Motion Sensors

1 SENSORS
A sensor is a device which receives and responds to a signal. A
sensor (also called detector) is a converter that measures a
physical quantity and converts it into a signal which can be read
by an observer or by an (today mostly electronic) instrument.

1.1 SPECIFICATIONS OF SENSOR:

Accuracy: error between the result of a measurement and
the true value being measured.
Resolution: the smallest increment of measure that a
device can make.
Sensitivity: the ratio between the changes in the output
signal to a small change in input physical signal.
Repeatability/Precision: the ability of the sensor to output
the same value for the same input over a number of trials.

1.2 TYPES OF SENSORS:

There are many versions of each type which may use a
different sensing principle or may be designed to operate
within different ranges.
The sensors are used to measure and/or detect a huge
variety of conditions including: temperature, pressure, level,
humidity,
speed,
motion,
distance,
light
or
the
presence/absence of an object and many other types.

2 MOTION SENSORS
The term Motion sensors can be used to refer to any kind
of sensing system which is used to detect motion; motion of
any object or motion of human beings.
Motion sensors are used in a motion detector which is a
device that contains a physical mechanism or electronic
sensor that quantifies motion that can be either integrated
with or connected to other devices that alert the user of the
presence of a moving object within the field of view.
Motion sensors are commonly used in security systems as
triggers for automatic lights or remote alarms and similar
applications.
Motion sensors cannot detect still objects

2.1 TYPES OF MOTION SENSORS:

The way in which a motion sensor works typically depends on the
type of sensor being used, which often depends on the device
that uses the sensor.
There are two basic types of motion sensors:
Active Sensors
Passive Sensors

2.1.1

Active Sensors

Active sensors rely on transmissions and feedback to detect

changes in the area of coverage. By sending out a constant
stream of stimuli, these sensors then measure and compare
changes from prior readings. Because of this perpetual back and
forth activity, active sensors consume a significantly larger
amount of energy compared to passive alternatives. The three
most common formats in the active sensor designation are
microwave, ultrasonic, and tomographic.
Active sensors emit a signal, typically a burst of (light,
microwaves or sound) waves which is reflected by the
surroundings.
The reflected signal is received by the sensor and takes
necessary action.
When something moves within the area of an active motion
sensor, the change in signal that is reflected to the sensor
activates the system.
The active sensor is one of the most common and reliable
sensors used in a security system.
For example, when an automatic faucet senses hands
underneath it, a device is signaled to run water in the sink.

Microwave Sensors
With a microwave-based active sensor, microwave pulses are
sent out. From here, reflections that bounce off moving
objects are noted and compared to previous entries that the
sensor has observed. That works much the same way as a
police radar gun and can be effective at tracking and
exposing outdoor movement.
Ultrasonic Sensors
Ultrasonic variations focus on sending out high frequency
sound waves that are inaudible to the human ear. When the
sound waves make contact with people, animals, or other
objects that move, a reading is created. Much like a
microwave sensor, these return signals are monitored and
stored for a later comparison. Outside noise may set off a
false alarm if it falls into a frequency or range that is close to
the original emission.
Tomographic Sensors

Tomographic sensors monitor radio waves through mesh

networks, which gives this option a high accuracy rating.
From multiple locations, radio waves are emitted and
bounced back to any sensors in range. Considering the
ability to confirm the location of a moving object from
several points, this option helps eliminate the hassle of false
positives and unsubstantiated readings. It can also help
differentiate between the motions of a small animal vs. that
of a much larger human.

2.1.2

Passive Sensors

Located on the opposite end of the spectrum is the passive

sensor. Currently, an infrared sensor, otherwise known as passive
infrared (PIR), is the only option available in this category. These
detectors work on a simple premise. Instead of sending out
emissions and comparing prior readings, the devices simply wait
for a heat signature. The human body, along with most other
animals, is a source of heat. As this heat is released from the
body, it can be viewed as infrared light.
By not actively scanning its surroundings and compiling data, PIR
sensors are more energy friendly. However, sensitivity issues are
common, and false motion trips can occur with certain passive
offerings. A stray dog might set off the warning system, for
instance.

 Passive sensors are a type of motion sensor that do not emit

a signal, but instead detect infrared radiation around the
sensor.
As this sensor detects temperature differences, it is well
suited to detecting the motion of people by their body
temperature.
When a person or animal moves through the area, heat from
the movement is detected by the sensor, which then
activates the system to which it is connected
Use as a human detection sensor to automatically turn lights
on when a person is present in a room and to turn them off
when nobody is there.

