Published-Low-Cost_Multi-Layer_Approach_for_Motion_Detection_System_for_Area_Monitoring
Published-Low-Cost_Multi-Layer_Approach_for_Motion_Detection_System_for_Area_Monitoring
Abstract—The RCWL-0516, a remarkably cost- information, such as range, direction, or velocity [2] with
effective yet enigmatic Continuous Wave (CW) radar only a small amount of OEM documentation. In contrast,
module, has posed a compelling challenge for analysis most low-power radar modules have modulation and pro-
due to limited information from its original equipment
manufacturer (OEM). Operating solely on the Doppler cessing capability to measure other essentials of moving
principle, this module detects movement in its entire targets. However, we want to solve the riddles surrounding
surroundings without providing any other contextual the RCWL radar module through this demonstration. Our
data. We endeavored to transform it into directional goal is to convert RCWL into a directional radar that
radar by applying the FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) integrates with other sensors and is capable of mechanical
algorithm and directivity, approximate direction, and
velocity, adding an entirely new dimension to its func- azimuthal scanning for the determination of the direction
tionality. In conjunction, our system integrates Passive of detected motion. Additionally, we work to maximize
Infrared (PIR) sensor and camera, forging a multi- the module’s built-in doppler capabilities by using the
layered approach to motion detection that enhances ac- sophisticated Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) algorithm to
curacy and reliability in threat identification. It further analyze the doppler spectrum. Apart from Radar module,
augments the anti-jamming capability to detect target
with radar, IR and image-based detection. To bolster Passive Infrared (PIR) sensors are also fundamental in
the system’s real-time responsiveness, GSM (Global detecting changes in heat and motion. Cameras serve as
System for Mobile Communications) is also integrated visual sensors, capturing images and videos of the moni-
in addition to audio / visual warning. This approach has tored area. All three sensors work independently. However,
potential to be deployed in various domains to enhance an alert is generated by processing platform, indicating
security, automation, and safety.
Index Terms—cw radar, sensor, motion detection, that the sensor has detected motion. Such incorporation of
conical antenna, infrared, camera detection, Arduino. sensors forms the foundation of a multi-layered approach
FFT to area monitoring. This not only improves accuracy and
reliability but also provides anti-jamming capability to the
I. Introduction system. To enhance the system’s real-time responsiveness
Variations in illumination, clothing deformations, occlu- and alerting features, we’ve seamlessly incorporated simple
sions on the appearance of human body parts, and the audio / visual warning and Global System for Mobile Com-
dimension of the individual in the scene often make it more munications (GSM) technology. This integration enables
difficult to perceive visual motions. Radar has long been the prompt delivery of SMS alerts to specified recipients.
employed for surveillance due to its extensive range, great Additionally, a built-in buzzer functions as part of the
measuring accuracy, good day and night performance, audio-visual warning, promptly alerts occupants to any
and capacity to penetrate walls. It also works well for potential security breach within the property when motion
human motion analysis, tracking, and detection up to 100 is detected by two sensors.
m away [1]. The Continuous Wave (CW) radar module
RCWL has become one of the most popular sensors used A. Limitations
in motion detection. Although incredibly affordable, this The RCWL-0516 sensor presents an intriguing yet chal-
module exploits the doppler effect to detect motion in lenging proposition for developers and engineers to fully
its environment without providing any extra contextual understand its potential. One notable hurdle is the absence
of OEM-specified documentation, leaving users to explore then transforms the detection into an auditory signal. To
its capabilities through experimental means. Furthermore, make user-friendly smart devices, they have incorporated
the availability of a comprehensive datasheet is limited, a variety of sensors. The goal of this project is to make
making it imperative for users to rely on practical exper- it easier for people who are blind to move around on
imentation. Unlike other sensors that benefit from exten- their own. The stick’s built-in vibration and buzzer sensors
sive libraries and support in popular programming envi- alert the user to obstacles. The work was presented in
ronments like Matlab, Simulink, or Python, the RCWL- IEEE International Conference on Futuristic Technologies
0516 operates in a more isolated environment, necessitat- in 2022 [8]. Apart from above, multiple sensors have been
ing a hands-on, trial-and-error approach. Despite these used in past for enhanced detection in various application
challenges, its unique characteristics and cost-effectiveness scenarios, as discussed in recent reviews [9] [10] [11].
