Ask Slashdot: Open-Source Forensic Surveillance Analysis Software?

McBooCZech writes "I am trying to set up a surveillance system. It is not intended to build a real-time on-line surveillance system to watch a wall of monitors on a 24/7 basis. The main scope is to record video (24/7) from the fixed cameras around our facility and when needed, get back to pre-recorded video and check it for particular event(s). Of course, it is possible to use a human to fast forward through video using a DVR-type FF function for short video sequences. Unfortunately, for long sequences (one week), it is not acceptable solution. I was searching online the whole weekend for the open source software for analysis of pre-recorded video in order to retrieve events and data from recorded video but had no luck. So I ask you, Slashdotters: Can you provide some suggestions for forensic software to analyze/find specific events in pre-recorded video? Some examples of events: 'human entering restricted zone,' 'movement in the restricted zone,' 'light in the restricted zone.'"

Comments

First thing I thought of:

[Anonymous Coward]

Something about an autoturret system for shooting squirrels with a watergun comes to mind...

Easy

[Anonymous Coward]

Zoneminder.

Re:Easy

[cusco]

No. Not just NO, but absolutely NOT. Zoneminder is barely a recording system with marginal live display capabilities, it is not a forensic tool in any sense of the word. No insult intended to the developers, but it is absolutely not adequate for commercial use.

Developing forensic video tools is hard, it takes a long time, it costs a lot of money, and takes it an enormous amount of testing and tweaking. So far only the big names in security video have adequate Intelligent Video, aka Video Analytics, offerings, Milestone, Lenel, Verint, Exacq, a few others. None of them are cheap, Exacq is probably the least expensive and easiest to use, but most limited. Some of the camera manufacturers have pretty good analytics available in their firmware, normally for an extra licensing fee. Pelco, Axis, Panasonic, some others that I haven't used. You need to configure the VMS (Video Management System) to be able to capture the events though, and not all are able. Again, you're back to the big names.

Join some of the forums on LinkedIn, especially CCTV Video Surveillance, IP Technology & Solutions. Yes, IAAPSP (Physical Security Professional) .

A few suggestions

[twoxyo]

http://www.ispyconnect.com/ Open Source Camera Security Software
http://code.google.com/p/openvss/ Open Platform Video Surveillance System
http://www.zoneminder.com/

Re:A few suggestions

[Anonymous Coward]

From iSpy's uses and features page:

iSpy is PERFECT for ghost hunting and UFO spotting (actually the reason I wrote it in the first place...)

Sounds legit.

Get sensors to log events.

[cinghiale]

It might be a lot easier to install sensors to log interesting events that you can go back and review the video.

Homeland security

[girlintraining]

Some examples of events: 'human entering restricted zone,' 'movement in the restricted zone,' 'light in the restricted zone.'"

Just tell Homeland security that some occupiers are planning a protest. They'll pay for the install and maintenance of your system. Every now and then, leave a deflated half-assembled tent in the parking lot...

Zoom .. Refine

[Quila]

What I want to know is where I can get the one that allows you to zoom in infinitely and refine a sharp image out of a few pixels.