Enhancing security and privacy: the advantages of Time-of-Flight people counters
In this article, we’ll explore the unique advantages of Time-of-Flight people counters over camera-based and other counting technologies, especially concerning security.
Understanding Time-of-Flight people counting technology
Time-of-Flight people counters operate on the principle of measuring the time taken by emitted light to bounce back after hitting objects, including people. This enables the system to accurately determine the distance of individuals from the sensor, facilitating reliable and precise people counting.
Enhanced privacy protection
One of the primary concerns with camera-based people counting systems is the potential invasion of privacy. Cameras capture visual data, and even with privacy filters, it’s challenging to ensure anonymity fully. In contrast, Time-of-Flight people counters rely solely on measuring distance, eliminating the need for capturing sensitive visual information. As a result, individuals’ identities are preserved, reducing privacy infringement concerns. This means that ToF people counters from Terabee are fully GDPR-compliant.
Immunity to lighting conditions
Camera-based systems heavily depend on ambient lighting conditions to produce clear and accurate images. In poorly lit or overexposed areas, the accuracy of camera-based counting can diminish significantly. Time-of-Flight people counters, however, are unaffected by lighting variations. The emitted light from the sensor is independent of the environment’s illumination, ensuring consistent performance and minimizing false counts.
Counting accuracy
Camera-based systems may encounter challenges when individuals are partially or fully obstructed by objects, leading to undercounts or overcounts. Time-of-Flight counters excel in handling these scenarios, as the emitted light can penetrate and detect objects even if they are partially hidden from view. This results in a more accurate and reliable counting mechanism. Read more about how Terabee measures the accuracy of it’s people counting devices here.
No facial recognition exploitation
The integration of facial recognition technology with camera-based people counters has raised concerns about potential misuse and data breaches. By using non-camera technology, and never capturing video or images of the people being counted, Time-of-Flight devices mitigate the risks associated with unauthorized identity tracking and abuse of personal information.
Resilience to camera tampering
Camera-based people counting systems are vulnerable to tampering, where malicious actors can obstruct or manipulate camera views, leading to inaccurate counts or complete system failure. Time-of-Flight counters which don’t rely on visual data, ensure a robust and reliable counting solution.
Compliance with data regulations
The use of camera-based systems often includes handling, storing, and securing visual data appropriately.
Time-of-Flight counters, which do not capture visual information, simplify the compliance process, making it easier to comply with complex data regulations.
Terabee’s secure accurate Time-of-Flight people counters
Terabee, who design and manufacture their people counting sensors in the EU, offer the People Counting L-XL LoRa device which uses LoRaWAN, eliminating the need to install Ethernet cables or connect to the main IT system. It is also available in a PoE model. This is a highly accurate solution to gather people counting data at large doors, entrances and indoor gates.
Its smaller sibling, the People Counting M, also available in PoE and LoRa models, is suitable for standard doors and narrow corridors, such as in meeting rooms and waiting areas.
Contact us to speak to an expert about your people counting challenges and requirements. Get in touch to find out more!
If you would like to learn how to deploy people counting solutions in your facility, whether it’s a campus or another type of building, contact a member of the Terabee team today.
