Profile: The History of Aquatics. (Advertisement).

The Evolution of The Lifeguard's Third Eye

Poseidon -- the benchmark for computer-aided drowning detection systems -- did not begin with the development of computer vision technologies. It began with the recognition of the urgent need for a better, faster means of surveillance and detection in swimming pools. Vision IQ was founded in 1995 with the purpose of developing an electronic drowning detection system.

The Poseidon system is the result of years of research, testing, and collaboration with academic and industry experts and partners. The technology patents behind the operation of Poseidon recognize Vision IQ's achievements in computer vision, including real-time image capture, three-dimensional image analysis, and intelligent interpretation and response to what is "seen." While early applications of computer vision technologies operated solely in controlled, static environments, the Poseidon system is able to work in uncontrolled natural lighting conditions typical of the aquatic setting.

The lifeguard's third eye that never blinks -- Poseidon provides uninterrupted and constant surveillance of the pool, monitoring the movements of swimmers through a network of digital cameras that are linked to an on-site computer. In as little as 10 seconds, the system can alert lifeguards via pagers and an audible and visual workstation alarm when a swimmer is in trouble beneath the surface of the water.

* A life is saved -- At a facility in Europe, the Poseidon system detected an unconscious swimmer at the bottom of the pool. Alerted by the system, the pool's lifeguards intervened immediately and brought the swimmer to the surface just 16 seconds later. The victim, an 18-year-old ...