Vista people counter opens up new markets for CCTV

The first people-counter in the new Vista Vi-Count range is now available, providing an easy and cost-effective means of gathering vital intelligence about trends and usage in all kinds of situations.

The Vista Vi-Count Lite (VIC22L) unit is an advanced system which uses standard CCTV cameras to count people.  It obtains both ‘in’ and ‘out’ counts for two cameras, each covering up to two ‘lanes’, such as doors.  Accuracy is extremely high - up to 95% - according to Vista brand director Andrew Pigram, adding that results are very consistent which ensures reliable trend analysis.

Setting up the unit is straightforward.  Up to two cameras are installed facing downwards - usually above a doorway - and feed information back to the compact Vista Vi-Count unit.  The on-board software is easily tuned so that it correctly identifies the entry and exit points as well as the size people will appear.  "A lot of care has been taken with the algorithms that measure whether an object is a person," said Andrew Pigram.

The Vista Vi-Count creates a database recording the number of people coming in or out for each time unit.  Basic data can be viewed from any PC on the network using a standard web browser.

Installation of the free Vi-Count Graph software opens up a vast range of further analysis capabilities on the PC.  Data can be downloaded for analysis and output as graphs and charts. The software will automatically detail footfall by any time period.  It can highlight trends and compare figures for different time periods and ‘lanes’.  "The most popular charts show the rate of people going in and out during a day," said Andrew Pigram.  This can then be used to make informed decisions in areas such as staffing levels, promotional activities and sales.  "You can quickly get the system to produce patterns, without having to sift through pages of data," he added.  Data can also be downloaded to third party spreadsheets or databases.

The system opens up new applications previously untouched by security CCTV, said Andrew Pigram.  "CCTV installers can now enhance the value of their services to clients by offering this as an extra option."  Target markets include retail, commercial premises, the gaming industry, car parks, pubs and clubs.  "We continue to be surprised by the large number of situations where it can be used," he added.

There is no need to use for the latest cameras, said Andrew Pigram, as very low-resolution monochrome cameras are just as effective as more modern units.  "People-counting is an ideal way of recycling out-dated cameras," he suggested.