Hu Yangzhong

Hikvision, an IoT solution provider with video as its core competency, hosted the 2021 AI Cloud Summit in HangZhou on 29-31 March. The theme of the summit was ‘Building on AI's Momentum’ and there was a focus on how AIoT technologies help unlock the full potential of digital transformation. Keynote speech  “Will technologies serve industries or will technology change industries? We firmly choose the former model. Hikvision has kept close communications with different industries to learn their needs, and we have optimised our technologies and products accordingly to create value for customers and communities,” said Hu Yangzhong, CEO of Hikvision, in his keynote speech at the summit. Application in various industries Hikvision has built a complete technical architecture, from perception, to data fusion, and to application. Hikvision’s solutions have been applied in a wide variety of industries - such as energy, metallurgy, financial services, education, healthcare, as well as in commercial enterprises, and communities - empowering digital transformation in all of them. During the summit, several Hikvision customers presented how the combination of AI and IoT has helped to drive their digital transformation. Intelligent recognition Companies leverage Hikvision’s AI to enhance the safety and management of communities For instance, in the property service industry, some leading companies have been leveraging Hikvision’s AI capabilities to implement intelligent recognition under various scenarios, such as parking, firefighting, and facility monitoring, which enhances the safety and management of communities. In the energy industry, AI and IoT are essential forces to drive the building of digital grids. With the application of Hikvision’s AI technologies, intelligent inspections over power grids can be realised. Upgrading IoT and AI Platform “’IoT+AI’ is an important path to support digital transformation, and Hikvision is working together with a broad range of industry players to build the bridge between the physical and digital worlds,” said Xu Ximing, Senior Vice President of Hikvision. At the summit, Hikvision announced the upgrade of its AI Open Platform, which can help users to more easily create their own intelligent algorithms based on specific business needs. Meanwhile, through Hikvision’s Hardware Open Platform, third-party algorithms can also be installed in Hikvision’s hardware devices, which bring a greater variety of intelligent functionalities to industries. Efficient camera quality For instance, a large air conditioning manufacturer has trained a bespoke algorithm with the AI Open Platform and deployed it in Hikvision’s cameras to help check the integrity of its products. Once the camera records that a specific component is missing, an alarm will sound to remind quality inspectors to re-check the product, greatly increasing the efficiency of quality checking. More than 5,000 Hikvision customers, industry leaders, academic experts, and partners participated in this summit, which provides a unique opportunity for sharing industry and technology knowledge, experience, and ideas.

Security solutions today do more than merely observe and prevent criminal activity. Systems are increasingly tasked with making sense of the world around us. At Intersec 2018, which took place 21st - 23rd January in Dubai, manufacturers set out to show how predictive analytics and artificial intelligence are already being used in real world applications: predicting criminal behaviour, managing traffic, and streamlining smart city operations. Dubai smart city initiatives Dubai is a particularly appropriate location to showcase how artificial intelligence and smart city projects have become intrinsically linked. Under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, authorities in Dubai have set out to “make Dubai the happiest city on Earth” by adopting cutting-edge smart city initiatives. Dubai Police, a longstanding partner of Intersec, has launched a range of public safety initiatives including Smart Police IOS apps, traffic accident and location systems, and SOS apps for wearable devices. At the show, Dubai Police showcased how artificial intelligence can power new Robocop prototypes – unarmed, life-sized patrolling robots carrying facial recognition software and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology for evidence collection.Dubai Police, a longstanding partner of Intersec, has launched a range of public safety initiatives including Smart Police IOS apps Hikvision AI+ forum At the busy Hikvision stand, visitors were presented with the company’s latest AI-powered products, including DeepinView Series IP cameras and DeepinMind Series NVRs. Hikvision demonstrated its commitment to artificial intelligence with the global launch of its AI+ strategy, giving partners an exclusive insight into the company’s latest solutions. The event proved popular, with over 250 guests showing an interest in the latest surveillance applications for deep learning