One of the biggest revolutions brought about by embedded vision is the ability to build compact imaging systems. While machine vision cameras helped automate various tasks in the industrial sector, they were not built to be compact. Instead, they were often bulky and required specialized industrial PCs to run the processing tasks.
In addition, there were limited on-device processing capabilities. Complex processing had to be done using cloud-based software, which added to the TCO (Total Cost of Ownership). Embedded vision solved both problems with enhanced on-device processing capabilities. That made it possible to build small form factor devices integrated with imaging capabilities.
In this blog post, we dive deep into how embedded cameras are helping build high-performance compact embedded vision systems.
Ensuring pedestrian safety – trends and key developments
The rising focus on pedestrian safety is becoming crucial for various reasons, underscored by the global incorporation of advanced technologies into traffic control systems. Let’s delve into some of the key trends and the primary reasons why there is more attention towards pedestrian safety.
Rapid urbanization and increased traffic congestion
With the influx of vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists in urban environments, these areas are experiencing heightened congestion. Sophisticated systems are indispensable to manage this traffic scenario and safeguard all those on the road. Implementing technology such as built-in cameras within traffic control systems plays a vital role in alleviating traffic-related issues and enhancing safety for pedestrians and other road users.
Technological advancements
The fusion of AI and machine learning (ML) with camera technology has transformed traffic management. Instead of depending on human surveillance, these systems now utilize AI and ML algorithms to identify vehicles, detect lane deviations, and monitor speed violations. This advancement not only improves traffic flow but also greatly increases the safety of pedestrians.
Global events and large crowds
The FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar provided a prime example of how crucial crowd management is for pedestrian safety using smart sensors and cameras. Thermal and video analytics cameras were a key part of this setup. These sensors could identify and categorize road users, pedestrians included, even under tough conditions such as darkness or inclement weather. This advanced technology guaranteed smooth traffic flow and safe pedestrian navigation during the massive event.
Innovative public transportation systems
Public transportation is in the middle of a revolution owing to new technologies such as cameras and autonomous/aided navigation. Delivery robots and smart buses are examples of this. Delivery robots use a combination of depth cameras and 2D sensors to detect obstacles and navigate autonomously.
On the other hand, smart bus systems employ built-in camera technology for multiple purposes, such as detecting obstacles and pedestrians, thus enhancing safety protocols. A key breakthrough is their capacity to identify unexpected pedestrian movement and respond proactively – a vital step towards guaranteeing pedestrian safety.
Future trends and increasing adoption
The global adoption of AI-powered intelligent traffic cameras is on the rise, thanks to continuous advancements in both camera technology and AI models. Looking ahead, traffic management systems are set to evolve even more by integrating further with other smart transportation devices and adopting high-resolution cameras. This will significantly boost their ability to promote pedestrian safety.
Where cameras can be used to ensure pedestrian safety
Embedded camera modules have become the ‘eyes’ of several monitoring systems. Of these, intelligent traffic and crowd analytics systems have transformed how city and government authorities ensure pedestrian safety.
Here are some of the locations where smart cameras are enhancing pedestrian safety:
- Traffic signals, streets, and sidewalks: Traffic management systems increasingly utilize cameras, particularly those equipped with AI and thermal imaging features, to improve pedestrian safety. For example, cameras can detect pedestrians and cyclists using thermal imaging, allowing for effective operation in low light or adverse weather conditions. These sensors are instrumental in regulating pedestrian flow and ensuring safe traffic movement, which is crucial for managing large events and day-to-day urban traffic.
- Retail store premises: Surveillance cameras in retail environments are mainly aimed at minimizing theft, optimizing inventory management, and enhancing the overall shopping experience for customers. They enable remote monitoring to deter theft and monitor stock levels. Additionally, these surveillance systems can improve employee productivity and elevate customer service by identifying best practices and areas for enhancement.
