Panasonic enhances network disk recorder with embedded face recognition with age and gender estimation

SECAUCUS, N.J., 14 Dec. 2011. Panasonic System Networks Co. of America in Secaucus, N.J., is introducing an enhanced version of the company's i-PRO SmartHD WJ-NV200 network disk recorder with intelligent functionality that adds age and gender estimation, visitor counting, and other functions to the unit's embedded facial recognition.The enhanced i-PRO SmartHD WJ-NVF20 advanced intelligence expansion kit can add security and business management functions to the Panasonic WJ-NV200 recorders using a firmware update that involves installing a key number.

The WJ-NV200 has embedded real-time face-matching technology, and connects and records as many as 16 network cameras to match registered face images with a face displayed on a live camera feed. The WJ-NVF20 expansion kit also provides approximate age and gender estimation, time of visit, and total count of visitors to a facility where face matching has been configured.

Information can be compiled as color-coded demographics, with weekly reports generated (as charts or graphs) to notify system users of a business's demographic activity. The WJ-NVF20 expansion kit also can be used to compare transactions and measure how many customers made purchases.

Age and gender estimations can help managers determine buying trends and preferences allowing for educated customization of in-store merchandising and advertising. Relative time of visit and visitor count metrics enable managers to understand busy or slow times to schedule employee shifts.

The WJ-NV200 i-PRO SmartHD network disk recorder uses H.264/MPEG-4 and JPEG formats and can display live images simultaneously, and supports high-definition (HD) output. A graphical user interface (GUI) provides mouse operation without the use of a PC.

For more information contact Panasonic online at www.panasonic.com/security.