Seeing Computer Vision Come to Life in Singapore
Computer vision solutions that Singapore is using every day in 2023
There’s no greater feeling than the rush of excitement that flows through you when you see things you work on day in and day out being used in real-time by everyone like it’s completely normal. I recently traveled to Singapore and had a few moments of awe and realization that computer vision truly does have a place in our future. Here are those moments for you:
Automated Immigration Clearance aka The Singapore Automated Clearance System (SAC)
My first footsteps into Singapore where welcomed by automated Immigration lanes that used Image Processing and OCR to scan my passport and retrieve my details from a database. The gated lane also took my thumbprint and a picture before letting me into the country, and I was already buzzing with wonder. So, how does this work? Isn’t immigration supposed to be reminding yourself that you aren’t carrying drugs and countless minutes spent on tired feet in long lines?
When you scan your passport, this in turn, triggers a biometric verification process. The SAC gate uses facial recognition technology to match their face with the facial image stored in the system during enrollment. If your identity is verified, the SAC gate opens, and you can proceed to collect your luggage and exit the airport. The entire process takes only a few seconds and is very straightforward.
The Need for Speed
On the taxi ride from the airport to the hotel, the taxi driver explained why he’d slow down at particular crossroads and lights because cameras were monitoring the road for overspeeding violations and crossing red lights. He even pointed out the cameras at one signal and was joking that if not, he’d never slow down.
Car overspeeding and crossing red lights can be detected by these traffic cameras because they are equipped with specialized technology. A combination of sensors, image recognition software, and algorithms are used to monitor traffic flow and detect any violations of traffic laws.
When a car is detected speeding or crossing a red light, the camera captures a series of images or videos of the vehicle. The image recognition software then analyzes these images to determine the vehicle’s speed and whether it entered the intersection during a red light.
Once a violation is detected, the system can automatically issue a citation to the vehicle’s registered owner. This automated system helps enforce traffic laws and improve road safety by discouraging reckless driving.
Beyond the automated system, the taxi driver was also quick to let us know about demerit points. Demerit points are allotted based on the offense and drivers are allowed up to a certain number of demerit points (based on how long they have been driving) in a year before they have their license revoked. There really are no loopholes.
Patrol Robots
While site-seeing and hitting different tourist sports, I bumped into a robocop on my way to the bathroom after riding the Singapore Flyer. After being caught off gaurd, and walking well around the patrol robot. I learned that these robots are deployed in various public spaces, such as parks and housing estates, to patrol and monitor the area.
They are equipped with advanced sensors and cameras to detect and respond to suspicious activity. They can also communicate with human operators in real time, allowing quick and efficient responses to security threats.
In addition to security monitoring, these robots can perform various other functions, such as providing information to the public, conducting environmental monitoring, and even performing cleaning tasks.
The use of patrol robots in Singapore is part of a larger initiative to leverage technology and innovation to improve the country’s overall quality of life. By deploying these robots in public spaces, Singapore hopes to create a safer and more secure environment for residents and visitors alike.
Jokes aside, the robot cop still has a long way to go. I’m pretty sure Singapore agrees as well, and that’s why the robot had a little sign that explained it was undergoing trials and testing.
See you later, Singapore.
A little sad to be leaving, happy to be heading back home, and excited to get back to work on computer vision. I left Singapore through the automated immigration gates once more. Singapore’s adoption of computer vision technology left me optimistic about how it can be used to improve various aspects of life, from public safety to environmental monitoring. As technology continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see further applications of computer vision in Singapore and around the world.
