Motion Detector Technology

Motion detectors are in use all around us in both residential and commercial locations. There are many common uses for motion detectors that most people find convenient and helpful in very common, everyday situations, and there will be some new and innovative uses that we may see more and more of in the future.

Residential Uses

Residential consumers are putting the motion detector to a variety of uses. They can greatly enhance the exterior lighting to any home and add to the security once inside.

If your concern is coming home to a dark house and tripping on the steps, motion detector controlled floodlights can create well-lit paths lighting up your yard, driveway, sidewalk and steps. This makes for a safe path to welcome both you and your guests. Floodlights should be mounted high up on the wall to keep the light out of your eyes and to illuminate a wider area for increased security. The same flood of light that walks you and your guests to your door safely will deter would-be-intruders. When the lights are triggered by motion this gives the impression that someone within the house is able to see and watch the burglar's every movement.

Once inside, motion detectors placed in key areas can detect any violators and alert the proper authorities. Usually, one placed properly on the main floor and one on the lower level, if you have one, will serve as good traps. Stairways are often a good area to consider when placing the device, since you will be better able to prevent unauthorized passage from one floor to the next.

One innovative use in the home is to install an alarm or medical alert system that detects any health or safety issues with the elderly. Included is a motion detector that signals the central station if it does not detect activity for more than a certain number of hours. Once this alert has been made an operator can contact someone to look in on that elderly person.

Commercial Uses

Motion detector technology is being used in a variety of ways in the commercial world. Some of the more common uses can be found by taking a trip to the mall. As you approach the front entrance your presence is detected and the door slides open. Also, some stores place an invisible beam across the entrance that, when crossed, triggers a ringing bell. Later you decide to go to the bathroom and as you are finished and are preparing to exit the stall, sensors on the toilet detect that you are finished and the toilet automatically flushes for you. Then you approach the sink to wash your hands and the water turns on as you place your hands underneath the spout. Upon exiting the building the door opens up automatically once more to let you out. Finally, after hours the stores are all locked up and the motion detector security system is turned on to alert authorities on any intruder break-ins.

One innovative idea regarding motion detectors has been devised to suit the needs of car dealers. Occasionally, potential car buyers like to stroll around after hours looking at cars. To decipher between potential customers and thieves, streaming video and two-way audio are tied in with motion detectors. When the detector is tripped, a central station operator can take control of the camera, assess the situation, and take action if needed.

As you have just learned, motion detectors have a wide variety of uses to suit many different needs of various users. Since motion detectors are so versatile and have so many uses, they provide feelings of safety and security for the average homeowner as well as a large commercial establishment. Motion detectors have evolved a great deal over the last few years to incorporate more features that are useful to more people, and the development and expansion of motion detector technology and functions will continue to expand and grow to provide more ways to keep your home and businesses safe. What will they think of next?

Boyd Norwood is a specialist in online advertising with

In The News:


Sector roundup: Home improvement stores, handsets
Forbes, NY - Sep 5, 2008
AP 09.05.08, 2:16 PM ET CHICAGO (AP) - An analyst on Friday said economic forces weighing on home improvement chains The Home Depot Inc. (nyse: HD - news ...

Home improvement winners
Louisville Courier-Journal, KY - Sep 6, 2008
Earlier this year, after seeing an ad, Erin McIntyre debated whether to enter the Better Homes and Gardens Home Improvement Challenge. ...

Dallas Replacement Windows and Energy Saving Home Improvements ...
PR Web (press release), WA - Sep 6, 2008
Future plans include educational guides on selecting a home improvement contractor, professional advice from expert home remodelers, and a question and ...

Sector Snap: Home Depot, Lowe's may improve in '09
Forbes, NY - Sep 5, 2008
AP 09.05.08, 11:54 AM ET An analyst on Friday said economic forces weighing on home improvement chains The Home Depot Inc. and Lowe's Cos. ...
Bed Bath & Beyond issued 'Underperform' rating Forbes
all 6 news articles

7 am 28 Today Home improvement mistakes. (N)
Wilkes Barre Times-Leader, PA - Sep 5, 2008
9 am 22 The Early Show A recap of “Stand Up to Cancer”; stars from “Paranormal States”; overcoming painful break-ups; gadgets that help people take better ...

