ONVIF, the Open Network Video Interface Forum, developed several profiles to ensure that different devices can work together seamlessly, and one of the latest is Profile M. Profile M is designed specifically for managing and sharing metadata and analytics between various security devices and video management systems (VMS). It provides a standardized way for devices such as cameras, video analytics tools, and management systems to communicate valuable data, enhancing the overall effectiveness of surveillance systems.
Meaning
ONVIF Profile M is a specification focused on the handling of metadata and video analytics in security systems. Metadata refers to additional information that is attached to video streams, which can include data like motion detection, object recognition, license plate reading, and even facial recognition.
With the rise of intelligent surveillance systems, video analytics is no longer just about capturing and storing footage but also about interpreting and analyzing real-time data. Profile M allows different devices to generate, share, and process metadata uniformly across various platforms. This standardization ensures that cameras, sensors, and video management software (VMS) from different manufacturers can communicate with each other seamlessly, providing security operators with detailed insights from the video feeds.
In simpler terms, Profile M is what allows your cameras and systems to not only capture video but also to detect important events or patterns — such as a person crossing a security line, or an unattended object — and share that data across your network.
ONVIF profiles
| ONVIF Profile | Focus | Key Functionalities |
|---|---|---|
| Profile S | Video Streaming | - Video and audio streaming - PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) control - Event handling for video surveillance systems |
| Profile G | Edge Storage | - Video recording, searching, and playback - Local storage management for edge devices |
| Profile C | Access Control | - Physical access control systems (PACS) - Credential and door control - Event handling for access systems |
| Profile A | Advanced Access Control | - Access control configuration - User and credential management - Access policy creation |
| Profile T | Advanced Video Streaming (H.265) | - Support for H.265 and H.264 video encoding - Motion detection - Metadata streaming (e.g., heat maps) |
| Profile Q | Quick Device Setup | - Fast, easy device installation - Discovery, configuration, and management for quick system setup |
| Profile M | Metadata and Analytics | - Metadata streaming - Video analytics (e.g., object detection, behavior analysis) |
| Profile D | Access Control for Door Units | - Door entry systems and intercoms - Communication between video intercoms and PACS |
This table summarizes the core purpose and capabilities of each ONVIF profile, helping security integrators choose the right profile for their surveillance and access control needs.
Video
Specification
Profile M outlines specific functionalities and standards for how metadata and video analytics are generated, shared, and utilized across various systems. Below are the key specifications that define Profile M:
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Metadata Streaming: One of the main features of Profile M is its ability to support real-time metadata streaming. This means that metadata, such as motion events, object detection, or analytics results, can be transmitted alongside video streams. The metadata can then be used to trigger specific actions or be analyzed further within a video management system (VMS). For example, a camera can detect a person in a restricted area, and the metadata from this event can be sent to the VMS, which may trigger an alarm or a notification.
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Event-based Metadata: Profile M allows systems to attach metadata to specific events. This event-based metadata can include information such as object detection (e.g., vehicles, people), behavior detection (e.g., loitering, abandoned objects), or even license plate recognition. Security teams can use this metadata to monitor specific incidents or create automated responses to certain events. For example, when a license plate recognition system detects a particular vehicle, Profile M can send that metadata to the VMS, which can automatically log the event or alert the security team.
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Support for Analytics Data: Another crucial aspect of Profile M is its support for video analytics. Many modern surveillance systems include cameras or sensors capable of running video analytics algorithms to detect specific behaviors or objects. Profile M ensures that the results of these analytics can be shared across the network in a standardized format. This includes data such as intrusion detection, object tracking, facial recognition, or even heat mapping, which provides insights into areas with higher activity levels.
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Interoperability: One of the core principles of all ONVIF profiles is interoperability between devices from different manufacturers. Profile M allows cameras and systems from different brands to communicate their metadata and analytics results in a unified manner. This means that organizations can choose video analytics devices or software from one manufacturer and still integrate them with cameras or management systems from another, ensuring flexibility and avoiding vendor lock-in.
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Tagging and Bookmarking: Profile M supports the ability to tag or bookmark certain events based on metadata. This feature allows security teams to quickly locate important footage based on specific events or analytics data. For instance, if a camera detects motion in a restricted area, that event can be tagged, making it easier for the security operator to search and review that specific event later. This is particularly useful for large systems where manually reviewing hours of footage would be inefficient.
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Scalability: Profile M is designed to be scalable, meaning it can be used in both small and large surveillance systems. Whether a security system is made up of a few cameras or hundreds of cameras generating massive amounts of metadata, Profile M ensures that metadata can be processed and shared across all devices in a standardized manner. This allows organizations to scale their systems as needed without having to worry about compatibility or performance issues.
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Alarm and Notification Integration: Profile M supports the integration of metadata with alarms and notifications. When certain events or analytics triggers are detected, the system can generate notifications or alarms based on the attached metadata. For example, if an object is left unattended for too long in a sensitive area, the system can send a notification to the security team or trigger an alarm, ensuring that the incident is dealt with quickly.
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Integration with Other ONVIF Profiles: Profile M is designed to work in conjunction with other ONVIF profiles, such as Profile S (for video streaming) and Profile T (for advanced video streaming, including H.265 compression). This ensures that metadata and video can be streamed and processed together. For instance, a camera streaming live video through Profile S can simultaneously send analytics metadata through Profile M, providing a complete solution for both video and analytics.
By following these specifications, ONVIF Profile M provides a comprehensive framework for managing and utilizing metadata and video analytics within security systems. This allows organizations to improve their surveillance capabilities by not only capturing footage but also making sense of the data in real-time, leading to faster, more informed security decisions.
