x-hoppers AI Video Alerts (AIVA)

This guide explains x-hoppers AI Video Alerts (AIVA) functionality, covering how it works and providing recommendations for optimizing detection.

Website page: https://www.x-hoppers.com/solutions/need/ai-theft-prevention/.

Created: September 2024

Permalink: https://x-hoppers.atlassian.net/wiki/x/BACXAg

Introduction

x-hoppers AI Video Alerts (AIVA) provides real-time theft detection and prevention, improving store security while supporting the in-store shopping experience. AIVA instantly detects suspicious actions captured by store CCTV cameras and sends alert notifications with video recordings to an app and discreet audio alerts to headsets, helping to reduce theft.

The system installation and configuration are handled by x-hoppers support team.

Detected actions

  • Suspicion of theft: Identifies behavior that strongly suggests potential theft

x-hoppers AIVA-theft detected.jpg
  • Suspicious activity: Indicates unusual behavior that raises security concern

x-hoppers AIVA-suspicious detected.jpg
  • Falling individuals: Detects if someone falls, enabling quick response from staff

  • Waiting customers: Notifies staff when customers are left unattended

  • No cashier: Detects when customers are at the counter but no staff is available

Note: AIVA only analyzes movements and gestures, ensuring individual privacy is maintained.

Requirements

Licensing

Hardware:

  • Modern CCTV video camera: A camera that connects to the network and supports RTSP streams

  • IP Network Video Recorder (NVR)/ Digital Video Recorder (DVR) supporting RTSP protocol: A system to store and manage video footage

Network:

  • DVR/ NVR and cameras should be on the same local network

Cameras positioning recommendations

For optimal detection and performance, follow these recommendations for camera positioning:

  • Positioning: Cameras should be centered on the aisle:

  • Detection range: 1,5 to 12 meters. The closer a shoplifter is to the camera, the higher detection rate (e.g. within 1,5m the detection rate is 70%, in the range of 12m - about 30%)

  • Optimal height: 1,8 to 3,5 meters. Proper camera height ensures a clear view of store activities and maximizes detection performance.

Things to avoid

Certain practices can significantly lower the detection rate. To maintain optimal performance, avoid:

  • Too wide field of view: A wide field of view increases the chance of missed detections due to crowding, so theft gestures may be hidden by other people, especially beyond 12 meters from the camera

  • Dead angles: Avoid placing cameras laterally on shelves in block formations. Customers may be hidden between shelves if cameras are positioned on the side. Focus cameras on the aisles to ensure full visibility

AIVA workflow

  • AIVA integrates with your CCTV cameras, continuously monitoring live feeds for suspicious activity

  • Using advanced AI algorithms, the system analyzes behavior patterns in real-time to detect potential theft, unusual actions or other key events

  • When suspicious activity is detected, AIVA automatically sends targeted audio alerts based on the type of event and team roles. For instance, theft alerts can be directed specifically to the security team, while queue alerts (waiting customers, no cashier etc.) are sent to the store associates

  • In addition to audio alerts, detailed text alerts are sent to a dedicated chat, accompanied by video recordings of the incidents, allowing staff to respond appropriately. Below is an example of one of the alerts generated by the system: