Technology Overview

Poseidon is an intelligent solution that uses proprietary computer vision technology to give lifeguards the tool they need to help them with the toughest part of their jobs: maintaining constant pool surveillance. Through sophisticated monitoring of swimmers' trajectories, the system can alert lifeguards in the event of a dangerous situation and help them initiate a rescue more quickly.

Computer vision technologies have been in development for more than two decades, enabling the first computers to “see” so that they can do things like inspecting parts in manufacturing processes. However, these applications have been very limited, since they only work in highly constrained environments where camera position and lighting can be tightly controlled.

Thanks to significant advances in commodity hardware and image processing technologies, Poseidon has been able to free computer vision from its industrial confines and apply the technology in natural, constantly changing environments. The system and its components represent fundamental breakthroughs in computer vision technology, including real-time image processing, light-condition-independent computer vision, and three-dimensional image analysis.
 

The Software

Utilizing complex mathematical algorithms and state-of-the-art computer advances, Poseidon uses patented Camera Abstraction Layer, ActiVolume™ and TextureScan™ technologies to accurately see what is happening, and make computers act accordingly in real-time.

• ActiVolume
  Analyzes images in real-time provided simultaneously by at least two cameras using stereo-vision techniques to distinguish between shadows and objects.
   
• TextureScan
  Analyzes the texture within the image to detect the presence of a three dimensional body amongst the many patterns present in the background of a scene—regardless of lighting conditions.

These technologies work together to serve as a third eye for human lifeguards.

The Hardware

Poseidon consists of the following components:

• Overhead Cameras (for shallow waters no deeper than 9 feet)
  Mounted above the water's surface, these cameras extend Poseidon's monitoring capabilities to areas of the pool where underwater cameras may be obstructed by swimmers standing in shallow water
  
  
• .Underwater Cameras (for waters deeper than 9 feet)
  High quality digital cameras optimized for use in swimming pools are attached to the pool walls under the water surface. Each camera unit has a combined field of vision exceeding 180°, assuring redundant surveillance over a broad area of the pool.
   
• Central Processor
  Using a high-speed fiber optic network, the cameras are linked to a central processor that analyzes the video feeds in real-time. The computer can identify suspicious situations, such as a slowly sinking or immobile victim, and trigger an alarm. The hard drive records and stores all events that trigger an alarm, and enables previously recorded events to be viewed at any time. The central processor is linked to Poseidon headquarters to allow for system monitoring, upgrades and remote maintenance.
   
• Led panel
  

  The LED display panel displays in real time the location of the swimmer in trouble and the elapsed time since detection. It is also equipped with an audible alarm.  The panel is visible from 100 meters and is constructed of materials that resist corrosion and are water-resistant.
   

• Supervision Workstation
  This workstation serves as the command center for the system. Equipped with an integrated flashing light and buzzer, the workstation has a touch-sensitive screen to select viewing and surveillance options. Passwords limit access to the system and lifeguards can view a particular zone in the pool—even zooming in on a suspicious area.