A driveway alarm is a device that is designed to detect people or vehicles entering a property via the
driveway
A driveway (also called ''drive'' in UK English) is a type of private road for local access to one or a small group of structures, and is owned and maintained by an individual or group.
Driveways rarely have traffic lights, but some that bear ...
. A driveway alarm system is often integrated as a component of a system which automatically performs a task or alerts home owners of an unexpected intruder or visitor. Driveway alarms can be a vital component of security,
automated lighting control, home control,
energy efficiency
Energy efficiency may refer to:
* Energy efficiency (physics), the ratio between the useful output and input of an energy conversion process
** Electrical efficiency, useful power output per electrical power consumed
** Mechanical efficiency, a ra ...
, and other useful systems.
Overview
A driveway alarm always consists of two components, a sensor and receiver. The sensor is used to detect people or vehicles on the driveway and the receiver is the device which alerts the user or owner to this detection. Wireless driveway alarms consist of three components, the sensor, receiver and a transmitter which sends the wireless alert signal to the receiver.
A driveway
alarm
An alarm device is a mechanism that gives an audible, visual or other kind of alarm signal to alert someone to a problem or condition that requires urgent attention.
Alphabetical musical instruments
Etymology
The word ''alarm'' comes from th ...
may be connected to a
burglar alarm
A security alarm is a system designed to detect intrusion, such as unauthorized entry, into a building or other areas such as a home or school. Security alarms used in residential, commercial, industrial, and military properties protect against ...
that is used to alert the home owner or security service after it detects an intruder. Such a driveway may also trigger a
security camera
A closed-circuit television camera can produce images or recordings for surveillance or other private purposes. Cameras can be either video cameras, or digital stills cameras. Walter Bruch was the inventor of the CCTV camera. The main purpose o ...
. Driveway alarms have found great application in domestic and commercial applications, especially in retail
drive thru
A drive-through or drive-thru (a sensational spelling of the word ''through''), is a type of take-out service provided by a business that allows customers to purchase products without leaving their cars. The format was pioneered in the United ...
applications. Some of the more popular residential or commercial applications include motion-activated outdoor lighting systems, motion sensor street lamps and motion sensor lanterns.
Sensors
Three types of sensors are commonly used in driveway alarm systems:
;
Passive infrared: Senses heat and motion. These sensors detect both vehicles and people but are prone to false alarms from animals.
;Magnetic probe: Uses a magnetic coil to detect moving metal nearby. Will only alarm when a vehicle moves by and are generally more costly than the passive infrared units.
;Rubber hose: When pressure is applied on top of the hose air is pushed up the hose triggering an alarm. Common in commercial applications.
Wireless and wired systems
Driveway alarms come in both wired and wireless packages.
Infrared
Infrared (IR), sometimes called infrared light, is electromagnetic radiation (EMR) with wavelengths longer than those of visible light. It is therefore invisible to the human eye. IR is generally understood to encompass wavelengths from around ...
and rubber hose systems are generally sold as wireless units while magnetic probe systems are equally available as hard wired and wireless systems. Choosing between wireless or wired systems is typically decided by the environment the unit is being installed in. The most common driveway alarms sold are wireless infrared units.
See also
*
Home automation
Home automation or domotics is building automation for a home, called a smart home or smart house. A home automation system will monitor and/or control home attributes such as lighting, climate, entertainment systems, and appliances. It m ...
*
Home security
Home security includes both the security hardware placed on a property and individuals' personal security practices. Security hardware includes doors, locks, alarm systems, lighting, motion detectors, and security camera systems. Personal sec ...
*
Motion detection
Motion detection is the process of detecting a change in the position of an object relative to its surroundings or a change in the surroundings relative to an object. It can be achieved by either mechanical or electronic methods. When it is done by ...
*
Magnetic field sensors
A magnetometer is a device that measures magnetic field or magnetic dipole moment. Different types of magnetometers measure the direction, strength, or relative change of a magnetic field at a particular location. A compass is one such device, on ...
*
Remote camera
A remote camera, also known as a trail camera or game camera, is a camera placed by a photographer in areas where the photographer generally cannot be at the camera to snap the shutter. This includes areas with limited access, tight spaces where a ...
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Motion Detector
Security technology