--- title: "Operating remotely: using cameras as sensor (CAMAAS)" date: 2020-05-14T13:02:00-04:00 author: jessica napert canonical_url: "https://www.bbaconsultants.com/es-cl/publications/operating-remotely-using-cameras-as-sensor-camaas" section: Publications --- Operating a remote site is quite challenging when the telecommunications bandwidth is limited, especially when using CCTV cameras to monitor critical equipment or processes. Process cameras are normally installed in strategic locations to indicate spills, blockage, or to ensure product quality or specifications. In some cases, there are so many cameras that it makes it impossible for operational personnel to optimally use them. Result: Cameras and digital video recorders are not used to their fullest potential. 1. ## Enhances images taken by cameras The solution is to use the cameras as a sensor. This means converting the image into a status or value that can be interfaced with SCADA/HMI for alarming, trending and even control. In order to reduce bandwidth usage, a snapshot of the equipment or process condition is captured by the camera, and the value or status is recorded in the historian. This information is transmitted to the local or remote SCADA system at the same time so the operator can take the appropriate action. For example, a standard process camera using deep learning algorithms can help improve ore crushing operations. ## Acquires a variety of images The quality of the data analysis is based on a certain quantity of images taken under various process operations and environmental changes, such as dust levels and lighting changes. Some manufacturers offer the shelf-vision system that provides similar results. However, most are packaged in a stand-alone solution for each application, with different technologies. Using existing camera infrastructure combined with artificial intelligence can provide an integrated solution. If humans can make decisions based on the image displayed by the camera, a vision system, combined with artificial intelligence, can do the same for all cameras at the same time. ## How does it work? 1. Acquires the images 2. Preprocesses and prepares the images 3. Selects an appropriate machine learning model 4. Trains the selected model 5. Validates and tests the trained model 6. Enhances the noise robustness of the model 7. Deploys the model and integrates the status and indication with the SCADA/HMI 8. Implements closed loop control, when applicable 2. [ ![Body Image Blog S Benoit Remote CAMAAS EN 1 1](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/Publications/Body-Image-Blog-SBenoit-Remote-CAMAAS_EN_1.1.png) ](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/Publications/Body-Image-Blog-SBenoit-Remote-CAMAAS_EN_1.1.png) 3. ## Conclusion Cameras can be valuable when turned into a sensor and integrated into the SCADA system. Not only does it provide real-time information, but it also records in the historian for advanced analytics. Feel free to contact our BBA experts to help you use your cameras as sensors. This content is for general information purposes only. All rights reserved ©BBA 1. ![Serge Benoit](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/2791/Serge-Benoit.webp) Serge Benoit, P.Eng. Principal Advisor, Automation [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/serge-benoit-b9a17837/) - [ 17 ago 2026 Structural engineering early phase: unlocking value through early decisions - ![Nicolas Samson](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/197852/Nicolas-Samson.webp) Nicolas Samson, P.Eng. Senior Engineer, Structural ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/es-cl/perspectivas/structural-engineering-early-phase-unlocking-value-through-early-decisions "Structural engineering early phase: unlocking value through early decisions") - [ 12 ago 2026 Four mistakes that can harm the future performance of industrial assets - ![Caroline provost](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/208557/Caroline-provost.webp) Caroline Provost P.Eng. Director, Operational Strategy Implementation ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/es-cl/perspectivas/four-mistakes-that-can-harm-the-future-performance-of-industrial-assets "Four mistakes that can harm the future performance of industrial assets") - [ 27 jul 2026 Minería y metalurgia Por qué las decisiones tempranas sobre relaves definen el desempeño de la mina a largo plazo - ![Geraldine Cosset](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/206707/Geraldine-Cosset.webp) - ![Jared Purdy](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/212424/Jared-Purdy.webp) ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/es-cl/perspectivas/las-decisiones-sobre-relaves-definen-desempeno-mina-a-largo-plazo "Por qué las decisiones tempranas sobre relaves definen el desempeño de la mina a largo plazo") - [ 02 jul 2026 Minería y metalurgia Python: Una herramienta clave para el análisis de datos en el procesamiento de minerales - ![Charles Blais](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/211197/Charles-Blais.webp) - ![Juan Pablo Vergara](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/211266/Juan-Pablo-Vergara.webp) ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/es-cl/perspectivas/python-una-herramienta-clave-para-analisis-datos-en-procesamiento-minerales "Python: Una herramienta clave para el análisis de datos en el procesamiento de minerales") [ Ver todo ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/es-cl/perspectivas "Ir a la página del listado de Publications") Pensemos más [ Póngase en contacto con nosotros ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/es-cl/p%C3%B3ngase-en-contacto-con-nosotros) Operating a remote site is quite challenging when the telecommunications bandwidth is limited, especially when using CCTV cameras to monitor critical equipment or processes. Process cameras are normally installed in strategic locations to indicate spills, blockage, or to ensure product quality or specifications. In some cases, there are so many cameras that it makes it impossible for operational personnel to optimally use them. Result: Cameras and digital video recorders are not used to their fullest potential. 1. ## Enhances images taken by cameras The solution is to use the cameras as a sensor. This means converting the image into a status or value that can be interfaced with SCADA/HMI for alarming, trending and even control. In order to reduce bandwidth usage, a snapshot of the equipment or process condition is captured by the camera, and the value or status is recorded in the historian. This information is transmitted to the local or remote SCADA system at the same time so the operator can take the appropriate action. For example, a standard process camera using deep learning algorithms can help improve ore crushing operations. ## Acquires a variety of images The quality of the data analysis is based on a certain quantity of images taken under various process operations and environmental changes, such as dust levels and lighting changes. Some manufacturers offer the shelf-vision system that provides similar results. However, most are packaged in a stand-alone solution for each application, with different technologies. Using existing camera infrastructure combined with artificial intelligence can provide an integrated solution. If humans can make decisions based on the image displayed by the camera, a vision system, combined with artificial intelligence, can do the same for all cameras at the same time. ## How does it work? 1. Acquires the images 2. Preprocesses and prepares the images 3. Selects an appropriate machine learning model 4. Trains the selected model 5. Validates and tests the trained model 6. Enhances the noise robustness of the model 7. Deploys the model and integrates the status and indication with the SCADA/HMI 8. Implements closed loop control, when applicable 2. [ ![Body Image Blog S Benoit Remote CAMAAS EN 1 1](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/Publications/Body-Image-Blog-SBenoit-Remote-CAMAAS_EN_1.1.png) ](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/Publications/Body-Image-Blog-SBenoit-Remote-CAMAAS_EN_1.1.png) 3. ## Conclusion Cameras can be valuable when turned into a sensor and integrated into the SCADA system. Not only does it provide real-time information, but it also records in the historian for advanced analytics. Feel free to contact our BBA experts to help you use your cameras as sensors. This content is for general information purposes only. All rights reserved ©BBA