When homeowners and tenants think about how to increase the security of their home, motion detectors aren’t the first thing that comes to mind because even the most basic security cameras now provide visual motion detection. However, they can still be an extremely practical and inexpensive method of monitoring particularly large installations.
How do motion detectors work?
When it is necessary to protect a monitored area, such as a home, office, or place of business, a motion detector is used to identify intrusions.
While motion detectors have been a part of fully integrated security systems for a long time, most of us are probably already familiar with their use in motion-sensing IP security cameras, such as the Ajax Systems MotionCam: wireless detector with photo-verification of alarms that detects movement in a protected area and warns users if a threat is detected.
In addition to a warning about the danger, the user will receive a series of animated photos, which will allow them to assess the situation and cancel or confirm the activation of the wireless motion detector.
Many devices, including lighting systems, cameras, and alarms, use motion detection technology. You may not be very familiar with the latter unless your home is equipped with a full security system, as IP cameras have at least largely replaced the requirement for a non-visual motion detector in a typical home.
Still, you’ve probably unknowingly or intentionally come across them in stores and other public places every day. They can also be useful for larger-than-average homes because they allow for automatic lighting, door unlocking, and door chime without the need for a guest to touch a button.
Different types of motion detectors
True motion detectors work in one of two modes, called “passive” or “active.”
A passive infrared detector, often known as a PIR detector, can read the heat signals emitted by objects and people near the detector. If the temperature differs when moving objects/subjects reach a specified level, an alarm will sound (ie human body temperature).
Many PIR detectors can distinguish humans from animals, which prevents false alarms caused by pets. Since PIR is invisible to the naked eye, it is often used in night vision cameras to produce images in low light.
1. Active sound wave/microwave
Microwave-based sensors emit microwaves into the monitored area, similar to Sonar. These are reflected from everything in the room when they return and bounce. The alarms will go off if something moves because fluctuating microwave reflection data means movement. This can cover a considerably larger area than a PIR detector, although it is less common and more expensive than passive detectors. It might work better as an outdoor motion detector.
In other systems, high-pitched sound waves are used instead of microwaves, but the principle is the same. These are most often seen in garage door openers and animal detection/prevention products (where the high-pitched sound repels animals and keeps them away). Most children can hear the sound that is released.
2. Combined
Some detectors combine active (microwave) and passive (infrared) technology. The reason for this is that better accuracy can be achieved by combining two different techniques that operate at various frequencies. Both must be on for an alarm to sound, which reduces the number of false alarms.
Conclusion
Motion detectors are a crucial tool for improving security at home, at work, and in other public places, even though even the most security-savvy person is unlikely to think of them immediately. Cameras, lights and even entrances are now safer and more efficient thanks to motion detection technology.
The motion detectors they can make security measures more practical for us, whether they are used in home lighting systems or motion alarm systems.