Modern home security systems have to be wireless to monitor the environment; also the installation and operation must be simple. To monitor perimeter security, intrusion detection, and also security of sensitive areas within the home like medication containers, safes, or places where valuables are placed.
One can opt for video monitoring, but it needs sophisticated image processing and analysis for detecting unauthorized activities and is also a hindrance to privacy. With the help of conventional motion sensors, the privacy issue can be eliminated but it needs a power supply and supports electronics. In motion detectors, some sort of wired or wireless interface is required to relay the sensor’s output to the cloud. Most of the time motion detectors are required to be installed by professionals and this makes it uneconomical for many cost-sensitive applications.
Here we are going to present an alternative solution that is more suitable for many consumers and also small businesses; uses for RFID in the home enable low-cost, battery-free, and easy-to-install security systems.
RFID tags are used as the foundation for robust security sensors. The motion detectors are made by integrating the RFID tag with a reed switch. Same way, a shock event detector is made by substituting the reed switch for a shock switch. The sensor switch is connected between the two terminals of the antenna and two terminals of the RFID chip in both instances.
This is helpful in providing a low-cost solution for the security monitoring system. RFID tags with motion sensors can be installed on the window, door, or safe, while shock sensing tags on the medication box. Each RFID tag has its own unique ID and that is why the RFID reader knows where the detected activity occurs. Once the activity is captured, the data can be transmitted to the cloud and when appropriate, a notification will be sent to the user via smartphone or an email alert.
Shock detector
These consist of an RFID chip and an antenna; the shock switch has a cavity and a tiny metal ball that rolls around inside. The shock switches upright making the ball roll onto the two conductive contacts that create a conductive path. If the sensor tilts in another direction, the contacts are disconnected; this makes it easy to detect motion or orientation.
While using RFID in the home as a security sensor, the shock switch is connected between the two terminals so which shorts them in their passive position. This results in short breaks between the RFID chip and the antenna, preventing the tag from radiating a signal.
Motion Sensor
The motion sensor system consists of an RFID chip, antenna, reed switch, and magnet. The switch has two ferromagnetic flexible metal reed contacts that are placed in a sealed glass cavity. The two contacts are normally open and the magnetic field causes them to close. When the sensor is far away from the magnet, contacts return to the original open condition, this enables the RFID chip and alerts the reader. For example, the RFID tag with the switch is placed on the window, and the magnet is attached to the wall. While the window is closed, the magnet helps the reed switch to be closed and keeps the chip inactive. Once the window is opened, the reed switch reverts to its open position and the tag becomes active.
Dumb Sensors, Smart System
RFID tags have their own unique ID and can correlate to the object or location. This information is used by the RFID readers to understand more about the event and also identifying the number of possible intruders, their location, and some inferences about activities. All this might reduce the number of false alarms caused by disturbances.
RFID technology is a great tool that creates a robust and low-cost security system. It is easy to install and does not need batteries, this makes it long-term reliable. In uses for RFID in the home, some care must be paid to the positioning of RFID readers so that they provide complete coverage of the area.
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