Multi-Spectrum Temperature Screening for Transportation Hubs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature screening technologies at transportation hubs are limited in scalability and require operator control, often relying on funnels to increase passenger density, which is undesirable for safety and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A system integrating temperature screening across multiple touchpoints using cameras operating in different electromagnetic spectrums (visible and thermal) for accurate temperature measurement, allowing remote user notification and cross-device confirmation, enabling widespread implementation without the need for passenger densification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing infrared cameras are used in standalone kiosks with operator control, then temperature screening can be performed, but the system lacks scalability and requires high passenger density which reduces safety and convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the temperature screening function across multiple distributed touchpoints (kiosks, gates, entry points) throughout the transportation hub rather than concentrating screening at a single location. This segmentation allows passengers to be screened at various points in their journey without requiring them to gather in dense queues at one location, thereby maintaining screening productivity while eliminating the harmful effect of passenger crowding.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple touchpoints are integrated for temperature screening, then scalability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs universal thermal imaging technology that can be integrated across multiple different touchpoint types (check-in kiosks, boarding gates, entry points, lounge access points) using the same underlying hardware and software architecture. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to scale to various locations without proportionally increasing complexity, as each touchpoint uses the same standardized temperature screening module.
Solution Approach 2:
A centralized server acts as an intermediary that receives temperature data from all distributed touchpoints, processes the information, and coordinates screening decisions. This intermediary manages the complexity of having multiple touchpoints by centralizing data aggregation and decision logic, allowing individual touchpoints to remain relatively simple while the overall system achieves high scalability.
3Measurement precision
If thermal imaging is used for temperature detection, then non-contact measurement is achieved, but alignment with visible spectrum images is required for accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges visible spectrum imaging and thermal imaging into a unified temperature screening process. By capturing images from both spectral ranges simultaneously and aligning them through image processing, the system achieves accurate temperature measurement on specific facial regions while managing the complexity of multi-spectral integration through automated alignment algorithms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively screens users' temperatures at various touchpoints, reducing the risk of crowding and improving safety by allowing remote monitoring and automated health screening checks, ensuring only those with normal temperatures can proceed through transportation hubs.
Implementation Method 1
a second camera operating within a second portion of the electromagnetic spectrum which is different from the first portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, the second camera being configured to detect the user's face in a second image
Data Source
AI summary
A method for screening a user temperature, the method comprising: detecting a user's face in a first image using a first camera operating within a first portion of the electromagnetic spectrum; aligning the detected user's face to a second image of the user's face detected using a second camera operating within a second portion of the electromagnetic spectrum which is different from the visible spectrum; determining the user's temperature based on the second image aligned to the first image; and determining if the user's temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold.