Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI), a global specialist in creating smart buildings, has announced the launch of its Smart Elevated Skin Temperature Scanning Solution, and the platform's flagship Tyco Illustra Pro Thermal EST camera, in an effort to help re-open buildings as part of the COVID-19 pandemic's ‘new normal'.
Per a company statement, "A healthy and safe environment starts with a holistic approach that encompasses not only a building’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) infrastructure, but adds temperature screening among protocols including contact tracing, frictionless entry and exits, and the practice of social distancing. This contactless and highly accurate solution will be another tool in the first line of defense for building owners and operators as part of their pandemic safety measures."
At the heart of the Johnson Controls Smart Elevated Skin Temperature Scanning Solution is the Tyco Illustra Pro Thermal EST camera, which provides rapid scanning at accuracy levels that exceed standards set by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), as tested and confirmed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). In addition, the overall platform has been designed to meet the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s April 2020 Enforcement Policy for Telethermographic Systems.
The new solution is equipped with the following technical features for accuracy and rapid response:
- 5-megapixel color/thermal camera with built-in, AI-enabled face detection technology that isolates the forehead and performs a multi-point temperature measurement, accurate to within ±0.2ºC/0.4ºF, when deployed in compliance with proper installation and condition requirements.
- Blackbody temperature calibration device, with a 24-month calibration certificate, for sustained accuracy.
- Customizable, real-time alerts for local or remote monitoring via a browser or through compatible video management systems.
- Integration with other security systems, such as an access control solution that can automatically prevent the person from further access.
As stated by Johnson Controls, "Skin temperature scanning is done while people continue to walk. Embedded, advanced facial detection technology and rapid scanning times quickly alert operators to an elevated skin temperature reading. People don’t need to stop or be approached by operators. This helps to reduce crowding and contributes to a contactless building entry experience for visitors and employees at businesses, schools, sporting and transportation venues, and other buildings."
“How we interact with our environments, buildings and shared spaces has become top-of-mind as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. With a 135-year history of creating smarter, safer, more sustainable buildings, Johnson Controls has unmatched expertise, technology and the solutions to rethink our physical spaces at this critical time,” comments Mike Ellis, executive vice president, chief customer and digital officer, Johnson Controls. “This camera provides added measures in a rapid and contactless fashion. Johnson Controls is very proud to be providing a solution that not only meets, but exceeds IEC standards.”
Johnson Controls notes that elevated skin temperatures identified by the platform should be confirmed with secondary evaluation methods, such as clinical thermometers. Temperature measurements should not be solely or primarily relied upon to diagnose or exclude a diagnosis of COVID-19, or any other disease. The Pro Thermal EST should be used to measure only one individual’s temperature at a time, in accordance with FDA guidelines.
The Tyco Illustra Pro Thermal EST is now available for sale in the United States and will be released globally in phases. For more information, visit Tyco's https://illustracameras.com/ website.