make it a compelling choice for those willing to explore its Nevertheless, there is limited literature that explores the
potential through practical applications. combined use of radar, PIR sensors, and cameras. Addi-
tionally, the RCWL-0516 module has not been utilized for
II. Related Work tasks such as direction finding and speed sensing using
RCWL-0516 due to its low cost and high market pen- doppler frequency analysis.
etration, has been used in most of the research and ex-
III. Detection Mechanism
periments where motion detection is directly or indirectly
involved. Sagar Shinde et al in their work for advanced Motion detecting modules commonly known as motion
adaptive cruise control of vehicles, has utilized this radar detectors are used to spot or detect presence of moving
to detect the presence of vehicles in the blind spot while objects, particularly people. In the majority of cases, such
range and distance were calculated with TF-Luna LiDAR devices were frequently included as part of a whole system
sensor, thus enhancing driving safety [3]. In several ex- that executed certain tasks; they served as a crucial part
periments, this sensor has provided early detection. As of many systems, including automatic lighting control,
part of the Autonomous Air Defence System (AADS) energy efficiency, home control, and small to medium,
development, the RCWL-0516 microwave radar was em- and large-scale (advanced) security. A motion detector
ployed for presence detection in near ranges in order to might be one of the sensors in a burglar alarm that
augment detection by HB100 X-band pulse doppler radar alerts the home’s owner or security company when it spots
module [4]. Similarly, an IOT-based thermal surveillance any movement that might be an intruder. A pre-installed
system was created to identify unusual motions at night security camera with this type of detection might also be
and alert the user. Thermal sensors were used to detect programmed to record a live feed of any potential intrusion
hot bodies by infrared (IR) sensing and other movements [12]. Several types of motion detection are in wide use.
were detected using microwave motion sensor. Further- These include:
more, motion sensors helped prevent erroneous warnings A. Passive infrared (PIR)
brought on by environmental conditions [5]. An article
Unlike all other things in the background at ambient
published from Widyatama University, Indonesia, where
temperature, PIR sensors only identify people by the
author discussed controlling various equipment in a certain
radiation they emit, which is generated from their skin
building. Such control was automated through movement
temperature. The sensor is referred to as a passive infrared
of human by integrating Arduino board and RCWL sensor
sensor since it does not emit any energy [13].
thus providing a complete architecture of smart building
[6]. Which not only helped in saving energy but also B. Microwave radar
provided improved security and comfort. Building machine These devices operate in microwave frequencies and
learning models for tracking, detecting, and recognizing can transmit either continuous wave, modulated / un-
movement and their automated processing of vast volumes modulated signals. It resembles a radar speed gun in some
of sensory data presents several challenges. Dejan and ways since it uses the Doppler radar technique to detect
Gjorgji developed a data collection system to observe motion. Continuous microwave radiation is released, and
human movement through less expensive modules based when an item or a person moves in front of the transmitter,
on passive infrared and microwave principles of operation. the reflected microwaves undergo a shift in phase and
In their work, they utilized the analog output of both frequency, producing a low frequency signal [14].
