Movidius and Hikvision make security cameras smart with AI
Movidius and Hikvision make security cameras smart with AI. Image credit: Avalan Wireless.

Movidius has reached a deal to power Hikvision’s new lineup of smart security cameras with artificial intelligence (AI). Movidius’ Myriad 2 Vision Processing Unit (VPU) technology will enhance several visual analytics functions found in the cameras.

Chinese company Hikvision is the world’s leading supplier of CCTV and video surveillance, while California-based Movidius is the global leader in visual processing units. Last month, Intel announced plans to acquire Movidius.

The functions in question include car model classification, facial recognition, suspicious packages alert, seat belt detection, and even if drivers are texting while driving.

Hikvision has achieved 99% accuracy in video analytics thanks to Movidius’s Deep Neural Networks and stereo 3D sensing.

Myriad 2 will run Hikvision’s Deep Neural Networks platform to improve the accuracy of video analytics. Such systems are rapidly replacing traditional computer vision units. They enable security systems to detect intruders or distracted drivers automatically.

Movidius and Hikvision partnership could change public security

Historically, devices running Deep Neural Networks have relied on the cloud to process such functions. However, with the Myriad 2 VPU, security cameras will now be able to handle them instantaneously without the need to send anything to the cloud.

Upon announcing the partnership with Hikvision, Movidius CEO Remi El-Ouazzane said advances in AI were changing personal and public security systems.

Meanwhile, Hikvision CEO Hu Yangzhong stated there was an enormous amount of improvement in neural networks and intelligent camera systems.

Movidius and Hikvision will provide cities infrastructure with smarter camera systems that automatically process live video to detect anomalies. 

The alliance will create safer communities, business operations, and public transport hubs such as train stations, bus stops, airports and ferry slips.

The Myriad 2 VPU will reduce false alarms by recognizing more events that require a response. Hu Yangzhong further explained Hikvision’s collaboration with Movidius and its VPU would continue on a regular, long-term basis.

Google, DJI, and Intel use Myriad 2

Hikvision will show the first cameras to use Myriad 2 at the 13th China International Exhibition on Public Safety and Security 2016. The event will take place in China International Exhibition Center between October 25 and October 28.

In addition to Hikvision, other renowned companies have also benefited from Movidius’ technology. They are search giant Google, the world’s top drone manufacturer DJI, and Intel, which plans to acquire Movidius.

With the help of Movidius, Google enhanced spatial awareness in virtual reality, while DJI engineered the “sense and avoid” features of their drones.

Source: Movidius‎