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Possibilities of motion sensors Motion

Sensors are extremely useful devices that can perform several functions in the home, both related to the issue of safety and increasing our comfort of using at home.

In this article, you will learn the basics of what motion sensors are and for what functions they can be used at home.

What is a motion sensor?

Simply put, a motion sensor is a device that detects movement in its field of vision and, based on this event, activates the corresponding function in the house.

1. Taking into account the principles of operation, three types of motion sensors are distinguished:
2. active radar – send and receive electromagnetic waves,
3. active ultrasonic – send and receive ultrasonic waves,
4. passive infrared light – detect changes in infrared radiation.

The human body emits infrared waves (heat). Motion detectors have infrared detectors, thanks to which they detect movement. Of course, there is a risk that such a sensor will be triggered by a warm blow of air, a warm car, heat generated by a stove in a boiler room or a running pet. Therefore, to prevent such cases, complex algorithms are used that recognize human movement, or hybrid solutions are used that combine passive and microwave solutions.

How can motion sensors be used?

Convenience

Motion sensors are very often used in smart homes to automatically turn on lighting in rooms that we use quite often, but in which we are for a short time. These areas include a toilet, corridor, staircase, basement or dressing room.

Entering such a room, the sensor detects our movement, and then turns on the appropriate light. We also don’t have to worry about forgetting to turn off the lights when we leave the room. When the motion sensor detects absence in the room, it will turn off the lighting after a while.

This use of motion sensors not only affects the usability of the home, but can also have a positive effect on energy savings. Let’s remember how often we left the lights on in the hallway for a long time or forgot about the lights off after leaving the bathroom.

Safety

It is also worth considering using motion sensors to improve our safety. In this case, our sensor is integrated with the house alarm system, so when it detects movement in the preset alarm zone, it immediately activates an alarm signaling to inform family members of the appearance of a burglar.

Additional opportunities associated with a smart home

In a smart home, we have even more options for action when it comes to using motion sensors. Because the integration of all home installations into one system allows such sensors to be used in more unusual situations.

The first example is using them in the garden when automatic watering is on – motion sensors can momentarily turn off the water supply to the sprinkler so we can move around without getting wet.

When we have a small child, we can use a motion sensor. If the motion sensor detects that the baby is starting to wake up, it can automatically attach a lullaby to soothe the awakening baby.