Using security camera footage to analyse crowd behaviour

NEC's proprietary crowd behaviour analysis technology analyses changes in crowd behaviour without identifying any individuals. Moreover, it estimates the degree of crowd congestion and detects abnormal crowding as well as flow abnormalities in groups of people using images captured with security cameras. The Toshima Ward of Tokyo is characterised by concentrations of people in particular areas, especially surrounding Ikebukuro Station, which is used by approximately 2.5m passengers a day.

NEC's system will detect abnormalities in real-time based on images of major railway stations and roadways captured with newly installed security cameras throughout the ward. In the event of any abnormality, the system automatically gives an alert in order to quickly identify where an unexpected event is occurring. This will help in providing assistance and distributing information faster and in preventing accidents in crowded areas. It will also reduce the workload of personnel monitoring crowd conditions.

"This new system in Tokyo's Toshima Ward is an important part of NEC's ongoing contributions to the realisation of safe and secure cities," said Kunio Kondo, Senior Vice President, NEC.