Technology Detectors - Essay Example

Dual Technology Sensors Student Name Allied University Dual technology detectors Introduction Security is an important aspect of modern life because it provides a sense of protection from the potential threat people face in their daily lives. Technology advancement has been a key element in improving security around the world, as people find it easy to protect themselves using technological tools due to their efficiency and reliability[Ibr14]. One technological aspect of security is the development of motion sensors, which has become a linchpin of people’s security system[Ibr14]. Motion sensors have an important capability that can transform how people approach security threats. The motion sensor technology functions as detection devices when someone is in people’s homes, offices or commercial premises when they should not be. Motion sensor technologies have become unique in the security sectors due to its capability of using one or multiple technologies to detect movement in an area[Chr12]. This means if one part of the system sensor is tripped by an intruder, a signal is sent to the security system’s control panel that links to the monitoring center, which alerts security personnel in the monitoring center to a potential threat in the premises. Sensor technologies contains microwave, optical or acoustic sensor that enables the technology to function effectively[Chr12]. There are varieties of dual sensor technologies, which have found wide use in the domestic and commercial applications. Dual sensor technologies are very common in activation of automatic door openers in businesses premises and public buildings. The technology has also been useful in detecting intrusion by activating streetlights or indoor lights in walkways[JCa13]. Dual sensor technologies have also been used with a combination of security alarms and cameras, where the motion detected triggers the alarm to sound and the security camera to record the intrusion. Dual Technology Sensor has become an important aspect of security because they sense intruders and send an alert to the control panel, which alerts the monitoring system[Car12]. In order to improve security accuracy, Dual Technology Sensor has become an ideal security measures for many people and organization. The combination of different sensor technologies into one system not only reduces false detection but also estimates detection probabilities and increased vulnerability[JCa13]. The multiple sensor technologies into the single unit, have to work together in order to trigger an alarm or activate detection. Types of dual technology detectors and their principles There are variety of dual sensor technologies that is currently being used for domestic and commercial applications Occupancy sensors Occupancy sensors are important for detecting the presence or absence of occupants in a specific space. Occupancy sensor is widely used for turning on or off automatically lights, heating system, ventilation and air condition system[Car12]. They are also very useful in saving energy, providing automatic control and comply with building codes. Occupancy sensors use a combination of passive infrared (PIR) and ultrasonic sensors to function effectively[Car12]. Passive infrared sensor operates by detecting the presence of occupants using the heat emitted by the occupant and that of the background. Passive infrared differentiates the occupant’s heat from that of the background to detect motion[Dom11]. The sensor technology is very effective when the coverage between the occupants and the sensor is aligned together. This means the sensor’s coverage must be well defined to ensure accurate detection of movement within a specific space. Passive infrared are known to be effective in an enclosed space, high ceiling areas and high airflow spaces[Dom11]. This means users can use this sensor technology in areas such as offices, lobbies, warehouse, hallways and storage closet. On the other hand, ultrasonic sensors function by sending ultrasonic sound waves in space and measure the speed at which the sound is reflected[Ste12]. Usually, the sound waves emitted have high frequency, which is impossible for human ear to hear the sound. Therefore, ultrasonic sensors uses the changes in frequency caused the occupant’s movement to detect presence in a specific space[Sha12]. The unique aspect of ultrasonic sensors is that, unlike passive infrared sensors, they do not need direct line of sight and can detect presence of a person behind objects. Ultrasonic sensors cover a wide area of space, which improves accuracy for detecting presence of an occupant in space. In addition, ultrasonic sensors are sensitive to minor motions such as hand movement[Ste12]. In spaces such as rest rooms, open offices and enclosed hallways where spaces either are partitioned or require a higher level of sensitivity, ultrasonic sensors are suitable in such spaces[Ste12]. This is because they are able to detect motion in areas where direct line of sight is not possible hence compensating for the defaults that might arise due to the use of passive infrared sensors. Despite the wide variety of features that passive infrared and ultrasonic sensors have on improving security, there are minor complications because of using the sensors[Ste12]. Passive infrared sensors are very ineffective during low levels of motion, which can provide the intruder a major loophole for the intruder. In addition, passive infrared sensors are also ineffective when the sensors view is blocked by obstacles[JCa13]. On the other hand, ultrasonic sensors cannot detect motion when the ceilings are higher than 14 feet. This is because ultrasonic sensors cannot provide accurate estimation between the occupant and the sound wave reflected[JCa13]. Ultrasonic sensors are also very ineffective when the airflow is at high levels. This is because airflow causes high levels of vibration, which is a nuisance to ultrasonic sensors, and causes the sensors to switch off[Ste12]. Open spaces are also not a suitable condition for the proper function of ultrasonic sensors. This is because open spaces require selective coverage which is common in controlling of individual warehouses aisles. In occupancy sensor technology, the combination of passive infrared and ultrasonic sensors literally eliminates the possibility of inaccurate detection by requiring either of the technology to hold the lights on upon detection[Ste12]. However, for the occupancy sensor technology to work, both sensor technologies must simultaneously work together to detect presence of an occupant. Occupancy sensors are used in areas such as classrooms, conference rooms and open spaces where a high degree of detection is required[Ste12]. Security motion sensors Motion sensors are a combination of passive infrared sensors and