Intelligent camera analysis without compromising privacy
By C2RO | Published on March 11, 2022
Problem and objectives
Problem
- Lack of customer information affecting decision-making in terms of corporate strategy and security;
- Video analysis that does not respect the customer’s privacy;
- Difficult to control the establishment's maximum capacity.
Objectives
- Maintain client privacy;
- Enable companies to develop better business strategies based on the collected data;
- Improve safety inside buildings (e.g. limit the number of people in a store);
- Use existing camera networks.
Proposed solution
Solution
C2RO is a Montréal-based company specialized in camera image analysis. Its platform, C2RO PERCEIVE™, allows organizations to obtain information on their customers through their surveillance cameras without collecting biometric information.
Principle
By using existing camera networks such as surveillance cameras, the platform developed by C2RO transmits customer information to users and analyzes their behaviour. The solution provides information such as:
- Customer demographics;
- Number of customers present in real time;
- Customer shopping route (e.g. as a couple, group, alone, with children);
- Number of customers wearing a face mask during the pandemic.
The platform then makes a dashboard containing this information available to users. It adjusts decision-making based on the different information.
User experience
The information available on the platform’s dashboard allows the user to make decisions to ensure the customer’s safety or modify its marketing strategy based on the products the customer is attracted to.
Role of AI
The C2RO PERCEIVE™ platform is based on AI, particularly as an image analysis tool. The company stands out in the following categories:
- Predictive models;
- Segmentation;
- Image analysis;
- Decision support.
Impacts
Main outcomes
- Collection of visitor traffic data without the use of biometrics;
- Accurate and reliable collected data;
- Ability to adjust the company’s strategies;
- Cost savings from using existing camera networks.
Generation and dissemination of new knowledge
Patent held by the company.
Conditions for success
Team mobilised
C2RO’s AI team consists of:
- Data analysts;
- Data scientists;
- Data engineers;
- Software developers.
Collaborations
The company interacts with strategic partners both locally and internationally. These include:
- SAP;
- IBM;
- Bosch;
- Telefónica.
Funding received
C2RO received financial support from capital funds such as:
- TandemLaunch;
- Anges Québec;
- Fonds Innovexport;
- Habor Street Ventures.
Context of the solution
Use cases
Examples of shopping centre applications:
- Limiting the number of people in the store based on maximum capacity;
- Intervention based on the number of people wearing a mask in the building;
- Adapting marketing strategies based on customer demographics;
- Change in operational strategy based on number of customers.
Customers
The C2RO PERCEIVE™ platform is designed for businesses in a variety of fields such as:
- Manufacturing;
- Wholesale trade;
- Retail trade;
- Transportation and storage;
- Real estate services and rental and leasing services;
- Arts, entertainment and leisure.