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Forensic Video Search (using device analytics)
Forensic Video Search (using device analytics)

How to use Forensic Search with supported cameras with device analytics

Updated over 6 months ago

Prerequisites:

  • Video channel must support Arcules Device Analytics

  • Acceptance of Forensic Video Search Terms and Conditions to use this feature

  • Forensic Video Search must be enabled on a per-channel basis from the Device screen on the Analytics tab (Object Filters)

  • User role(s) must have the perform forensic search privilege. Learn more about roles and permissions here

Overview

Arcules video search can be accessed through the icon in the lower right of any camera’s video player. Video search saves a lot of time when compared to using the playback scrub bar.

Default filters for video search are 4 hours ago if the user enters search from live. If the user enters search from playback, the search date/time will default to the playback date/time. The user can adjust date and time and, if she entered search through a View, change the camera as well. The user can also adjust the duration of the period in between thumbnails and the size of the thumbnails by using the sliders at the top.

The thumbnail video search results can be further refined with forensic filters available from the “more” icon at the top right of the search interface. A drawer will slide out with forensic filtering options,.

Filter by People or Vehicle

The user can filter by person, vehicle, or both. Switch the object filter on and select either or both options.

This object filter may be switched on and off in the drawer, retaining the settings already set by the user.

Filter by Area of Interest

The user can further refine their object search by switching on the area of interest filter and drawing a search area. Search results will only show objects detected within the user-defined area.

The area of interest filter may be switched on and off in the drawer, retaining the settings already set by the user.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This area of interest only affects search and does not affect rules, widgets, or the timeline.

To provide a larger viewing area, the user may close the search filters drawer. A small portion of it will remain visible at the right edge of the screen showing the person icon and its current filter state (on/off).

FAQs

Is Forensic Video Search available on Edge Gateways?

Yes, for cameras that support Arcules Device Analytics functionality. At this time, Forensic Video Search is available for customers with Axis cameras that support Axis Object Analytics on Edge Gateways. For other cameras, you can filter by motion and refine your search with an area of interest which is available on all Edge Gateways. See here for more info on this.

Is Forensic Video Search available for all regions?

Yes, Forensic Video Search is available for all customers in the US, EMEA, and APAC.

Does Forensic Video Search cost extra or is it included in my cloud subscription?

There is no additional cost for forensic video search. The option to use it on up to 20% of your cloud VMS subscribed cameras is included at no charge. If you need to enable the search capability for more than 20%, please contact us via chat or connect with your integrator/reseller or Arcules Customer Experience directly.

Why are there additional terms of service required to use Forensic Video Search?

In addition to our general terms of service for the Arcules cloud platform, we ask that customers agree to an additional terms of service related specific to Forensic Video Search. These service terms will be presented when a company accesses the Devices portion of the application. It is a standard agreement that allows Arcules to collect data associated with AI learning to improve the product performance and expand its capabilities over time. It only applies to Forensic Video Search.

What if I decline terms of service related to Forensic Video Search?

If you decline the Forensic Video Search terms of service, the Forensic Video Search option will not be available for your organization.

What type of data is being shared as part of the Forensic Video Search terms of service?

The type of data covered by the Forensic Video Search terms of service is metadata representing specific object types and their attributes. No actual video data or user information is utilized.

How long is Forensics data kept for? How far back can I search?

Forensics data is kept as long as video data. So if a camera has retention period set for 30 days, forensics data is kept for 30 days.

Can I use Forensic Video Search with previously recorded video?

No. Forensic Search data starts being collected at the point where it's enabled for a camera channel. You can't run forensic searches on recordings that exist before the feature is enabled for the channel.

Does Forensics AI require a separate video stream?

No, it only requires 1 video stream. It infers on recorded video rather than live so if the recording is behind (e.g. internet is down or b/w management is enabled) you won’t be able to perform search until the data has reached the cloud.

I see bounding boxes drawn around people and vehicles. How are bounding boxes drawn?

Bounding boxes are rectangles drawn over the object. For a person the bounding boxes will include a person from head to toe. For vehicle the software attempts to draw a rectangle around the complete vehicle.

What objects are considered a vehicle in a Forensic Video Search?

A vehicle is a 'bike' (bicycle or motorcycle), 'bus', 'car', 'truck', and other vehicles.

What is the “Resemblance” setting?

The resemblance setting is a way a user may adjust the accuracy of the Forensic Video Search results. Setting resemblance may eliminate results which are occluded or have a low confidence level. Setting a lower resemblance level may allow results that include targets which the device analytics has less confidence in being the object class related to the search.

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