People counter

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A people counter is a device used to measure the number and direction of people traversing a certain passage or entrance per unit time. The resolution of the measurement is entirely dependent on the sophistication of the technology employed. The device is often used at the entrance of a building so that the total number of visitors can be recorded. Many different technologies are used in people counter devices, such as infrared beams, computer vision, thermal imaging and pressure-sensitive mats.[1]
Contents
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1 Reasons for use

o o o

1.1 Retail 1.2 Occupancy 1.3 Non-profit organizations

2 Technologies

o o o o o

2.1 Tally counter 2.2 Infrared beams 2.3 Computer vision 2.4 Thermal imaging 2.5 Synthetic intelligence

3 References

[edit]Reasons [edit]Retail

for use

There are various reasons for counting people. In retail stores, counting is done as a form of intelligence-gathering. The use of people counting systems in the retail environment is necessary to calculate theconversion rate, i.e., the percentage of a store's visitors that makes purchases. This is the key performance indicator of a store's performance and is superior to traditional methods, which only take into account sales data. Together, traffic counts and conversion rates how a store arrived at sales, e.g., if year-over-year sales are

down, did fewer people visit the store, or did fewer people buy? Accurate visitor counting is also useful in the process of optimizing staff shifts; Staff requirements are often directly related to density of visitor traffic and services such as cleaning and maintenance are typically done when traffic is at its lowest. More advanced People Counting technology can also be used for queue management and customer tracking. Although traffic counting is widely accepted as essential for retailers, it is estimated that less than 25% of major retailers track traffic in their stores.[citation needed] Shopping mall marketing professionals rely on visitor statistics to measure their marketing. Often, shopping mall owners measure marketing effectiveness with sales, and the also use visitor statistics to scientifically measure marketing effectiveness. Marketing metrics such as CPM (Cost Per Thousand) and SSF (Shoppers per Square Foot) are performance indicators that shopping mall owners monitor to determine rent according to the total number of visitors to the mall or according to the number of visitors to each individual store in the mall.
[edit]Occupancy

For safety, public locations are often rated to hold a certain number of people. Accurate people counting is used to ensure that the building is below the safe level of occupancy. Although, no people counting system is 100% accurate and therefore must not be entirely relied upon for the purposes of health & safety, an electronic people counting system offers a relatively accurate means of managing capacity.
[edit]Non-profit

organizations

Many non-profit organizations use visitor counts as evidence when making applications for finance. In cases where tickets are not sold, such as in museums and libraries, counting is either automated, or staff keep a log of how many clients use different services.
[edit]Technologies

Modern people counting systems use many different technologies, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The main types are listed below.
[edit]Tally

counter

Main article: Tally counter A hand-held tally-counter, sometimes called a clicker-counter, would be used; one press per person. To reset the counter, one would have to turn a knob, resetting most counters' display to "0000".

[edit]Infrared

beams

The simplest form of counter is a single, horizontal infrared beam across an entrance which is typically linked to a small LCD display unit at the side of the doorway or can also be linked to a PC or send data via wireless links and GPRS. Such a beam counts a 'tick' when the beam is broken, therefore it is normal to divide the 'ticks' by two to get visitor numbers. Dual beam units are also available from some suppliers and can provide low cost directional flow 'in' and 'out' data. Accuracy depends highly on the width of the entrance monitored and the volume of traffic. Horizontal Beam Counters usually require a receiver or a reflector mounted opposite the unit with a typical range up to 6 metres, although range finding beam counters which do not require a reflector or receiver usually have a shorter range of around 2.5 metres. Vertical beams are somewhat more accurate than horizontal, with accuracies of over 90% possible if the beams are very carefully placed. Typically they do not give 'in and out' information, although some directional beams do exist. Advantages:
 

Inexpensive Simple to fit

Disadvantages:
   

Most basic beam sensors are limited to non-directional counts Can't discern people walking side-by-side Cannot count high volume, uninterrupted traffic High potential to become blocked by people standing in an entrance or by merchandise or displays Infra-red beam counters may be negatively affected when subject to direct sunlight

[edit]Computer

vision

Computer vision systems typically use either a closed-circuit television camera or IP camera to feed a signal into a computer or embedded device. Some computer vision systems have been embedded directly into standard IP network cameras. This allows for distributed, cost efficient and highly scalable systems where all image processing is done on the camera using the standard built in CPU. This also dramatically reduces band width requirements as only the counting data has to be sent over the Ethernet.

