Security Sales & Integration July 2023 - 10

SMARTS & PARTS
Tech Talk by Bob Dolph
Past, Present & Future
of Motion Detection
TOOL OF THE MONTH
Think about it, probably
every burglar has a cellphone
with them. What if you had
an intelligent device that
could detect the presence
of someone and record the
cellphone ID information of
every intruder that enters
your house? The HomeAware
system from Ubiety does not
collect personal information
and can be used with features
such as geofencing.
▶ AFTER READING Peter Giacalone's excellent
" Sensing a Disruption in the House " feature
in the May issue of SSI (page 38), I began
thinking of the many years I have experienced
the motion sensing technology evolution. I
thought it would be fun to refl ect on some motion
detection technology history, and to wrap
it up with some of the amazing motion devices
that are now starting to appear on the market.
Having owned and operated an alarm company
in the 1970s, I was at the proverbial
crossroads of old and new upcoming alarm
technology. Earlier alarm systems typically
had limited use of motion and control electronics.
Interior motion detection could be
something as simple as trip wires and floormat
switches. There was some use of photo beams.
Exterior sensors included magnetic door/window
contacts, alarm screens, and, of course,
lots of window foil. Systems were often controlled
by a shunt switch in the entrance door.
Entrance and exit delay technology was just
beginning. It was often electrical mechanical
rather than electronic.
Microwave motion devices were used but
often large and expensive. False alarms were
often a big issue in the beginning stages. It
became apparent early on that a good understanding
of this newer electronic technology
was important.
Bob Dolph has served
in various technical
management and advisory
positions in the security
industry for 30+ years. To
share tips and installation
questions, email Bob at
bdolph.ssi@gmail.com. Access
content from his 20+ years as
Tech Talk columnist by going
online at securitysales.com/
author/bdolph.
10
Along with this came the popularity of ultrasonic
motion devices, which I liked because it
was what I refer to as true volumetric detection.
It would fi ll an area completely with sound and
then detect movement, even if not directly in
line-of-site with the sensor. Th e devices were
reasonably priced and functioned nicely.
Then in the late 1970s and early 1980s the
PIR detector hit the market. At first, manufacturers
had trouble stabilizing the pyro
detection elements, and this caused many
embarrassing moments with your customers.
Again, after understanding the precautions
Security Sales & Integration JULY 2023
to be made when setting up these units, they
were a popular, stable, low-cost device.
One advancement that made its way over
the years was the combination microwave and
PIR sensor. Movement of an intruder had to
be confi rmed simultaneously by the parameters
of both microwave and infrared. Th is
helped to reduce false alarms. Additionally, it
off ered some unique professional security features
such as anti-masking.
I would be remiss if I did not include video
motion technology as one of the fastest growing
technologies. It not only detects motion
but provides evidence for confirmation of an
alarm. While once this technology had false
alarm issues, the introduction of artificial
intelligence (AI) is making it a more reliable
motion sensing technology.
While PIR sensors have been the mainstay
for decades, the advent of new technologies
such as AI has created some new and exciting
devices, like those for presence sensing technology.
Remember when PIR technology was used
for light control to detect if someone was in a
room? However, if someone remained still for
any period of time the lights would go out again
- not very practical. Some new WiFi devices
with AI support can detect very accurately the
presence of people in a room, even if stationary.
For example, a company called Origin turns
WiFi signals into WiFi sensors. WiFi signals are
present today just by the nature of the many
WiFi devices we use daily. Along with monitoring
software, this system can detect the location
and number of people in a room. It can be set up
in zones for accurate location detection. Currently
much of the technology is being used for home
automation. However, right around the corner is
the potential for intruder notifi cation and verifi -
cation. What's going to make this technology big
is the advanced use of AI. Th e melding of these
technologies with new devices standards such
as Matter just gives me goosebumps.
securitysales.com
bdolph.ssi@gmail.com
COURTESY UBIETY
http://www.securitysales.com/author/bdolph http://www.securitysales.com
Security Sales & Integration July 2023

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