technology. Key figures in attendance were Hikvision President Mr. Yangzhong Hu, and Hikvision General Manager of MENA Mr. Binson Xu, who outlined how the company is leveraging AI and cloud technology to move beyond traditional surveillance systems and make sense of video data. Hikvision compounded its commitment to artificial intelligence with the global launch of its AI+ strategy Artificial Intelligence at the edge The key question, according to Hikvision, is whether cloud-based AI is the ultimate solution, and how we can solve the intrinsic problems of cloud-based analytics. For Hikvision, the answer is a multi-layered solution bringing AI-powered analytics from the cloud to the edge device. In the AI-Cloud framework, data is collected and analysed at the edge using deep learning technology, before target information is transmitted to the network and ultimately deployed to the cloud. According to Hikvision, the system classifies and recognises features more accurately than traditional analytics, making it perfect for facial recognition, people counting and traffic management. This is because raw data is analysed before compression occurs, preventing data loss and providing more essential detail. The framework ultimately reduces the burden placed on the data centre, as only relevant target information is transmitted via the network.The framework ultimately reduces the burden placed on the data centre, as only relevant target information is transmitted The Chinese manufacturer was keen to stress that Hikvision’s AI technology is already proving effective in real-world applications, citing use cases in law enforcement, traffic management and smart cities. The AI+ cloud solution takes this technology to the next stage. Video data for smarter cities Hikvision was not the only video manufacturer to focus on intelligent city surveillance. For Stuart Rawling, Pelco’s Director of Global Business Development, the big question for smart cities is how we can capture as much data as possible – from weather information to traffic data – to provide wholistic surveillance that allows for truly actionable insights. Pelco’s stand demonstrated how this vision is fast becoming a reality. The IP video manufacturer showcased its latest Optera™ Panoramic multi-sensor camera offering, targeting large outdoor areas such as parks and traffic intersections. According to Rawling, the solution is already improving response times for police departments in cities like Fresno, California, where 24/7 real-time monitoring and event management have contributed to increased public and officer safety. Genetec Security Center integrates video surveillance footage, ANPR data, record management systems and gunshot detection Automated intelligence for law enforcement Pelco partners Genetec placed a similar emphasis on actionable video intelligence. Genetec's intelligent automation means moving beyond image capture to make sense of video data and provide critical insights to security professionals.Genetec’s Citigraf technology has already been deployed by Chicago Police Department to predict potential criminal activity Key technologies on display included the latest version of Genetec Security Center. The solution integrates video surveillance footage, ANPR data, record management systems and gunshot detection to provide actionable insights to law enforcement professionals. Genetec’s Citigraf technology, built on the Security Center interface, has already been deployed by Chicago Police Department to predict potential criminal activity, improving response times and reducing gun crime in the city. Intersec 2018 was an opportunity for manufacturers and authorities to demonstrate that intelligent analytics and AI can no longer be considered concepts for the distant future: In the Middle East and globally, public safety is getting smarter.

Hikvision’s ‘AI Cloud’ establishes a distributed structure incorporating Cloud Computing and Edge Computing. It extends the Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithm from the cloud, to an edge network of on-premises video recorders and servers, and further to edge devices like the security cameras. The three-layer architecture all supports the goal to build a new class of AI-powered application, being even smarter and faster. Hikvision successfully held an Artificial Intelligence forum in Shenzhen, China on October 28, one day before the CPSE trade show kicked off (Oct. 29th – Nov. 1st). The forum had the theme of “AI, beyond innovation” in keeping with the company’s continued commitment to technology advancement. Accordingly, Hikvision introduced AI Cloud, the next level of AI technology development, and its comprehensive implementation in a variety of vertical applications. Hikvision AI Cloud Cloud computing is an information technology (IT) paradigm. It allows users with various computing capabilities to store and process data either in a privately-owned cloud or on a third-party server located in a data centre. However, with the computing