displayed at any one time on a company’s video wall. Secondly, if something important shows up, operators could be overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the monitoring required and often miss important events. This is where computer vision and machine learning specialist iCetana’s groundbreaking intelligent technology comes in.

The Perth-based software company has created a breakthrough system which solves the problem of massive video surveillance information overload by only showing surveillance operators those camera views where something abnormal is occurring, in real-time.

The company was initially spun out of Curtin University in 2010 and got off the ground after receiving $1.5 million from venture capital firm Yuuwa Capital and pre-seed funding from Curtin.

The technology uses a patented machine-learning algorithm to automatically learn the difference between normal movement patterns and abnormal events in real-time.

The technology self-learns ‘normal’ motion patterns by establishing where, how and when objects move in each camera scene, automatically with no programming required.

Once ‘normal’ activity is established for each camera, the system then detects and displays only the cameras with ‘abnormal’ activity.

This frees up operators, allowing them to focus on a small fraction of the video cameras that need their attention. Operators can then assess and take immediate action to prevent events from escalating.

The abnormal video data presented by the iCetana system provides valuable insight into evolving threats and risks by providing operators and security management with real-time notification and aggregated local, regional and global surveillance trends.

In order to display the relevant camera scene to operators, iCetana has developed the LiveWall application via Video Management System (VMS) plugin, or smart mobile devices. iCetana integrates with existing video surveillance infrastructures increasing the return on investment and effectiveness of the infrastructure.

The technology detects a wide-range of security, safety and operational events in real-time including:

• Suspicious behaviour
• Unauthorised access – people and vehicles
• Irregular movement – people and vehicles
• Trespass – no-go zones, perimeter fence, tunnels
• Violence / Aggressive Behaviour / Assaults
• Medical / security events requiring immediate response
• Precursor events – crowd gathering / dispersal
• Vandalism to fixed assets
• Camera tampering
• Fire risk

According to Chief Executive Officer Chris Farquhar, iCetana’s technology can be applied to a variety of environments including campuses, public spaces, train and bus stations, shopping malls and utilities.

“As we enter a future where surveillance will only become more critical, our company provides a revolutionary way to process vast amounts of live information, prevent operators from becoming overwhelmed and allow systems to be more effective at responding to evolving threats and risks.

“Geographically dispersed manned and unmanned equipment and operations, public and private facilities, critical infrastructure such as power plants and water utilities, iCetana can assist organisations protect their customers, staff and critical infrastructure against a range of threats including detecting precursor activities before they escalate.”

In Australia, iCetana’s technology has been used for public transport, city surveillance, critical infrastructure and university campuses, including Curtin University.

Looking globally

iCetana has also been successfully deployed with multiple customers in international markets including the Middle-East and North Africa, Europe, the Americas and South-East Asia.

“iCetana has already been deployed in 10 countries globally. We are expanding this client base in key international markets,” Mr Farquhar said.

iCetana has recently raised A$8 million in a funding round led by GoCapital with participation from the Delcor Family Office, a range of angel investors and existing investor Yuuwa Capital. The funding round will enable iCetana to accelerate its growth and build on its early success.

iCetana technology helps assists monitoring of: