Smart building

Time-of-Flight depth sensors: accuracy & personal privacy

Depth sensing aims to change the way digital systems understand real environments to automate processes that would typically require human observation. This requires three closely-linked tasks: data acquisition, processing, and analysis.
Non Camera Time Of Flight Anonymous People Counting

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.

Depth Sensor 3d Camera

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. 

Terabee Time Of Flight People Counting Anonymous Privacy Data

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.

People Counting L Xl Pc M

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.

Related products

Terabee People Flow Counting L-XL

GDPR compliant people counting device. Optimize value and reduce costs from your retail operation, smart building or office space
INTERESTED? CONTACT US
Using advanced Time-of-Flight technology, Terabee People Flow Counting L-XL is GDPR compliant and provides accurate people counting data (98% accuracy or more) by monitoring the number of people entering and exiting doorways or corridors.

Easy to configure and install on high ceilings, the Terabee People Flow Counting L-XL fits any kind of wide indoor entrance, up to 15 meters in a multi-device setup. Our 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.

The solution consists of an IoT people counting device and an optional IoT platform. Two product variations allow transmission of the data via Power over Ethernet or LoRaWAN. Interested? Contact us.

Terabee People Flow Counting M 2.0

Get real-time people counting data for single doorways and narrow corridors
INTERESTED? CONTACT US
Real-time data is the backbone of our modern, fast-paced world especially when it comes to monitoring space usage, occupancy, energy efficiency, security, building performance or tailored services. The Terabee People Flow Counting M 2.0 device is GDPR compliant by design, with a real-time data capability, providing seamless, accurate, and highly effective footfall measurement, at a competitive price.

Using Time-of-Flight technology, the People Flow Counting M 2.0 solution guarantees anonymity in its operations, prioritizing data privacy protection while offering robust, reliable occupancy monitoring.

People Flow Counting M 2.0 is the perfect addition to your Building Management System. The “smaller sibling” of People Flow Counting L-XL, People Flow Counting M 2.0 is designed for smaller doorways and narrow corridors. It comes in both Power over Ethernet (PoE) and LoRa models to best suit your needs.
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