A Video Motion Sensor (or Detector) performs the main function of relieving CCTV operators from monitoring one or many screens of information that may not change for long periods. The idea behind a motion sensor system is that the processor is continuously monitoring all the cameras in the system. Whenever there is a movement in any camera, the motion sensor picks it up and the alarmed camera is immediately switched to the blank monitor while alerting the operator. Since a motion sensor stays one step ahead of the burglars,it is often considered the linchpin of your security system.

How does a Motion Sensor Work?

Motion sensors may use various technologies to detect movement in any area. It is an electronic method of detecting any change in the field of view of a security camera.This is generally achieved by storing and comparing one frame of the video information with the next frame to decide if there has been any change.

This change leads to activation of some warning device such as a buzzer, or alerts to select the camera that sensed the motion. It takes one fifteenth of a second for the sampling and a second to detect any change.

What is the role of Motion Sensor in a Security System?

Motion Detector or Sensor guards and alerts you to any kind of movement in your living room, window or doors being opened or closed, or a broken window. 

• Motion detectors save energy by using motion sensor lighting.
• They act as an added layer to the security system. If your alarm system is somehow breached, the motion detectors in the camera will sense the intrusion and sound the alarm. 
• Motion detectors have have gained popularity as they are portable and easy to install.
• The cameras need not be monitored continuously. They can stay in a standby mode and once it senses an object or human being, it automatically starts recording and later it gets back to a standby mode.
• Since a motion sensor camera only records the important scenes, it saves money and is more reliable than the non motion detection camera or any other type of surveillance camera.
• Today we have IP cameras, with such advanced motion detection capabilities,  that the camera keeps the moving object in focus till the time it doesn’t completely disappears from its line of sight.

Types of Motion Sensors

1. Passive Infrared Sensors (PIR):

Passive Infrared Sensors are the most widely used sensors for home security systems. They   detect  body heat or infrared energy. When a heat source passes by, the sensor detects the movement and sounds the alarm.

2. Active Infrared Sensors:

Active IR detectors uses infrared light (heat) beams that connect to a light detector. If the infrared beams are interrupted, the sensor sounds the alarm. They help in monitoring the area in focus in absence of light as they read heat signatures.

3. Active Ultrasonic Sensors:

Active ultrasonic sensors use high-frequency sound waves (which are not audible to humans) that work like a boomerang. These waves are sent out and then return to the detector, reporting any suspicious obstacles or objects in the path of the sound waves.

4. Dual Technology Motion Sensors:

Motion Sensors sometimes have combined features to reduce false alarms. If we combine a passive infrared (PIR) with a microwave sensor, they will have features of both detectors. Since each operates in different areas,  one being active and the other passive, Dual Technology motion sensors are not as likely to cause false alarms, as in order for the alarm to be triggered, both sensors have to be tripped. 

Just like security cameras, there are various motion sensors available today. It is always advised to  to know your requirements and options before deciding on which ones to use in your security system. For more information on security systems or if you have any further questions about motion sensors, visit us at http://advik.net/ or call us on our toll free no. 1800 300 23845.