Types of Occupancy Sensors
in Smart Buildings
Occupancy sensors play a vital role in today's smart buildings. They detect when people are present and send data to control systems like lighting and HVAC. These smart devices help optimize energy efficiency, reduce operational costs, and improve comfort in various environments, including offices, retail spaces, and smart buildings.
This post walks you through common types of sensors for occupancy detection in different use scenarios.
Types of Occupancy Sensors: How They Work
Different technologies are applied in occupancy sensors, each with its advantages and specific use cases. Here are the main types of occupancy sensors and their working principles.
Passive Infrared Sensors
PIR occupancy sensors have a pyroelectric element that detects changes in heat emitted from human bodies. When people walk through the sensor's field of view, it detects motion in infrared energy and triggers connected systems. It works best when it has a clear view of the moving person, as it relies on a direct line of sight.
PIR sensors are popular because they are simple, effective, and affordable. They are suitable for homes, offices, and small spaces like conference rooms.
Ultrasonic Occupancy Sensors
Ultrasonic sensors continuously emit high-frequency sound waves and analyze the frequency of the bounce-back waves. Any movement within the area alters the frequency, which the sensor detects and interprets as occupancy. These sensors are commonly used in larger or more complex spaces. They can detect movement and occupancy, even through obstacles.
Microwave Occupancy Sensors
These space utilization sensors emit microwave signals and detect changes in the reflected signals caused by movement. They are highly sensitive and can detect even the slightest motion. These sensors are highly sensitive and can detect things from a long distance. This makes them perfect for places like hallways and large open areas.
Dual-Technology or Hybrid Occupancy Sensors
These occupancy sensors use two or more technologies, like PIR and ultrasonic, to detect movement. This helps reduce false alarms caused by environmental factors. They are ideal for environments with variable occupancy patterns where reliable occupancy and high-frequency detection are critical.
Time-of-Flight (ToF) Sensors
ToF occupancy sensors emit a light pulse (often infrared) and measure the time it takes for the light to reflect from an object. This sensor measures distance using the speed of light. This helps it accurately detect how many people are present. As an advanced occupancy sensing technology, it provides accurate occupancy data without compromising privacy.
AI in Occupancy Sensing
AI-based sensors, when paired with other technologies, use machine learning to analyze data from different sources. This increases detection accuracy and reduces false alarms. It also helps the system adapt to changes in the environment, making occupancy sensing more reliable. For example, the Milesight VS121 AI Workplace Occupancy Sensor achieves accuracy levels of up to 98%.
RGB/Camera Occupancy Sensors
RGB occupancy sensors detect presence by analyzing changes in the RGB light spectrum within a space. They provide precise motion detection, reducing false alarms, and enhance security by accurately distinguishing between human movement and other activities. This technology is effective in various lighting conditions, ensuring reliable performance in complex environments.
Utilizing different sensing technologies, Milesight offers a range of advanced occupancy sensors for diverse needs.
Click to see the comprehensive comparison guide of Milesight Occupancy Sensors>>>
Comparison of Key Occupancy Sensing Technologies
| Technology | Common Applications | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIR (Passive Infrared) | Offices, Workstations Restrooms, Libraries |
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| Ultrasonic Occupancy Sensors | Restrooms, Libraries, Hospital Patient Rooms |
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| Microwave Occupancy Sensors | Parking Lots and Garages, Warehouses, Outdoor Security |
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| Dual-Technology | Offices, Schools, Hospitals |
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| Time-of-Flight (ToF) Sensors | Smart buildings, Airports, Retail |
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| AI | Smart buildings, Retail, Hospitals, and Health Care |
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Real-World Applications of Occupancy Sensors in Various Spaces
Occupancy sensors can be utilized in various environments to enhance energy efficiency, improve safety, and optimize space utilization. Below are some key applications of occupancy sensors.
Workplaces
Occupancy Sensors in Commercial Buildings & Offices: HVAC and Lighting Automation
Occupancy sensors can significantly save energy in commercial buildings and offices by integrating with HVAC systems and lighting controls. When workstations are unoccupied, these sensors automatically turn off lights and adjust heating or cooling, reducing unnecessary energy consumption. It leads to significant cost savings, enhances comfort, and contributes to sustainability goals by lowering carbon footprint.
