How AI Can Deliver a Safer Future

How AI Can Deliver a Safer Future

The ability of the latest developments in deep learning and neural networks to detect suspicious behaviour looks set to revolutionize security and law

In the quest for a safer world, it looks increasingly like artificial intelligence will play a leading role. Facial recognition has proved to be the most prevalent security application to date, with the technology being used to check identities at the airport, along with a number of other emerging uses.

In business, for example, it has been brought in to verify boardroom members. In terms of law enforcement, Berlin is currently trialing facial recognition cameras to spot known terrorists. Meanwhile, the Chinese city of Xinjiang has taken things a step further by arming its police officers with Google Glass-like headsets equipped with facial recognition scanners to help them to identify criminals.

The technology looks set to drag security and policing into the 21st century, and if handled responsibly can make our cities safer places for our children and future generations. However, facial recognition is just the start. Pioneers in computer vision are continually innovating, looking beyond basic identification applications towards developing more sophisticated technology that can determine emotions and more.

The latest emotion recognition technology understands every multi-layered element within images and videos in the same way humans do. This allows it to recognize and analyze images and faces in video content with up to 98 percent accuracy – and up to 1,000 times faster than the human brain.

Harnessing the power of deep learning and neural networks, it can detect suspicious behavior in real time through monitoring and analyzing pupil dilation, eye movement, gaze, micro-expressions, speech patterns and tone of voice, along with identifying seven key human emotions.

One of the first applications of this technology looks set to be in reducing insurance claims fraud, which costs the UK alone £1.3 billion, according to research by the Association of British Insurers. By monitoring a video of a claimant answering questions at point of an application or claim, the technology will be able to give them a rating providing claims experts with an indication of the likelihood of them telling the truth, or not. 

The potential of emotion recognition is already exciting security companies and law enforcement agencies across the globe, due to its ability to determine an individual’s state of mind or intent through their facial expressions, posture, gestures and movement. The fact that this can be done from different angles, and even if the subject is moving or partially obscured, say by a balaclava, as well as under various light conditions is particularly impressive. Dangerous objects can also be detected.

Video cameras on a tube station platform, for example, could detect suspicious behavior and alert police to a potential terrorist threat. The same could be done with crowds at events like football matches. Nervousness and anxiety shown by someone using a cash point could be an indication that they are using a stolen cash card, triggering the machine to stop the requested transaction or alert the police.

More effective law enforcement and security in terms of better detection and prevention rather than increasing personnel and firepower will make for a safer society both on the streets and in the workplace. Put simply, emotion recognition technology will make it easier to look after the good guys and help to catch the bad. Furthermore, spreading the word about what can be achieved across society should act as a great crime deterrent. Although governments can’t guarantee a brighter future, they can deliver a safer one.

About the Author

David Fulton is CEO at computer vision pioneers WeSee.

Featured

  • Allegion, Comfort Technologies Implement Mobile Credentials at the Artisan Apartment Homes in Florida

    Artisan Apartment Homes, a luxury apartment complex in Dunedin, Florida, recently transitioned from mechanical keys to electronic locks and centralized system software with support from Allegion US, a leading provider of security solutions, technology and services, and Florida-based Comfort Technologies, which specializes in deploying multifamily access control, IoT devices and software management solutions. Read Now

  • Mall of America Deploys AI-Powered Analytics to Enhance Parking Intelligence

    Mall of America®, the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America, announced an expansion of its ongoing partnership with Axis Communications to deploy cutting-edge car-counting video analytics across more than a dozen locations. With this expansion, Mall of America (MOA) has boosted operational efficiency, improved safety and security, and enabled more informed decision-making around employee scheduling and streamlining transportation for large events. Read Now

  • Security Industry Association Launches New “askSIA” AI Tool

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has unveiled a brand-new SIA member benefit – askSIA, a conversational AI agent designed to help users get the most out of their SIA membership, easily access SIA resources and find the latest information on SIA’s training and courses, reports and publications, events, certification offerings and more. SIA members can easily find askSIA by visiting the SIA homepage or looking for the askSIA icon in the top left of webpages. Read Now

    • Industry Events
  • Industry Embraces Mobile Access, Biometrics and AI

    A combination of evolving workplace dynamics, technology innovation and new user expectations is changing how people enter and interact with physical spaces. Access control is at the heart of these changes. Combined with biometrics and AI, mobile access control has become increasingly crucial for deploying entry solutions that are seamless, secure and adaptive to user needs. Read Now

  • Sustainable Video Solution Delivered for Landmark City of London Office Development

    An advanced, end-to-end video solution from IDIS, with a focus on reducing waste and costs, has helped a major office development in the City of London align its security with sustainability objectives. Read Now

New Products

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.