Temperature measurements and businesses under pandemic conditions
Viruses and bacteria are invisible for the human eyes and are everywhere around us. The natural body reaction in case of bacterial or virus infection – increased body temperature, however, is easily detected by the latest generation thermal cameras. Thermal vision cameras exist for many years and are widely used by the military, border authorities, fire safety service, monitoring of production processes. Measurement of body temperature and exact determination of difference of only one or two degrees require truly high technology. And it could be surprising for many readers, but the Chinese technology is at the top now, and you will understand why in the following lines. Mass temperature measurement of the human flow is one of the measures that helped for the fast capsulation and elimination of the pandemics in Wuhan (China) at the beginning of this year.
Currently, Chine is the highest technology manufacturer of video monitoring solutions worldwide, offering functions such as face recognition and artificial intelligence that automate the entire video monitoring process and implement applications like automated identity recognition. Development of this technology is a state policy for China since 1950 and the internal market for video monitoring solutions shows growth that is three to four times faster in comparison to any other country, amounting to 20 billion USD for 2018[1] (Perryer, 2019). Although quite controversial in regard to personal privacy, this state policy has resulted in the most developed technology globally.
In order to isolate the most dangerous passengers, at the beginning of the pandemic the Chinese authorities implemented the temperature control using a thermal screening in three steps:
Step 1: Thermal screening at the checkpoints using thermal cameras
- Every big public building
- Every public entrance/ exit to transportation service
- Entrance of every factory
Step 2: Repeated individual measurements using infrared thermometer for every incident detected by the infrared thermal cameras
Step 3: Examination by a medical specialist
Thermometers or thermal cameras?
The reasons for using thermal cameras for controlling people flow are as follows:
- Allow the client/ employee to “see” her/ his reflection when entering the building, as well as that of the others, on the display placed immediately next to the thermal camera, and thus, trust is achieved
- Detect high temperature of many people passing through the controlled perimeter simultaneously
- Operate in wide range – meters, while the thermometers operating within short range – centimeters, i.e. they are better from remote distance
- Allow continuous measurements for less than 2 seconds within the entire range, i.e. many people simultaneously and immediately, while the thermometers need about 10 seconds and require temperature control of every person individually
- Thermal cameras operate in synergy with the video surveillance systems, as they allow recognition of a person with high temperature, in the crowd/ queue
- Operate in connected environment and allow monitoring of all entry/ exit points of bigger sites, as well as video archives
- Allow self-service – there is no need of an employee with thermometer, who is exposed to the risk of contacting many passing people and transferring the risk on everyone passing
Are thermal cameras reliable in their measurements?
Yes, the cameras are absolutely precise if the manufacturer’s instructions are followed and the technology restrictions are considered.
If they are located at places properly selected after a consultation with technical expert and the people flow is adequately managed, the thermal cameras are the most effective technical solution for reliable temperature control.
The measurement precision in properly implemented system allow monitoring from a distance up to 7 meters with maximum deviation of 0,3 degrees Celsius.
Measurements that generate trust and provide for the efficient control
In the last weeks the virus has “returned”, there are new record values in the number of infected people, but shops, restaurants, and hotels are open. However, the clients are still cautious and the reasons are not limited to the legal restrictions. The research made by Galup International on 10.06.20202 clearly demonstrates that
- 51% of the Bulgarian citizens are afraid and many are even afraid that they or a family member may be infected by the corona virus
- 39% of all Bulgarians do not believe the threat is exaggerated
- 24% of all Bulgarians are not convinced that the risk is under control in the country
Under the conditions of permanent mistrust and increased number of new cases, higher number of people infected with Covid19, businesses need an appropriate tool to demonstrate not only to the controlling authorities, but also to the client/ employee that all prevention and control measures are undertook. Doubtlessly, the thermal cameras are such a tool.
Still, it is very important that the appropriate cameras are selected after a consultation by an expert, and adjusted by an expert.
Solutions offered by KONTRAX
In 2019 KONTRAX opened its office in China due to the need of having its own employees on site, to negotiate with various Chinese suppliers. In regard to the recent circumstances related to the spreading of the COVID-19 crisis, China in particular, and its relatively fast restoration, KONTRAX had the chance to follow closely the technologies and measures undertook there and to rapidly transfer their know-how here, on our territory.
As one of the renowned technology companies on the Bulgarian market KONTRAX offers a portfolio of thermal cameras, experienced specialists and history of many projected completed in the entire country.
KONTRAX is a leading system integrator in Bulgaria. It has a wide portfolio and high expertise in implementation of complex solutions for the businesses. KONTRAX can provide assistance for all public and private organizations, for which, now and in the future, it will be essential to continue their work without interruption, as well as to ensure healthy and safe working conditions for their employees and clients, by consulting them about the possibilities and advantages of the implementation of thermal cameras system in their usual and working environment.
For additional information and inquiries please do not hesitate to contact us: sales@kontrax.bg or 02 960 97 77.
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1 S. Perryer, “Surveillance cameras have become one of China’s most valuable exports – here’s why,” World Finance, 29-Oct-2019. [Online]. Available: https://www.worldfinance.com/featured/surveillance-cameras-have-become-one-of-chinas-most-valuable-exports-heres-why. [Accessed: 12-Jun-2020]
2 10.06.2020 – regular research program of Global International in relation to the corona virus, which is available at https://www.gallup-international.bg/43390/public-opinion-coronavirus-crisis/
