Evaluation of Preferences for a Thermal-Camera-Based Abnormal Situation Detection Service via the Integrated Fuzzy AHP/TOPSIS Model

Abstract

Research related to thermal cameras, which are major control measures, is increasing to overcome the limitations of closed-circuit television (CCTV) images. Thermal cameras have the advantage of easily detecting objects at night and of being able to identify initial signs of dangerous situations owing to changes in temperature. However, research on thermal cameras from a comprehensive perspective for practical urban control is insufficient. Accordingly, this study presents a thermal camera-based abnormal-situation detection service that can supplement/replace CCTV image analysis and evaluate service preferences. We suggested an integrated Fuzzy AHP/TOPSIS model, which induces a more reasonable selection to support the decision-making of the demand for introducing thermography cameras. We found that developers highly evaluated services that can identify early signs of dangerous situations by detecting temperature changes in heat, which is the core principle of thermography cameras (e.g., pre-fire phenomenon), while local governments highly evaluated control services related to citizen safety (e.g., pedestrian detection at night). Clearly, while selecting an effective service model, the opinions of experts with a high understanding of the technology itself and operators who actually manage ser-vices should be appropriately reflected. This study contributes to the literature and provides the basic foundation for the development of services utilizing thermography cameras by presenting a thermography camera-based abnormal situation detection service and selection methods and joint decision-making engagement between developers and operators.