Your guide to choosing a Time-of-Flight people counting system
However, selecting the right Time-of-Flight people counting system requires careful consideration of several factors. In this article, we will explore key aspects to consider when choosing a ToF people counting system to help you make an informed decision.
Data privacy and anonymity
Personal privacy needs to be a top priority when choosing a people counting solution. While some systems claim to provide anonymity by concealing personal identifying information (PII), such methods are vulnerable to exploitation. People counting devices, such as camera and radio frequency identification (RFID)-based systems, employ anonymization or pseudonymization protocols to protect the privacy of the people they track. Anonymization refers to the process of removing personal identifiable information from data sets.
People counting systems from Terabee avoid personal data handling entirely as they are fundamentally incapable of capturing personally identifying information in the first place. This is accomplished by the use of infrared Time of Flight (ToF) technology. Rather than using cameras, RFID, WiFi sensing, or other technologies that may constitute a privacy risk, Terabee people counter devices emit invisible infrared light pulses and detect the pulses as they reflect off their surroundings.
Terabee Time-of-Flight sensors collect information about the distance of different points in their environment by precisely monitoring the time taken by different parts of the beam of light to reflect back to the sensor. Terabee sensors do not capture personally identifying information about the people they count, nor do they record conventional images, video or sound. They are fully GDPR compliant.
Accuracy
Accurate people counting is essential for reliable data analysis and effective crowd management. When evaluating ToF people counting systems, consider their accuracy levels. Look for systems that have high precision and low error rates. Accuracy can be affected by factors such as lighting conditions, distance, and occlusions. Ensure the system you choose can handle variations in these parameters while maintaining reliable counting accuracy. The people counting algorithm developed by Terabee 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. Terabee people counters provide data with industry leading accuracy.
Environmental adaptability and scalability
Different environments present unique challenges for people counting systems. To ensure accurate counting across various settings, opt for a Time-of-Flight system that can adapt to environmental changes. Consider factors such as lighting conditions (including dimly lit or brightly illuminated spaces), temperature variations, and potential obstructions. Robust systems equipped with advanced algorithms can account for these variables, resulting in accurate counting regardless of the environment.
Time-of-Flight sensors from Terabee are less sensitive to low-light conditions, ambient noise, and interference, making them suitable for use in a wide range of environments.
Consider the scalability of the ToF people counting system to accommodate various space sizes and crowd densities. Determine whether the system can handle high-traffic areas and provide accurate counting even during peak times. Look for systems that offer scalability options, such as the ability to integrate multiple sensors or networked devices, enabling comprehensive coverage across larger areas.
Easy to configure and install on high ceilings, the Terabee People Counting L-XL fits any kind of wide indoor entrance, up to 15 meters in a multi-device setup.
Data analysis and reporting
The collected people counting data is invaluable for analyzing footfall patterns, optimizing operations, and making informed business decisions. Look for Time-of-Flight people counting systems that provide comprehensive data analysis capabilities and reporting functionalities. Ensure that you can extract meaningful insights from the collected data effortlessly. With embedded algorithms producing typical counting accuracy of 98% or better, Terabee people counting systems give real-time and accumulative occupancy level data. You can use the Terabee Cloud API, or have the sensors push people counting data to your platform in real-time to deliver insights on occupancy levels.
Terabee Time-of-Flight people counting
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. It is also available in a PoE model.
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.