Man arrested during home improvement fraud investigation
The Daily Advocate, OH - Sep 5, 2008
UNION CITY, Ind. - Union City, Ind., Police officers arrested 28-year-old John Henry Stanley of Gaston, Ind., for several felony warrants on Aug. 28. ...

New license required for home improvement work
Nashoba Publishing, MA - Sep 5, 2008
By Anne O'Connor STATEWIDE -- Planning a home improvement project soon? Starting in October, Massachusetts will require many contractors to obtain a new ...

Don't Bet Against Your House
Wall Street Journal - 10 hours ago
A new roof, property taxes, the cost of your mortgage and various repairs and improvements all chip away at the investment value of a home. ...

A handy cut-out-and-keep guide to home renovation. Step one: don't ...
Sydney Morning Herald, Australia - Sep 5, 2008
I also suspect that home improvement shows, which have brainwashed the unco-ordinated masses into believing they can be handy, have made it even harder to ...

Boston Globe

Home improvement won't improve quickly
MarketWatch - Aug 19, 2008
The home-improvement industry has weathered the storm, analysts are saying. "The sector "may not fully recover for a long time, but we've seen the worst," ...
Rebuilding at Home Improvement Stores? Motley Fool
Lowe’s opening new home improvement store at Alamo Ranch Bizjournals.com
Home improvement stocks mixed CNNMoney.com
Xinhua - Forbesall 707 news articles
home improvement - Google News

Do You Know How Important Your Air Conditioner Filter Is?

When most people think about an air conditioner filter, it... Read More

Buyers Guide For Copper MailBoxes

Mailboxes crafted from copper give you traditional elegance and extraordinary... Read More

Planning Permission Tips UK - Agricultural Plots of Land for Sale - The Latest Mug Punter Scam?

The first part of most years brings a flurry of... Read More

Rustic Stone House Signs

You may own a remarkably constructed, attractive house that is... Read More

Georgian And Victorian Style Conservatories

Georgian Conservatories Georgian architecture was the style of the 18th... Read More

Building Permits and Inspections

Probably the most intimidating part of building your own house... Read More

Faux Fireplace, on the Cheap!

Does the coming winter chill remind you how much you... Read More

If You Have Any Antique Clocks...Keep Them. They May Be Valuable Keepsakes

Been shopping for antique clocks lately?It's strange that when something... Read More

Building Wood Stairs

Building a set of wood stairs is not nearly as... Read More

Planning Permission Tips UK - Permitted Development Allowances - Not the Golden Goose You Imagine

There is a perception amongst most folk that every house... Read More

Building Your Dream Home ? Part 2

Razing the CottageWith new house plans and permits in hand,... Read More

Getting the Power to Control

One of the advantages of using machines to control processes... Read More

A Place For Everything And Everything In Its Place

Tax season is over...The spring holidays have passed... Hopefully by... Read More

Marketing For The Home Builder

When one is looking into marketing for the home builder,... Read More

Designing With Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are suited to both casual and formal environments;... Read More

Buying The Right Bed Sheets For Your Bed

You spend a lot of your life in your bed... Read More

Feng Shui, Design Psychology and Bed Placement

I love Feng Shui! Whether you believe this ancient Asian... Read More

Kitchen Magic

It's amazing -- some people manage to get a complete... Read More

Ideas For Interior Design

Ideas for interior design are a dime a dozen these... Read More

Luxury Bedding is More Than Just Thread Count

Thread count is the most widely referred to term when... Read More

10 Spring Cleaning Tips For Your Kitchen

The words "spring cleaning" can make the neatest person cringe.... Read More

How to Keep Your Tools Useful for Every Season

You don't want to keep your useless tools in your... Read More

Popular Trends in Home Technology

As a former home automation installer and a former manufactures... Read More

Fire Hazard Alert - Is Your Dryer Ready to Ignite

In recent years there has been many stories about dryers... Read More

Would You Steel Your Household Appliances

Would you steel your appliances? That is a question many... Read More