Using Network Cameras to Prevent Damage from Natural Disasters
Canon Marketing Japan Inc.
| Publication date | September 7, 2021 (Posted on March 30, 2023) |
|---|---|
| Sector | Natural Disasters / Coastal Areas |
Company Overview
Canon Group is operating and expanding in a wide range of businesses as a global company. As a member of this group, Canon Marketing Japan Inc. is in charge of marketing activities and solution proposals focusing on the Japanese market. Canon Marketing Japan contributes to the resolution of social issues through co-creation with customers, making most of our strengths such as our development capabilities, wide range of products, and IT expertise in the field of imaging.
Climate Change Impacts
A series of record-breaking natural disasters such as floods, typhoons, tsunamis, and earthquakes have been occurring in many parts of the world. In Japan also, the recent extreme weather conditions have resulted in record-breaking rainfalls, causing rivers and irrigation channels to overflow, and landslides have caused extensive damage. In response to such natural disasters, monitoring of rivers or other waterways and hazard predictions are attracting attention in order to minimize casualties and enhance human safety.
Adaptation Initiatives
A network camera is a type of camera that can be connected to a certain network such as the Internet, and can be remotely operated or checked in real time (Figure 1). We have started a full-scale development of this business since 2013.
We have been using network cameras not only for recording “what happened”, but also to contribute to the prevention of damage from natural disasters by proposing video solutions for “why it happened” and “preventing before it happens.”
One of the solutions is the real-time monitoring of rivers using surveillance cameras. The system uses high-resolution cameras installed at various locations and water level sensors to monitor the condition of rivers and canals. When the water level reaches a predetermined risk level, the system sends an alarm notification using mobile network (Figure 2).
We are also proposing a system to "visualize" the danger of landslides through the combined use of high-resolution cameras and moisture sensors. This system detects signs of landslides based on the water content of the soil, by focusing on the change in properties as the soil absorbs water. This system makes it possible to contact residents before a disaster occurs, which contributes to speedy evacuation and securing the safety of the residents.
Effects / Expected Benefits
Since network cameras can be instantly operated without power supply or network environment by using solar panels and cell phone communication network, they can be installed in a wider range of locations and are expected to improve the accuracy of danger detection.