2.2 MOTION DETECTION

Motion detection is the process of detecting a change in position
of an object relative to its surroundings or the change in the
surroundings relative to an object.
Motion can be detected by:

Infrared (Passive and active sensors)

Optics (video and camera systems)
Radio Frequency Energy (radar, microwave motion detection)
Sound (microphones and acoustic sensors)
Vibration (seismic sensors)

2.2.1

TYPES OF MOTION SENSING

Local Motion Sensing

Ultrasonic Motion Sensing
Microwave Motion Sensing

Local motion sensing

Infrared light is a spectrum of non-visible for humans at
least light that is emitted by objects when they produce
heat.
Infrared motion sensor systems are one of the cheapest and
most reliable systems available.
An infrared motion detector uses infrared sensing to detect
motion in a given area.
The use of infrared technology usually allows such a detector
to only pick up on heat.
Infrared sensors are characterized by high sensitivity, low
cost and are widely used.
An infrared motion detector can also be set to only pick up
on certain levels of heat, making it possible to ignore small
animals.
This type of detector is often used as part of a larger security
system.
Ultrasonic Motion Sensing
Ultrasonic motion detectors use sound waves to detect
motion. If movement is detected, the sound wave pattern is
disrupted and alarm is signaled.
It senses
motion by analyzing sound waves in its
environment.
These frequencies are generally inaudible to humans and
most animals and do not pass through most objects.
Active motion sensors generate sound waves in the
ultrasonic frequency range, typically around 30 to 50
kilohertz (kHz).
When no objects are moving in the area, the pattern of
sound and the time it takes to bounce back remain the
same.

 If something moves, the detector senses that the level or

phase of the returning sound waves has shifted slightly.

Microwave motion sensing

Microwave motion sensor systems send out microwaves that
bounce off an object and back to the sensor.
The sensor then reads the frequency of the returning waves.
If an object is moving, the sensor receives different
microwaves than the ones it sent out, signifying movement
and setting off the alarm.
These types of motion sensor systems cover a larger area
than infrared sensors, they are capable of penetrating walls.
They are more reliable over longer distances.
Their radiation is unhealthy for living organisms.
Despite this, they are the least popular motion sensor
system on the market because of their cost.

Dual sense technology

Dual technology systems use a combination of infrared and
microwave motion sensor systems to provide the most
complete coverage available.
Using both forms of technology allows dual motion sensor
systems to reduce the occurrence of false alarms by
combining the microwave technologys coverage range and
the infrared technologys use of heat sensing.
The dual technology system is rapidly gaining popularity
among homeowners and businesses alike
Cell Phones with Motion Sensors
The motion sensor used in mobile phones is accelerometer
which is complex motion sensor.
It translates motion into action on the screen.
Accelerometers are used in tablet computers and digital
cameras so that images on screens are always displayed
upright.

Motion sensing in Games

Motion sensing technology is an emerging technology in
Gaming.
Our focus technology will be Microsofts Xbox360 Kinect
peripheral, which is the first demonstrator of touch free
motion sensing.
The primary innovation of Kinect (and the most secretive)
is the device that enables advanced posture, gesture,
facial, and voice recognition.

Kinect
The Kinect is composed of three major hardware components:
Webcam
An Infrared projector and sensor
Microphone

2.3 APPLICATIONS
Motion sensing is used in number of applications

Automated lighting system

Security systems
Smart Floodlights
Burglar Alarm
Radar Guns

While motion sensing has been around for decades, making it

ubiquitous across devices and applications has only just begun.
We are entering a new era of motion sensing an era enabled by
advances in technologies that allow a motion sensor on anything
that moves. From wearable fitness gadgets and smart watches to
mobile devices and gaming consoles, motion sensing is captured
by three main elements: Accelerometers, Magnetic Sensors
and Gyroscopes. Each of these components plays an important
role in sensing motion and bringing to life immersive, intelligent
applications that enhance our daily lives.

2.3.1

Accelerometer

Accelerometers, also known as G-sensors, can sense tilt,

acceleration, vibration and impact. For example, a mobile
device uses its accelerometer to determine which way it is
physically positioned in order to rotate the screen. A
wearable fitness device can measure distance, number of
steps taken and pace of movement. Gaming devices use
accelerometer input to measure how the user is tilting and
rotating the gaming handset in order to control the onscreen
action.

Accelerometers enable applications to:

Improve user experience on mobile devices (rotate screen
landscape or portrait)

 Measure movement intensity by capturing rate of motion

(standing, walking, running)
Accurately count number of repetitions (number of steps,
weight lifting reps)
Deliver motion gaming capabilities (track movement of
gaming controller)

2.3.2

Magnetic Sensors

A magnetic sensor, or eCompass, detects the heading based on

the Earths magnetic field. Many popular consumer devices today
incorporate magnetic sensors to enable accurate directional
pointing for map orientation and navigation applications. While
GPS provides accurate location outdoors, given technology limits,
it is generally not available indoors or sporadically available in
dense urban areas. Magnetic sensors support dead reckoning,
where a users position is tracked from the last known position,
enabling accurate positioning indoors and in GPS-challenged
areas

Magnetic sensors enable applications to:

Provide heading for portable navigation

Provide point-to-point indoor directions
Deliver point-of-product advertising
Allow automatic social check-in capabilities

2.3.3

Gyroscope

A gyroscope measures the rotation rate of a device. Gyroscopes

were originally developed for use in military, navigation and
aviation applications. The Ggyro functionality is now integrated
into several consumer applications such as mobile phones,
tablets, gaming devices, indoor navigation, digital cameras, and
wearables.

Gyroscopes enable applications to:

Provide immersive augmented reality experiences
Enhance a users experience for gaming on mobile devices
Allow gaming control by simple rotations versus using the
touchscreen
While the functionality of a hardware gyroscope significantly
enhances the user experience for gaming on mobile devices, the
cost, power consumption and board space required has limited its
applicability to only the most expensive mobile products.

Other Applications