Advanced passive infrared presence detectors as key elements in integrated security and building automation systems

The role of the passive infrared (PIR) motion detector is reviewed. It is noted that, currently, it is peripheral component of security systems, installed to overlook a specific area. Future needs for integrated building automation systems require more powerful sensors that approach true presence detection, in order to provide the basic information from every room: the presence of people. From such detectors, a complete picture of occupancy of a building is obtained which meets the needs of a security system as well as energy control and safety. A highly sophisticated self-learning sensor technology has been developed for these requirements. Several thousand detectors have been installed over the last few years in various buildings, with excellent results