business becoming more and more versatile and complicated, the demand for data processing performance is even higher. In the process of data transition to the cloud, cloud computing consumes tremendous network resources and time, which all result in network congestion and low reliability. Mr. Hu Yangzhong, CEO of Hikvision who addressed the forum, pointed out the irresistible trend of engineering AI algorithms into edge devices, and making the edge more intelligent. The Hikvision “AI Cloud” structure was then introduced, which enables AI algorithm from edge to cloud, distributing the overall pressure that the large amount of data places on the centre. Hikvision AI Cloud was developed to solve realworld challenges existingin different vertical markets “Edge computing uses local computing to enable analytics at the source of the data. Powered by AI technology, it strengthens the sensing capability of front-end cameras, and helps us understand the captured scene more effectively and accurately. With AI algorithms woven into the edge devices, only selected information such as an individual or a vehicle in a video image will be extracted and sent which significantly enhances the transition efficiency and reduces the network bandwidth, while still sustaining high quality and accuracy. Edge computing will also accelerate more efficient business responses, creating immediate action and event alerts.” Hu commented. Real world challenges Hikvision AI Cloud was developed to solve real world challenges existing in different vertical markets, and to create continuous value to end users. Artificial Intelligence is the most trending technology in the security industry. Hikvision has gained over a decade of experience in this field. The company has invested in video intelligence technology since 2006, when its first algorithm team was established. In 2013, the company started to implement Deep Learning technology, and in 2016, its full range Deep Learning products were introduced to the security industry. Hikvision has taken this technology and innovated a family of products to maximise its use. The DeepinView IP camera range and the DeepinMind NVR range work together to provide all the power and benefits of Deep Learning. While the cameras provide the smart ‘eyes’ of the system, the NVR represents the analytic and storage capabilities of the brain. The products help to tackle security on two fronts – recognition, monitoring and counting of people and recognition and detection of vehicles. They use Deep Learning technology at its most effective – for its ability to classify and recognise thousands of ‘features’.

The investments underscore Hikvision’s commitment to North American integrator partners Hikvision USA Inc., and Hikvision Canada Inc., the North American providers of innovative, award-winning video surveillance products and solutions, announces that Hikvision plans to establish an R&D Centre in Montreal and a Research Institute in California’s Silicon Valley. Hikvision R&D glocalisation “These two major investments underscore Hikvision’s R&D ‘glocalisation’ (being global thinking local) strategy and the commitment to providing innovative, cutting-edge technology products tailored to the needs of our worldwide partners and customers,” Yangzhong Hu, CEO of Hikvision said. Expected to open in 2017, the Montreal Hikvision R&D Centre and will focus on engineering development. The Silicon Valley Hikvision Research Institute will focus on broad technology research. Ideal location for new ventures Jeffrey He, president of Hikvision USA Inc., and Hikvision Canada Inc., called Montreal the “ideal location for the new R&D Centre,” lauding the city’s “excellent talent pool and business-friendly environment.” The headquarters for Hikvision Canada is also located in Montreal. Likewise, He said, the high-tech hub of Silicon Valley is the logical location for the Hikvision Research Institute.   Hikvision is well established in the SMB market in North America. In the past couple of years, the company has focused on expanding into the enterprise market, putting in place a national enterprise solutions team with knowledgeable engineering, technical, and sales support in regions across the US and Canada. Enhancing innovation on global scale “The new R&D team will augment the services provided by the national enterprise solutions team,” Eagle Ying, director of technology for Hikvision USA Inc., said. “Hikvision appreciates that solution requirements are different from region to region. The new Hikvision R&D team will be dedicated to furthering Hikvision innovation on the global scale.” Based in Hangzhou, China, Hikvision has more than 8,000 R&D engineers, one of the largest in the video surveillance industry, and it dedicates about 7 to 8 percent of its revenues to R&D. The North American R&D Centre and Research Institute will be the first established outside of China. Hikvision will exhibit its enterprise-level security solutions at ISC West, Booth 18037, in Las Vegas, April 5-7, 2017.

