Why IoT smart sensors are the smart answer

David Antar, MSSSI VP of IPVideo, Motorola Solutions discusses the various benefits that smart sensors have in enhancing intelligent buildings.

Building up

How do you define an intelligent building?

It can be described as a building that operates with integrated smart devices that help to reduce inefficient procedures.

Today, engineers are continually looking for ways to streamline costs by making the most out of building automation systems (BAS).

Building automation is the automatic centralized control of a building’s HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), electrical, lighting, shading, access control, security systems and other interrelated systems.

A BAS helps to create efficient operation of building systems, reductions in energy consumption, reduced operating and maintenance costs and increased security.

We are seeing significant advancements in building safety technology year after year that allow for a smoother transition to fully integrated systems that can give building owners true peace of mind.

For a building to be considered “intelligent”, there needs to be seamlessly integrated internet of things (IoT) capabilities, whereby all building systems can be controlled from one main network or platform.

The biggest difference between an intelligent building and a standard building is the complexity of the systems and scale of connectivity.

With the invention of the IoT smart sensor, commercial buildings can now offer more efficient and safer environments for staff and visitors by monitoring a variety of operational and health factors.

How are intelligent buildings using smart sensors?

A smart building has intelligent control systems and interconnected devices beyond the traditional building structure and function.

There are many different types of buildings, organizations and businesses that are integrating their BAS systems with smart sensors.

These include schools, mental health facilities, government buildings, banks, churches, temples, office buildings, retail stores, etc.

Sensor examples for building efficiency include:

• Environmental sensors that can detect a variety of issues such as water leaks, temperature, humidity, open door/window and breaking glass that can provide early warnings to problems within a building
• Light sensors that monitor light levels and adjust based on natural light to help cut energy consumption
• Occupancy sensors that can count the number of people in a specific location or how many enter and depart an area. These sensors can establish alerts for various parameters. For example, sensors can be utilized to alert cleaning staff to clean restrooms after a set number of visitors. Or they can be used to maximize office space and energy efficiency by opening or closing different areas based on heavy usage and times
• Motion sensors that can accurately detect motion and trigger lights to be turned on or off to increase energy efficiency and reduce operational expenditures
• Audio sensors that apply machine learning can alert when sound levels exceed Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) levels for the environment. This can also be a key early warning for possible mechanical failures and operational safety issues

How can smart sensors improve peoples’ safety?

A smart sensor device can detect and provide instant alerts to vaping, smoking and possible illicit drug usage in private areas such as bathrooms.

It can also detect chemicals and gasses in the air and loud sounds such as gunshots or yelling.

Spoken keyword smart sensors can trigger management notifications when keywords are said to indicate there may be an emergency where someone needs help.

In various scenarios, these sensors provide a quick means for management and security teams to pinpoint the location of an incident and address the issue without collecting any personally identifiable information.

If a potential threat or safety issue is detected, the smart sensor automatically performs a wide range of actions, such as issuing alerts, directing occupants to the nearest exit or immediately alerting first responders of an emergency.

By installing smart sensors in a building, response times can be significantly reduced during emergencies, potentially saving lives in critical situations.

Sensor examples for people’s security and safety include the following, some of which are different use cases for the same sensors noted above:

• Occupancy sensors that detect the number of people within the sensor’s area and send out an alert about occupancy above the normal parameters. For example, if a sensor detects too many people in a restricted space, it will send an alert to investigate. This coupled with motion detection sensors can detect motion and send out a trespassing alert
• Sound sensors that utilize machine learning to detect normal sound levels and send out alerts if they reach a certain high threshold for a specified period of time. These can indicate events such as a fight or riot. Gunshot sensors can detect gunshots within a defined area using two-factor authentication including frequency percussion and sound patterns
• Audio sensors that identify pre-programmed spoken keywords such as the word “help.” When one of these keywords is spoken, the emergency communication system the sensor is connected to immediately performs a pre-programmed action, such as sending out an alert to security staff or calling first responders

Smart sensor devices can also integrate with panic buttons, whereby the trigger location of the panic button is auto-associated with the nearest sensor device.

For example, if a teacher, employee or worker sees an unsafe situation, they can push a physical or mobile panic button.

The closest sensor recognizes this and captures the location of the panic button that has been pressed.

Sensors can also come equipped with LED lighting options that installers can program to show escape routes in red, yellow and green patterns.

The system projects lights around the device for added visibility.

Another option is to have unique alert colors created to indicate various problems, such as purple for health alerts or orange for poor air quality.

Staying connected for safety and efficiency

From lighting and temperature control to security, smart sensors are a powerful resource to help building owners improve efficiency and safety.

When implemented throughout buildings, they can help owners gain an understanding of events that need their attention and provide a safe environment for building visitors and occupants.

About the author

David Antar has over 30 years of experience in the technology and security industries.

Over that time, he has started a number of successful high-tech companies based on a keen ability to understand the needs of his customers and the trends in the marketplace that drive business growth.

One of which is IPVideo Corporation, a recent acquisition of Motorola Solutions Inc., which designs and manufactures solutions for a smarter and safer world using the power of IoT to deliver a range of open-platform security solutions.

IPVideo Corporation’s top product is the award-winning HALO Smart Sensor, a security, health and wellness multi-sensor device for privacy areas, providing security while protecting individual privacy. 

IPVideo also utilizes sensor technology with its other product lines VUROAI and SentryERS for event driven safety and security alerts.   

This article was originally published in the April edition of Security Journal Americas. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.