Improving Space Occupancy in Coworking Spaces/Public Office
In coworking spaces, occupancy sensors deliver real-time data to optimize workspace utilization. By understanding usage patterns, managers can make informed decisions on space allocation. These sensors can connect to desk booking systems. This helps users find available spaces more easily without searching around.
Conference Rooms
Occupancy sensors can integrate with room booking systems to release rooms that are booked but not in use. It prevents "ghost meetings" and makes the space available for others. They also help manage resources like projectors and air conditioning, ensuring they are used only when needed. By providing accurate occupancy data, these sensors help maximize meeting spaces and manage more effective meeting schedules.
Retail Spaces
Shopping malls, supermarkets, and retail stores can use occupancy sensors to analyze customer behavior and optimize store layouts. Businesses can change staffing levels and product placements. This helps create the best experience for customers even during peak times. It also reduces operational costs during quieter periods.
Educational Institutions
Occupancy sensors are beneficial for schools when classrooms and common areas are empty, like after hours. They help save on utility bills while still keeping a comfortable environment for students and staff. The occupancy data also helps school administrators make smart decisions about classroom assignments, resource allocation, and layout optimization.
Healthcare Facilities
Besides energy savings, occupancy sensors also enhance patient safety and comfort. Hospitals must comply with various safety standards and regulations. These sensors help monitoring crowd levels in waiting areas and treatment rooms for managing patient flows. Cleaning crews can also use real-time data to focus on heavily used areas during specific times of the day.
Occupancy sensors also help ensure that environmental controls are optimized (e.g., adjusting airflow to reduce infection risks). Some advanced occupancy sensors can detect falls or sudden movements. They trigger alarms that alert healthcare providers to help quickly.
Restrooms
Occupancy sensors are increasingly integrated into restroom facilities to enhance management, improve hygiene, and optimize resource usage.
Occupancy/vacancy sensors ensure that lights are only on when the restroom is in use, significantly reducing energy consumption. They also enhance hygiene and safety by minimizing the need to touch switches. Additionally, integrated sensors can notify maintenance staff when restrooms require cleaning or restocking, ensuring a consistently clean environment. By using occupancy sensors, facilities can also implement visual indicators outside restroom stalls to improve user experience.
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Benefits of Installing Occupancy Sensors: From Cost Savings to Comfort
Occupancy sensors are essential for enhancing energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and security in modern building management.
Energy Efficiency
Occupancy sensors save energy by turning systems on or off based on whether people are present. Office systems such as lighting, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) often integrate with them. This not only prevents wasting energy on unused spaces, especially during off-hours or in areas used less frequently but also reduces carbon footprints, supporting businesses in achieving their sustainability goals.
Occupancy sensors help significantly reduce utility costs, lower energy waste, and support sustainable development. Studies show that lighting accounts for 10%-20% of the total energy consumption in commercial buildings. With occupancy sensors, lighting savings can reach 20%-65% in conference rooms, 30%-90% in restrooms, and 5%-35% in open offices.
Facility Management
In smart buildings, occupancy sensors are essential for improving facility management efficiency. Integrated with Building Management Systems (BMS), these sensors provide real-time occupancy data, automating cleaning schedules and maintenance activities. This integration helps facility managers streamline operations, allocate resources more effectively, and respond promptly to building needs. Additionally, occupancy sensors reduce the need for manual interventions, lower maintenance costs, and contribute to more efficient and sustainable building management practices.
Optimized Space Utilization
Occupancy sensors collect detailed data on how spaces are used, including room usage patterns, occupancy levels, etc. This data allows facility managers to monitor space efficiency and adjust their space allocation strategies effectively. For example, rarely used meeting rooms can be converted into collaborative zones or additional workstations. It leads to significant savings on rent and maintenance costs.
Maximized space usage leads to a more satisfying work environment, which can also enhance employee productivity.
Enhanced Comfort
Occupancy sensors enhance comfort by automatically adjusting lighting and HVAC systems based on occupancy. Properly lit spaces reduce eye strain and improve visual comfort. Maintaining an optimal temperature creates a more pleasant environment for occupants.
