Docomo invests in Edge-based IoT video analysis

• The telco is undertaking a proof-of-concept for an IoT solution
• Enables analysis of video data from surveillance cameras using MEC
• Will supplement processing performed in the cloud
• NTT Docomo Ventures makes supporting investment in Cloudian

Japanese telco NTT Docomo has come up with an interesting concept that harnesses the capabilities of multi-access edge computing (MEC), in fact it likes it so much that it has invested in its partner company. The telco is undertaking a proof-of-concept (PoC) for an IoT solution that will enable the interpretation and analysis of video data sourced from surveillance cameras using edge computing. It will supplement processing performed in the cloud to provide better overall data handling capabilities.

Transferring large volumes of video data to the cloud and then processing it all is a lengthy process that places considerable stress on cloud infrastructures and networks. The new solution should offer a way to alleviate these challenges. The PoC will focus on surveillance camera use cases, working with existing cameras connected wirelessly via LTE and removing the need to transmit large quantities of data.

The interpretation and analysis of data from surveillance cameras is becoming ever more important and prolific. Whilst the obvious use case is for general State-wide security, it also has applications that range from quality inspections during manufacturing processes to marketing initiatives at retail stores. Docomo is doubling down on this area with a strategic investment in Cloudian, a Silicon Valley-based company that has developed a compact, high-speed AI data processing device equipped with camera connectivity plus LTE and WiFi capabilities, which facilitates edge AI computing with both indoor and outdoor environments.

Original Press Release: 

DOCOMO to Test IoT-Based Video Capture Leveraging Edge Computing

TOKYO, JAPAN, August 30, 2018:NTT DOCOMO, INC. (DOCOMO) announced today that it has commenced a proof-of-concept (PoC) aimed at realizing a new video IoT solution that will enable the interpretation and analysis of video data sourced from surveillance cameras using edge computing. In connection with this initiative, DOCOMO also announced that it has made a strategic investment in Cloudian, a Silicon Valley-based leader in enterprise object storage systems and developer of the Cloudian AI Box, a compact, high-speed AI data processing device equipped with camera connectivity and LTE / Wi-Fi® capabilities, facilitating edge AI computing with both indoor and outdoor communications. The investment was made through NTT DOCOMO Ventures, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of DOCOMO, and both companies plan to promote solutions utilizing the new technology.

The solution being evaluated will interpret and analyze video data sourced using edge computing, supplementing processing performed in the cloud to provide superior IoT data processing capabilities. As a first step, the PoC will test and evaluate the sourcing of data from surveillance cameras, aiming to develop a solution that uses existing cameras, requires no wired connectivity and does not involve the transmission of large quantities of data.

The interpretation and analysis of video data from surveillance cameras are expected to be deployed in a wide range of scenarios, such as in general security, quality inspections during manufacturing processes, human presence detection, and marketing initiatives at retail stores. Until now, the transfer and processing of large volumes of video data to the cloud was a lengthy process involving significant delays and placing a considerable burden on cloud infrastructures and communication networks. The new solution will aim to address these shortcomings and herald a new era of high speed image recognition and processing accelerated by edge computing.

1) Video IoT Solution Architecture

1. Single Edge Framework

2. Edge-Cloud Linked Framework

2) Equipment

Cloudian AI BOX for internal use

Cloudian AI BOX for external use

3) Cloudian Company Information

Cloudian turns information into insight with a hyperscale data fabric that lets customers store, find and protect data across the organization and around the globe. Cloudian data management solutions bring cloud technology and economics to the data center with uncompromising data durability, intuitive management tools, and the industry's most compatible S3 API. Cloudian and its ecosystem partners help Global 1000 customers simplify unstructured data management today, while preparing for the data demands of AI and machine learning tomorrow.

• Wi-Fi is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance.
• All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.