IR camera system detects dangerous overcrowding

The technology – which combines an infrared camera and a monochrome visual camera – can measure the real time density of crowds and signals when and where hazardous levels of overcrowding occur. It can also give a strong estimation of crowd numbers. "This invention is a step forward as it will provide real time data during day or night, in fog or smoke, about how dense a crowd is in an open space," said Nottingham Trent University academic Dr Amin Al-Habaibeh, who led the research. "It will enable those in charge of safety to take swift action before any sort of incident occurs." The technology centres on the monochrome visual camera detecting the outline of individuals in the crowd, while the infrared camera senses heat emitted from their bodies. The artificial intelligence system calibrates the side-effects of sunlight and of people in the foreground appearing larger to the camera than those in the background. When a density of five persons or more per metre² occurs - which is considered to be extremely high – an alert signal can be activated.