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Avanti R&D, Inc.
Edge AI camera combines with EnerCera to create security solution to combat car theftExperienced thieves are able to deactivate batteries, rendering security systems useless
Background
California is the site of an increasing number of car thefts and break-ins. According to statistics released by the Los Angeles Police Department, a total of 28,860 criminal offenses were committed in Los Angeles between 1 January and 26 March 2022, an increase of 7.7% in the same period the preceding year. Of these, 12,947 were car thefts or car break-ins, 5.7% more than in the same period the year before.
Problems
Using EnerCera to combat social problems
An employee of US-based technology provider Avanti R&D, Inc.* and a counterpart from NGK who was stationed in the US, were discussing whether it was possible to tackle social problems by combining the two companies’ technologies. The recent spate of car thefts in California made them wonder whether EnerCera could offer a solution.
Break-ins on rise despite ubiquity of car alarms
At present, vehicle immobilizing devices, security cameras and other in-car security features are generally powered by the car’s battery. This means that if that battery is deactivated by an experienced criminal, these security systems will cease to function. The increasing sophistication of the methods used to gain entry into vehicles also means that security systems may not work when they are needed. This issue prompted Avanti and NGK to look at simple ways to capture criminals on video, in the hope that by increasing the arrest rate, it would be possible to reduce overall crime.
Main Issues
The engineers wanted to use unobtrusive miniature cameras to video surveil the thieves.
They needed an AI-controlled camera with ultra-low power consumption that would operate while the car was parked.
They also needed security devices to operate even when the car’s battery had been deactivated.
They wanted a solution that could be installed simply and cheaply.