Elevated Skin Temperature (E.S.T.) Camera FAQs
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Last Edit: September 15, 2020
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Supported/Affected Devices:
- E.S.T. Camera (DW-ESTCAM)
- Blackbody (DW-ESTBLKB)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the E.S.T. Camera?
The DW E.S.T. (Elevated Skin Temperature) System is an accurate, non-invasive and contactless solution to screen individuals for elevated skin temperature while on the move.
The system has a temperature sensor and a 2.1MP/1080p high-resolution sensor, providing a split Picture-in-Picture (PIP) and privacy viewing options, making it easy for users to quickly detect and identify any person that may require additional screening.
What is the Blackbody device for?
The camera uses auto-detect blackbody technology to self-calibrate its readings in real-time, providing temperature readings at a high accuracy level of +/- 0.4°F (+/- 0.2°C). Most other temperature sensor cameras on the market process and analyze temperature data with the camera only.
The DW E.S.T. System transmits the raw temperature data to its own dedicated software, where additional processing power delivers higher accuracy and quicker results than most competing solutions
Is this camera meant to be used with the DW Spectrum® IPVMS software?
No, this camera is a standalone system that is not intended for use with DW Spectrum® IPVMS. The DW E.S.T. System is a complete, integrated, standalone solution.
This system is ideal for controlled entrances where initial skin temperature scanning is needed, but is meant to be used separately from DW Spectrum® IPVMS.
Is the temperature displayed onscreen the same as a person’s core body temperature?
No, the E.S.T. Camera only detects the surface temperature of a person’s skin. This camera is not recommended as a be-all and end-all mean for fever detection. Rather it is meant as a supplemental detection tool.
It is recommended to use a secondary screening method in combination with this camera for increased accuracy, such as a medical grade IR thermometer, if someone is identified as having an elevated skin temperature.
Is the camera 100% consistent with reading temperature information?
Being that the E.S.T. Camera can only read surface temperature, readings can be affected by environmental factors such as air temperature and the physical location of installation.
For example, if a person is screened by the E.S.T. Camera and has recently spent an extended period of time in the sun, their surface skin temperature may read higher than normal.
Temperature reading can also vary from person-to-person by a difference of 1.8°F~3.6°F (1~2°C).
What environmental factors should be considered when using this camera?
When installing the camera it is recommended to avoid pointing the camera at doors or windows that are exposed to direct sunlight. Heat from outside will affect the measurement.
Recommended room temperature is between 20°~30° C (68°~86° F).
Additionally, be sure to avoid installing the camera and/or Blackbody directly underneath any air conditioning ducts as the cold air will also affect the measurement.
Where is the ideal location to install the Blackbody device?
The camera uses the Blackbody device to calibrate its temperature readings. It will automatically track the Blackbody device’s location, as long as it is within the camera’s field of vision (FOV).
It is recommended to install the Blackbody at a distance of 10ft (3m) from the camera, a height of 5ft (1.5m) from the floor, and facing the lens. Additionally, if an object or person blocks the Blackbody from the camera’s view, the camera will not be able to self-calibrate as accurately.
Can lighting affect temperature readings?
Strong florescent lighting can affect the measurement. It is recommended to use the DW E.S.T. System’s integrated software to configure any reading offsets and to accommodate for such factors that are typical within the camera’s environment.
What is the ideal distance for someone to be from the camera?
The DW E.S.T. System achieves its most accurate readings when scanning subjects that are between 2~5 meters from the camera.