The Overhead People Counter is installed above the main entrance, or cash register, and above each theatre entrance in a multiplex cinema. The persons who enter and each theatre, and at what time, is detected, recorded and stored. The number of persons who pass before the cash register is also recorded. This data can be used to verify cash register receipts vs number of persons and number of persons in any specific theatre per projection. Since the data is time stamped, the arrival of staff can be discounted by time. Since attendance per theatre is visible, persons sneaking a second feature can be counted. The time stamping allows persons to enter and exit in the middle of a feature for snacks or rest break. Cash register falsification can be detected by analysing attendance vs sales.
Since the data can be remotely accessed through the standard serial data link (by modem), the correlation of cash receipts vs traffic can be done at any time, even several months after the fact, as the traffic data is stored in memory. Suspicious scenarios can thus be evaluated by normal accounting methods in retrospect. Several months of data are kept in memory, and can be used for audit purposes. Data is in spread sheet compatible format, and can be accessed through the serial data link directly (via a standard portable PC) or remotely via LAN or modem connection.
The people traffic can also be used to evaluate peaks and lulls of business, as each time stamp can be specified in minute, 10 minutes or by the hour.
The Overhead People Counter provides unobtrusive monitoring and recording of the traffic in every theatre, at all times. The data can be processed numerically, using standard accounting methods.
The advantages of the Overhead People Counter include:
-Remote, unobtrusive gathering of people traffic
-Data is provided in spread sheet compatible format, time stamped.
-Low cost of purchase & installation.
-Serial data port allows the monitoring of many locations from one central site.
-Built-In-Test feature provides quick assurance of correct operation.
-Simple wiring (one plug-n cable, supplied) & ceiling installation means no floor obstructions.