How Avigilon Uses Smart Video Analytics for a Face Mask Detection Solution

The COVID-19 pandemic is unfortunately still with us.  Everyone understands that it is a serious issue to deal with until two things happen: an effective vaccine is developed and drugs that mitigate the deadliest effects of the virus are validated and widely available. As we are not yet at that point, mitigation strategies are needed to curb the spread of disease.

While wearing face masks has become a political issue in some quarters, the science is straightforward. Wearing face masks protects people from transmitting the virus to others. In July, Governor Greg Abbott mandated the use of face masks in public spaces in counties with more than 20 coronavirus cases. And regardless of the state order, major retailers and supermarket chains like Costco, Wal-Mart, Starbucks, and HEB have mandated the use of masks for all customers inside their stores.

The issue now becomes: how do you effectively enforce the use of face masks for public safety? One solution, from Texas-based Avigilon, uses state-of-the-art video analytics to detect if someone is wearing a mask. Read on to learn more about how you can use this innovative solution to protect customers and staff in your Houston, TX, organization.

SEE MORE: Responding to COVID-19 with Technology Solutions: Mask Detection

A Video-Based Solution

The Avigilon face mask detection solution is based on advanced surveillance cameras and sophisticated artificial intelligence software. It does not require new cameras; in fact, the solution is a software upgrade to existing cameras – just as apps on a smartphone often bring innovative features to your device. 

The software uses current facial recognition technology to detect a person’s face. Then it checks for a facial covering in that area. Machine learning – the ability to “train” the software and increase the accuracy of detection – is the artificial intelligence portion that enables the solution to improve over time. When the system detects that someone is not wearing a mask, or removes one, an alert can be sent to security personnel or management for action.

Deployment Scenarios

There are many scenarios where face mask detection can be used appropriately. Take the example of a distribution center. Employees may be congregating on break in an area and remove their masks. The face mask detection system can trigger a notification through the video management system that also monitors the premises for security. The manager on duty can take immediate action to enforce mask wearing or take note for scheduling more staff education and training.

In a retail environment, there may be many locations out of view of supervisors where either employees or customers remove masks. An alert can go out to a supervisor, store manager, or designated security staff to ensure that enforcement takes place. Should there be some dispute with a customer or staff over compliance with mask usage, video footage can provide solid evidence.

Additional Benefits

The Avigilon video analytics solutions extend to social distancing and occupancy control, two other critical ways to safely maintain social interaction. Avigilon's occupancy control analytics can use both video analytics and access control systems to limit the number of people in a facility and measure whether proper social distancing is being practiced. Again, smart software works with existing camera hardware to create a cost-effective, scalable solution.

ASAP Security Services has vast experience across Texas with sophisticated security and surveillance systems in both the public and commercial sectors. We are uniquely qualified to install and integrate the best, most scalable solutions for combating the challenges of COVID-19. To learn more, set up a consultation with our team by calling (877) 418-ASAP, filling out our contact form, or starting a live chat with us below. We look forward to working with you!