i-PRO Active Guard is an AI-powered software application from i-PRO (formerly Panasonic Security). The firm has announced Version 3.0 of the product, which offers intelligent search. This latest release introduces free text search powered by generative AI, enabling security teams to interact with video management systems (VMS) using natural language and everyday expressions for filtering, instead of only pre-defined attributes.
An operator can now type queries, such as “fire truck,” “person who fell down,” or “electric scooter”, and receive precise results, even if those parameters were never manually tagged. Building on some 98 pre-defined attributes generated at the edge, said by the manufacturer to be the most in the industry, the new release of introduces free text search powered by generative AI, letting users go beyond pre-defined filters and describe exactly what they are looking for in natural language.
Gerard Figols, Chief Operating Officer at i-PRO said: “Video data keeps growing, but the ability to quickly find what matters and instantly act on it with the right decision makes all the difference for mission-critical environments. Thanks to free text search using natural language, professionals gain greatly expanded search capabilities, creating precise search filters as easily as speaking. Seamless integration with leading VMS platforms like Genetec, Milestone, Luxriot and VideoInsight ensures faster access, greater control, and smarter decisions.”
Edge-processed analytics
Running on-premises without the need of an external internet connection, the system gives users control of their data, avoiding latency or privacy concerns associated with cloud-based processing, according to the developers. Philippe Henaine, Manager, Strategic Partners at i-PRO said: “Mission-critical sites often restrict internet access to reduce cyber risk, which rules out cloud-based features. That’s why we built GenAI directly into the on-premises Active Guard server. Operators get the full power of free text search inside their VMS while keeping data privacy and cybersecurity fully under their control.”
The new release combines edge-processed analytics in i-PRO AI-enabled cameras with a server-based generative AI engine. Using best-shot images with metadata from i-PRO AI camera models, the system interprets user queries, delivering the right results intuitively. A user does not need to replace existing i-PRO AI cameras to use this software update. With the X-Series camera AI processing relay feature, Active Guard 3.0 can extend GenAI search capabilities to non-AI cameras, including cameras from other manufacturers.
Person image similarity search
Version 3.0 also introduces ‘Person Image Similarity Search’; this enables operators to locate visually similar appearances within video footage, without relying on personal attributes or automated identification. The feature is for searches of video where appearance may change due to clothing or lighting.
