Fever Detecting System Could Help Contain Spread of Swine Flu

A thermal imaging system can detect individuals with elevated body temperatures that when installed in public thoroughfares such as airports and train stations could help contain the spread of swine flu.

The Opgal Fever Detector and Alarm (FDA) system consists of a highly-sensitive infrared thermal camera integrated with customized software and sophisticated algorithms so that it can detect differences in body temperature smaller than 0.5 °C. The system screens real-time thermal images to detect individuals passing through its field of view whose body temperatures exceed a preset threshold, and flags individuals with elevated temperatures. When the camera detects such an individual it gives off an alarm and the specific person can be pulled aside for further medical evaluation. The stand alone system uses software based on standard PC based operating systems, is easy to install and to operate, and requires no special training. Real time, no contact, and noninvasive measurements are performed in seconds, and the system is capable of evaluating hundreds individuals per minute. The Opgal FDA system is a product of Opgal Optronic Industries (Carmiel, Israel). In 2003, more than 300 units of a similar Opgal thermal scanner were acquired by Asian nations during the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) crisis.


"This noninvasive system can be immediately deployed in airports and other transportation hubs, since it does not require any special infrastructure,” said Dror Sharon, CEO of Opgal. "Because it can scan large groups of people at a time, it will be extremely useful in keeping the flow of passengers moving and enable public gatherings during these difficult times.”

Related Links:
Opgal Optronic Industries