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

  • Live From ISC West 2023 Preview

    ISC West 2023 is right around the corner! This year’s trade show is scheduled from March 28–31 at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Campus Security & Life Safety and Security Today staff will be on hand to provide live updates about the security industry’s latest innovations, trends, and products. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
  • A Break from Routine

    It was three years ago right about now that COVID was bringing the world to its knees. In mid-March of 2020, the president put travel restrictions on all flights in and out of Europe, the NBA suspended its season, and Tom Hanks announced that he’d tested positive for the disease—all in the same night. It was officially a national emergency two days later. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
  • Until We Meet Again

    A short three years ago we were all pondering whether to attend any tradeshows all thanks to COVID-19. Sorry to bring that nightmare up again, but it seems that little pandemic is in the rear-view mirror, and it’s time to meet again. Read Now

    • ISC West
  • Cyber Hygiene: What it Looks Like for IoT Devices

    Cyber Hygiene: What it Looks Like for IoT Devices

    For our second pillar about the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) Pillars of Security, we are going to discuss what cyber hygiene looks like for IoT devices. Read Now

Featured Cybersecurity

New Products

  • Camden Door Controls ‘SER” Surface Boxes and Extension Rings

    Camden Door Controls ‘SER” Surface Boxes and Extension Rings

    Camden Door Controls has introduced new ‘SER” surface boxes and extension rings that provide a complete solution for new construction. In addition, they provide a simple and robust solution when replacing round wired and manual push plate switches with either Camden’s wired or wireless SureWave™ no-touch switches or Kinetic™ no-battery wireless switches. 3

  • Camden Door Controls Application Spec Guide

    Camden Door Controls Application Spec Guide

    Camden Door Controls, an industry-leading provider of innovative, high quality door activation and locking products, has published a new application spec guide for specification writers designing a wireless barrier-free restroom control system. 3

  • ComNet CNGE6FX2TX4PoE

    The ComNet cost-efficient CNGE6FX2TX4PoE is a six-port switch that offers four Gbps TX ports that support the IEEE802.3at standard and provide up to 30 watts of PoE to PDs. It also has a dedicated FX/TX combination port as well as a single FX SFP to act as an additional port or an uplink port, giving the user additional options in managing network traffic. The CNGE6FX2TX4PoE is designed for use in unconditioned environments and typically used in perimeter surveillance. 3