Table of Contents
1. Introduction
At a bustling mall’s promotional booth, crowds rush past but rarely stop. During subway rush hours, surging passenger flows create chaos—challenging staff deployment, environmental control, and cleaning efficiency.
Forward-thinking operators now realize: Precise, real-time data is the key to optimizing any space. The core mission of a people-counting system? Deliver accurate, actionable insights for smarter space management.

2. What Is People Counting?
People counting tracks real-time movement—entry/exit volumes, walking paths, and area density—using advanced sensing tech.
Traditional Methods:
Infrared Sensors: Detect beam breaks to count passersby. Pros: Low-cost. Cons: Fails in crowds.

2D Cameras + AI: Use RGB cameras and computer vision. Pros: Affordable. Cons: Privacy risks (faces captured).

3. Why 3D ToF Cameras Win

Versus legacy systems, 3D Time-of-Flight (ToF) cameras offer:
✔ Pinpoint Accuracy: Depth data via infrared light—immune to shadows/backlight.
✔ Crowd-Proof: Tracks individuals even in dense traffic (no occlusion errors).
✔ Privacy by Design: No facial/visual data—just anonymous depth points. Ideal for public spaces. (Learn more…)
4. Smarter Spaces with 3D ToF
4.1. Resource Optimization
- Transport Hubs: Dynamic security lane allocation reduces peak wait times by 40%.
- Retail: HVAC energy savings up to 30% through occupancy-based climate control.
4.2. Revenue-Generating Insights
- Brick-and-Mortar: High-traffic/low-engagement zones identified for promotional placement (avg. 22% sales lift).
- QSRs: Real-time table turnover analytics increase seating efficiency by 18%.
4.3. Enhanced Visitor Experience
Wayfinding integrations reduce average station transfer times by 26%.
Predictive congestion alerts activate staff reassignment 5-8 minutes before bottlenecks form.
5. Plug-and-Play Solution
Goertek’s 3D ToF Camera + AI People-Counting Algorithm delivers out-of-the-box insights, seamlessly integrating with ERP, building management systems, and more.
Let data flow. Let spaces think. Let business thrive. The future of smart cities and retail starts with 3D ToF.