Time-of-Flight depth sensors: accuracy & personal privacy
Time-of-Flight depth sensors have proven foundational in the development of unique depth sensors that can perform precise real-time distance imaging for myriad applications.
Depth sensors are now routinely used in advanced human machine interfaces (gesture recognition, motion tracking, etc.), occupancy monitoring and people counting. In this article, Terabee explains the working principles of depth sensors and the responsibilities of depth sensor manufacturers in a world where digital privacy is increasingly important to the general public and regulators looking to preserve data security.
What are depth sensors?
Depth sensors are a form of three-dimensional (3D) range finder, which means they acquire multi-point distance information across a wide Field-of-View (FoV). Standard distance sensing technologies typically measure distance using one or more sensors with comparatively narrow Fields-of-View.
For example, Lidar (light detection and ranging) distance sensors emit a laser or infrared signal with Fields-of-View of up to 2° which offers accurate information regarding a single distance but limited depth data. To obtain an accurate picture with full 3D depth perception, depth sensors must be able to output a matrix of multiple distance readings over a Field-of-View.
Depth sensors from Terabee
Terabee, based in France, designs and manufactures high-performance depth sensors based on Time-of-Flight technology with infrared light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
By emitting a pulse of near infrared light and measuring the time it takes to reflect off the environment and back to the sensor, Terabee people counters calculate depth information about their surroundings.
These people counting solutions, based on Time-of-Flight technology, guarantee privacy protection and GDPR compliance. They do not contain a camera or use camera technology. The result is a low resolution “depth map” where each pixel corresponds to a distance measurement.
Personal privacy guaranteed
One of the key advantages of depth sensors using ToF technology is that the data they generate is anonymous. Because these sensors don’t rely on cameras or other identifying technology, they don’t capture personal information or invade someone’s privacy. The people counter solutions simply count the number of individuals passing through a given area, without storing any personal data or images. Read more about people counting devices GDPR compliance.
Depth sensors in people counters
Based on a tried-and-tested 3D depth sensors using infrared ToF technology, People Counting L-XL, for wide entrances and doorways, is a convenient and accurate solution that allows operators to view and retrieve real-time and historical people counting data directly and with ease.
This results in highly accurate people counting data, up to 98% accuracy for People Counting L-XL, while not capturing any distinguishing features or personal identifiable information (PII).
People Counting M, designed for standard doors and meeting rooms, uses the same depth sensing technology
Discover our 3D people counter sensors
If you would like to learn more about Terabee depth sensors, simply contact a member of the team using the link below.
