Hanwha Techwin Releases Occupancy-Monitoring System and Mask-Detection Features

Hanwha Techwin America, a global supplier of IP and analog video surveillance solutions, released an occupancy-monitoring system and mask-detection analytic for its P series AI cameras. The license-free occupancy-monitoring solution uses AI to detect and count people entering and exiting a premises from multiple entrances while displaying the current occupancy level for customers and staff. Mask-detection analytics detect whether masks are worn or worn improperly and send alerts, including customizable audio messages, directly from the cameras.

As businesses seek to safely reopen their doors after the easing of COVID-19 related restrictions, Hanwha Techwin provides businesses and organizations with these important tools for free to ensure customer and employee safety.

Occupancy Monitoring

An industry first, the Occupancy Monitoring System is a serverless design and runs completely in-camera, on the edge. When the maximum occupancy of an area is reached, the application automatically displays a red “Wait” message along with the number of people inside to help customers conform with social-distancing policy. When numbers are below the threshold, a green “Welcome” message is displayed. The messages are customizable and can include the name of the business in addition to “stop” or “go” indicators. The system also generates alarm outputs to control automatic doors and traffic beacons for additional control.

Traditionally, people-counting solutions require cameras to be mounted overhead, which means the cameras could be used only for counting. With deep-learning AI technology, the new P series cameras can be mounted in traditional surveillance positions and provide additional business intelligence for calculating conversion rates based on footfall and purchasing activity.

The system aggregates and processes data from multiple cameras, which makes it ideal for buildings that have multiple entry and exit points. The unique serverless design requires one camera to be designated the “master” while additional occupancy-monitoring cameras are registered with the master to maintain an accurate count. The display is driven by a decoder that has HDMI output or a small computer that displays a full-screen browser in kiosk mode.

“Our latest P series AI cameras bring incredible power to the edge and our occupancy monitoring application is an excellent example,” says Ray Cooke, vice president - products, solutions and integration at Hanwha Techwin America. “By negating the need for a dedicated server, end users can significantly reduce costs and simplify their system while benefiting from the highest accuracy and quality.”

P Series Face Mask Detection

Face Mask Detection, which is part of the next firmware release for the P series AI cameras, is a new AI attribute that can detect whether face masks are worn. If a person enters an area without a face mask or with one that's worn improperly, the camera can play back a customized audio message that asks the person to comply with the policy. It also triggers an alarm event, which can trigger a beacon or access control system. Hanwha Techwin’s Wisenet Wave VMS can receive mask detection alerts, which makes it even easier for operators to verify whether mask-wearing rules were infringed. The camera detects up to 10 masks per second to a maximum distance of 5 meters (16 feet), depending on mounting angle.

The new Wisenet Occupancy Monitoring system and Mask Detection analytic is compatible with the following cameras:

• PNB-A9001 - 4K AI box camera
• PNO-A9081R - 4K AI bullet camera with built-in IR illumination
• PNV-A9081R - 4K AI vandal-resistant dome camera with built-in IR illumination
• PND-A9081RF - 4K AI flush-mount dome camera with built-in IR illumination.
• PND-A9081RV - 4K AI dome camera with built-in IR illumination.

A new AI-based mask application developed by Hanwha Techwin’s technology partner a2 Technology now is available for Hanwha’s X series cameras. The application plays a customizable audio message asking people to  “please wear a mask” directly from the camera. An alarm out feature can trigger external devices, such as a warning beacon. The application  detects and analyzes up to four people simultaneously at a distance of 5 meters (16 feet).

The application has been integrated with the Wisenet WAVE 4.0 VMS, which makes it even easier for operators to verify when someone isn’t wearing a mask. A web-based interface enables users to also receive alerts on a desktop PC.

“As businesses reopen their doors, it’s never been more important for customers to see and feel that adequate precautions have been implemented to enable a safe experience. This peace of mind is crucial to building and maintaining trust and confidence in our customers’ brands,” Cooke says.