The capabilities of deep learning and AIoT technologies are rapidly evolving, while at the same time users' needs are becoming more fragmented and personalized. This requires broader industry collaboration to meet existing market needs, while attracting more developers and more intelligent solutions. In this effort, Hikvision's HEOP platform has provided a wealth of hardware products along with convenient and efficient integration solutions for enterprises and individuals with algorithm-development capabilities. We recently interviewed Rick Huang, HEOP Product Manager at Hikvision, to talk about the features of the new generation of this platform – HEOP 2.0 – and how it can create more value for our customers.
Q: Rick, what kind of platform is HEOP and why should anyone develop algorithms on it?
A: Hikvision launched HEOP (Hikvision Embedded Open Platform) to support containerized, independent deployment and flexible scheduling of algorithms or components for the sustainable development of AIoT. Hikvision's new products are all being developed on this platform, too. On this unified embedded software platform, all of Hikvision's AIoT equipment will feature the same software foundation. This will prevent incompatibilities between various hardware development and operating environments while supporting function changes in hardware products through software upgrades. Ultimately, it will create a significant improvement in development efficiency. In addition, partners can conduct more efficient iterative development of intelligent functions of AIoT equipment based on HEOP 2.0, working with Hikvision to create value for customers in new and advanced ways.
HEOP was designed for users to meet those fragmented, smart needs to solve their daily problems more efficiently. For customers, what matters is the simplicity of our development, the integrity of our services, the diversity of open, smart hardware, global marketing channels, and joint business opportunities to follow up on.
Q: What's new in the latest HEOP 2.0 version?
A: Compared with the original HEOP software, HEOP 2.0 makes it much easier for partners to deploy proprietary Deep Learning algorithms on Hikvision edge devices, and to provide more intelligent and tailored applications for end users.
This is made possible by two cutting-edge Hikvision technologies: container technology and the HikFlow algorithm development kit. Hikvision's container technology, also more simply known as just a "container", is a method to package an application so it can be run with its dependencies, isolated from other processes. Hikvision's container technology is lightweight, highly-efficient, and widely compatible. It provides an independent running environment for applications, optimizes the use of hardware resources, and enhances security levels.
HikFlow is the core component of the HEOP platform, allowing third-party developers to run their Deep Learning algorithms on Hikvision devices. Its core advantage lies in support for multiple platforms, rich deep learning-operator generation processes, and multiple algorithms running on the edge.
Q: Which Hikvision hardware products feature HEOP 2.0? Where can it be applied?
A: HEOP 2.0 currently operates on different IP camera series, including fisheye, bullet, dome, and others, as well as thermal products. The products that will be supported very soon also include access control devices, NVRs, and more.
With the support of these hardware products, we can channel more of AIoT's advantages into applications like manufacturing, transportation, agriculture and animal husbandry, retail, finance, and even municipal industries, while bringing more value to customers.
Q: What are some key advantages of HEOP for software development?
A: From the start, our unified and consistent interface helps developers enjoy compatibility across platforms for a variety of products, thanks to our abundant open capabilities. after that, I would say that HEOP 2.0 has two unique strengths that set it apart in the industry. The first is our containerized software architecture – as I mentioned before, it can effectively isolate the resource consumption of each app to ensure security. Second, HikFlow, the cross-platform intelligent algorithm conversion tool, helps customers develop deep learning apps. It lets developers quickly adapt their own AI algorithms with Hikvision hardware, requiring only minimal software development.
Q: What does that mean for product availability?
A: With our excellent containerization technology and powerful HikFlow capabilities, the intelligent app development process becomes faster and less complex. This translates to a quicker go-to-market process. Combine that with superior sales channels and an expanding market share, and Hikvision can bring more opportunities to partners and create more value for joint customers.
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