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Understanding Sensor Timers and Behavior

Updated over 2 weeks ago

Our sensors are designed to provide reliable data about occupancy and environmental conditions in real-time. Each sensor type follows a specific timing and reporting logic to balance accuracy with efficient data transmittion and battery life. This article outlines how our Desk Occupancy, Room Occupancy, and Environmental (CO₂) sensors operate.

Desk Occupancy Sensor

The desk sensor detects motion using a PIR (Passive Infrared) sensor and reports occupancy status accordingly:

  • When occupancy is detected:

    • The sensor sends a message immediately.

    • A 12-minute internal timer starts.

    • If any movement is detected within that 12-minute window, the timer is restarted.

    • If no movement is detected for the full 12 minutes, the sensor changes to unoccupied.

  • When remaining in a continuous state (either occupied or unoccupied):

    • The sensor sends status updates every 15 minutes for the first hour.

    • After that, it switches to a 2-hour reporting interval for keep-alive messages.

Room Occupancy Sensor

The room sensor works on the same principles as the desk sensor but with a shorter timeout period to suit larger spaces:

  • When occupancy is detected:

    • The sensor sends a message immediately.

    • A 12-minute internal timer starts.

    • If any movement is detected within that 5-minute window, the timer is restarted.

    • If no movement is detected for the full 5 minutes, the sensor changes to unoccupied.

  • When remaining in a continuous state (either occupied or unoccupied):

    • The sensor sends status updates every 15 minutes for the first hour.

    • After that, it switches to a 2-hour reporting interval for keep-alive messages.

Environmental Sensor (CO₂ Sensor)

This sensor measures and reports air quality data

  • It sends the current CO₂ level every 15 minutes.

  • It does not respond to movement or occupancy changes.

After powering on, the device requires:

  • A short initialization period.

  • Up to 24 hours for full calibration.

During this time, data may not be accurate.

The sensor becomes fully operational once it reaches the lowest CO₂ concentration (PPM)—typically during the night—and uses this to calibrate its baseline. This process usually completes within 24 hours.

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