The security product distributor Videcon says that it’s jumped to repurpose its deep learning, artificially intelligent software after the Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced that from Friday, July 24, shoppers must wear a face covering in stores.
Thermi-screen, Videcon’s mass body temperature screening camera, can already pinpoint individuals in a shopping queue, or public space, containing up to 40 people, who may have an elevated temperature with ±0.3 degrees C accuracy; now it can also identify anyone not wearing a face covering. When triggered, the system automatically sends an alert to any designated controller or person in authority.
Pictured left to right are Videcon’s owner-director Andy Croston, and managing director, Matt Rushall. Matt said: “The message that members of the public must wear face coverings is out there but retailers and managers of public spaces are now finding, as an added burden, that they are being asked by the police and authorities to support them in upholding the law. Retailers have a duty to protect their customers and with Police, resources stretched to the limit at the moment, any technology that helps to manage enforcing the law and can make life easier and safer for all, is to be welcomed.”
Videcon already uses facial recognition and mask detection software in its Thermi-scan door access control panels but this is the first time deep learning AI has been embedded in crowd control camera systems of this type, the company says.
Matt Rushall added: “Our technology has been used by banks, airports, pharma companies and major retailers around the world and I am very excited at this new development.
“Thermi-Screen is an effective solution to help identify those with potentials symptoms, and our new capability for mask detection will be hugely beneficial to retailers and for the safety of staff and shoppers.”
In addition to the new face coverings and mask detection feature, Videcon worked further on the system’s privacy settings which can now pixelate individuals and replace exact temperature readings with normal/elevated temperature messaging. This privacy setting secures compliance with the Europe-wide data protection regulation the GDPR; and ensures the maximum level of individual’s protection of information, the firm adds.
The system comprises of a camera, a network video recorder, and a temperature calibrator. Using two camera lenses at once, the system takes temperature readings from the forehead and upper region of the eye orbit. Algorithms and deep learning technologies then compare readings with other factors such as room temperature and direct sunlight. The accuracy of Thermi-Screen eliminates any false readings, the makers say, such as a person carrying and sipping a hot drink and its fast response time reduces the need for single file detection accelerating the movement of people through a designated screening area or providing screening in public open spaces.
About the firm
Videcon operates from a head office in West Yorkshire, which houses demonstration room and technical training and hosts daily online demonstrations showcasing their products. The company manages other branches in the UK; in Newcastle, the Wirral and Welwyn. It offers the Concept Pro CCTV brand, with products ranging from IP to AHD. Arising from the COVID-19 outbreak, Thermi-screen, Thermi-scan and Occupi were developed with Ocucon. Visit www.videcon.co.uk.
