The new working groups are responding to the increasing use of cloud solutions and metadata for analytics in the physical security and video surveillance sectors
ONVIF, the leading global standardisation initiative for IP-based physical security products, has announced the formation of three new working groups focusing on standardising cloud connectivity, audio, and advanced metadata. These efforts, along with ongoing work from existing groups, mark a high level of industry involvement in ONVIF’s standards development.
The new working groups are responding to the increasing use of cloud solutions and metadata for analytics in the physical security and video surveillance sectors. “The rapid evolution in cloud, metadata, and audio means that standards in these key areas are necessary to support the industry’s transition to these new technologies and approaches, both now and into the future,” said Leo Levit, Chairman of the ONVIF Steering Committee. He encouraged member companies to get involved in shaping future standardisation efforts, especially in areas like cloud access control and IoT applications.
ONVIF working groups, which are part of the Technical Committee and Technical Services Committee, consist of volunteers from member companies. Currently, over 60 representatives are contributing their time to five ONVIF Working Groups:
1. Cloud Profile Working Group: This group is developing an ONVIF cloud profile to enable interoperability between security devices and video management software in the cloud. Their work includes creating test suites for key use cases such as streaming video to the cloud and recording to cloud storage.
2. Semantic Metadata Working Group: This team is working on a standard for semantic analytics metadata, providing a common framework for describing the context of objects in captured video. This will facilitate the sharing and use of data from analytics applications on IoT devices like cameras.
3. Audio Streaming Profile Working Group: This group is defining an ONVIF profile for configuring and integrating audio speakers and intercom devices, focusing on interfaces and communication mechanisms.
4. Video Enhancement Working Group: Responsible for developing technical specifications for video surveillance devices and applications, this group also supports the technical requirements of other working groups.
5. Testing Working Group: This group oversees the ONVIF conformance and testing processes and collaborates with the software development team on the ONVIF Device and Client Test Tools.
These initiatives aim to ensure that the physical security industry can smoothly transition to new technologies with standardised, interoperable solutions.