Software provides intelligent video analysis.

Press Release Summary:




With color filtering capabilities, IVA v3.5 allows object color or combination of colors to be set as detection criterion. Triggers can be set to transmit alerts if objects cross pre-defined line or multiple lines, or change speed, shape, or aspect ratio. Based on metadata generated from video, forensic search allows extra detection criteria to be set after live video has been recorded. With task wizards, operator is guided through process of creating alarm rules for each monitored camera.



Original Press Release:



New Filtering Capabilities Boost Guard-Assisted Surveillance



Bosch releases new Intelligent Video Analysis software with enhanced features and forensic search capabilities

o Enhanced filter set allows triggering on object color and trajectories and changes in object shape or speed

o Fast forensic search based on metadata generated from video

o Easy configuration with new wizard-based task manager and object sampling

Bosch Security Systems is introducing the newest release of its powerful Intelligent Video Analysis (IVA) software. IVA 3.5 builds on the features of earlier versions with further enhanced detection possibilities including new color filtering capabilities that allow object color or even a combination of colors to be set as a detection criterion. This is embodied in a 'color histogram' function that allows object color or colors, saturation and precision to be set as monitoring criteria. A typical application could be to detect a specific colored vehicle.

The filter set has also been extended with new powerful features such as line crossing alerts and object trajectories and specification filtering. Triggers can be set to transmit alerts if, for example, objects cross a pre-defined line or multiple lines, or change speed (running), shape (crouching) or aspect ratio (falling). In addition, IVA 3.5 provides support for far infrared (FIR) thermal cameras which require different settings to standard color cameras.

One of the great strengths of the Bosch IVA system is its powerful forensic search capabilities. Content analysis information, in the form of metadata, is generated and stored with the video images. The recorded metadata, comprising simple text strings describing specific image details, is much smaller and easier to search through than the recorded video. The optional IVA Forensic Search license enables users to easily set up search queries that scan through this recorded metadata and point them to video of interest in a matter of seconds. Searches which may take days or even weeks when done manually can be completed within seconds just by searching the metadata with smart search facilities similar to those provided by an Internet search engine. The IVA Forensic Search function also allows extra detection criteria to be set after the live video has been recorded. For example, even if the live system had not been configured for 'idle object' detection, it is possible to configure it to detect such events later during a forensic search of the recorded video.

Configuring the system has been made even simpler with a new easy-to-use and intuitive wizard-based task manager. Task wizards guide the operator, step-by-step, through the process of creating "alarm rules" for each monitored camera. Especially helpful is a new intuitive 'Object Sampling' configuration option which allows the user to capture all relevant object data such as size, speed, and color in a selected live scene with a single mouse click on the object of choice. This information is then used as monitoring criteria for tracking similar objects in the future.

With their advanced processing power, modern IP network cameras and encoders and cameras are capable of far more than simple video transmission. Taking advantage of this extra processing power, IVA embeds intelligence at the edge (i.e. in the encoders and cameras themselves). This greatly simplifies the IP Video architecture, avoiding the single point of failure that can occur in traditional centrally-served VCA architectures. Moreover, with this approach, 'events' are generated at the camera site and only video footage of interest (e.g. abnormal events) is transmitted to the control center. This greatly reduces traffic on the network. It also reduces human intervention and boosts 'guard-assisted surveillance' by relieving operators of the need to continuously watch the monitor screens, resulting in fewer errors and more reliable alarm handling.

Bosch has pioneered this 'intelligence at the edge' or "smart cameras" approach in its IP network video products and solutions. IVA 3.5 is embedded into all the latest Bosch cameras and encoders, and a license is all that is required to activate its functionality. Users with licenses for earlier versions of Bosch's Intelligent Video Analysis software (IVMD 2.0 or IVA 3.0) automatically receive a free upgrade to IVA 3.5 when they update the firmware on their Bosch IP network video products.

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. In the areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology, some 271,000 associates generated sales of 46.3 billion euros in fiscal 2007. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 300 subsidiaries and regional companies in roughly 50 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. Each year, Bosch spends more than 3 billion euros for research and development, and applies for over 3,000 patents worldwide. The company was set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861-1942) as "Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering."

The special ownership structure of Robert Bosch GmbH guarantees the entrepreneurial freedom of the Bosch Group, making it possible for the company to plan over the long term and to undertake significant up-front investments in the safeguarding of its future. Ninety-two percent of the share capital of Robert Bosch GmbH is held by Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH, a charitable foundation. The majority of voting rights are held by Robert Bosch Industrietreuhand KG, an industrial trust. The entrepreneurial ownership functions are carried out by the trust. The remaining shares are held by the Bosch family and by Robert Bosch GmbH.

Additional information can be accessed at www.bosch.com.

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