Optical Motion Sensors

Optical motion sensors are a type of sensor that utilizes light, typically infrared light, to detect and track the movement of objects. Within this category, there are two main types: passive infrared sensors and area reflective sensors. Passive infrared sensors work by detecting changes in the amount of infrared light that reaches the sensor. These changes are typically caused by the presence of a warm body moving within the sensor's field of view. By sensing variations in infrared radiation, these sensors can effectively detect motion and trigger appropriate actions or responses. On the other hand, area reflective sensors operate by emitting light, often infrared light, and then measuring the amount of light that is reflected back by nearby objects. By analyzing the changes in the reflected light intensity, these sensors can detect and track object movement within their designated detection range. It is important to note that products such as light curtains used for machine safety, which primarily detect the presence of objects rather than their motion, do not fall under the optical motion sensor category mentioned here. In summary, optical motion sensors utilize light, typically infrared light, to detect and monitor object movement. Passive infrared sensors detect changes in the amount of infrared light reaching the sensor, while area reflective sensors emit light and measure changes in the reflected light intensity. It is worth mentioning that optical motion sensors do not include products like light curtains that are specifically used for object presence detection rather than monitoring motion.