- Sports arenas: Security systems in stadiums and arenas employ cameras to handle large crowds while maintaining a positive guest experience. They use advanced search features, facial recognition powered by artificial intelligence, and video analytics to observe and address situations as they unfold. These systems can identify hidden weapons, lingering individuals, and perimeter breaches, guaranteeing the safety of the sizable gatherings commonly seen in sports venues.
- Markets and shopping malls: Cameras ensure pedestrian safety in various environments, particularly at non-signalized crosswalks. Research indicates that cameras can reduce the real and perceived risks pedestrians face. They also significantly impact driver behavior, decreasing aggression and less severe conflicts. By identifying and addressing potential hazards, cameras at these locations create safer interaction patterns between pedestrians and vehicles. For example, AI-based crowd analytics systems installed in open markets and shopping malls can detect unwanted activity and automatically send instant alerts to security personnel.
How cameras and AI can help in pedestrian safety
Incorporating cameras and AI technology into traffic systems greatly improves pedestrian safety and the overall effectiveness of traffic management. These advancements are visible in various applications, including intelligent traffic cameras, surround-view systems, smart buses, and surveillance systems.
Smart traffic cameras
Smart traffic cameras are installed in junctions, tolls, and streets to monitor and analyze traffic flow. They are also used as surround-view systems in vehicles, especially large trucks. They ensure pedestrian safety in multiple ways, such as:
- Cameras installed in traffic junctions can analyze the crowd, the data from which can be used to optimize traffic management.
- They ensure that the traffic signal is controlled properly by checking the presence of pedestrians on crosswalks. This can be extremely helpful to ensure the safety of kids and animals on the road.

Architecture of an Intelligent Traffic Management System
Surround-view systems
Surround-view systems are used in cars and large trucks to ensure the driver can have a 360-degree view of the surroundings. They use a multi-camera system of 4 to 5 cameras to get a complete view. This ensures that no pedestrian is at risk while walking through the road and the sidewalks. This is extremely helpful when the driver takes a back turn since the number of blind spots is higher. Features like low latency and high bandwidth transmission become critical in surround-view cameras.
Smart buses
The rise of Smart Buses demonstrates the seamless fusion of AI and camera technology within public transportation. These buses come equipped with cameras that actively capture and analyze their environment in real-time. This serves multiple purposes, including passenger counting, generating a complete 360-degree view of the surroundings, and monitoring the driver’s status. Furthermore, incorporating 5G connectivity guarantees dependable communication for immediate data collection. Smart buses can also identify obstacles and pedestrians on the road, thereby enhancing safety measures.

A smart bus
Surveillance cameras
In addition to traffic management, AI-enhanced smart surveillance cameras help ensure safety near retail stores, office buildings, parking lots, and residential complexes. Using advanced algorithms, these cameras can accurately count vehicles and pedestrians, recognize license plates, and identify traffic violations like illegal lane usage and speeding.
Integration of AI into embedded cameras
Incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into built-in cameras for pedestrian safety is a major advancement in traffic control and public security. These intelligent cameras utilize AI to process live data, count pedestrians and vehicles, identify traffic infractions, and detect potential safety risks. AI-empowered cameras have the potential to enhance traffic efficiency, minimize accidents, and elevate pedestrian safety. These setups employ advanced image processing and machine learning algorithms to make informed judgments, contributing to more intelligent and secure urban landscapes.
TechNexion – Smart cameras for pedestrian safety
TechNexion’s cutting-edge embedded cameras power the next generation of smart traffic systems, enhancing safety for passengers and pedestrians and reducing accidents. These innovative systems integrate IoT sensors, embedded cameras, and intelligent lighting to capture, share, and analyze traffic data.
TechNexion’s camera solutions are tailor-made for traffic management and pedestrian safety systems with key features such as:
- High resolution: up to 4K
- High dynamic range
- Digital zoom
- NIR sensitivity for night vision
- High frame rate
To integrate next-gen cameras into your smart traffic system, contact us today.