Guardforce Post

On 15 December 2017, the Hong Kong Government unveiled its Smart City Blueprint for Hong Kong. This initiative aims to build Hong Kong into a world-class smart city, and a big part of it includes leveraging advances in CCTV and the internet of things (IoT). In this post, we will take a closer look at the innovative ways you will see CCTV used in Hong Kong’s smart city.

The IoT and CCTV

Simply put, the IoT allows physical devices containing the required software, sensors, etc. to collect, analyse, and communicate data to users and each other over the internet. For instance, a smart lock can send you notifications of lock activity and allows you to send electronic keys to family or friends, so they can use their smartphone as a key to access your home when you are away.

Combining IoT technology with CCTV is a big step towards creating a smart city. Below are some ways CCTV networked using the IoT is being utilised as part of Hong Kong’s smart city initiative.

Crowd management

CCTV surveillance cameras with advanced video analytics tools can automatically detect crowd flow and identify abnormal or dangerous situations. By leveraging the IoT, this real-time data can be sent to the monitoring stations for analysis and action.

Intelligent transport systems

The Government has used CCTV and the IoT to further develop its Area Traffic Control (ATC) System. This enhanced system allows not only the traffic conditions to be monitored and communicated, but even traffic lights can be controlled in real-time to help both motorists and pedestrians cross roads and junctions in a safer and more efficient manner.

Kerbside loading/unloading monitoring

Surveillance cameras and on-street sensors connected through the IoT will be used to keep track of the usage and availability of kerbside loading/unloading bays. The information will be then displayed on panels installed at nearby junctions and an online app, so the use of these facilities can be optimised. This system can also be employed to combat illegal parking and show the availability of car parking spaces.

Protection of vulnerable groups

In our post on the Benefits of Installing the Smart Guard Anti-Wandering Solution in Your Elderly Care Home, we looked at how Guardforce Hong Kong has leveraged advances in CCTV and facial recognition to develop its Smart Guard anti-wandering solution to help elderly care homes keep residents safe, lower costs and reduce the workload of caregivers. Such a system can be extended in the smart city concept to help protect other vulnerable groups, such as children and the disabled, whether they are at school, home or other facilities. By combining CCTV and facial recognition with the IoT, family members or designated authorised persons will be alerted if the subject leaves a designated safe zone.

So, these are just some of the innovative ways that you will see CCTV surveillance systems used in Hong Kong’s drive to become a fully smart city, and Guardforce Hong Kong is sure to play a major role in the future of this initiative.

Photo Credits: Denys Nevozhai

Photo Edit by: Hypabeez Media