Bosch introduces first cameras based on Inteox open camera platform

GRASBRUNN, Germany—Bosch has introduced the first cameras based on its Inteox open camera platform, the MIC Inteox 7100i.

The new MIC inteox cameras share the same distinctive characteristics as the rest of the MIC camera family, such as robust housing and high-quality imaging, and support predictive solutions with machine learning, neural network-based video analytics, and third-party software apps for customized applications.

These Inteox cameras can be classified as “Driven by OSSA.” This distinction signifies that the cameras follow the Open Security & Safety Alliance (OSSA) Technology Stack for video security devices, ensuring seamless connectivity with the Security & Safety Things (S&ST) Application Store.

The cameras also allow for the easy creation of customized software apps that can be deployed on the Inteox cameras afterward. Market players can mix and match apps from the S&ST Application Store or develop software apps to create a novel solution. In addition, Bosch introduced two Inteox development kits containing either a bullet camera or mini-dome camera to complement MIC Inteox cameras in pilot installations and support further app development.

Supporting predictive solutions

MIC Inteox 7100i cameras support predictive solutions with built-in Artificial Intelligence (AI). It includes Intelligent Video Analytics, Camera Trainer based on machine learning, and video analytics based on deep neural networks (DNN). These built-in AI capabilities enable Inteox cameras to understand what they see and add sense and structure to captured video data with metadata. This process is an important first step in converting video data into actionable insights and building predictive solutions, helping users anticipate unforeseen events and prevent them from happening.

For example, in city surveillance applications, the MIC Inteox 7100i cameras can detect abnormalities in behaviors, provide density data, and alert traffic operators with insights they can act on to prevent unwanted situations. By adding third-party software apps to Inteox cameras, integrators can easily customize security systems, enabling them to go beyond their basic functionality. In turn, app developers can leverage the camera's metadata, neural network-based video analytics, and machine learning to introduce innovative software to the market.

MIC Inteox 7100i OC models tailored for traffic applications

The MIC Inteox 7100i object classification (OC) models are made specifically for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) applications. Powered by the edge computation capabilities of the Inteox platform, the introductory OC models present a novelty in the field of AI. They offer a Traffic Detector, an additional Video Analytics feature based on DNN that helps distinguish and classify automobiles in congested scenes with precise detail. Possible disturbances caused by vehicle headlights or shadows are ignored, uncovering new ways to improve mobility, safety, and efficient use of roadways. The actionable insights delivered by the cameras’ Traffic Detector help detect the presence and volume of vehicles to intelligently control traffic lights to keep traffic flowing when monitoring intersections. These insights can also enhance Automatic Incident Detection (AID) solutions to improve the safety of people and vehicles in tunnels and on highways.

Future OC models planned for June 2021 will expand upon these DNN-based features offering greater granularity of data when generating actionable insights for various traffic applications.

Superb performance and rugged design

MIC Inteox cameras range from a 4K enhanced model featuring optical image stabilization to a 1080p model in a base or enhanced version featuring Bosch’s starlight technology that can capture color images down to a level of 0.0069 lux as standard. The 4K model's optically stabilized images maintain pin-sharp pictures even when the camera is subject to severe vibration, such as on bridges.

With the optional illuminator, the 4K model covers a distance of 300m (984 ft.) The 1080p models feature 30x zoom and frame rate of 60 frames per second. When light levels drop to zero, the optional illuminator ensures the greatest level of detail over a distance of up to 550m (1,804 ft.). Enhanced versions for both 4K and 1080p models also include an in-window defroster to improve visibility and onboard storage capabilities. Combined with robust housing, the cameras provide the high-quality details required by applications such as city surveillance, traffic monitoring, and perimeter security.

Like all MIC cameras, the MIC Inteox 7100i features rugged housing with superior metallurgy and finish to protect against corrosion, including salt-water, to meet marine requirements. Engineered to endure nearly everything from high winds, rain, fog, and dust, MIC cameras can withstand 100 percent humidity, temperatures from -40°C to +65°C (-40°F to +149°F), extreme vibrations, and high impacts (IK10). In addition, a new drive train enables them to track slow-moving targets as smoothly as possible. The cameras are guaranteed to never lose their homing position, returning to a preset position over their entire lifetime, even when exposed to extreme vibration or brute force.

Pilot installation support with Inteox development kits

Early adopters can take advantage of Bosch Inteox development kits to complement the MIC Inteox 7100i cameras in pilot installations. The kits contain either a Bosch fixed bullet (Dinion) or mini-dome (Flexidome) outdoor camera that will run on the S&ST operating system. Both kits support the testing and development of an overall system solution based on apps already available through the application store and self-developed apps.