Enhancing Autonomy Software

• By Megan Willinger
• Mar 21, 2024

In the realm of national and global security, safeguarding critical infrastructure is paramount. It is not just about erecting physical barriers; it is about deploying perimeter security software capable of autonomous detection, alerting, and deterring potential threats. The integration of autonomy software into existing perimeter security systems marks a significant advancement in this field and is now imperative for an effective system.

The Role of Autonomy Software
Integrated AI-boosted video analytics have revolutionized traditional surveillance systems, transforming them into autonomous systems. By analyzing video feeds and other sensor data in real-time, these systems effectively and autonomously detect unusual activities or intrusions along the perimeter of critical infrastructures.

This technology excels at differentiating between genuine threats, benign activities and environmental noise, thereby enhancing the accuracy of threat detection further safeguarding sensitive areas. Environmental noise includes weather induced scene changes (precipitation, moving vegetation, blowing debris, cloud shadows, etc.) and lighting changes, among others.

By learning environmental noise and learning from historical data, AI-boosted video analytics systems are capable of distinguishing actual threats from false or nuisance events. These systems are dynamic, continually improving their detection and noise suppression capabilities based on new data in an evolving threat landscape.

The Perimeter Software
Another key capability of an autonomous perimeter software system is the ability to perform Auto-verification or to “Auto-verify” potential threats. Auto-verification is a computer automated process of verifying events generated by perimeter surveillance sensors, relieving the security operator from this duty, thereby enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of security operations. Auto-verification results in a dramatic reduction of nuisance alarms.

Nuisance alarm elimination is not just a matter of convenience; it is essential for maintaining the vigilance and responsiveness of security staff, also potentially reducing the need for the SOC headcount.

Yet, another autonomy capability of such systems is lock-on-target PTZ following. Once the autonomous system detects, and auto-verifies a threat, it can automatically cause PTZ cameras to point at the threat and continue to follow it. This provides maximum situational understanding for operators tasked with orchestrating an intervention and collecting evidence for post event reporting. Sophisticated autonomy systems can stay locked on the threat so long as it remains in the line of sight of any of the available PTZ cameras.

Another key autonomy capability is auto-deterrence. Once the system has detected and auto-verified a threat, audible and light deterrence can automatically trigger to discourage the intruder from continuing with their perimeter security violation. Such automatic audible deterrence can be sufficiently loud to discourage further perimeter penetration. Light deterrence can include bright strobe lights that disorient the intruder and cause them to stop penetrating the perimeter, giving law enforcement more time to intervene.

Future-proofing Against Evolving Threats
At this pivotal moment, the importance of advanced perimeter surveillance software is paramount. The versatility and ease of integration offered by modern security solutions are fundamental in enhancing existing perimeter security systems.

Organizations cannot afford a wholesale replacement of existing perimeter technologies and systems. A key feature of these advanced solutions is their open architecture including support of standards such as ONVIF, allowing seamless integration with a wide array of already installed cameras, fence sensors, radars, NVRs and Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) systems.

This compatibility means organizations can leverage the latest perimeter autonomy software without the need to replace their current equipment. This approach not only ensures a cost-effective upgrade but also minimizes time to deploy the new capabilities. By adopting these adaptable technologies, facilities can significantly upgrade their security posture, harnessing the power of AI to bolster their existing infrastructure protection with minimal changes to operations.

In recent years, the rise in drone usage has presented a significant security challenge in protecting critical infrastructures. Enhanced accessibility and technological advancements have transformed drones into potential tools that could bypass traditional ground-based security measures resulting in far-reaching consequences.

In response to these escalating threats, critical infrastructure facilities must take sophisticated security measures capable of autonomously detecting and tracking drones that threaten to or breach secure perimeters, thus keeping threats within the operators view. Autonomy software is capable of locking PTZ cameras onto the drone and keeping it in the view of operators to maximize situational awareness during such perimeter threats.

Presenting this information on a GIS map elevates the system's utility, providing operators not just with alerts, but also with real-time visualizations of the threat's location, aiding in an informed and comprehensive security response. As laws permit, counter drone systems can be invoked to disable or take down the drones before they cause damage or further damage.

Ensuring Reliability in Perimeter Security
The reliability of perimeter security systems is non-negotiable, particularly for critical infrastructure facilities where the stakes are incredibly high. A system that maximizes system availability and continuously identifies real threats while minimizing false positives demonstrates an organization’s commitment to maintaining a secure and safe environment.

This trust is crucial not just for day-to-day operations but also for upholding the reputation and integrity of the organization responsible for protecting critical infrastructure. By embracing forward-thinking solutions, they ensure that their systems are not just effective today, but also prepared for future threats. This proactive approach enhances the resilience of critical infrastructures, solidifying their defense against sophisticated challenges and ensuring their enduring safety and operational continuity.