Page 43 - Security Today, January/February 2022

HOW CASINOS ARE USING LIDAR
Casinos are using LiDAR in a few key security and business intel- ligence applications. Traditionally, these applications are solved with surveillance cameras. However, cameras pose a few disad- vantages, including personal identifiable information (PII) risk, high costs, extensive infrastructure requirements, and limitations in their ability to identify objects.
While cameras can still provide significant value, and remain a critical component of many security applications, they are best paired with an intelligent sensing solution like LiDAR sensors that can provide higher accuracy and granular insights. In addition, LiDAR poses no additional PII risk. Unlike cameras, which can capture images and transmit them over the network to other ap- plications, LiDAR captures no personal identifiable information. Instead, LiDAR create a point cloud – or millions of points in a 3D space that together create the silhouettes of moving or fixed objects.
The following are just a few examples of where LiDAR has emerged as a premier solution for security and business intelli- gence in the gaming industry.
INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SECURITY
Inside of the casino, LiDAR sensors can track the movement of a within a given space. If a potential threat is suspected, LiDAR sensors can be integrated with PTZ cameras to keep that person in view at all times, while security personnel respond.
Outside of the casino, LiDAR sensors can monitor for poten- tial objects thrown off the roof, or identify people in areas that they should not be in – for example, on rooftops or private areas that are not open to the public.
CROWD MONITORING AND PEOPLE COUNTING
Unlike cameras, LiDAR can be used to monitor crowds and count occupancy without affecting the flow of people in and out of a space. For example, people counting in large open spaces can be particularly challenging. The casino will need a large net- work of cameras, which comes with the high infrastructure and cabling costs, or you need to install a turnstile to count each per- son that enters. However, this hinders free movement, leading to
frustrating traffic bottlenecks and posing significant safety risks. LiDAR sensors, on the other hand, can provide 360-degree coverage and long ranges, monitoring large areas with only a few devices that can be installed virtually anywhere. In addition, Li- DAR can provide more than just a tally of people entering and exiting. With the 3D point cloud, LiDAR also lets you see how people are moving throughout the space and understand where they are spending the most time. For example, this data can be used to command higher advertising prices in areas with high
traffic and high dwell times.
TRACKING ANALYTICS AND INSIGHTS
Inside of casinos, LiDAR sensors are deployed much like surveil- lance cameras, except that they can anonymously track all of the people walking through the gaming floor and provide location, di- rection and speed of the guests within centimeter accuracy.
This data can then be used to visualize the guest journey, in- cluding what path each guest took, how long guests spent in key areas (dwell time), and several other metrics that help casino opera- tors and marketers make better decisions on product placements or advertisements in the space.
Flow tracking with LiDAR also helps casino operators un- derstand which games groups of customers frequent most often, allowing them to optimize customer routing. For example, the in- sights derived from LiDAR can be used to inform smart modifi- cations to layouts and signage that will increase customer interac- tions and increase their playtime on the casino floor, influencing the financial performance and return of the casino.
LiDAR has emerged as a powerful technology for casinos as they seek to improve the customer experience, unlock insights into guest behavior, mitigate security risks, and reveal untapped revenue oppor- tunities. To this end, LiDAR offers unmatched ac-
curacy, granular insights, and zero PII risk – all at
a lower cost of ownership compared to alternative
technologies.
Gerald Becker is the vice president of market devel- opment and alliances at Quanergy.
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