PIR Sensors May Be Better Than Ultrasonic Technology in Security and Occupancy Applications
PIR sensors, or the Passive Infrared sensor, are not the latest technology in lighting, but in many ways, it is the best new technology in lighting because it is not as sensitive as the latest technology, which is called ultrasonic sensing. There are three very important reasons this kind of sensor technology may be getting ahead of itself. This is especially true if the technology is being used for residential purposes to control lighting in a room, (Occupancy Sensors) or for motion detection in secure areas.
● Ultrasonic sensors may sense objects around corners and could turn on lights in an unoccupied area resulting in a false alarm
● PIR technology is less likely to react to breezes from an open door or window, or a splash of headlights throwing shadows across a wall because it detects heat from radiation rather than motion or sound
● Many ultrasonic devices will react to air conditioning or heating vents when they kick on in a room
Extreme Detection
Ultrasonic sensor technology uses waves of sound to detect objects that move or make noise. This would allow a person or animal that is not directly in the line of sight of the motion detector to activate it, proving handy if the goal is to sense people hiding behind an obstruction. While this is perfect for detecting items behind glass, or other transparent objects, as well as partial walls or filing cabinets, it defeats the purpose of motion detection by allowing false alarms. This amazing technology has applications that are far reaching; however, it does not fit very well in simple visual security.
The Sensor Who Cried Wolf
Noises from outside a window or the sound of the air conditioner turning on are also enough to set off a device that uses ultrasonic technology. While many people prefer the sensitivity of the ultrasonic sensor, others feel that in occupancy lighting applications, it is an unnecessary use of energy when lights come on for no reason. Security companies worry about the “boy who cried wolf” effect that this could have on security personnel.
PIR Senses Radiation Heat
PIR technology is line of sight technology only. This means that there is less chance that a motion detector will go off without cause. By detecting heat from radiation without actually emitting radiation, this passive lighting technology is ideal for use in the security industry and for the latest occupancy sensor technology that has recently hit the market for home use.
Working the Bugs Out Of PIR
Until recently, PIR sensors were not very effective when it came to objects that moved directly towards the lens of the motion detector at a very slow speed. Another quirk in the system occurs when the ambient temperature of an area rises quickly, decreasing the sensor’s ability to detect motion. Both of these problems have been recently eliminated or minimized with new technology in lenses and other areas. The sensors are set to detect heat at the maximum range of the human body, which means that other, smaller animals moving across its line of sight do not alarm the system. If your intention is to detect human presence only, the PIR sensor is perfect for the job.
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