SMALL MOTION SENSOR



The goal of inconspicuous monitoring has driven technology to many ends, particularly when it comes to the small motion sensor, able to detect even slight movement with equipment hardly the size of a hand's palm. Though small motion sensors are used for a variety of purposes, security and theft protection is still the primary drive leading to this tiny technology. Though many miniscule methods of espionage have been dreamt up in movies, the years have brought many formerly futuristic devices to life and made them available to the average business, institution, or household that has something to protect, and the financial means to protect it. The less dramatic side effects of this technology happen to make a small motion sensor a tool for modern convenience, an aid to the elderly or immobile, and an effective way to promote public health.



Motion sensor technology is nothing new, but the size and capabilities of small motion sensors have opened up a world of possible uses, and possible hiding places. Generally, motion sensors are passive infrared heat detectors. They use an infrared light to detect colors projected by body heat. Some small motion sensor technology is designed to survey a particular area, while other sensors are capable of a wide detection range. Once the sensor has detected heat, it needs a way to send this information to the user. This is done through a three step process.

First, the small motion sensor converts heat into an electrical current. This current is sent through a transmitter using electrical conductivity. The transmitter then sends a signal to a receiver, either located in the small motion sensor itself, i.e. a signal light or possibly an alarm sound, or a remote location. Some small motion sensor can be integrated with a larger security system that uses the transmitter to send notice to a remote location. Email and text alerts can also be part of the receiving method. For further security and documentation, the receiver can be a video or voice recorder which turns on when the heat, or motion, message is sent. This video documentation can be sent to web browser where the recipient can view the detected motion, or lack thereof, as it happens.