- #1
Pyrus
- 20
- 4
This photo attached is an automatic tap. It doesn't seem to have Infrared sensor. Then, which type of sensor is it... Just wondering :p
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around identifying the type of sensor used in an automatic faucet, with participants exploring possibilities such as infrared and passive infrared sensors. The conversation includes observations about the physical characteristics of the faucet and suggestions for testing the sensor's functionality.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants express doubt that the faucet uses an infrared sensor based on the appearance of a black window at the bottom.
- One participant suggests that the texture of the black window may indicate it is not glass, leading to further speculation about the sensor type.
- Another participant proposes using a cellphone camera to check for near-infrared light, indicating that most cellphone cameras can detect it.
- It is suggested that the faucet may utilize a passive infrared (PIR) sensor, which does not emit its own infrared light.
- One participant discusses the design of passive infrared sensors, noting that a rough texture could enhance sensitivity to movement.
- Another participant recommends practical tests, such as using an IR remote control to determine if the faucet responds to infrared signals, and suggests observing the faucet's behavior in response to different temperature objects.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants do not reach a consensus on the type of sensor used in the faucet, with multiple competing views and suggestions remaining throughout the discussion.
Contextual Notes
Some assumptions about the sensor's operation and characteristics are not fully explored, and the discussion includes various testing methods that may depend on specific conditions or definitions of sensor types.
- #2
DrClaude
Mentor
- 8,477
- 5,697
Why do you say that? See that black window at the bottom of the faucet?Pyrus said:
- #3
Pyrus
- 20
- 4
Because that black thing doesn't seem glass like but has rough plastic like texture...
- #4
berkeman
Admin
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Use your cellphone to look at the window. You can see near IR with most cellphone cameras...Pyrus said:
- #5
berkeman
Admin
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Well, except that it probably is a PIR (passive IR sensor), so it won't be putting out any IR of its own.berkeman said:
Maybe wave a cold rod in front of it, versus a hot rod to see if you can tell that it's sensing IR...
- #6
CWatters
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
Gold Member
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Could be that the rough texture is deliberate. Most passive IR sensors have a grid like lens so that the sensitivity of the sensor isn't uniform over it's field of view. This increases the amplitude fluctuations that the sensor receives when there is movement.
http://www.blunet.net.cn/uploads/Sensor-Detector/PIR-Sensor/wall-mounted-occupancy-sensor.gif
http://www.blunet.net.cn/uploads/Sensor-Detector/PIR-Sensor/wall-mounted-occupancy-sensor.gif
- #7
berkeman
Admin
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Duh, I'm a little slow sometimes...berkeman said:
Just take your IR Remote Control for your TV, and hold it in front of the faucet (but out of the path of the water). Wait for the faucet to shut off if your movement turned it on, and then push a button on the control without moving your hand or the control. If the faucet turns on, it's using a PIR sensor. You can even try backing up a ways to see how far away from it you can get and still operate the faucet with your IR Remote Control.
And just for completeness, you can use your cellphone camera viewer to see the IR transmissions coming out of the Remote Control when you push a button...
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