People counting - Smart building - Technology insights
Role of Time-of-Flight sensors in People Counting
Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensors have proven a revolutionary concept in people counting applications worldwide. With the utmost precision guaranteed and unique considerations in place regarding personal privacy and data protection, ToF sensors can enable people counting solutions which offer superb insights into a variety of key business metrics, from periodic footfall to space optimization.
A brief introduction to People Counting sensors
The inherent value of people counting is often overlooked. Research has shown that global businesses are collectively wasting up to $1.5 trillion USD through inefficient use of space. Another study suggested that many businesses could effectively reduce their workspace by up to 30% through smarter utilization of the space available. However, achieving these savings requires a thorough understanding of how space is occupied and used in regular conditions. Counting sensor systems based on ToF excel in this area, but they are still relatively unknown to facility managers.
Some retailers still make use of clickers today; manually tracking footfall to gather data for statistical analysis. Yet this rudimentary technique is limited in both scope and reliability, running the risk of inaccuracies due to human error. As businesses have come to understand the value inherent in the relevant metrics, more sophisticated methods have arisen to assist with people counting in various sectors, including video CCTV with software integration and advanced WIFI capabilities.
In a previous blog post, we explored the potential cost savings – and some of the key technologies, such as thermal cameras, CCTV, stereo cameras and ToF counting cameras, of modern people counting applications:
In a previous blog post, we explored the potential cost savings – and some of the key technologies, such as thermal cameras, CCTV, stereo cameras and ToF counting cameras, of modern people counting applications:
What part do ToF sensors play in People Counting?
Although highly sophisticated, both modern CCTV and WIFI counting systems have problems that are difficult to overcome. The first of these is the issue of privacy. Counting algorithms, such as multi-layer background subtraction, conduct counts based on the color and texture of video feeds. CCTV is common in many commercial and retail installations, but its use is contentious where issues of personal privacy come into play. The second issue concerns the uncertain statistical significance of counts using WIFI management frames.
Consequently, the use of ToF sesnors is nothing short of groundbreaking. They are class-leading technology in people counting solutions, providing simple, anonymous 3D information with complete protection of personal privacy. Fully-compatible with a range of doorway dimensions, ToF sensors offer the most accurate insights into numerous business metrics. In commercial applications, they can assist in a range of analytical observations including conversion rates, customer visit durations, and footfall trends.
Consequently, the use of ToF sesnors is nothing short of groundbreaking. They are class-leading technology in people counting solutions, providing simple, anonymous 3D information with complete protection of personal privacy. Fully-compatible with a range of doorway dimensions, ToF sensors offer the most accurate insights into numerous business metrics. In commercial applications, they can assist in a range of analytical observations including conversion rates, customer visit durations, and footfall trends.
The same metrics can be applied to space optimization applications in busy workspaces and high traffic areas. Recently, we demonstrated the use of ToF counting sensors for people counting in our own offices with outstanding results. They provide actionable data to inform decisions about space utilization, optimization, and future real estate decisions.
ToF People Counting solutions from Terabee
Terabee is a fast-growing sensor manufacturer and supplier based in the EU, with a catalog of high-performance products helping professionals in various sectors acquire the richest data available.
Terabee recently announced the pioneering Terabee People Counting L-XL, a completely unique product designed to satisfy the needs of users across a broad spectrum of industries. Based on a tried-and-tested 3D depth camera using infrared ToF technology, People Counting L-XL is a convenient and accurate solution that allows operators to view and retrieve real-time and historical people counting data directly and with ease.
Also, we offer two ToF counting camera modules enabling technology for people counting applications: The Evo 64px and the Terabee 3Dcam 80x60. Compact and lightweight, the Evo 64px is a high-performance multi-pixel ToF camera module that has been optimized for indoor applications and low-light conditions. Meanwhile, the Terabee 3D Cam 80x60 is a robust solution for people counting, with a large area of detection and two distinct operating modes.
Also, we offer two ToF counting camera modules enabling technology for people counting applications: The Evo 64px and the Terabee 3Dcam 80x60. Compact and lightweight, the Evo 64px is a high-performance multi-pixel ToF camera module that has been optimized for indoor applications and low-light conditions. Meanwhile, the Terabee 3D Cam 80x60 is a robust solution for people counting, with a large area of detection and two distinct operating modes.
If you would like any more information about the dedicated ToF camera modules for people counting available from Terabee, simply contact a member of the people counting team using the link below.
References:
https://www.worldgbc.org/news-media/global-businesses-could-collectively-save-15tn-through-efficient-use-office-space-finds
