Axis and Wentworth Institute of Technology Collaborate to Mold the Next Generation of Security Software Developers

Axis Communications recently announced an educational collaboration with Boston-based Wentworth Institute of Technology that provides students with a yearly hands-on training program to accelerate IP video surveillance learning and software application development in the physical security industry.

To kick-off this unique educational initiative, Axis provided network video equipment accompanied by hands-on training for professors and students in Wentworth's Department of Computer Science and Networking. The professors then encouraged students to design applications they believe would solve challenges in the security industry – without any influence from Axis – as well as in other areas where network video is prevalent, such as telemedicine, webcasting, distance learning and retail store management.

The ultimate goal of this ongoing collaboration is to advance the future of intelligent analytic development in the video surveillance industry by expanding computer science learning at Wentworth. Specifically, Wentworth students will develop applications using the Axis Camera Application Platform (ACAP), an open platform that enables software developers to create third party applications that can be downloaded to run inside Axis IP cameras and video encoders.

At ISC West 2013, Booth #14057, Wentworth students Nicholas Gelfman and Joshua Ramirez, with the help of Associate Provost and Professor Chuck Hotchkiss, will present the "Smarter Surveillance" innovations they created over the past semester using Axis' embedded Linux environment:

Gelfman, a computer science major, with the guidance of Professor David Rilett, aimed to create an evolved motion detection application for Axis cameras that can improve a number of tasks, such as enabling the camera to detect when an object is moving toward it in order to protect itself from vandalism and damage.

Ramirez, a computer information systems major who also manages Wentworth's Internet radio station, WIRE, created a dynamic object and facial tracking application used for time logging of recognized objects. Referred to as Project Alibi, this application was inspired by the need to efficiently and security track who enters and exits the expensive studio 24-hours a day.

"Wentworth provides students practical, hands-on learning experiences and our collaboration with Axis offers a unique framework that encourages students to build new and creative applications on top some of the world's most innovative network video technology," said Hotchkiss. "We were eager to put Axis' impressive IP camera technology in the hands of students to further their education and help them craft their real-world developer skills."

Other IP video applications produced on Wentworth's campus not be displayed at ISC West include:

Customizable in-camera filters to improve image quality inspired by High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography;

A free video management system that automatically detects and resolves Axis IP cameras on the network and enables instant remote control over some core functionality; and

Real-time video effect modification of live images.

"Ninety-nine percent of all surveillance video is deleted without anyone ever seeing it. However, the next phase of video surveillance will be driven by intelligent systems that can proactively alert users to a potential security incident," said Robert Muehlbauer, business development programs manager, Axis Communications, Inc. "This collaboration with Wentworth is a major step toward attracting bright new minds to the world of IP video and identifying the next generation of software developers who will help shape these intelligent solutions."

Featured

  • Video Surveillance Trends to Watch

    With more organizations adding newer capabilities to their surveillance systems, it’s always important to remember the “basics” of system configuration and deployment, as well as the topline benefits of continually emerging technologies like AI and the cloud. Read Now

  • New Report Reveals Top Trends Transforming Access Controller Technology

    Mercury Security, a provider in access control hardware and open platform solutions, has published its Trends in Access Controllers Report, based on a survey of over 450 security professionals across North America and Europe. The findings highlight the controller’s vital role in a physical access control system (PACS), where the device not only enforces access policies but also connects with readers to verify user credentials—ranging from ID badges to biometrics and mobile identities. With 72% of respondents identifying the controller as a critical or important factor in PACS design, the report underscores how the choice of controller platform has become a strategic decision for today’s security leaders. Read Now

  • Overwhelming Majority of CISOs Anticipate Surge in Cyber Attacks Over the Next Three Years

    An overwhelming 98% of chief information security officers (CISOs) expect a surge in cyber attacks over the next three years as organizations face an increasingly complex and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven digital threat landscape. This is according to new research conducted among 300 CISOs, chief information officers (CIOs), and senior IT professionals by CSC1, the leading provider of enterprise-class domain and domain name system (DNS) security. Read Now

  • ASIS International Introduces New ANSI-Approved Investigations Standard

    • Guard Services
  • Cloud Security Alliance Brings AI-Assisted Auditing to Cloud Computing

    The Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), the world’s leading organization dedicated to defining standards, certifications, and best practices to help ensure a secure cloud computing environment, today introduced an innovative addition to its suite of Security, Trust, Assurance and Risk (STAR) Registry assessments with the launch of Valid-AI-ted, an AI-powered, automated validation system. The new tool provides an automated quality check of assurance information of STAR Level 1 self-assessments using state-of-the-art LLM technology. Read Now

New Products

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.

  • Luma x20

    Luma x20

    Snap One has announced its popular Luma x20 family of surveillance products now offers even greater security and privacy for home and business owners across the globe by giving them full control over integrators’ system access to view live and recorded video. According to Snap One Product Manager Derek Webb, the new “customer handoff” feature provides enhanced user control after initial installation, allowing the owners to have total privacy while also making it easy to reinstate integrator access when maintenance or assistance is required. This new feature is now available to all Luma x20 users globally. “The Luma x20 family of surveillance solutions provides excellent image and audio capture, and with the new customer handoff feature, it now offers absolute privacy for camera feeds and recordings,” Webb said. “With notifications and integrator access controlled through the powerful OvrC remote system management platform, it’s easy for integrators to give their clients full control of their footage and then to get temporary access from the client for any troubleshooting needs.”

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.