When individuals enter a room, sensors trigger lights and climate control, eliminating the need to manually adjust settings. This seamless integration minimizes distractions and discomfort, contributing to a more focused and productive workspace. Overall, these sensors can positively affect employee well-being, experience, and productivity.
Learn more about how Milesight enhances human comfort in smart buildings >>
Improved Security
Occupancy sensors enhance security by detecting movement in areas that are typically unmonitored, such as hallways or parking lots. When integrated with lighting and alarm systems, these sensors can trigger immediate responses, alerting security personnel to potential intruders.
These sensors also automatically turn on lights when someone enters, reducing the chances of criminals targeting dark areas. The ability to track unusual patterns of occupancy can identify unauthorized access or potential security breaches, allowing for timely intervention.
In emergencies like fires and power outages, the sensors help determine occupied areas to support faster evacuations.
What Makes Milesight Occupancy and People Counting Sensors Stand Out?
Advanced Technology Integration
Milesight occupancy sensors employ technologies like AI, Passive Infrared (PIR), Thermopile, RGB, and Time of Flight (ToF). We offer a comprehensive product lineup for diverse needs and use scenarios.
The VS121 combines AI and RGB technology with deep learning algorithms to identify objects. By recognizing human features, mainly from the shoulders and above, it features quick recognition and high accuracy. It is ideal for meeting rooms, offices, and other workplaces that require a quick response for efficient use.
The VS330 Bathroom Occupancy Sensor uses PIR to detect human movement and ToF to measure distance to objects. This combination provides high accuracy while keeping 100% anonymity.
The VS341 features PIR and Thermopile IR technology, achieving an accuracy rate of up to 98%. It offers a response time of approximately 13 seconds for occupied and 60 seconds for unoccupied. It is ideal for hot desking, libraries, dining areas, traffic hubs, etc.
A Range of Features for Precise Occupancy Detection
Milesight occupancy sensors offer Line Crossing People Counting and Regional People Counting, ensuring accurate monitoring presence and counting people. Additionally, our product supports Regional Management, allowing customers to independently set the detection area for each sensor, with support for up to 16 detection regions. Regardless of the scenario, our products can be freely configured by customers to better meet the occupancy needs of different settings.
Besides occupancy sensors for detecting human presence, we also provides high-performance people counting sensors to comprehensively meet people sensing needs. These people counting sensors include features such as Dwell Time Detection, Staff Detection, Adult and Child Differentiation, Group Counting, and Tailgate Detection. Features like Multi-Device Stitching and a Heat Map function extend coverage and provide valuable visual insights for various applications.
100% Anonymous For Privacy and Compliance
Privacy protection is crucial when using occupancy sensors, especially in sensitive areas like bathroom cubicles. Milesight employs several measures to ensure that user data is handled securely and by legal standards, particularly the GDPR. Our LoRaWAN® occupancy sensors ensure secure data transmission through narrow-band communication, protecting privacy from the very beginning. Moreover, the technologies we use, such as Time of Flight (ToF), Passive Infrared (PIR), and thermopiles, do not collect any personally identifiable information.
Adaptability, Flexibility, and Seamless Integration
Milesight occupancy sensors offer various power and connectivity options, suitable for smart buildings, real estate, retail spaces, etc. They are reliable for people counting and space utilization monitoring. Our system-agnostic technology allows easy integration with existing systems.
These sensors can also communicate directly with other Milesight sensors using Milesight D2D, without gateway deployment. It reduces costs effectively and minimizes the risk of data loss.
Success Story
- One of the top ports in Malaysia adopts Milesight VS121 AI Workplace Occupancy Sensor and Smart Wall Switch WS501 in its smart office transformation to automate and customize control of desk light switch on/off based on desk occupancy, which minimizes electricity usage and manual adjustments of lighting systems.
- More than 4, 400 units of Milesight sensors have been deployed in 62 commercial buildings across Canada, contributing to significant energy cost savings of over $250,000 in the first quarter of 2022. One of the key components of this successful project is adopting the VS121 Occupancy Sensors, which monitor real-time space occupancy for timely indoor air quality improvements and are connected to other smart devices for automated control. Discover how Milesight elevates building efficiency and comfort here.
