Current human presence detectors are usually based on motion detection, mainly using infrared or ultrasonic sensors. While the former detects temperature changes associated with human presence, the latter identifies differences in the echo of emitted signals caused by obstacles related to human presence. However, these detectors can be activated for other reasons, such as the presence of animals or air currents, and their range is limited. In addition, ultrasound detectors can adversely affect wildlife, such as bats.
For this reason, researchers at the Consorci Centre de Ciència i Tecnologia Forestal de Catalunya (CTFC) have developed the LOGCAVE CTFC logger, a device that records slight light variations with configurable thresholds to detect human presence over a wide range, always associated with artificial lighting. This development addresses the limitations of conventional detectors and meets the specific needs of the environment.
The LOGCAVE CTFC logger is a low power consumption and long autonomy device designed to collect light, temperature, humidity and thermal comfort data with time stamps. It was initially conceived for human presence detection in certain environments such as caves, although its uses can be diverse in all these fields.
The device consists of hardware and software. The software records data every time a signal is triggered, be it a timestamp, the exceeding of a predefined light threshold or the pressing of a button. For the collection of this data, it has a microSD card that allows access via Bluetooth using a mobile application.
Benefits:
- It has up to one year of autonomy due to its low power consumption (2 mW in sleep mode/50 mW in active mode).
- It utilizes rechargeable batteries.
- It doesn’t impact the fauna inhabiting the caves, enabling studies of their behavior, among others.
- It features wide light detection thresholds that can be configured according to the study’s requirements.
- It is capable of detecting errors and recording them for later analysis.
- The data obtained is easily accessible via an application and Bluetooth connection.
- Its versatility enables diverse applications in any context requiring monitoring of light changes within a configurable range.
The represented institution seeks feedback and explores collaboration opportunities for the manufacturing and subsequent commercialization of the presented invention.
Institution: Consorci Centre de Ciència i Tecnologia Forestal de Catalunya (CTFC)
TRL: 5-6
Protection status: The device has a Public Utility Model Application filed in 2021 and has also been registered as a Trademark in Spain.
Contact: Elisa Sáenz / tech@viromii.com