NVIDIA provides an end-to-end total AI solution that includes products from training to inference, back-end servers to front-end cameras The AI+: Perception of the Future, Integrated Development forum and the Hikvision product launch was held in Beijing. During the event, Hikvision and a provider of visual computing NVIDIA jointly released the latest smart binocular video recorder. Mr. Zhang Jianzhong, NVIDIA’s Global Vice President and General Manager for China, addressed the conference and joined the experts and business leaders in various areas of artificial intelligence (AI) witnessing another milestone of AI in the application of intelligent security hardware and the promotion of smart city construction.Smart binocular video recorderUnderpinned by GPU’s robust vision computing power and deep learning technology, NVIDIA joined Hikvision in launching the latest smart binocular video recorder based on NVIDIA Jetson TX1. The product consists of a binocular camera (working like the human eye) and a powerful GPU module to provide a range of intelligent analysis features that come with the human eye. Based on deep learning technology, the camera provides a wide array of intelligent detection capabilities including personnel behaviour, traffic statistics, human body properties, and face recognition, suitable for use in public places, banks, shopping malls, and scenic areas.NVIDIA’s Global Vice President and General Manager Mr Zhang Jianzhong said, “Deep learning and the accelerating GPU technology create a strong core driver for the development of smart cities. NVIDIA’s end-to-end total solutions provide a full range of technical support services to usher the IVA industry into the era of artificial intelligence. As a global partner, we are pleased to see another new application of NVIDIA’s high-performance GPU module in the areas of intelligent surveillance and security. Hopefully, both sides will continue to bring to bear our respective advantages to jointly contribute wisdom to the era of smart cities.” "Deep learning and the accelerating GPU technology create a strong core driver for the development of smart cities" Hikvision’s President Hu Yangzhong said: "Deep learning technology is capable of revolutionising the security industry. GPU has unrivalled advantage in handling structured data, the most difficult part of intelligent security applications. HIKVISION has been focused on applying the most advanced AI technology to the various aspects of smart city development. The latest NVIDIA Jetson TX1-based intelligent binocular camera jointly released during the event comes built with a deep learning algorithm optimised for video surveillance. With the ability of induce security big data more accurately than the human brain, the product can collect various layers of characteristic information on people, vehicles and things and detect events in various complex environments.”GPU technologyAs GPU-powered artificial intelligence sweeps all sectors, GPU is widely recognised as one of the world’s three breakthroughs in artificial intelligence. The security industry represents an important field for the application of artificial intelligence. The boom in image recognition and deep learning technology has catalysed numerous achievements in the field of security technology, especially in target recognition and face recognition.Using intelligent video surveillance systems to create AI cities will be a revolution in artificial intelligence. The demand for modern security surveillance is moving from ex-post data retrieval to real-time alarm or even early warning. Huge amounts of video data call for fully intelligent video surveillance systems. Based on end-to-end deep learning technology, video surveillance solutions will provide enhanced intelligent protection for cities and society from simple feedback to real-time response and even to prediction.Many industry leaders are working with NVIDIA to create artificial intelligence solutions to continually advance the application of artificial intelligence in various industries and trades, thereby creating smarter and safer cities for the benefit of all. The revolutionary computing model of GPU-based deep learning is driving the revolution in artificial intelligence. As a pacesetter in AI computing, NVIDIA is committed to accelerating the development of related areas and working with China's intelligent video analysis companies to build AI cities in China on NVIDIA’s AI computing platform powered by network training and IVA servers.End-to-end AI solutionsAt GTC China this September, NVIDIA’s co-founder and CEO Jen-Hsun Huang formally announced its plan to partner with Chinese leading companies in the security industry including Hikvision to build smart cities, marking GPU’s full expansion into the field of smart city, as well as the application of AI in the areas of security and surveillance. "The latest NVIDIA Jetson TX1-based intelligent binocular camera jointly released during the event comes built with a deep learning algorithm optimised for video surveillance" In the security area, NVIDIA provides an end-to-end total AI solution that includes products from training to inference, back-end servers to front-end cameras. Used by many first-class companies in the industry, the solution is leading the transition from security products to artificial intelligence. As the witness, practitioner and a key facilitator of the global trend toward digital, Internet and high-definition smart video surveillance, Hikvision is benefiting from GPU’s outstanding performance and NVIDIA’s end-to-end deep learning platform. Both sides stay on the cutting edge of technology in a wide range of areas including person recognition, vehicle recognition, and real-time image retrieval as part of their joint effort toward smart city building.Security products are advancing the development of smart cities, the huge user and data bases, coupled with powerful Internet platform and technology innovations, are placing China at the forefront of deep learning and artificial intelligence as a powerful driving force of Chinese cities moving toward smart cities. Powered by GPU’s outstanding performance and NVIDIA’s end-to-end deep learning platform, NVIDIA is joining its Chinese smart city building partners in developing new intelligent hardware solutions to spearhead technological innovation and application and revolutionise the industry. Save