Operation

How Time-of-Flight (ToF) Detection Works

Laser-Based Distance Measurement

Thingsee COUNT uses Time-of-Flight (ToF) laser technology to detect people moving through doorways.

Detection principle:

1. Laser emission: Sensor emits infrared laser pulses downward
2. Reflection: Laser bounces off objects (people, floor) beneath sensor
3. Time measurement: Sensor measures time for laser to return
4. Distance calculation: Time-of-flight converted to distance (height of object)
5. Object detection: Changes in distance indicate person passing through
6. Direction determination: Sequence of distance changes determines entry vs. exit

ToF vs. PIR Technology

Time-of-Flight advantages over PIR (Passive Infrared):

• Works in darkness: Laser provides own illumination (no ambient light needed)
• Temperature independent: Measures distance, not heat (works regardless of ambient temp)
• Higher precision: Laser accuracy (~millimeters) vs. thermal zones
• Simultaneous passage: Better detection of multiple people (2-3 side-by-side)

Limitations:

• Light sensitivity: Bright sunlight or certain lamps can interfere with laser
• Power requirement: Requires continuous USB power (no battery operation)

Directional Counting Logic

Entry vs. Exit Determination

The sensor determines direction based on the sequence of distance measurements as person passes through:

Entry direction (example configuration - IN):

• Person approaches: Distance decreases (person entering detection zone)
• Person beneath sensor: Minimum distance (person directly under sensor)
• Person exits: Distance increases (person leaving detection zone toward room)
• Result: “entries” counter increments by 1

Exit direction:

• Person approaches from room: Distance decreases
• Person beneath sensor: Minimum distance
• Person exits toward corridor: Distance increases
• Result: “exits” counter increments by 1

Configuration During Installation

Direction set via Thingsee Toolbox app:

• IN selection: Sensor installed inside room → Entry is from corridor into room
• OUT selection: Sensor installed outside room → Entry is from room into corridor

Once configured:

• Entry direction locked to selection
• Exit direction automatically opposite
• Reconfigure by scanning QR code again with Toolbox app

Detection Capabilities

Passageway Coverage

Maximum specifications:

• Width: 1000mm (1 meter)
• Height: 2100mm (2.1 meters, floor to ceiling)
• Installation height: 230cm recommended (adjustable based on ceiling)

Detection zone:

• ToF laser creates detection field beneath sensor
• Covers full passageway width (up to 1000mm)
• Detects people walking through at any speed (slow to fast)

Counting Accuracy

Optimal conditions:

• Single-file traffic: > 95% accuracy
• Moderate traffic (1-3 people per minute): > 90% accuracy
• Busy traffic with simultaneous passage: > 85% accuracy (2-3 people side-by-side)

Factors affecting accuracy:

• Passageway width (narrower = better, up to 1000mm max)
• Lighting conditions (avoid bright sunlight, incandescent/fluorescent/halogen lamps)
• Installation height (230cm recommended for optimal coverage)
• People walking speed (normal to fast preferred, very slow may challenge detection)

Simultaneous Passage

ToF advantage:

• Can detect 2-3 people walking side-by-side (within 1000mm width)
• Laser measures multiple distance changes simultaneously
• Higher accuracy than PIR sensors for simultaneous passage

Limitation:

• Very crowded passage (> 3 people simultaneously) may cause some undercounting
• Optimal for moderate to busy traffic, not extremely high-density crowds

Measurement and Reporting

Data Transmission

Measurement values transmitted:

• entries: Number of people who entered since last report
• exits: Number of people who exited since last report
• timestamp: When measurement occurred

Typical data payload (example):

{
  "measurementDirectionalMovement": [
    {
      "deviceId": "abc123...",
      "entries": 5,
      "exits": 3,
      "measuredAt": "2026-01-20T14:30:00.000+00:00"
    }
  ]
}

Reporting Behavior

Over Wirepas mesh network:

1. Sensor generates entry/exit counts
2. Transmits via Wirepas mesh to nearby sensors (routers) or gateway
3. Gateway forwards to Haltian Operations Cloud
4. Data visible in Haltian IoT Studio

Reporting frequency:

• Configurable (contact Haltian support for custom intervals)
• Typical: Periodic updates (e.g., every 30 seconds to 5 minutes)
• Or on significant count change (e.g., every 10 entries/exits)

Power Management

Continuous USB Power Required

Power specifications:

• Input: USB 5V (standard USB power)
• Power supply: Included with sensor (wall adapter)
• Consumption: Continuous draw (sensor always active)
• No battery: Cannot operate on battery power

Power Continuity

Critical considerations:

• Counter reset: If power lost, count resets to zero (not recoverable)
• Data loss: Any counts since last transmission to cloud lost during power outage
• Reliable power source: Choose outlets on dedicated circuits (not switchable)

Best practices:

• Avoid outlets controlled by light switches or timers
• Use dedicated outlet for sensor power
• Consider UPS for critical counting applications (retail analytics, building occupancy)
• Document power source reliability in installation records

Environmental Operating Conditions

Temperature and Humidity

Operating specifications:

• Temperature: Typical indoor range (0-40°C recommended)
• Humidity: Indoor humidity levels acceptable (20-80% RH non-condensing)
• Indoor use: Designed for interior installations (not outdoor-rated)

ToF sensor advantages:

• Temperature independent: Laser measurement unaffected by ambient temperature (unlike PIR)
• Works in hot or cold environments: No thermal contrast required

Lighting Conditions

Optimal:

• Moderate indoor lighting (office lighting, LED overhead lights)
• Consistent lighting (not rapidly changing)

Avoid:

