AI & Deep Learning

Identify Targets in Surveillance Footage Within Minutes: Dahua AcuPick Intelligent Object Search

In most real-world scenarios the primary role of video surveillance across different sites is to support core safety objectives such as detecting theft in time, tracing lost items, or reconstructing the movements of a specific individual. Traditionally this has been a monotonous task for security staff who were required to sift through hours of video material to locate a single event or object. Today modern technology has reduced this process from hours to minutes and allows teams to respond to incidents more quickly and effectively. This article focuses on Dahua’s innovative AcuPick function which simplifies and accelerates the identification of critical information within surveillance archives. If you’re already familiar with the technology, feel free to explore the compatible cameras and recorders in our online shop.

Dahua AcuPick Logo and Short Explanation

An Introduction to Dahua AcuPick

Dahua AcuPick is a video search engine designed to swiftly locate and track specific targets within video surveillance recordings. In its basic configuration the technology enables automatic identification and follow-up of a particular person or vehicle using only a single reference image. By focusing on key visual parameters such as shape or color the AcuPick system can automatically locate the specified object across different time segments of captured video. Detection is initiated simply by pausing the footage and selecting the target with one click.

Dahua AcuPick Funktion Darstellung

Today AcuPick has evolved even further. In its latest iteration there is no longer a need to provide a reference image, as AcuPick 2.0 introduces automatic search based on individual attributes and key object characteristics. When it comes to human targets the system supports searches not only by overall appearance but also by specific facial features. It can include or exclude animals, eliminate common false alarms, and operate seamlessly across different devices, offering a range of additional capabilities that make the search process even more flexible and precise.

Evolution of AcuPick Technology

The difference is striking: a task that once stretched over hours can now be completed in minutes while delivering more reliable results. Below we take a closer look at the features and benefits of AcuPick 2.0.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF DAHUA ACUPICK TECHNOLOGY

Quick and Accurate Target Location

AcuPick 2.0 enables rapid target identification through multiple methods, including attribute-based pre-search, intrusion detection enhanced with IVS self-learning technology, and image search prior to activating the AcuPick function.

Pre-search by Attributes

Before AcuPick can be used the target must first be identified. The ideal case is when a reference image is available to serve as a benchmark. In many situations however the exact time and location of the target in the footage are unknown and only a set of descriptive details is available. To handle such cases AcuPick 2.0 offers attribute-based pre-search, allowing users to define criteria based on known characteristics and efficiently retrieve all corresponding matches from the video archive.

Object Search in AcuPick with a reference image and with attributes

Pre-search by Intrusion or Tripwire

AcuPick 2.0 also supports pre-search based on intrusion and tripwire rules. With this feature it is possible to define an irregular intrusion zone or draw a virtual tripwire to filter video clips during preview or playback, which makes it faster and easier to identify any target that enters the designated area. Once the relevant thumbnails are displayed the target can be selected with a single click to immediately activate AcuPick.

AcuPick Search with Intrusion and Tripwire Rules

Rich Search Types

AcuPick 2.0 is capable of searching across different target categories, including people, vehicles, facial characteristics, and animals.

Recent Update: Animal Search

Supporting searches for humans, vehicles, and animals, AcuPick 2.0 combines accurate detection and reliable tracking to enhance security operations across multiple domains.

Objekttypen in AcuPick

Search with Face Recognition

On NVR5-EI2, NVR5-XI, and NVR6-XI models, AcuPick 2.0 can operate alongside face recognition. This combination facilitates the identification and tracking of individuals with suspicious behavior, and if they return to the premises, the system reliably alerts security teams through face recognition.

Face Recognition in AcuPick

Seamless Tracking

AcuPick 2.0 makes it possible to search for target trajectories on a map while also providing batch management of results. This feature allows users to visualize the movement path of a target and rapidly pinpoint and confirm its location.

Based on this Dahua technology, we have developed a Customer Journey solution that enables you to identify customer movement patterns and gain a deeper understanding of visitor behavior on-site. Transform individual trajectory data into valuable business insights with Controlex Customer Journey.

Object Trajectories in AcuPick

Your Advantages in Real-World Scenarios

Property Loss

Asset security is a critical aspect of modern surveillance. When an item goes missing, the situation must be investigated fast to determine the extent of the loss, and recover the asset as efficiently as possible. With AcuPick 2.0, the Pre-search by Intrusion function can instantly retrieve the relevant video footage, helping to pinpoint when and how the incident occurred.

Advantages in this scenario include:

  • Rapid access to incident video material without the need for manual review.
  • Clear identification of the time and manner in which the asset was lost.
  • Prompt issue resolution and recovery of lost property.
  • Reduced workload for the staff through intelligent filtering.

Suspect Tracking

In areas such as narrow passageways with limited foot traffic, both personal safety and asset security can be difficult to guarantee. It is necessary to maintain situational awareness and respond quickly to potential threats. With AcuPick 2.0, the Pre-search by Attributes function can rapidly locate a suspect, while the Target Track Query provides an immediate view of the suspect’s movement path, helping to prevent further harm or loss.

Advantages in this scenario include:

  • Quick identification of suspects based on known attributes.
  • Immediate visualization of movement trajectories on the map.
  • Shorter response times to potential safety incidents.
  • Improved protection of both people and assets through early detection.

Compatible Dahua AcuPick Hardware

Current widely used Dahua models require two types of AcuPick-enabled devices: compatible NVRs and IP cameras.

Dahua IP Cameras Featuring AcuPick

In addition to the standard video stream recorded by all Dahua cameras, AcuPick-enabled IP cameras are equipped with AI algorithms that generate supplementary data for advanced processing. These devices detect objects such as people or vehicles in the frame and create a layer of metadata, which essentially represents information about object characteristics such as type, silhouette, movement, or other attributes. Both the video stream and metadata are transmitted to the NVR, where further processing is performed. A selection of top AcuPick-enabled IP cameras is available in our online shop.

Dahua AcuPick Cameras

Dahua NVRs Featuring AcuPick

The NVR in this system can be considered the central processing unit where the main computation takes place. Both the video stream and the metadata from the cameras are transmitted to the NVR’s database. When a frame with a person or vehicle is selected, the NVR either uses the snapshot for comparison or applies key object attributes to perform a metadata-based search. Instead of scanning the entire archive frame by frame, the system identifies the most accurate matches. Powered by advanced algorithms, the results are of very high quality, providing a list of clips and timestamps where the object appears. Our online shop also offers a selection of compatible NVR models.

Dahua AcuPick NVR

In security practice the need to locate a specific object in recorded footage is a frequent requirement. Relying on surveillance systems without AcuPick is comparable to driving a car with a paper map, where every turn must be verified manually and constant stops are needed to confirm your position, making the process slow and inefficient. With Dahua AcuPick the experience is closer to using a modern navigation system that automatically charts the route and guides you directly to the correct turn. The choice becomes obvious: with Dahua AcuPick you and your team can handle safety issues with greater precision, save valuable time, and focus your attention on more important tasks. We will be glad to provide you with a detailed consultation on this technology and assist with selecting the right devices and technical configuration.

October 9, 2025
Share