Coping with COVID-19 Does Not Mean Neglecting Security
This post is also available in: 
עברית (Hebrew)
Efforts to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic challenges might neglect security concerns that keep on being present. A dual-threat detection system can both detect concealed weapons and provide access control to help stop the spread of COVID-19. The technology is used in various installations, from airports, government buildings, prisons, courthouses, schools, and more, according to cbsaustin.com.
Based on deep learning and computer vision technologies, the non-identifiable radar platform was created by Athena Security to count how many people enter a building and can also check their temperature, sending out proactive alerts to designated officials if the measurements are higher than allowed. The automated AI thermal cameras can also detect weapons that are hidden under clothing that could be a signal of an imminent shooting.
An alarm is sounded within seven seconds when occupancy limits are breached or when weapons are detected. Two-way communication is also available through the cameras.
The temperature detection cameras increase safety and reduce operating costs, drastically reducing the need for staff to manually take temperatures.
When illegal weapons are detected, video alerts are immediately sent to authorities, which improves response times and helps prepare authorities for the situation they will encounter.
How does the technology work? The thermal imaging cameras convert the energy in the infrared wavelength into a visible light display; all objects above absolute zero emit thermal infrared energy, so thermal cameras can passively see all objects, regardless of ambient light. When there is a concealed object under a person’s clothing, the thermal camera can possibly see the object, if the temperature differentiation is greater than the sensitivity of the imager.
According to the company’s website, this technology is reliant on the difference in temperature of the object vs radiant infrared thermal emanating from the body printing on the clothing. The front thermal camera also then measures body temperature to detect if there’s an elevated temperature. An iPad is used for the visual camera and computer, and an HSRP is used for maintaining accuracy in ambient temperature.