Accuracy varies between systems and installations as background information needs to be digitally removed from the scene in order to recognize, track and count people. This means that CCTV based counters can be vulnerable to light level changes and shadows, which can lead to inaccurate counting. Lately, robust and adaptive algorithms has been developed that can compensate for this behavior and excellent counting accuracy can today be obtained for both outdoor and indoor counting using computer vision.[citation needed] Advantages:
    

High accuracy, in correct conditions sometimes over 98%[citation needed] Directional information Flexible in customization Highly scalable when embedded in IP cameras Integration with other systems

Disadvantages:
     

Higher cost than beam systems May require repeat visits for calibration Lower lifetime and higher power consumption than thermal systems Many systems require PCs are not fully embedded Less simple implementation than beam systems Accuracy can be affected by differing light levels

[edit]Thermal

imaging

Thermal imaging systems use array sensors which detect heat sources, rather than using cameras as in computer vision systems. These systems are typically implemented using embedded technology and are mounted overhead for high accuracy. Because they are detecting the emitted heat from people, they are able to count in all lighting levels, and also do not need to employ complex background removal algorithms used in computer vision systems. This leads to a more stable and accurate people count. Advantages:
   

Directional information Not affected by differing light levels Can count in complete darkness None intrusive usually ceiling mounted

    

identifiable images of people are not taken High accuracy, in correct conditions over 98% Very long lifetime - MTBF >25 years Highly scalable, fully-embedded IP Systems Networkable to cover wide entrances

Disadvantages:
   

Higher cost than beam systems Lower field of view than video systems Cannot be used with ceiling heights below 2.2m May not work in winter when people are wearing thick coats.

[edit]Synthetic

intelligence

This system employs multiple IR transceivers to create a count zone at ankle height. The artificial intelligence counters function in a similar way to the human brain, in other words, each event is evaluated in terms of features to determine the correct outcome i.e. count per direction. As a person passes the count zone a pattern is generated. The onboard processor extracts the features of the pattern and based on what it has been taught makes a decision regarding the event by brute force calculation. Advantages:
     

Accuracy of 96% or higher[citation needed] Directional information Discriminates between human and non-human objects Sensors can count in outdoor environments Can count in all lighting conditions Can count in complete darkness

Disadvantages:
 

Larger, more obtrusive design than other types of sensing technology. High potential to become blocked by people standing in an entrance or by merchandise or displays. Cannot count high volume, uninterrupted traffic

 11111111111111111111111111111111111111 utomatic count of people entering/leaving is used in many places shops, shopping malls to account customer numbers, airports, museums, reading rooms etc. In many countries such counters are required

by law for shopping and office complexes so that in case of emergency it would be possible to know numbers of people in the building. In access control systems such counters are used to avoid use of turnstile in some occasions - if someone enters without presenting authorized access pass then alarm is sounded for security personnel and takes a picture of the person passing. We offer different people counting technologies: y y y using infrared beams (light barriers). Advantage- reasonable price.Disadvantage- low precision when larger crowds are moving thermal sensor placed above (on the ceiling) is much more precise, but also costs more when the right cameras placed in right places are used, system can add people counting to video surveillance system using Video Analytics software

Thermal sensors
Thermal sensors can sense heat emanated by human body (head). Built in CPU separates objects (people) within picture, calculates their movement and generates alarm if people pass the border of entry/exit. Thermal sensors are installed on the ceiling and provide 96-99% precision in counting people in gates up to 4.5 meters wide. Other advantages of thermal sensors: y y y y y y small size editable counting area ability to work with movement of large masses of people high sensitivity automatic adaptation to ambient temperature power fault protection due to electricity independent memory Recommended height for thermal sensor installation - 3-4m, maximum 5m. To arrange precise people counting in gates wider than coverage area of the sensor, it is possible to join coverage areas of more sensors installed on one line. Combined sensors can be set up as single coverage area in which people movement is counted. Count is very precise not depending of the type of movement for people groups. On sale

Video processing (Video Analytics)

Video processing software provides ability to separate objects, movement trajectories and passing virtual border. Some software can match thermal sensors in precision detection. Advantage of such solution:

possibility to get live video feed from very cameras which is not possible with thermal sensors. Most of the systems on offer consist of hardware module with built in specialized CPU. Video analytics modules can serve for other handy functions as well- for example, determine movement speed for objects, registering lost (and intentionally left) items etc.

