Anomaly Detection in Train Stations using Video Analytics

What is Anomaly Detection? Why is it important?

An anomaly is used to refer to errant behavior that is different in one or more capacities from an established pattern of behavior. This deviation could be the cause of external events such as changes in the surrounding environment or internal events that can be classified into the category of deliberate and accidental.

To elucidate, here is an example. Let us assume a particular stretch of road records a certain amount of traffic at 7 pm on Tuesdays. If there was to be construction taking place on the road at the same time on a Tuesday, the traffic would slow down considerably and cause delays in route times. In this case, the construction is an anomaly.

Anomaly Detection refers to the identification and consequent detection of an anomaly. It is important as both a preventative measure and in order to detect discrepancies in the normal functioning of a system. The use of video analytics allows planners and architects to establish a system of detection and resolution that enhances accessibility in the short and long terms.

What does Anomaly Detection mean in the context of Train Stations?

Train stations, one knows, are busy places. They function on a system of interconnected processes - connecting trains, carefully devised train schedules, high rates of footfall, and a constant optimization structure to ensure seamless functioning is feasible. Needless to say, an anomaly in any one of these individual or collective systems would be cause for concern and trigger a hold-up.

Railway operators are trained to be wary of changes that might come in the way of a system in equilibrium, and the use of smart technology like Isarsoft Perception simplifies their jobs a great deal. 

A train station anomaly could range from anything between overcrowding to a faulty escalator or elevator, but the way of calibrating an anomaly is performed through real-time data collection and analysis.

How does Isarsoft Perception aid in detecting anomalies?

Isarsoft Perception is an intuitive software system that can be used to perform 24*7 data collection and analysis. 

When dealing with the subject of anomaly detection, it is capable of performing a continuous process of data assessment in order to numerically and graphically denote any anomalies that occur. The graphical representation is simple and user-friendly and can be used to identify and detect anomalies very quickly.

The above image shows us a graph that clearly represents anomalies in footfall, as calibrated against time of the day. The obvious choice for an 'anomaly' is the time frame between 08:00-11:00 am, with the graph peaking at approximately 9:30 am. This deviation from normalcy can be attributed to what is termed the morning rush hour - a time of day when commuters travel to schools, offices and and universities. Analysis of an anomaly is usually case-specific. The footfall dips soon after, highlighting a reduction in people availing transport post the rush hour.

Since the software analyzes live data, the response time for anomalies when they concern safety-critical incidents can be minimized. In addition, better standards of safety can be implemented so that the accident prevention rate is enhanced.

Anomaly Detection proves especially useful during holidays and festivals, when commuter behavior in train stations reflects a deviation from normal. As a result, staff deployment can be organized in a more planned way, to ensure smooth functioning. The same logic is applied to conservation of resources such as heating, lighting, an increase or decrease in the number of deployed route-specific trains, maintenance and security.

What are other areas of application for anomaly detection?

Isarsoft Perception operates in four verticals - train stations, traffic, airports and retail. In addition to Anomaly Detection in train stations, it can also be applied to regulate traffic, airline operations and in the retail industry.

More about Isarsoft

With Isarsoft Perception, your camera systems become part of your business intelligence. Whether the goal is to increase efficiency, customer satisfaction or safety, Isarsoft Perception provides the insights needed for informed decisions.

Contact us, to learn more about how to turn security cameras into intelligent sensors.