Overview
Similarity Search builds on the existing Forensic Search feature, helping investigators find people who look visually similar across multiple video recordings.
This feature is especially useful when the person involved in an incident is initially unknown. Investigators can tag a person of interest and then search for the similar individual in other camera feeds or locations.
Note: This is based on visual similarity only, not confirmed identity. Facial recognition is not performed.
Similarity Search currently applies only to people and does not support vehicle detections.
Using Similarity Search
1. Select Devices
Once Forensic Search loads, begin by selecting the devices you want to search. You now have the flexibility to select multiple devices across multiple locations and Views, enabling broader investigations without running separate searches.
2. Apply Filters
After selecting your devices, you’ll see the familiar date selection and detection filters (People, Vehicles).
Choose your time range and desired detection type.
Each detection type optionally includes a color filtering option, allowing you to narrow results based on clothing.
Once your filters are set, you can further refine your results using free-form text in the prompt field.
3. Tagging People for Similarity Search
Tagging can be performed at two levels:
On standard detection filter results
On prompt-based search results
4. Entry Points for Similarity Search
There are two ways to initiate Similarity Search:
Video thumbnail bottom corner: Click the “Find Similar” button.
Full thumbnail view: Click “View full thumbnail” (top right). When “Display bounding boxes” is enabled, the “Find Similar” button appears at the bottom-right of the bounding box.
5. Performing Similarity Search
Click “Find Similar” on a selected image. The selected image will be tagged on the top bar under the “Find Similar” menu.
You can reset the Similarity Search by clicking the “X” mark on the tagged image in the “Find Similar” menu.
Taking Action on Results
Once you’ve identified relevant footage, you can take action directly from the results page.
1. Export from Search Results
Click Export from the results screen.
2. Export to a Case
Select Export to Case, then choose the appropriate Case to attach the evidence.
3. Manage Evidence in Cases
After exporting, the evidence is available within the selected Case. From the Case page, you can:
Download the Case evidence package
Share with colleagues who are also using Arcules
Share externally using the External Case Sharing feature
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Availability
Q: Which deployment types support Similarity Search?
A: Tagging can be performed on two levels:
Standard detection filter results – detection of people is supported on both gateway-managed and edge-managed devices.
Prompt-based search results – supported only on gateway-managed devices with cloud analytics enabled, which is also required for Similarity Search.
Q: Is Similarity Search available for live video?
A: No. Similarity Search works only with recorded (playback) video.
Q: Is Similarity Search available in all regions?
A: Yes. Similarity Search is available to customers in US, EMEA, and APAC.
Usage
Q: Does Similarity Search support vehicle detections?
A: No. Similarity Search currently supports people only.
Q: Can I search across multiple locations or devices at once?
A: Yes. You can select multiple devices across multiple locations and Views when initiating a Similarity Search.
Q: Are any special permissions required to use Similarity Search?
A: No. Users who have access to the Forensic Search page can also access the Similarity Search capability.
Q: Is this based on identity or facial recognition?
A: No. Similarity Search is based purely on visual similarity. Facial recognition or confirmed identity is not performed.
Q: How does tagging work?
A: You can tag a person of interest either from standard detection results or from prompt-based search results. The tagged image is added to the “Find Similar” menu for further searches.
Q: What types of images work best for similarity search?
A: Clear, unobstructed images of people work best. Poor lighting, occlusions, or extreme angles may reduce matching accuracy.
Q: Are there limits on the number of tagged images for similarity search?
A: Yes. You can tag only one image at a time for Similarity Search. To search for a different person, remove the current tagged image first.
Q: How do I reset a Similarity Search?
A: Click the “X” mark on the tagged image under the “Find Similar” menu to remove it and start a new search.
Q: Can I use an image from an external source for Similarity Search?
A: No. Currently, Similarity Search supports only images from video sources within Arcules; uploading external images is not supported.
Troubleshooting
Q: How do I report a problem with search results?
A: Contact us via chat or reach out to the Product Management team or your Milestone Account Executive.