The “Marauder’s Map” from the Harry Potter universe is a fascinating idea, blending magic with technology. While real magic isn’t possible, Arthur C. Clarke reminds us that with technology, we can create our own form of “magic.” This is exactly what Dave from the YouTube channel Dave’s Armoury is doing.
Dave runs a hardware store that has been fitted with an impressive network of 50 cameras for security. These cameras, instead of just recording footage, are part of a high-tech system he developed to track every person in the store using machine vision.
To get started, Dave scans his store with a rover, capturing 3D images. This process generates a massive amount of data. His setup includes a Jetson AGX on the rover and a powerful HP Z8 Fury workstation for processing. The workstation can handle the large files generated during scanning, converting them into a detailed 2D floor plan. This step is about precision and detail, which might leave you wondering if a simple tape measure could have done the job just as well.
Once there’s a reliable map, Dave integrates it with NVIDIA’s advanced Deep Stream software. This technology processes multiple video feeds and allows for accurate tracking of individuals within the store, even understanding their precise positions. The challenge lies in managing so much data, especially with 50 cameras in play. But with two GPUs in his workstation, Dave manages to streamline the process.
In essence, he creates a digital footprint system, reminiscent of the magical map from Harry Potter. It’s a powerful example of how modern computing can mimic fantastical concepts, reflecting Clarke’s idea of magic through technology.
While this system doesn’t identify people by name (which is a relief for privacy advocates), it opens the door to exciting possibilities. Imagine future applications in retail, security, or even personal navigation tools. As technology continues to develop, who knows what else we might be able to achieve?
For those interested in the technical details, you can find more about Dave’s project on YouTube. Here’s a link to a report on how machine vision is transforming retail security for additional context.
Through this blend of creativity and technology, what once seemed like a fantasy is becoming a reality, one innovative step at a time.
