Traditional camera-based systems, while effective and widely available, often raise eyebrows due to their potential to capture personally identifiable information. Enter Radar Counters, a privacy-conscious alternative that's gaining traction, especially with advances in edge computing and wireless technologies such as LoRaWANⓇ.
The Radar Advantage: Privacy at the Forefront
Radar counters, like those developed by PMX Systems and others, utilize radio waves to detect and count objects, such as vehicles or pedestrians.
Unlike cameras, they do not capture any biometric data or number plates, ensuring complete anonymity for individuals passing through monitored areas. This aligns perfectly with the principles of "privacy by design," where privacy considerations are baked into the very core of a technology.
Edge Computing: Keeping Data Local and Secure
PMX Systems takes privacy a step further by incorporating edge computing into their radar counter solutions. This means that data processing happens directly on the device itself, rather than being transmitted over the internet to a central server. This significantly reduces the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access, as sensitive information never leaves "the box".
Robustness and Low Maintenance: A Practical Choice
Radar counters are also known for their robustness and low maintenance requirements. Unlike cameras or infrared sensors, prone to malfunction from dust, insects, or light changes, radar sensors offer unwavering performance in any environment. This translates to substantial cost savings for municipalities, eliminating the need for frequent maintenance on hard-to-reach systems.
LoRaWANⓇ: Secure and Efficient Data Transmission
Although all data is processed in the device and only counter and speed values are transmitted, PMX Systems' radar counters use LoRaWANⓇ 1.1, a low-power wide-area network technology with robust security features.
LoRaWANⓇ 1.1 uses device-specific keys, session keys and AES-128 encryption for data packets to ensure that information transmitted between the radar counter and a central management system remains confidential. In addition, LoRaWAN's long-range capabilities makes signals difficult to detect and intercept.
PMX Systems TCR Radar Traffic Counter: A Privacy-Centric Solution
The PMX Systems TCR Radar Traffic Counter exemplifies the convergence of privacy, technology, and practicality. With its radar-based sensing, edge computing capabilities, and LoRaWAN connectivity, it offers a comprehensive solution for monitoring public spaces while respecting individual privacy.
Conclusion
As privacy concerns continue to shape technological development, radar counters are emerging as a compelling alternative to traditional camera-based systems. Their inherent privacy features, combined with advancements in edge computing and secure wireless technologies like LoRaWANⓇ, make them a valuable tool for creating safer, more privacy-conscious public spaces.