As the world population continues to increase at an alarming rate, so does the need for access to reliable and cost-effective public and private transport. According to Annual Global road crash statistics by ASIRTC, each year nearly 1.3 million people die in traffic accidents worldwide averaging 3287 deaths per day. Currently, for urban transit authorities, the biggest priorities are preventing fatalities/on road accidents and reducing the problem due to traffic congestion.

In order to ensure human safety and well-organized navigation of vehicles in city streets, a large number of data-driven systems are being integrated within transit boxes to reduce accidents and crashes – these include time-stamped GPS navigation, vehicle tracking data (RFID) and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). To support these state-of-the-art technologies in smart transit, camera and video capturing solutions play a vital role.

The complexities of these technologies require inputs such as sensor integration and device monitoring from remote locations. The basic premise is to achieve visual management at a very high resolution level.

Improving safety and navigation with 4K cameras:

Transportation systems around the world, both public and private, are experiencing challenges like never before which call for the introduction of smarter surveillance technologies. This is where 4k (Ultra-HD) can play a vital role because they enable innovative and practical use of camera-based technologies at a resolution of 3840 x 2160, four times the resolution capability of normal HD technology, which means an exceptionally high standard of video monitoring.

For instance, 4K camera allows for better recognition even at multiple zoom levels as license plate recognition is much easier at 4K levels. This allows for fewer camera points because of wider coverage options in 4K and greater capabilities to generate video forensics and analytics because of added clarity.

The 4K camera’s superior resolution makes it easier to identify individuals correctly.

The challenges 4k can overcome include low light conditions, managing parking in congested streets, and preventing road accidents. The following points illustrate why we need superior camera based smart transit technology like 4K:

• Fast moving transport systems can manifest numerous unpredictable dangers which require excellent observation to prevent accidents.
• Having clear imagery is absolutely vital in low light/night driving conditions
• There is often a need by fleet management companies to have a custom-fitted transportation arrangement which requires better traffic monitoring, quick response to emergency situations and route planning.

Applications of 4k in smart transit

4K technology offers unprecedented clarity, sharper resolution and better detailing thanks to four times more pixilation. As a result, 4K can have versatile applications in urban transportation, of which a few are mentioned below:

• Preventing accident and incident management – Video monitoring is clearer and smoother in 4K as it increases resolution at full frame rates allowing enforcement agencies to evaluate vehicle flows and investigate sudden incidents with greater precision. This helps in assisting incidents effectively with proactive traffic management. 4K imaging permits speeding, traffic violations and other illegal activities which need to be detected at much greater distances, diminishing the number of cameras needed to watch carriageways and street intersections.
• Overcoming the challenges of reverse driving – Reverse driving can turn out to be a nightmare for even the most experienced of drivers in troublesome circumstances. As the driver puts the vehicle into converse, a 4K camera-based GPS navigator after importing information from public APIs, can consequently switch into rear view mode permitting the driver to see what is behind the car- including children, pets and vehicles.
• Smart parking – Smart parking is a useful application of 4k based camera technologies. They can provide a range of functions such as identifying garage locations for the driver based on the hours of operation, guiding the vehicle through entrance and exit and choosing a parking spot based on proximity to the final destination.

Future Aspects:

Vehicle transit companies and their end-clients who wish to embrace the latest technological norms in transport security, will do well with the adoption of 4K camera technologies. This is because 4K can capably address the cost-related concerns in the implementation of camera-based smart transit systems. One would require fewer 4K cameras compared to lower resolution cameras in order to cover the same amount of area, while gaining additional cost advantage in terms of reduced licensing fees of VMS vendors.

eInfochips has designed various solutions for Camera design services including edge devices like 4k transit surveillance cameras, car  NVRs etc. that have been deployed in mass transit, collision avoidance and school transport. To explore more read our whitepaper, visit our solutions webpage on Security & Surveillance and Camera Benchmarking Report.