microwave sensors used in the detection of movement in restricted areas. Motion sensors are the mostly commonly used security measures by both domestic and commercial applicants[Hui10]. In motion sensor technology, passive infrared and microwave sensors operate on a different spectrum, that is, one is active and the other is passive[Udo10]. Similarly, to occupancy sensors, motion sensors are also used to detect presence by using light to alert the monitoring center[Udo10]. Microwave sensors are unique in the combination of passive infrared sensors in various security devices. The use of microwaves sensors has increased due to the rise in security and surveillance concerns[Lam11]. Microwave sensors function by detecting motion into a specific portion, which triggers the alarm as a result. Microwave sensors produce microwaves, which emits it to a specific region and analyzes the changes of the received microwaves from the reflection of the intruder[Law13]. Based on guiding principle of the Doppler’s effect, microwave sensors consist of three major components, that is, a transmitter, a receiver and an alarm or circuit. The transmitter produces microwaves, which sends it towards a specific direction. The microwaves move at a specific frequency in which the phase of the waves signal can be altered when the velocity of the intruder’s movement strike it[ARo11]. When the receiver recognizes the change in frequency, the microwave sensor triggers the alarm or any other related circuit. In normal circumstances, the change in the frequency of the waves is directly proportional to the velocity of the intruder. There are various challenges that microwaves sensor faces when signal handedly used. Microwaves sensors are vulnerable to false alarms mainly due to slight interruptions of objects like curtain and swinging signs[Ste12]. However, such shortcomings can be solved by adding receiver diodes into the component of microwave sensors. The receiver diodes function by determining the frequency level through mix up with the transmitted microwave signal. Therefore, the alarm is triggered only when the shift in frequency signal is beyond the estimated change pre-fed into the sensor[Ste12]. Microwave sensors are beneficial as compared to passive infrared sensors, which have many disadvantages. Microwave sensors are effective even in harsh environmental conditions unlike passive infrared sensors[ARo11]. This means that microwave sensors can work in situations where heat cycles are not regular. This is very useful for outdoor security operations, which is common with many domestic and commercial users. Microwave sensors have capability to penetrate through walls and holes[Mar121]. The sensor uses microwave radiations, which can penetrate through obstacles to detect motion and trigger alarms. This can be very useful in ensuring security across boundaries or closings. Therefore, a combination of passive infrared and microwave sensors is essential in reducing false alarms due to their different spectrum of operation[Mar121]. Microwave sensors have some minor shortcomings that can compromise the security of a specific coverage[Meh10]. They are vulnerable to unnoticed intrusion as the technology does not work continuous but instead work in intervals. Intruders can find a high opportunity to use this vulnerability to their advantage. Microwave sensor relies on continuous power source to remain operation at all times. However, the sensors use high voltage batteries, which are expensive to quire, therefore, majority of these sensors, are ineffective if not sufficiently sourced with enough power[Mar121]. There are some instances where Dual Technology Sensor has been integrated with security cameras to enhance security measures in a specific area. The purpose of placing security cameras in Dual Technology Sensor is to provide a more reliable information about the intrusion, which can be provided as evidence during prosecution[Sha12]. The proliferation of inexpensive digital cameras has made it possible to use motion detectors in surveillance cameras. Cameras offer the capability to record videos triggered by motion detection, which can be essential in taking necessary measures to address the potential security threat[Chr12]. Other than taking pictures and recording videos, cameras do no offer much capability in security systems. This is because camera and computer hardware do not offer technological capability in motion detection. Therefore, cameras and computers are considered passive technology similarly to passive infrared sensors. Camera can be combined with infrared technology to improve vision at night in security surveillance[Chr12]. Recommendation Dual technology sensor is becoming an effective security measure tool for many domestic and commercial users. Their capability of handling sunlit windows, strong air flows and detect small movements makes the technology an ideal security tool to protect domestic and commercial premises[Meh10]. Dual technology sensor has become very effective in handling various situations by utilizing its pair of technologies sensitive to two different types of disturbance. This concept has enabled the technology very critical in improving security systems by ensuring that each pair sensor supports the weakness of another to eliminate false detection[Xia11]. The effectiveness of dual technology sensor can well be noted during the function of the passive infrared sensor and microwaves sensor[Xia10]. The passive infrared sensors are known to be ineffective with low signal level, which compromise coverage, and security limits. While microwave sensors offer strong detection performance to compensate for the weakness of passive infrared sensors[BSm12]. Microwave can cover a large area and pick up variations between the signal sent and received. This simply means that they can easily detect anything that moves within its proximity[Sha12]. Dual technology sensors are very expensive to acquire but offer much better security solutions than other security measures available today. Dual technology sensors use their technological capability to detect motion beyond human capability. I. References Ibr14: , (Al-Naimi, Wong, & Moore, 2014), Chr12: , (Barley & Roach, 2012), JCa13: , (Caniou, 2013), Car12: , (Corsi, 2012), Dom11: , (Fleischmann & Boas, 2011), Ste12: , (Kocis & Figura, 2012), Sha12: , (Sharma, Ghose, & Singh, 2012), Hui10: , (Huang, Xiao, Meng, & Xiong, 2010), Udo10: , (Kaatze, 2010), Lam11: , (Lam, Rao, Loureiro, & Tolosa, 2011), Law13: , (Lynnworth, 2013), ARo11: , (Rogalski A. , 2011), Mar121: , (Schueler, Puentes, & Jakoby, 2012), Meh10: , (Sezgin, 2010), Xia11: , (Wu, Phi, & Merritt, Adaptive microwave security sensor, 2011), Xia10: , (Wu, Green, & Helland, Direction of travel motion sensor, 2010), BSm12: , (Smith & Carpentier, 2012), Read More