PERTH company Virtual Observer has started commercialising a locally developed technology it believes will help the security industry make better use of security footage.
PERTH company Virtual Observer has started commercialising a locally developed technology it believes will help the security industry make better use of security footage.
PERTH company Virtual Observer has started commercialising a locally developed technology it believes will help the security industry make better use of security footage.
Developed by Curtin University, the Virtual Observer technology combines mobile cameras fitted on vehicles with software that enables users to efficiently process the captured images.
Curtin has partnered with Perth Airport-based transit security company Digital Technology International to establish Virtual Observer.
Virtual Observer chief executive Justin Davies told WA Business News the technology has a broad scope for application, but that the company was focused on the security and geospatial sectors for the time being.
Curtin University is the first client for Virtual Observer, with the campus’ security cars having custom-fitted rooftop ‘pods’ housing the recording devices, which provide 360-degree remote views when in use.
“Virtual Observer offers a far greater level of flexibility and coverage than static surveillance systems,” Mr Davies said.
The Virtual Observer system can also incorporate data from existing static camera networks.
The company is seeking to expand its client base, with the City of Swan considering using the system by attaching cameras to the top of its rubbish collection vehicles.
While its primary use would be to enforce the correct use of the bin system, the council is interested in monitoring recycling and using the footage to make targeted environmental marketing efforts.
Mr Davies said the state government agency Landgate was interested in the footage that will be generated by the City of Swan, as it could be applied to property evaluation and asset management.
Another potential client was Google Earth-rival NearMap, owned by stock exchange-listed West Perth company, ipernica, Mr Davies said.
He said NearMap’s aerial images would be complemented by Virtual Observer’s real-time representation of the street level.
While Virtual Observer had long-term goals for global dissemination of the product, the company’s current strategy centred on interstate expansion, Mr Davies told WA Business News.