Solar-Powered Sensor Monitors Open Windows, Detects Break-Ins

Jan-18-15 A new solar-powered chip that sends an alert when a window has been left open could help conserve energy while also detecting a possible break-in.

The chip, developed by the team from Fraunhofer University, mounts on the window's frame between the pane and the glass. It is equipped with an accelerometer and magnometer, which allows the device to detect how wide the window is open as well as how long it has been open. An embedded radio chip will send an alert to a base station if the window has been open for too long, or will remind homeowners to open a window regularly to let in some fresh air.

The sensor is also able to detect the difference between "various fluctuations," such as a ball hitting the window or an intruder forcing it open, and will send an alert if it detects suspicious activity.

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[GIZMAG.COM]
[FRAUNHOFER.DE]

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