Technology Contest: 3D ASSIS vs 3D

Until recently the most effective way to solve the customer counting problem had been the 3D counters, using the algorithm, that merged pictures, obtained from two cameras. At that time this algorithm was a genuine breakthrough in the field of customer traffic analysis, as compared to horizontal infrared counters. The algorithm allowed to cover the large counting area, and, at the same time, to mount the sensors on the ceilings, run the customer path analyses and adjust the filters to track the certain objects. Despite this, the system had its own drawbacks, such as strictly vertical mounting and complicated onsite adjustment. Besides, it couldn’t be used in poorly illuminated rooms and when the customer clothes color was the same as the floor color (for example, dark colored carpets at the entrance and clothes of gray colors).

The technologies are constantly developing, and the outdated ones are replaced by new technological achievements. In 2014 the 3D ASSIS counting algorithm was developed by Ufatech – one of the largest producers of customer counting systems. The algorithm allows to process the two-dimensional video-stream and convert it into the 3D computational model of data presentation, representing a fundamentally new type of devices, that managed to keep all the capabilities of the 3Ds of previous generation, and got rid of the unnecessary camera, twice cutting the production costs and avoiding the faults of the 3D counters.

The 3D ASSIS Ufatech counting technology made the creation of the reasonably priced people counter possible, allowing to detect at different heights and in poorly illuminated rooms, covering up to 6 meters or up to 60 meters, depending on the mode of intelligent combination of sensors into one counting line. At the same time, the new algorithm doesn’t have the main disadvantage of 3D technologies – complicated on-site adjustment.  Using the new technology, any user can adjust the counting system onsite and do supporting and maintenance works.