Camera systems can learn from the past to change the future

Mirasys chief executive Jukka Riivari believes that fantasy could become reality within the next two or three years. He sees analysis of data capture on a huge scale presenting the opportunity to allow computers to understand the normal rhythms of a port, and use that understanding to spot and flag up anomalies, perhaps resulting from other issues.”Cameras collect information around the clock. Over time the images they gather can be used to identify and collect movement patterns for particular times and days. This allows them to identify movement patterns that are not normal which can be hugely valuable information.

“For example, if the number of lorries coming in to a port is lower than it might normally expect at any particular time, that anomaly could indicate that there has been a road accident which is hindering traffic flow. Knowing that could give port operators the opportunity to store boxes elsewhere, or slow a ship’s approach,” he says.

“Having a surveillance system that is proactive rather than reactive could be a way to identify problems before they become problems. As port operators compete against a background of lower prices and lower volumes, they must seek out every way they can to be more efficient.”