Windows are most vulnerable parts of a house, in terms of security. And, most of the window security systems in the market are limited by connectivity; these are connected through cables. If the cables are cut or unplugged, the sensor in no way can detect any intrusion. But recently, researchers have developed a new window security system that can operate without wires or batteries. This new windows security system gets its power from sunlight and ambient heat.
Just yesterday we have covered Smart Fabric, a new kind of intrusion detection system based on a woven fabric, which can trigger alarms if penetrated by intruders and can identify the exact location of the break-in, developed by Fraunhofer Institute. This time, researchers at Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS, in collaboration with Seuffer, have made a wireless window security system (device) for detecting intrusion.
The newly developed window sensors has no battery inside it. The wireless window sensors is a small device and virtually undetectable. These sensors have to be embedded in the window frame. The senors can detect if a window is closed, cracked open or wide open. The components of these sensors comprises of a magnet. This magnet can be placed at the bottom of the window or at different place of the window. The window monitor comes embedded with a tiny 3D magnetic field sensor which can discern not only the position of the magnet but also its angle. Therefore, the sensor can easily detect if a window is open or not. Users can monitor their house windows via smartphone.
IIS engineer Klaus-Dieter Taschka said, “We’ve adapted our technology for the window application. A fingernail-sized sensor embedded in the inner frame detects sash and handle positions by measuring any changes in the angle and position of a magnet that’s embedded in the bottom of the sash. When you lock the window, for example, the magnet moves to the right. The sensor even detects if a casement window appears to be properly latched, but has actually just been pulled shut. No other system can do this.”
For powering up, there’s a small thermoelectric generator. This thermoelectric generator is also embedded into the window frame. A solar cell gathers energy from the sun and directs it towards the generator.
The interesting thing about these sensors is they can communicate with each other and share data through the wireless. At present, it is in prototype stage. But researchers are planning to input some more security applications in the near future. Researchers are expecting the wireless window sensors will be completely ready for mass production by the end of 2012. Certainly, Seuffer will manufacture the wireless window sensors.
Source : Fraunhofer Institute
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