Interested in Fever Detection Solutions but Need the Facts?

You might be weary of reading about the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, but until there is a cure or vaccine, it presents massive challenges to our way of life. As governments, businesses, schools, and organizations of all types seek to return to productive and social endeavors, everyone is looking for solutions to return to some semblance of normal.

In recent weeks, we have discussed several technology solutions that hold promise to achieve the goal of getting everyone back to work and living their lives. One of the most significant solutions is fever detector systems. As you contemplate your COVID-19 response plan in San Antonio, you might be wondering if this is a solution that will actually work and is worthy of your constrained budgets. We’ve developed this brief FAQ on fever and temperature screening to help you better understand how it works and how it can be implemented. Keep reading below for more.

SEE MORE: How Elevated Temperature Detection Adds Security for Returning Employees

1. How does the technology work?

The base technology at work for the detection of elevated temperature is called thermal imaging. It is a proven technology at work today in video surveillance systems in high-security environments like shipping ports, airports, and jails. A special lens in the cameras can detect the "heat image" of an object or person by focusing on the infrared light of objects in the camera's view. It can scan for different levels of infrared light – invisible to the human eye – where elevated levels denote higher temperatures.

The other critical aspect of the solution is advanced machine learning software. This software employs neural network technology to learn patterns and detect them consistently, like today's photo management software that can identify people, animals, scenes, and more.

2. Is temperature and fever detection accurate?

The technology can be accurate enough to identify people with potential fevers who need additional screening, such as a manual temperature check and asking specific questions about illness and exposure. A fever is considered a temperature of 100.4°F. The technology can be calibrated to be accurate to plus or minus 1 degree, so care must be taken with implementation. Accurate detection depends on being able to focus on temperature scanning around the corner of an eye, as other skin surfaces can vary significantly if people have just walked in from the Texas heat or a cold air-conditioned car or adjacent location.

3. How quickly can it detect elevated temperature?

Some solutions are promising a reading in one second, but that may vary based on a variety of factors. Part of that may depend on the level of accuracy desired. The most accurate solutions need cameras mounted at a specific height and for people to stop and look straight into the camera. A first-order screen with a fever detector solution might take several seconds per person. Naturally, logistics and capacity have to be carefully considered in implementations for large numbers of people entering a facility.

4. Are these solutions one-trick ponies? What happens after the pandemic has passed?

The good news is that thermal imaging capable surveillance cameras can be redeployed for other surveillance applications. Thermal imaging technology has excellent and accurate night vision capabilities. The fever and temperature detector solution is mostly software, and the cameras can use other video analytics software.

The camera analytics can help with other solutions to help curb the spread of the virus. For example, with facial recognition capability, if a person is found to have been infected, camera analytics could track where they have been in a facility to identify all people that may have been exposed. This is helpful for the contact tracing methods that need to be implemented to track the spread of disease and ensure that exposed people do not continue to infect others unknowingly.

5. What do these systems cost, and is there help for financing them?

Implementations can vary greatly and are very dependent on the numbers of cameras, kiosks, and other equipment that must be integrated for a working solution. Also, people need to be trained to manage the installations and troubleshoot issues, as well as deal with people who do not pass the screen.

The good news is that the CARES Act provided funding for technology to help with the COVID-19 response. Over 200 billion dollars were made available to airports and other transportation hubs, healthcare, and education to invest in technology solutions to address the challenges of testing, treatment, and maintaining public safety.

ASAP Security has decades of experience with installing sophisticated security and surveillance systems in both the public and commercial sectors all across Texas. We are uniquely qualified to identify and install the best technology solutions for your COVID-19 response strategy. To learn more, set up a consultation with our team by calling (877) 418-ASAP, filling out our contact form, or starting a live chat with us below. We look forward to working with you!