the microwave radar sensor RCWL-0516 and the passive
infrared sensor HC-SR501. The pin 12 of BISS0001 IC was C. Ultrasonic
utilized to obtain the raw analog signal of the detected By using its transducer to create ultrasonic waves at
motion which was logged in Arduino microcontroller [7]. a frequency higher than the human ear can hear, an
An ESP32 microcontroller, an ultrasonic sensor, GPS ultrasonic sensor collects reflections of the waves from
module and a radar sensor (RCWL-0516), were all used nearby objects. The tiniest blip in the received field, sim-
by Bhosle et al. to create an assistance system for those ilar to the doppler radar, shows mobility. Low modulated
who are blind. The object is detected by smart stick, which frequencies (for walking speeds) also creates doppler shift
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2023 17th International Conference on Open Source Systems and Technologies (ICOSST)
which is used to calculate distance and speed. Ultrasonic regions are separated through SIW (Substrate Integrated
sensors have the potential drawback of being sensitive Waveguide) lines. A 3.175 GHz oscillation is produced by
even in locations where their detection is not required, an NPN transistor, capacitors, and an inductor with a
for example, as a result of sound waves reflecting off of wavelength of 9.45 cm and half wavelength of 4.72 cm.
corners of walls. For lighting control, when the objective is The microwave antenna is integrated on the PCB itself
to detect any movement in the area, such broad detection with the front end and processing region, the RCWL-0516
coverage may be useful. However, a sensor that selectively operates as a self-contained radar unit. Figure 1 shows the
faces the way towards the entrance is more likely to be basic workings of this sensor based on components. [17]
suitable for automatic door opening [15].
D. Video camera detection
With the development of inexpensive surveillance cam-
eras with video recording capabilities, it is now possible to
use the output of one of these cameras to employ software
to identify motion in its field of view. This technique
is particularly appealing when the device is configured
to start recording video when motion is detected. The
camera and computer are actually the only pieces of
hardware required. This may nevertheless be regarded
as a passive technology since the coverage path may
typically be lighted. To detect motion in the dark, hybrid
video cameras with infrared capability are installed as an
alternative [16].
Fig. 1. RCWL-0516 Schematic diagram [17]
IV. Proposed detection mechanism
Proposed detection mechanism exploits doppler feature
and directional scanning for enhanced range and direction. C. RCWL-0516 Radiation Pattern
It incorporates additional IR sensing and optical capability The RCWL-0516 module underwent radiation testing
making it suitable for variety of applications in diverse at antenna test lab facility, yielding valuable insights into
fields of real world. Detail is given in subsequent para- its performance characteristics. During the assessment, it
graphs. was observed that the radiation pattern of this module
A. Radar Sensor exhibits a nearly spherical shape [18]. However, the pres-
ence of nulls at specific angles represents directions where
In order to detect a doppler change from an object
the emitted power is significantly reduced up to 25 dB.
that is moving, microwave radar sensors calculate fre-
Coupled with its monopole antenna design, this module
quency shift by comparing the frequency of the echoes
achieves its maximum directivity at an angle of θ=90°.
with the radiation frequency. Such devices typically have
Such pattern infact gives nearly isotropic coverage in 360°.
inexpensive, die-cast metal horn antennas. In our work
We simulated a quarterwave monopole antenna design in
we have employed low-cost RCWL-0516 microwave motion
CST Studio 2019 in Figure 2, which shows a uniform
detector module. It includes MMBR941M high frequency
distribution of radiation intensity in azimuth at θ=90°
NPN transistor. This is the heart of its microwave region
with two nulls perpendicular to broadside radiation.
and functions as a microwave frequency emitter, receiver,
and mixer. For monocratic functioning, a circular micro-
strip patch is employed as the monopole antenna. RCWL-
9196 IC is also included on FR4 PCB for signal processing
and amplification [7]. The sensor incorporates a doppler
shift in received frequency. If the doppler is higher than
a certain threshold of the sensor (threshold > 0.7 v), it
triggers the Vout interface with logic high.
