Smoke and fire detection based on video images: these are the advantages

In fire safety, responsiveness and accuracy are very important. In this area, there are therefore several techniques that help protect buildings, grounds and objects from damage. The best-known example of this is, of course, the smoke detector. But did you know that (existing) cameras can also play an important role in fire prevention?

Indeed, video image contains an awful lot of information that can be used to detect certain things. This includes smoke and fire. This can be done using a technique we call Video AI Analytics. Video AI Analytics involves the process by which smart algorithms automatically detect spatial events. It recognises objects, people, vehicles, animals patterns and more. Does something untoward happen, such as smoke or fire forming? Then the software recognises this and automatically sends a signal to trigger certain protocols. All this is based on camera images.

Traditional fire detection vs video fire detection

Fire detection based on video images, in other words. If you compare it to, say, a smoke and fire detector, this is a fairly new technology. But what are its advantages over the more conventional solution? Below, we briefly sum this up for you.

Applicable to existing cameras

The first advantage is mainly in its applicability. This is because Video AI Analytics can be deployed in combination with any (existing) IP camera. All this technology needs is the camera’s stream. So building a new network with all kinds of technology is not necessary. Is there already a fire alarm system in place? Then fire detection based on camera images can be a great addition.

Accurate and fast

Fire detection based on video images is also very accurate and fast. Indeed, it is able to detect smoke and fire within seconds within the field of the camera. This is an advantage over more conventional technology. If it hangs slightly further away from the source, it can take longer to detect smoke formation. A camera captures the onset of smoke and fire immediately.

Reducing false alarms in challenging environments

Within environments with dust, vapours or gas formation (e.g. industry), traditional fire detection solutions create many false alarms. Fire detection based on Video AI Analytics can provide a solution here. Consider, for example, the recycling industry, where broth detection should prevent recyclable material from causing fire. Deployed equipment (shovels, trucks, etc.) is a source of gas, vapour and smoke. This triggers many false alarms. Video AI Analytics is able to filter out the equipment and alarm only when there are truly dangerous situations.

Visual verification

A clue, but definitely an advantage: visual verification. When you deploy cameras to detect smoke and fire, if an alarm is triggered, you can always watch first to determine whether something is really going on. Consequential damage from any false alarm, through activation of the sprinkler system for example, is also prevented in this way.

Wider application

As mentioned, Video AI Analytics can be deployed with practically any IP camera. This therefore allows a camera to be used for multiple purposes. Think smoke and fire detection combined with intrusion detection, people counting or video search. The possibilities are endless. Want to know which ones? Then visit this page.

Fire safety with the help of your security camera

So, as the above benefits show, your security camera can be used effectively for smoke and fire detection in a relatively simple way. This as an add-on to traditional fire alarm systems. Especially in critical areas or areas where every second counts, Video AI Analytics offers advantages given its faster detection time. An additional advantage of Video AI Analytics for smoke and fire detection is that it can also be used in outdoor areas where traditional smoke and fire detection is not possible. For example, think of containers with dangerous steps that need to be monitored for smoke and fire.

In any case, the possibilities are endless. Want to know more about what Video AI Analytics and video-based smoke and fire detection can do for your organisation? Then download our brochure or Contact one of our specialists.