PIR (Passive Infra-Red) detection is a security technology that uses light emitted from nearby objects to detect movement or intruders. PIR is the result of years of product development as security companies look for new and inventive ways to identify intruders in domestic and commercial settings.
PIR sensors and cameras have been shown to be among the most effective ways to reliably detect intruders over time, but they are not without drawbacks. Therefore, what precisely is a PIR sensor? And what is it about them that is so powerful?
Table of Contents
How Does Pir Work? What Is Pir?
Any object with a temperature higher than absolute zero emits radiation. Heat energy is the form in which this energy is expressed. Since heat radiates at infrared wavelengths, a large portion of this radiation is invisible to the human eye, but it can be detected by electronic devices made especially for this purpose.
Using passive infrared technology, a passive infrared sensor can identify the infrared light emitted by a warm object.
PIR sensors in burglar alarms use a relay—a circuit component that switches power between two contacts—in combination with this technology to sound an alarm. The alarm is activated when the PIR sensor detects movement because it turns on the relay, which breaks the circuit and detects movement.
At their most basic level, PIR sensors function by identifying positive differential change. Infrared-sensitive slots are placed in front of the lens, and the field of vision of the slots determines the detection range. In contrast to when they are “active,” both slots sense the same amount of ambient infrared, which is naturally emitted by all objects in the space. One of the slots detects an object, person, or animal moving through the detecting region before the other, resulting in a positive differential change as it enters and a negative differential change as it leaves.
When the PIR sensor detects movement, an alert is sent to the alarm panel, which triggers the alarm. The PIR sensor must be completely encased in a material that can lessen the effects of ambient temperature and humidity, such as a metal like silicon.
EFFECTIVE, HIGH DEFINITION, SMART ANALOG CAMERAS
Typical security cameras are made to record video for later review and search. Hikvision’s PIR-equipped cameras, in contrast, use heat data from living things to detect intrusions. With these cameras installed, break-in crimes can go from
merely traceable – by video playback – to actively preventable – via triggered alarms. With built-in PIR detectors that react to the heat emitted by living things, Hikvision outfits its high-tech PIR cameras with 2 MP high-definition lenses. The “Visual Alarm” feature greatly enhances the quality of recorded images and video evidence for further investigation.
Introducing New True Detect™ Security Systems
Swann’s new True Detect™ heat-based thermal sensing PIR motion detection is intended to detect activity more reliably and with fewer false triggers. The PIR (Passive Infrared) motion sensors are intended to provide security and are enhanced to accurately detect people, large animals, and other large, warm moving objects. This means that security cameras should be capable of detecting people rather than wind-blown sheets.
What’s New? Pir-based Motion Detection Recording
By removing erroneous triggers caused by bugs, falling leaves, rain, and other factors, better motion detection increases the reliability of notifications and recording while taking up less HDD space and streamlining playback.
Compared to conventional motion detection technology, True Detect is an improvement. The camera has a PIR sensor, which is the same technology used in alarm systems, to detect moving heat-generating objects, such as people, large animals, and cars, to trigger recording and alerts.
With True Detect, false motion detection triggers like wind-driven plant movement, falling leaves, and small birds are eliminated.
Pixel Motion Detecting Cameras Vs Pir Motion Detecting Cameras
Because motion is determined by a change in pixels, the scenario below shows how the Pixel Motion Detection frequently produces erroneous triggers.
PIR Motion Detection Cameras detect movement by spotting a warm, moving object within the image that is scaled for humans in terms of size and temperature range. The 10 m (32 ft) PIR detection range.
This DVR integrates both of these technologies: for For the highest level of reliability in recording and notification, PIR detection and pixel detection must both be set to “true.”
Heat Or Thermal? That’s The Question
PIR cameras cannot detect or quantify “heat.” PIRs pick up infrared light that is being emitted or reflected. The word “heat” might lead one to believe that cameras will record any source of heat, including a fire or lightbulbs. In order to identify products with True Detect technology, look for the words “Thermal Sensing” on Swann packaging, our website, and marketing materials. This is because the term “heat detection” is not scientifically accurate.
Pir Detection: What To Expect
In general, we can assume that the PIR thermal & motion sensor cameras will not detect smaller subjects like cats or birds and will only detect thermal radiation from larger and human-sized subjects that are within a human temperature range.
Australia now offers security systems starting with 4 and 8 channel systems, each with 4 PIR security cameras.
The Benefits Of Pir
In both residential and commercial settings, PIR motion sensors can be very useful. PIR cameras are often compared to motion sensor cameras, but PIR has a strong benefit over standard motion detection – the reduction of false alarms. As they simply detect all motion, motion detection cameras cannot tell the difference between, say, leaf movement and a human intruder. PIR only picks up changes in temperature, resulting in more accurate triggers. Common false triggers like bugs, wind movement, leaves, etc. are not detected, saving you time and money on monitoring expenses.
PIR cameras are primarily used to assist in the protection of vacant spaces in commercial settings and on construction sites. While alarms aren’t exactly a preventative technology, they can be used to start a reaction should intruders get past your initial security measures. For the purpose of identifying unauthorized visitors, PIR technology can be installed in the following key areas:
- Back doors, entrances and access points
- Blind or hidden places near landscaping
- Near windows
- Site perimeters and car parks
With Pir (and Conventional Motion Detectors), How Can False Alarms Be Minimized?
For instance, PIR sensors work well for figuring out whether an intruder is present or whether it’s just an animal. They can lower overall false alarm rates and have a higher accuracy level. To further lower the possibility of erroneous alarms from your PIR motion sensors, you should pay attention to a few minute details.
More than the price or the quality of the alarm, many false alarms will be brought on by the placement of the alarm and sensors. This means that when installing wireless motion detector alarms, you should position them so that they operate as effectively as possible while producing the fewest number of unnecessary alarms.
Your alarm can still be triggered by uncomplicated events like air blowing close by or a rodent moving across the floor.
The best time to test your alarm placement is after a false alarm is raised. False alarms can also be caused by equipment malfunctions and radio frequency interference. Eliminate any of these first. If in doubt, look at where the camera is pointed. Check the vicinity of the motion detector to see if it is setting off erroneous alarms.
Pir Cameras In Action
PIR technology is utilized by Clearway, including in our CCTV tower setup. Large outdoor spaces, especially in construction zones, sizable vacant spaces, and parking lots, can be effectively monitored with the help of our CCTV tower cameras. As you’ll see from the diagram, our inView CCTV tower can connect up to 8 remote, wireless Up to 100 meters away from the tower, PIR sensors are mounted.
A live audio challenge can be used from the monitoring station to interact with intruders after a PIR is activated by them. Each time a PIR is activated, the tower’s camera is instructed to rotate, enlarge, and fixate on the source of the activation. To provide continuous activation, recording, and remote access, our CCTV Tower is mains powered and has a built-in, 24-hour backup battery.
