The Benefits of AI-based Video Surveillance Solutions for Sports Venues
Many of the world’s largest stadiums and arenas rely on video technology from Dallmeier. At the heart of this success is the company’s patented Panomera multifocal sensor technology. However, in an era of digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI), requirements extend beyond pure security considerations. In this interview, Steve Hodges, Director of Operations at Dallmeier electronic UK, explains how modern video surveillance can benefit operators, security teams and visitors alike.
Dallmeier
Dallmeier is one of the world’s leading suppliers of video technology for stadiums. What makes your solution so special?
The decisive advantage lies in our patented Panomera technology. Unlike conventional cameras, the Panomera system combines several sensors with different focal lengths. This means that even large areas, such as grandstands, spectator areas and outdoor facilities, can be monitored in high resolution with just a few systems. Every area can be viewed in detail at all times, with consistent image quality across the entire scene, both live and in recordings. This enables subsequent forensic analysis to identify offenders and help the club avoid penalties, for example if pyrotechnics have been set off.
As significantly fewer camera systems are required than with conventional technology, installation, infrastructure and personnel costs are considerably reduced. At the same time, the efficiency of security personnel is increased, as they can react more quickly and in a more targeted manner.
Panomera technology produces impressive images. But what about artificial intelligence? Does it already play a role in your systems?
Absolutely. AI is integrated into our Panomera cameras. They are equipped with an intensively trained neural network that analyses captured images in high resolution and reliably classifies defined objects — for example, people or vehicles — in real time. This data is transmitted alongside the video stream to the Dallmeier recording system. There, it is available to the integrated EdgeAnalytics apps, which derive useful information from it depending on the application — for example, to recognise direction or dwell times. This means that our systems cannot only see, but also “interpret”: for example, they can recognise whether an object is a person or a vehicle, and whether someone is moving in the “wrong” direction or lingering longer than usual in a sensitive location. This increases security and makes the work of security officers much easier.
And what if stadium operators want to get even more out of their video technology – for example, to optimise operational processes?
That’s where, for example, our AI High Resolution Counting App comes in. It’s the perfect add-on for stadium operators looking to expand their existing systems with additional AI capabilities – easily, quickly and without major investment. The app analyses high-resolution video data in real time and provides information on the number of people or vehicles within defined zones. Depending on the camera model, up to 4,000 objects can be reliably detected and classified simultaneously!
What specific advantages does this offer in everyday life at the stadium?
Many. For instance, the app can show in real time how full a stand or waiting area is. This provides significant added value for security teams, enabling them to respond to overcrowding or bottlenecks at an early stage. For operators, it means better planning and management of visitor flows, more efficient deployment of staff and optimised routing.
Another example: At half-time, long queues often form at the catering stands. Our queuing solution can show where it is particularly busy at any given time, enabling targeted visitor guidance and short-term capacity adjustments. The app is also ideal for outdoor areas, as it recognises not only how full a car park is, but also whether there is a backlog on the access routes.
What is the difference between the High Resolution Counting App and the people-counting feature that is already available on the cameras as standard?
One key advantage is the quality of the detection. Conventional systems often use neural networks that are trained to recognise people when they are nearly fully visible. However, in practice, for example in stadium stands, people are often only partially visible or overlapping. Our HiRes Counting App delivers meaningful results even in these conditions because it was specially developed for such complex scenarios.
Do you need to replace existing cameras?
No, that’s the beauty of our solution! The HiRes Counting App can be easily installed on existing Dallmeier cameras and is compatible with all Domera RDF6000 series cameras, as well as Panomera S/W 4 and 8 cameras from MK2. No new hardware, cabling or major conversion is required. This keeps the investment manageable and the implementation quick and straightforward — true to the motto: upgrade instead of replacement.
How can stadium operators keep track of all the AI data?
A central component in this process is our SeMSy Hemisphere management platform. It seamlessly aggregates and visualises all relevant AI data – whether originating from Dallmeier systems or third-party solutions – and makes it readily available for further processing.
With its modular architecture, SeMSy Hemisphere enables operators to tailor their setup precisely, selecting the specific video management, data handling, AI analytics, and front-end applications they need to meet their unique operational requirements.
You mentioned third-party systems – does that mean a stadium can also integrate its own AI tools or external solutions?
Our systems are open and modular. Thanks to standardised interfaces, AI solutions from other manufacturers can be seamlessly integrated — both individually and with a view to the future. We are already working with strong technology partners: Deep Impact provides powerful face recognition for analysing individual movements in the stadium and for automated employee recognition at access points, for example. ikara offers visitor management solutions such as queue management, automated access control, heat mapping and customer experience, all of which are centrally controlled via a web-based dashboard. In combination with LiDAR technology from Saimos, we can carry out precise real-time analyses of people and vehicle movements, including counting, occupancy, heat mapping and statistics.
The result is a flexible system that complements existing infrastructures and opens up new potential for greater security, efficiency, and visitor satisfaction.
In summary: AI is making video technology even smarter?
That’s right. Video surveillance has long been about more than just security. Thanks to intelligent functions such as Dallmeier’s HiRes Counting App, stadium operators can organise their processes more efficiently, control visitor flows optimally and increase security further, all with the greatest possible flexibility and future-proofing.
