07 Sep How Computer Vision supports citizen and worker safety
The rise and spread of the COVID-19 virus has forced us to adapt quickly. Drastic measures, such as keeping distance, wearing face masks and managing the number of people in an area, have become part of our reality and are expected to be enforced continuously. In this world of fast-evolving challenges, human capabilities are quickly reaching their limits and AI-based solutions such as Computer Vision are showing why they are becoming the next leaders in crisis management.
The guidelines that the government has set for companies to prevent the spread of Corona virus, comes in many forms. For example, some companies work with mandatory walking directions or open spaces between workplaces, while others limit the number of people working in the office. Shops are also obliged to organise their business in such a way that people can keep enough distance from each other. Regardless of the shape it takes, if a measure is violated, the company is held responsible.
This raises the question for many employers: How do I ensure that my workplace is safe and compliant? Enforcing these government regulations often involve high investments, ongoing costs and are prone to human errors. Computer Vision, an AI-based tool that doesn’t know what a wage is, what sleep is and doesn’t fall sick, has caught the eye of many companies that are trying to solve and automate these challenges.
What is Computer Vision?
Computer Vision is a set of open source algorithms that analyse images or videos to interpret data and provide actionable insights. This output is then used to create numerous applications. The system is accurate and resistant to environmental fluctuations, scalable and never stops working.
COVID-19 and Computer Vision
With the help of Computer Vision, enforcing government social distancing regulations becomes easier and faster. The Computer Vision solution can be used in several areas:
Safety equipment
Computer Vision can perform a customer flow analysis that is relevant to the context of today. The solution can detect attributes that might be necessary to your business. These include gloves, facemasks and security equipment to avoid incidents and help you make sure you are following the current regulations.
Detect symptoms
A range of thermography-based solutions to identify febrile symptoms, one of the main indicators of COVID-19, is also available. The solution detects possible cases immediately and without contact via a thermal imaging camera. Temperatures are displayed in real-time through a mobile device or an integrated display, and are accurate up to ± 0,3 °C. Above a certain temperature threshold, an acting protocol can be activated with the monitored person to ensure safety for the other customers or visitors.
Social distancing
Computer Vision can also count the amount of people in a store and ensure social distancing. A heat map helps to see in which sections a space gets too crowded, and where to intervene.
Computer Vision and Security
Naturally, Computer Vision is applicable in many other instances beyond the COVID-19 context. Security is also an important feature. The solution can detect emerging violence and theft through behaviour analysis to increase workforce and customer safety. Facial recognition can be applied to detect if individuals are accessing restricted areas. Worker safety at more demanding sites can be ensured as well. By mounting cameras with adapted features, Computer Vision can detect if there is dangerous equipment or a dangerous situation that could harm workers.
There are many use cases for Computer Vision. From worker safety to helping in the fight against COVID-19, Computer Vision is ready for the future.
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