From Theben, 'thePixa' KNX optical presence detector detects how many people are in a room and where exactly they are located.
This information is used to trigger predefined actions from the KNX building control system.
It is not just the building automation features that stand to gain: there is also the added value for building operators, such as flexible options for configuring desk-sharing and optimising room occupancy and building cleaning activities.
Theben's presence detectors, using passive infrared technology, detect people based on combined body heat and movements.
The pixel-based detection technology in thePixa KNX optical presence detectors opens up further applications, it recently won the German Innovation Award 2021.
The detection technology used in thePixa devices is based on images with low resolution and, using image analysis, the presence detector identifies changes in the situations that arise in the rooms being monitored and processes the associated information.
thePixa can then detect how many moving objects are within the detection area and count them.
The result is visually processed in the form of a heat map and can be called up, together with detailed occupancy statistics in the thePixa Plug app.
This information triggers a predefined action in the KNX building control system, such as starting up the ventilation system in a fully occupied meeting room.
The area that is covered can be divided into different zones if required.
This creates precise subdivisions in the detection area of up to 11 metres by 15.5 metres, enabling precise lighting control in larger rooms and preventing false switching.
It is also possible to set up exclusion zones in which detected movements do not trigger any actions.
The visualisation of detected areas by means of the heat map offers building operators added value: for example, department stores can see which products customers stop at most often and therefore show the greatest interest in.
Valuable information can also be obtained in office facilities: by identifying which workstations are used more or less often, it is possible to open up advantages such as efficient desk-sharing management.
This allows for a flexible response to peak workloads and operating and energy costs for buildings can be reduced.
For further information: www.theben.com.au