• Bright sunlight: Direct sunlight interferes with ToF laser
• Incandescent/fluorescent/halogen lamps: Certain wavelengths affect laser accuracy
• Rapidly changing light: Flashing lights, strobe effects

Mitigation:

• Install away from windows with direct sunlight
• Use window shades or blinds to reduce sun exposure
• Choose locations with consistent LED or ambient lighting

Physical Environment

Suitable:

• Standard indoor offices, meeting rooms, retail stores
• Climate-controlled buildings
• Protected from moisture and dust

Unsuitable:

• Outdoor installations (no weatherproofing)
• High-moisture environments (condensation may fog ToF sensor lens)
• Dusty or dirty areas (dust on lens reduces accuracy)

Operational Best Practices

Placement for Optimal Performance

✅ Do:

• Install in passageways ≤ 1000mm width
• Center sensor above passageway (equal distance from sides)
• Mount at 230cm height from floor (or adjust based on ceiling height)
• Avoid bright sunlight and incompatible lighting
• Ensure continuous reliable power supply

❌ Avoid:

• Passageways > 1000mm width (requires multiple sensors or alternative technology)
• Locations with bright sunlight (direct sun on sensor)
• Areas with incandescent/fluorescent/halogen lamps
• Power outlets on switchable circuits (counter resets if power lost)

Configuration Recommendations

Direction setup:

• Use Thingsee Toolbox app during installation (scan QR code)
• Select IN if sensor inside room (entry from corridor into room)
• Select OUT if sensor outside room (entry from room into corridor)
• Verify with walkthrough test after configuration

Testing:

• Test entry direction (walk through, verify “entries” increments)
• Test exit direction (walk through, verify “exits” increments)
• Test simultaneous passage (2-3 people, verify all counted)

Monitoring Sensor Health

Regular checks in IoT Studio:

• Last seen: Confirm recent communication (< 5-10 minutes typical)
• Power status: Verify sensor online (continuous power)
• Entry/exit counts: Verify expected traffic patterns
• Signal strength (RSSI): Ensure > -85 dBm

Troubleshooting indicators:

• No data: Power lost or network connectivity issue
• Zero counts: Counter reset (power interruption), or no traffic
• Lower counts than expected: Sensor misaligned, lighting interference, or passageway too wide

Data Interpretation

Understanding Entry/Exit Patterns

Visitor counting:

• Total entries: Sum of all entry counts over time period (day/week/month)
• Total exits: Sum of all exit counts over time period
• Net occupancy change: Entries - Exits (estimate of current occupancy change)

Utilization analytics:

• Peak times: When entry counts highest (identify busy periods)
• Low traffic: When entry counts lowest (identify unused times)
• Average duration: Entries vs. exits timing (how long people stay)
• Turnover rate: How many times space occupied → unoccupied per day

Integrations and Downstream Use

Common integrations:

• Occupancy dashboards: Real-time display of entry/exit counts and current occupancy estimate
• Meeting room booking systems: Utilization data for scheduling optimization
• Retail analytics: Visitor counts, conversion rates (visitors vs. purchases)
• Building management systems (BMS): Traffic pattern analysis, space optimization

Data export:

• API access to real-time entry/exit data via Haltian IoT Studio
• Historical data export (CSV, JSON)
• Webhook notifications on count thresholds
• Third-party platform integration via Haltian APIs

Operational Limitations

What Thingsee COUNT Can Detect

✅ Detectable:

• People walking through passageway (any clothing, temperature)
• Directional movement (entry vs. exit)
• Multiple people simultaneously (2-3 within 1000mm width)
• Works in darkness (laser provides own illumination)

❌ Not reliably detected:

• Very large crowds (> 3 people simultaneously in 1000mm passageway)
• People moving very slowly (may not trigger sufficient distance change)
• Objects outside 1000mm width (requires sensor centered and within spec)

Environmental Constraints

Lighting sensitivity:

• Bright sunlight reduces accuracy (laser interference)
• Incandescent/fluorescent/halogen lamps may interfere
• LED lighting and moderate ambient light optimal

Power dependency:

• Requires continuous USB power (no battery backup)
• Counter resets to zero if power lost
• Not suitable for locations without reliable power

Physical Constraints

• Maximum passageway width: 1000mm (wider passages require multiple sensors)
• Indoor use only: Not weatherproof or outdoor-rated
• Fixed installation: USB power cable limits portability

Comparison to Battery-Powered Sensors

Thingsee COUNT (USB-powered) vs. Haltian ENTRYWAY (battery-powered):

When to choose Thingsee COUNT:

• Power outlet available
• Higher accuracy required (retail analytics, critical applications)
• Simultaneous passage common (busy doorways)
• Lighting challenges (but not bright sunlight)

When to choose battery-powered alternative:

• No power outlet available
• Counter must survive power outages
• Wider passageways (up to 1600mm)
• Minimal maintenance (4-year battery life)

Support and Maintenance

Routine Maintenance

Minimal maintenance required:

• Clean ToF sensor lens periodically (wipe with dry, lint-free cloth)
• Verify power connection quarterly (ensure USB cable secure)
• Check mounting annually (cradle secure, no sagging)
• Monitor data in IoT Studio regularly (verify expected traffic patterns)

No calibration needed:

• ToF sensor factory-calibrated
• No periodic recalibration required

Support Contacts

For operational questions:

• Email: support@haltian.com
• Configuration changes: Direction setup, reporting intervals
• Analytics support: Data interpretation and integration assistance
• User Guide PDF: Download

Troubleshooting:

• Power issues: Verify outlet, USB connection
• Counting accuracy: Check lighting, passageway width, alignment
• Network connectivity: RSSI, gateway status, mesh topology