Object counter software

We have developed universal software which is used for counting people on premises with one or a lot of entrances/exits and to count vehicles on one or multizone car parks with one or several entry points. It use wide range of information sources: thermal or electromagnetic sensors, infra red barriers etc. Result (like place count available for visitors) is displayed on a screen in custom format. Report generator make reports in tables and graphs supplying detailed information about all processes connected to object.

11111111111111111111111111111111111 Real Time People Counting



for Stadiums, Museums, and other Public Venues

The 3 1. The 2. The 3. The main elements in a counting system are: sensors controller software application

1. The Sensors:
The first thing we need for any Visitors Counting System, is an input for each entry or exit. This input is generated by sensor or by turnstile. The most practical and poplar options are:

Overhead thermal sensor: This is the best sensor: it is installed at he ceiling, it doesn't blocking the entrance, it has wide range, and it is relatively accurate!

Optical counting sensors: also called: "side sensors" are second to the best, but lower price.

Turnstiles: Practically, Turnstiles are used only if you need turnstiles for other seasons- ticketing and access system, is the common situation.

2. The Controller:
The People Counting Controller functions are: Collect and store the entry pulses from the counting sensors. Analyze the data, and calculate how many people entered, how may exist, and how many are inside- at any giving time. y Communicate with near by PC, using local LAN, or with remote PC, over the global Internet- by few types of communication methods. High-lights and features for People Counting Controller: y The controller has 4 inputs. Each input may be set (by the customer) to be either: y Enter y exit y A/B : bi directional, two sensors set. y The controller shows the counting result on it's LCD display. y Optional: RS232 or TCP/IP connector, to be connected to local or remote PC. y Controlling: The controller has 4 outputs which can be used for many functions such as: y Turn on/off lights, at certain counting number y Activate "over capacity" buzzer or light y Close or open gates or turnstiles, when the site is full For more information...

y y

3. The Software Application:

OTOT offers standard or custom software applications for people counting and turnstile monitoring systems. The software can be installed in local computer, or remote computer. Another option is using OTOT's Internet server: in this way, the controller is linked to that server, and the customer receive a personal user account name and password. The customer can access his account from any PC, any time, any ware... There are 2 main standard applications: People counting for shops, malls, museums, etc.

People counting and monitoring for stadiums, events, etc.

All SW versions will display information in tables and by graphs. All will analyze, create reports etc. All will show the amount of people entered the Venue, total and per each entrance, entry rate, permit printing of any report on the customer's normal full page printer. All the versions can store history data, of each event or date, for future analyzing and reports.

                             

11111111111111111111111111111111111111 WE COUNT YOU PROFITWHY SHOULD YOU Retail Stores Determining Conversion Ratio - Identify your true opportunities, and use best practices to improve your conversion. Even a one-half percent increase can make a difference of hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional prot. Advertising and Promotional Evaluations Instantly see trafc generated by advertising activities and assess how to make your marketing communications more effective. Stafng Optimization - Evaluate your stafng needs based on trafc rather than just sales. Strategic Marketing and Operations - Compare best practices for generating trafc among similar stores, supplement your market research activities, etc. Museums Track Visitors - Analyze exactly where visitors go, and in what numbers. Exhibit Planning - Find out where exhibits might be better placed, how access can be improved, and how items such as signage can be more efcient. New Exhibits - Measure the popularity of new exhibits. Find out what exhibits draw a larger audience.

