A screening camera that can detect skin temperature and the use of a face mask was on full display Friday as local technology company Hollison unveiled their new product.
Within seconds, the camera uses proprietary software to scan for a mask while simultaneously reading the skin temperature of anyone who walks through the field of view.
Though it does not detect COVID-19, the system was designed in response to the virus and could be used by many workplaces due to guidelines they must now follow — and it can be useful even beyond the pandemic.
“This would work for anything, from school buildings to manufacturing facilities to government buildings to hospitals,” said Hollison CEO Kevin Humphrey.
The setup in Hollison’s lobby Friday was a mobile unit that is ready to ship as-is, but the camera can also be installed permanently on a wall with a monitor located elsewhere.
As someone walks past the camera — even a decent side view of someone can be detected — it captures their image and provides real-time feedback.
An alert goes off if they are not wearing a mask, and a warning will also be issued if the temperature is too high.
If three people walk in together and one is not wearing a mask and another has high temperature, the system attaches the information to each person’s photo so that someone watching the monitor can see individual data.
While the software could hold on to all the data collected, it can also be programmed so that no info is saved to eliminate privacy concerns — or it can do anything in between the two extremes.
The demo was staged to simulate an employee entrance at a building, but Hollison officials said that it could be used for large-scale events.
Laura Alexander, General Manager of Spectra — which runs both the Owensboro Convention Center and Sportscenter, was on site Friday to see a demonstration.
As the venues continue to look for guidelines on how to reopen and allow large crowds again, Alexander said Hollison’s equipment is an intriguing option.
“What works really well is you reduce the contact between employees and patrons,” she said. “You don’t have to go out and train multiple people or have security. You don’t have to go out and buy multiple infrared thermometers and worry about the batteries changing and things like that.”
The ability to automate the process of checking temperatures and making sure people wear masks should be a big draw, said Hollison Vice President of Brand Management Chris Thorn.
“You would get a return on investment really quickly,” he said.
Thorn said they have some units ready to ship immediately and can have several more within two weeks.
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