I am a Security Technology Consultant based in Perth Australia. I am currently involved in the design and specification for IP CCTV systems for three shopping centres, all of which wish to use video analytics for people counting at entries.
I have looked at three solutions so far:
- Agent VI interfaced with OnSSI’s Ocularis.
- SenCount by Sensennetworks (VMS independent)
- Cognimatics TrueView (VMS independent)
I would like to know of anyone’s experience in this area and their recommendations. I have only seen one operational system so far and that is the Agent VI with Ocularis. There is a system in a retail centre in the Perth CBD monitoring five mall entries and this system appears to be reliable and accurate. It utilises cameras set up to “look down” directly over the mall entries. These cameras are not used for general surveillance and are specifically assigned for people counting. The Centre Manager runs reports on a monthly basis of shopper/pedestrian traffic throughout the mall areas. This information is used by their leasing agents to value add the leasing of areas.
Sensenetworks state that SenCount can use angled view cameras that are also used for general surveillance but I believe some conditions apply. The system is installed in a large University in Melbourne and to count people using the Sydney Ferries.
Cognimatics software is embedded into AXIS cameras that are specifically assigned as people counters in “look down” view. This is the only solution out of the three that does not require a dedicated server. Haven’t found a live application yet.
I look forward to your comments.