                                

COUNT VISITORS? Shopping Centers Leasing - Valuate and support leasing offers with hard data. Know how many shoppers use a particular entrance on a given day. Sponsorship - Show current and prospective clients how many people travel through key areas of your center. Promotional Activities - Find out what works, what doesnt and how to make your promotions translate to trafc. Security Stafng - Optimize security stafng levels in relation to trafc. Ensure visitor safety while lowering overall security costs. Marketing Strategies - Integrate trafc data into your overall marketing and advertising plans Casinos Real-Time Tracking - Find out what sections of your casino are getting the most pedestrian trafc. Wireless Installation - Monitor new areas easily with quick and unobtrusive installations. WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE TRAF-SYS? Experience - Twelve years of retail and shopping center experience using counting data analysis to help our clients achieve higher prots. Technology - Traf-Sys is the only people counting company to have a full line of wireless products that simplify installation and reduce implementation costs. We can adapt to virtually any application and save thousands over alternative products.

                                

Support - Full team support, from the planning and installation of the system to the implementation of the results. We can help you chose the right technology for your system, organize an installation plan and deploy expert technicians to get the job done. Once your system is in place, we can help you analyze your data so you can make the most of your system. Options - We provide technologies and equipment to match any budget or accuracy requirement. Prot Through Analysis - Flexible, interactive reporting software customized to t your business. Integration - Use our data in your system. Traf-Sys software and equipment can be congured to output standard data formats such as XML so you can easily integrate a Traf-Sys system with a pre-existing or enterprise-wide reporting system. Our Customers Traf-Sys products are installed in hundreds of retail stores and shopping centers. Here are proles of just a few of our customers. Dicks Sporting Goods is a publicly-traded retail chain with over 300 stores across the U.S. Dicks is one of the largest sporting goods retailers in the country and is still growing. Traf-Sys Thermal Sensors count visitor trafc in every single store. Dicks uses the information daily to analyze overall trafc trends over time, evaluate store performance, assess advertising effectiveness, and gauge stafng efciency. Harley-Davidson Motor Company is a leader in the world of motorcycles and one of the most recognizable

                                

brands in history. The company uses Traf-Sys People Counting Systems in hundreds of dealers across the country to help analyze foot trafc, determine conversion trends, gauge the success of dealer events, and evaluate overall marketing strategies. Traf-Sys solutions interface with H-D corporate systems for indepth business intelligence and dealer support. General Growth Properties is a developer for retail commercial properties. GGP has used TrafSys systems in shopping malls for over ten years. A custom-designed system was installed in the Las Vegas Fashion Show Mall, one of the busiest shopping centers in the U.S. Traf-Sys Thermal Sensor technology helps GGP strategically manage the Las Vegas shopping trafc along with numerous other malls. PEOPLE WHO CHOOSE TRAF-SYS Harley-Davidson is and brands Traf-Sys in Harley-Davidson is and brands T inTECHNOLOGY THAT

                                

WORKS Traf-Sys offers a full line of people counting equipment depending on your accuracy requirements, data retrieval needs and budget. Here are just a few of the technologies we have to offer. SENSORS Infrared Beams - A low-cost entrylevel solution that will get you started counting quickly and easily. Wireless communication and battery powered operation make these sensors ideal for D-I-Y users. Thermal Sensor - A high-accuracy solution designed to collect foot trafc data in high-density environments. Traf-Sys Thermal Sensors use passive infrared technology to identify persons in the detection area and the direction of travel. Thermal technology is unaffected by lighting conditions, so you can be assured that ambient lighting will not affect your accuracy. SOFTWARE VisiCount - Our premiere reporting and analysis package. Traf-Sys VisiCount software is designed to provide a exible, interactive platform to get the foot trafc information you need quickly and accurately. The goal is to provide all of the trafc-related information you need to support business decisions that will positively impact your prots. CONTACT US Web: www.trafsys.com Email: sales@trafsys.com Phone: 1-888-815-6568

                     

An Industry Leader in Service and Support Our installation team will work with you to match the right technology to your application. Traf-Sys experienced experts and technicians can survey your sites an make the appropriate recommendations for your environment. It is our goal to make sure your system is able to work accurately and reliably so you can pay more attention to analyzing your data rather than verifying the results. We believe that a proper installation is vital to the continued operation and accuracy of a system. Our technicians are trained to tailor each installation to the target environment in order for you to get the best results from your system. We also have a nation-wide network of technicians who are trained and instructed by our experts in the eld of people counting. Whether you need a handful of installations or hundreds, Traf-Sys is ready to advise and assist you with your project roll-out. SERVICE AND SUPPORT