Posted to News on 24th Jun 2020, 09:24
New people-counting SensorApp from SICK
The SICK PeopleCounter is a SensorApp based on a machine learning algorithm: it runs on SICK's MRS1000 3D LiDAR sensor. One or more sensors can be set up to count people at entry and exit points, for example to allow users to control the number of people occupying a pre-defined area in real time. Because the system can reliably detect human contours whilst ignoring other objects, employees, customers and workers are counted accurately as they enter or leave a building, office or other pre-defined place.
The PeopleCounter works by using an on-board algorithm to evaluate the point-cloud data generated by the MRS1000 sensor. The SensorApp also uses data from the MRS1000's four 275 ° scanning layers to determine direction of movement, so the number of people in a monitored area can be updated in real time. The system can identify more than one person in parallel irrespective of their direction (in or out) at a range of up to 3.5m. As it only sees the human outline, the SICK PeopleCounter is able to process data at high speeds and is completely anonymous with no need to detect or record any personal location or identification data. A master/slave mode makes it possible to combine several LiDAR Scanners to track larger areas with multiple entry and exit points, such as shopping centres, airports or stations. With eight multifunctional digital input/output connections on the device, the system can easily be set up to keep track of the number of people via mobile, PC and cloud-based systems, as well as integrating with wider controls or security systems where necessary.
Also available is SICK's Social DistanceGuard App, which works on the SICK TiM 2D LiDAR Sensor to monitor areas where the recommended distance between people must be upheld, for example in a queue, and to provide an alert if they are too close. A warning, in the form of either a light, an audible alarm or a visual signal is triggered whenever the distance between two people falls short of the required minimum. The on-device settings can be used to input or change this distance at any time. The presence of people can be detected and evaluated thanks to the SICK TiM's 270 ° scanning capability which offers a range of up to 25m.
SICK's Neil Sandhu comments: "SICK's rapid response to develop social distance monitoring technologies was enabled by the versatility of the AppSpace software development platform that facilitates the rapid development of plug-and-play solutions. When combined with our programmable, LiDAR scanning technology, the result is simple, self-contained devices that are quick to install, and easy for customers to integrate into wider customer control or monitoring systems. We'd be delighted to hear from any customers who have ideas for further applications that could be adapted to provide technology solutions during the current pandemic."
Learn more about the PeopleCounter SensorApp and the Social DistanceGuard App at www.sick.co.uk.
