Choosing a Time-of-Flight people counting system: A comprehensive guide
Understanding Time-of-Flight technology
Time-of-Flight technology measures the time it takes for a beam of light to travel to an object and back to the sensor. This allows for precise distance measurements and the ability to detect the presence and movement of people. Time-of-Flight people counter systems typically use infrared light to ensure accurate readings.
Data privacy and compliance
Ensure that the ToF people counting system adheres to data privacy regulations and industry standards. Look for systems that do not collect or store any personal identifiable information (PII). Terabee Time-of-Flight people counting solutions are privacy-friendly and GDPR compliant by design.
Moreover, the Terabee Time-of-Flight People Counting devices do not contain a camera and therefore the data that is captured does not need to go through pseudonymization and anonymization steps. Systems that use such methods will first capture personal identifying data from the people they count. RFID-based systems may capture an employee ID number, for example, while camera-based people counting systems typically capture footage of faces and clothing.
This information will then be masked, encrypted, stored in an inaccessible location, and deleted to mitigate privacy risks. While these systems may be theoretically sound, they are fundamentally insecure in real-life implementations. Terabee Time-of-Flight people counters do not collect any personal identifying data.
Accuracy and reliability
When selecting a Time-of-Flight people counting system, accuracy and reliability are paramount. Look for systems that offer high accuracy rates, minimizing false counts and errors. Factors that contribute to accuracy include advanced algorithms, robust sensor technology, and the ability to handle various lighting conditions and crowd densities.
Terabee people counters provide data with industry leading accuracy. The Terabee people counting algorithm is capable of filtering out static objects and counting multiple people passing in both directions below the device as they enter or leave a space. See more here.
Scalability and flexibility
Choose a Time-of-Flight footfall monitoring or people counting system that can scale according to your needs. Consider the number of sensors the system can accommodate and whether it can cover the desired area effectively.
Additionally, a flexible system should allow for easy expansion or reconfiguration as your requirements evolve. Terabee people counting solutions come ready for discrete installation above conventional to large doors or passageways. They combine GDPR compliant design, smart data integration, wireless connectivity, and flexible installation (PoE or LoRa models).
With its ability to aggregate data taken from up to five separate sensors, the People Counting L-XL device, from Terabee, offers scalability, easy installation and configuration.
User-friendly analytics and reporting
Consider the analytics and reporting capabilities of the Time-of-Flight people counting system. Look for systems that provide user-friendly interfaces, real-time data visualization, and comprehensive reporting features. These elements will enable you to derive meaningful insights and make informed business decisions. Terabee people counters are optimized for easy software and hardware integration with an optional analytics portal.
Choosing the right Time-of-Flight people counting system requires careful consideration of accuracy, reliability, integration capabilities, scalability, data privacy, and analytics. By evaluating these factors and referring to reputable sources, you can select a ToF system that meets your specific requirements, ultimately enhancing your operational efficiency and decision-making capabilities.
Time-of-Flight People counter solutions from Terabee
Terabee, who manufacture their flagship 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. This makes it an ideal solution for historic buildings, as the LoRa-enabled solution avoids the need to retrofit Ethernet cabling, which can be both expensive and time-consuming.
It is a highly accurate solution to gather data on people flow 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 today!
If you would like to learn how to deploy people counting solutions in your facility, contact a member of the Terabee team.
