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In recent times, the allure of intelligent security solutions has surged dramatically. Currently, the global security market boasts an astonishing value of $300 billion USD. Despite a slight contraction projected for the video surveillance camera sector in 2020, China's investment in the video surveillance market is experiencing an accelerated resurgence. According to Omdia, by 2024, the Chinese smart video surveillance market is projected to reach an impressive $16.7 billion USD, showcasing a robust average annual growth rate of 9.5% from 2019 to 2024.

As we delve into the current landscape, it's evident that both the front-end and back-end components of video surveillance systems have seamlessly embraced intelligence. The front-end has undergone a "smart" evolution, while the back-end has embarked on a journey toward becoming "cloud-centric." This transformative journey has culminated in the formation of three essential tiers: "edge nodes," "edge domains," and the central "cloud." This amalgamation of cloud and edge represents a pioneering trend that's reshaping the contours of the security industry.

**The Current Landscape of Smart Camera Market**

In the panoramic view of the security domain, conventional non-intelligent cameras retain the lion's share, overshadowing intelligent counterparts that comprise less than 12%. However, the trajectory ahead is steeped in the ascent of intelligent cameras. These cameras serve as the sensory epicenter in the age of intelligent security, catalyzing multifarious applications that demand real-time perception of multidimensional data. This synthesis with other sensory devices forges a holistic, multidimensional holographic perception ecosystem. Simultaneously, these cameras are metamorphosing into micro-data centers that seamlessly integrate audio capture, intercom facilities, atmospheric data sensing apparatus, 4G/5G wireless transmission modules, and storage devices. This symphony of data is meticulously harmonized and excavated for invaluable insights.

Moving to Q3 2020, the security industry in China posted a business climate index of 144 – a year-on-year decrease of 9%, but a noteworthy month-on-month upswing of 20%. This uptick can be attributed to the gradual containment of the pandemic and the stimulatory impetus from novel infrastructure initiatives. Endeavors such as the "Bright Project," smart communities, and the rejuvenation of aged urban precincts are poised to furnish incremental growth to the market. The climate surrounding security engineering sales (domestic) has perceptibly ameliorated.

Presently, AI-potentiated security hardware has transcended from a handful of units to an extensive array, with applications in urban governance, intelligent transportation, and the "Bright Project." This confluence of security with AI has transcended its nascent stage.

Within the Chinese smart video surveillance market, fresh entrants have emerged. AI-driven entities and tech behemoths such as BAT have secured a slice of the market share from smaller video surveillance manufacturers. However, the landscape of financing and investment within the AI industry has exhibited a precipitous downturn in 2019. This, in turn, has fueled consolidation in the supply of video surveillance equipment, with the triumvirate of Hikvision, Dahua, and Uniview commanding 59% of the market's revenue.

**Evolution of Intelligent Camera Technology**

In 2010, the total revenue of China's security industry skyrocketed to 235 billion yuan, embarking on an ascending trajectory year after year. By 2013, this figure soared to 380 billion yuan. This momentum was sustained, culminating in a total revenue of 540 billion yuan in 2016. By the close of 2017, the number of security enterprises in China hovered around 21,000, with the total revenue surging beyond 600 billion yuan. This was accompanied by an average annual growth rate of 14.4%. The industry contributed an added value of 196 billion yuan, reflecting an average annual growth rate of 12.7%. In 2018, the industry's total revenue surged to approximately 667.8 billion yuan. Projections place China's security industry on a trajectory to surpass 800 billion yuan by 2020, with an estimated figure of 821.2 billion yuan.

After a decade of relentless development, the domestic video surveillance system has undergone an explosive expansion. The diversity of front-end collection devices has burgeoned, leading to the accumulation of voluminous, multidimensional data (encompassing vehicular data, facial data, and more). Extracting value from this wealth of data necessitates the prowess of AI computer vision (CV) technology. As of 2018, CV technology had transitioned into full commercial viability, ushering in significant advancements in facial recognition, human recognition, license plate recognition, and vehicle identification.

The concept of "Smart Cities" harnesses cutting-edge information technologies like the Internet of Things, cloud computing, big data, and spatial geographic information integration. This approach propels the intelligent transformation of urban planning, construction, management, and service delivery. Recent years have witnessed the establishment of standardized frameworks for smart cities, coupled with the maturation of AI technologies, paving the way for swift progress in the realm of intelligent urban development.

On March 4, 2020, during a meeting of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, a resounding emphasis was placed on accelerating key projects and foundational infrastructure as outlined in the national plan. This encapsulated a stride forward in new infrastructure elements such as 5G networks, industrial internet, and AI. Elements of this "new infrastructure" – spanning 5G, intercity high-speed railways, new energy vehicles and charging infrastructure,