The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the network of interconnected physical devices - from industrial machinery to consumer goods. These devices can connect via the internet, embedded with technologies such as sensors and software which enable them to collect, exchange, and analyze data. This sophisticated network creates a unified communication pathway between devices, fostering efficient and autonomous operations.
IoT technology is found throughout our homes, vehicles, and even in our watches. This vast technology can optimize numerous applications; however, it has made profound impacts in industrial automation and UAV inspection and surveillance.
Elevating UAVs with IoT
IoT has revolutionized how devices communicate, and integrating it with UAVs opens up a new world of possibilities. Drones equipped with top-of-the-line visual equipment, such as the Sony ILX-LR1 Industrial Camera, can capture high-resolution images and videos. The IoT technology enables real-time transmission and analysis of this data allowing drones to communicate with a ground-based system in real time, providing crucial data during flight.
Image: UAV Surveillance Drone
By integrating sensors with IoT interface boards, UAVs can be programmed to follow specific routes, collect and analyze data, conduct inspections, and provide real-time safety guidance. This intergration creates an invaluable UAV system that can be utilized in many industries.
Security Surveillance From All Angles
Another exciting application of IoT technologies lies in aerial and ground security and surveillance operations.
Drones equipped with IoT can be programmed to follow specific patrol routes and, with machine learning algorithms, can identify potential security threats, helping enforcement agencies deter crime to keep communities safer.
The IONODES ATOMAS-IOT-MICRO interface board is an example of an IoT device that unlocks the potential for expansive visual performance in surveillance applications. A single ATOMAS-IOT-MICRO board can seamlessly combine two different video inputs from cameras with wide-angle, panamorphic lenses (see ION-CAM-MIPI-OV12A10-KIT).
Image: 2 cameras connected to single ATOMAS-IOT-MICRO interface board
A combined 360-degree view, dewarping software, and IoT capabilities connects to 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, GPS, or other networks providing a transformative surveillance option. This innovative integration capacity sets a new standard for versatility and efficiency in building high-performance surveillance systems on the ground or in the air.
Use in Traffic and License Plate Monitoring
The skies aren't the only place for IoT. In automatic license plate recognition (ALPR/ANPR) applications, where traffic and camera positions are numerous, IoT comes into play to enhance remote vision solutions. With IoT interface boards, operatives and machine learning models can monitor traffic patterns, toll booths, and private roadways vastly improving traffic efficiency and security.
Image: ALPR camera at a parking site
For example, a powerful optical zoom, global shutter block cameras intergrated with an IoT interface board can offer a viable traffic or license plate monitoring solution. Global shutter cameras are ideal for capturing fast-moving objects without distortion even in low-light environments. Paired with IoT, a network of multiple global shutter cameras enable quality surveillence and predicative analysis.
Engineering IoT Solutions
Incorporation of IoT interface boards into UAV inspection, surveillance, and ALPR/ANPR marks merely the beginning of remote visual inspection coupled with IoT. At InterTest we are conitnually engineering new and exciting IoT vision solutions. From advancing commercial UAV systems to improving traffic patterns, contact us to engineer your network vision needs.