Acrovision chooses high-accuracy thermal imaging camera from Micro-Epsilon for fever screening system
Acrovision, a UK-based systems integrator of factory and warehouse automation, vision inspection systems and direct part marking and identification technologies, has chosen the thermo Imager TIM QVGA-HD-T100 thermal imaging camera from Micro-Epsilon as part of its infrared thermal detection system, the AFS-100.
The system provides end users with a reliable, versatile, high accuracy fever screening system to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). The thermal imaging camera was selected due to its high accuracy and ease of integration, set up and configuration.
The AFS-100 is an infrared thermal detection system which is used to detect a person’s elevated body temperature. The system meets the ISO 80601-2-59:2017 standards for “Basic Safety and Essential Performance of Screening for Human Febrile Temperature”. The built-in thermo Imager TIM QVGA-HD-T100 camera allows for individuals to be scanned at points of entry to buildings such as factories, airports, offices, warehouses and hospitals, or generally positioned onsite for screening purposes, providing a safe non-contact solution for temperature checks.
Acrovision managing director, Paul Cunningham commented: “In current times, more than ever, we need to be vigilant of fevers or viruses and in turn the wellbeing of employees and customers in public areas. We also need to increase everyone’s confidence in knowing they are entering a safe environment. The AFS-100 fever screening system is designed to be extremely easy to install and use, yet remain ultra-accurate in its measurement results. We are also pleased to say that 10 per cent of sales of the AFS-100 will be donated to the NHS.”
As well as the thermo Imager TIM QVGA-HD-T100 camera, the AFS-100 consists of a Feedback Monitor and the all-important “Reference Box” that ensures the accuracy of ±0.5°C. As an option, the AFS-100 offers a data collection bolt-on, which allows the use of Personnel ID cards to both trigger the camera and to log individuals’ temperature measurements for further analysis or tailoring of results.
Mr Cunningham added: “As a business, we were already familiar with Micro-Epsilon and its products, including its 2D/3D laser measurement sensors. During lockdown, I attended a Micro-Epsilon webinar about its thermal imaging camera and so was confident that it would meet our strict requirements in terms of accuracy, quality and reliability. We also thought Micro-Epsilon would be a ‘good fit’ for Acrovision in terms of the high-end, high quality, German-made products they supply, but also because they sell products based on technology and technical advantages.”
A key element to the AFS-100’s method of individual screening is the accurate measurement taken from the Medial Canthus (tear duct in the inner eye area) which provides the strongest indication of an elevated body temperature. The system analyses every pixel (approximately 1.3mm) of this area and highlights the hottest region. This method removes the inaccuracies/issues of an incorrect measurement due to environmental and physiological factors that many other systems are susceptible to.
The thermo ImagerTIM QVGA-HD-T100 infrared camera from Micro-Epsilon is supplied with a certificate of calibration that validates temperature measurements made against a traceable 35°C temperature reference source (black body). The camera is accurate to ± 0.5°C when used with the TM-BR20AR-TIM black body source, which means it can provide reliable skin temperature measurements for fever detection systems. It is ideal for integration into automated monitoring systems such as the AFS-100.
Mr Cunningham concluded: “Right from the start and all the way through product development, the Micro-Epsilon team has been extremely helpful, including demonstrations of the camera, answering our questions and providing technical support, training us on how to use the camera and its software. We look forward to continuing this relationship in the future.”