Thermal camera that counts on safety

August 2002 Surveillance

Safety in places such as football grounds and night clubs could be improved by a people-counting thermal camera developed by a United Kingdom company called Irisys.

The sensing technology is aimed at bridging the gap between expensive, accurate and high-definition imagers used in sophisticated military applications and the simple, low-cost infrared beam sensors used in homes and offices to trigger automatic doors and turn on lights.

The essential technical difference between these two application extremes is resolution. A military imaging system supports a resolution of more than 100 000 pixels, while the simple intruder detectors and automatic door systems are based on single-element sensors that can only register a change in radiant energy in their field of view.

There are problems in using a technology such as closed circuit television to monitor people going in and out of stations, shops and other public places, especially where accuracy is important.

The Irisys detector counts the number of people in the field of view irrespective of the lighting conditions. It can even find out the speed and direction in which people are moving, their sizes and how long they have been in the field of view.

The equipment (pictured) has a detector array comprising 256 elements formed by a pattern of electrodes on the surface of an electronic chip. It is connected to a silicon chip that controls the output of the detector elements and allows the data to be processed.

A viewing window attached to the detector has a filter that selects the radiation wavelength that falls on the element. Because a human body radiates most intensely around 10 microns, a filter is chosen to let in this radiation to detect people.

Most importantly, the detector is accurate and only responds to changes in temperature. It can detect a temperature change of up to 0,5°C, thereby avoiding individual static objects in view known as 'scene clutter'.

For more information: Dr Steve Hollock, Irisys, 091 327 35 7824, [email protected]





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

Hikvision launches AcuSeek NVR
Surveillance Products & Solutions AI & Data Analytics
By integrating natural language interaction, Hikvision’s AcuSeek NVR enables precise video and image retrieval within seconds, marking a transformative milestone for the security industry's advance into intelligent and efficient applications.

Read more...
2025 video surveillance market set for improved fortunes
News & Events Surveillance
Novaira Insights has unveiled its latest report, World Market for Video Surveillance Hardware and Software – 2025 Edition, forecasting a healthy growth rate of 8,1% until 2029, excluding China.

Read more...
Dallmeier and Hexagon form a technology partnership
Surveillance
Dallmeier and Hexagon have agreed to form a technology partnership, which will see the two companies combine their expertise to develop integrated security solutions for various application areas, particularly critical infrastructures.

Read more...
Analyse, automate, and optimise logistics processes
neaMetrics Surveillance Transport (Industry) Products & Solutions Logistics (Industry)
In today’s rapidly evolving logistics sector, the pressure to improve process efficiency, optimise resource usage, and ensure seamless security is more intense than ever. Smart, proactive surveillance is no longer a luxury — it is a critical operational necessity.

Read more...
Safer spaces through smart surveillance
NEC XON Surveillance
Advances in facial recognition technology are transforming surveillance from a mere recording tool into an intelligent, integrated system that enhances real-time safety, moving beyond the traditional expansion of CCTV efforts.

Read more...
Next generation of AI-powered video telematics
IoT & Automation Surveillance Transport (Industry)
Webfleet, Bridgestone’s fleet management solution in South Africa, has launched Webfleet Video 2.0, an AI-powered solution designed to enhance fleet safety, security, compliance with local regulations and operational efficiency through real-time video insights.

Read more...
Key design considerations for a control room
Leaderware Editor's Choice Surveillance Training & Education
If you are designing or upgrading a control room, or even reviewing or auditing an existing control room, there are a number of design factors that one would need to consider.

Read more...
Smart cities and the role of video security
Surveillance Integrated Solutions
As cities around the world continue to embrace smart technology, including IoT that not only connects to people, but also the surrounding activity, the integration of advanced video security systems is crucial to ensure safety and efficiency in environments.

Read more...
How intrusion protection helps secure O&G operations
Surveillance Perimeter Security, Alarms & Intruder Detection Industrial (Industry)
For O&G operators in Africa, physical security remains one of the biggest considerations, particularly when it comes to perimeter protection and the ability to mitigate intruder-related incidents.

Read more...
Axis secures the Waterfront
Surveillance Entertainment and Hospitality (Industry) Retail (Industry)
Axis Communications shares insight into its longstanding partnership with the V&A Waterfront, one of Africa’s premier retail and mixed-use precincts, through its latest, updated customer success story.

Read more...










While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd. | All Rights Reserved.