Motion Sensing Lights

Tech Universe: Monday 08 August

GO FOR CYCLISTS: Cyclists know only too well the problem of traffic lights that don't detect their presence. Pleasanton in the US is using a microwave motion and presence sensor called the Intersector to detect cyclists and extend or trigger the light. This is just one of the measures the town is using to be more friendly to cyclists. Smart idea, Pleasanton. Contra Costa Times has the rest.

SEALED WITH A ROBOT: We may think of robots as industrial workers or toys, but some elderly Japanese survivors of this year's tsunami see them as friends. Two Paro robotic seals were donated to residents at a retirement home near the Fukushima Daiichi plant. Residents care for the pet robot seals as though they were live animals, but without the problems live pets bring. Residents are finding great comfort from their pet robots. Might the seals be too perfect though? Live pets are always a bit unpredictable. The Guardian reports. Video here .

WHERE ARE YOU?: LocataLite is a sort of highly accurate ground-based GPS out of Australia. The transmitters contain timing chips that are cheaper and less accurate than the atomic clocks used in GPS satellites. But they use the timers to keep in sync with one another rather than keeping accurate time as the satellites do. The technology can locate items to within a couple of centimetres. Smartphones and other devices could use this system for accurate positioning. Checkins will be so much more precise. MIT Technology Review has details.

CAR POWER: An electric car has batteries. Those batteries store power.
That's the point. But what say you needed power in an emergency? Could you plug the car batteries in to your house to power the lights, heating and other systems? Nissan say you can, with their Leaf electric vehicle. The Leaf's battery system could power a house for 2 days, using Nissan's control device. Which really shows up how much energy cars require. Nikkei.com .

SOUND SPECS: The vOICe lets people see with their ears. Sunglasses contain a tiny webcam. Images are fed to a pocket PC which then turns them into sounds sent to headphones. Differences in pitch, loudness and other aspects of the sounds clue the wearer in to their surroundings. For example, higher frequencies indicate higher objects, white is loud and black is quiet. One drawback is that it takes 3 months of training to use the device. I bet kids would learn it quicker. Discovery News has more details.

Motion Sensor Lights | Wireless Motion Sensor Light

Your house and your garden are both worth protecting, and one of the most affordable and effective ways to keep an eye on the things you love is to invest in a motion detector system. Motion detector systems come in a variety of makes, models and types, and they include wired and wireless devices reacting with lights or sounds.

A motion sensor light can help you to keep an eye on your property, being triggered by a person or large animal if they set foot on your property. Your motion sensor light won’t just give you a clear view, it’ll act as a deterrent, scaring animals and people away. Motion detector systems with a motion sensor light can also help to light your path. They’ll activate when you drive your car home, and you’ll be able to guide your vehicle safely to your garage or driveway. Likewise, those visiting your house will find the light to guide them to your door. Motion sensor lights will make potential intruders think twice about spending time on your property. Any intruder will worry that they’ll be seen, and they’ll be more likely to be noticed by your neighbors as well as by you. The presence of a motion detector will also present the illusion that you’re recording your property with a CCTV system.

Motion detector lights aren’t just a defensive force; they’ll light your home for your convenience. A wireless motion sensor light can be placed anywhere on, or near, your house. They’ll be powered by batteries, and will work at a distance of up to eighty feet. If you choose a wired device, you’ll be limited in potential locations, but will enjoy an alarm that works constantly as long as there’s power in your home. Most motion sensor lights are suitable for easy home fitting, though many people choose to call in the professionals. A wireless motion sensor light offers an easier and faster option to connect and fit, but wired sensors offer that guaranteed security whether you’re at home or away.

Indoor and outdoor motion light sensors can be purchased online at affordable prices. Indoor sensors can be particularly useful for those spending time in large offices or dark rooms, or can be used to light your hallway at home if you need to make your way around at night. They often work on a timer, turning on when you arrive and off when they no longer detect movement. A motion sensor light can protect your home, help you find your way, or reduce your carbon footprint. Never again will you need to worry about forgetting to switch off lights, if you use a motion sensor light in your home or office.

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