B. Sensor Schematic Circuit
This schematic is divided into two sections. A consider-
ably lower frequency section is based on an IC (RCWL- Fig. 2. Pattern before modifi- Fig. 3. Dimensions of proto-
9196) that has similar functions to the BISS0001 IC used cation type
in most PIR motion detectors for signal processing. The
microwave region of the sensor is based on microwave
frequency transmitter, receiver, and mixer sections. Both
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2023 17th International Conference on Open Source Systems and Technologies (ICOSST)
V. Experimental Setup
RCWL sensor was mainly intended for connectivity with
computer through Arduino as no sufficient information of
this sensor was available, and thus maximum information
can be extracted for its operations. We performed multiple
experiments to observe the behaviors of sensor. We used
CST Studio Suite for analysis of antenna-related features,
Matlab 2023 for signal processing, and Arduino IDE V2
Fig. 4. Pattern after modification for integrating sensors and monitoring detection.
A. Basic setup
D. Pyroelectric infrared sensor (HC-SR501)
In this basic setup, we integrated a doppler radar sensor
Passive sensors that can detect shifts in temperature are and an LED into USB powered Arduino UNO configured
pyroelectric infrared (PIR) sensors. They are frequently on a breadboard. The configuration was made to enable
employed as a presence trigger since they are well suited the LED to react when motion is detected as depicted
to detect human motion using body temperature. The HC- in Figure 5. [23]. Indoor detection was observed at short
SR501 PIR detector is a low-cost and convenient gadget. distance of 1-5 cm. This may be due to interference or
The LHI778 Inactive Infrared Detector and the BISS0001 orientation of the sensor.
IC are used in this motion detection module to regulate
how motion sensing. The module has a sensitivity setting
that allows it to detect movement in a 110° cone-shaped
region at a range of three to seven meters. The module
also features trigger choice and time delay settings that
allow for fine tailoring in accordance with its application
[19].
E. Motion Camera
In order to demonstrate proof of concept (POC), we
used a low cost internet protocol (IP) enabled, off-the- Fig. 5. Initial Checks Fig. 6. Conical Horn (Narrow
Beam)
shelf solution. The camera is portable, compact, and 150°
wide to cover a wider azimuth. It is powered by an Arduino
board and runs on 5V DC. It takes a photo of the detected
region and sends an alarm notification to the owner’s B. Directivity Enhancement Approach
PC or mobile device over WiFi [20]. Since the detection The present detector’s radiation pattern is nearly omni-
is pixel-based, thus requires better lightening condition. directional, featuring various lobes with lower intensity.
By using optical technology, this adds another layer of To enhance its performance, increase its range, and mini-
detection. IR lights are utilized to cover a 5 meter range mize false alarms which are generated due to interference
for night vision. For integration with Arduino platform and multi-path reflections, it is necessary to focus the
and for additional configuration, we can also use ESP32- microwave radiations [23] [24]. This entails improving the
CAM WiFi Board with camera module OV2640 [21]. detector’s directivity and effective radiated power (ERP)
while maintaining maximum directivity at θ = 90°. So we
F. Data Processing and analysis Platform carried out various experiments by using different reflec-
Arduino UNO was used as data processing platform. tors, including an aluminum conical horn, an aluminum
This is equipped with ATmega328P-based microcontroller. parabolic reflector, and a rectangular copper reflector, as
It is capable of 6 analogue inputs, 14 digital input/output shown in Figures 6-8.
pins (six of which can be used as PWM), 32 KB of flash Following observations were made:-
storage, a USB port, a power jack, an in-circuit serial • Conical horn with aperture diameter less than λ/4
programming (ICSP) header, a 16 MHz ceramic resonator, gives poor performance.
and a reset button [22]. It has all the components required • Placing reflector close to sensor (less than 1 cm) gives
to support the microcontroller and functions properly with no oscillations.
a 5-volt DC supply from a computer or other external • Rectangular copper reflector with distance 1 cm apart
source. Configuration and coding is carried out through gives good transmission in 0-180°.
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2023 17th International Conference on Open Source Systems and Technologies (ICOSST)
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2023 17th International Conference on Open Source Systems and Technologies (ICOSST)
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