Presence Detection Radar

 Smart presence detection radar

How can you detect the presence of a person or an object in real time in order to automate actions or strengthen the security of a space?

This is the challenge addressed by this smart presence detection radarproject, designed as part of my learning in embedded systems and Internet of Things (IoT).

The goal is to develop a solution capable of measuring the distance between the system and the objects in its environment, detecting a presence in real time and transmitting the information to an IoT platform for remote supervision.

Beyond simple detection, this project shows how a sensor combined with a connected microcontroller can become a true smart surveillance system.

 How the system works

The system is based on an HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor, used to measure the distance between the device and the objects located in front of it.

 The sensor emits an ultrasonic wave that travels through the air. When this wave meets an obstacle, it is reflected back to the sensor. By measuring the time taken by the wave to make the round trip, the system precisely calculates the distance between the sensor and the object.

These measurements are then processed by an ESP8266, which analyzes the data and determines whether a presence is detected in the monitored area.

The information is then transmitted over a Wi-Fi connection to the YoupiLab IoTplatform, where it can be viewed in real time as a dashboard.

This architecture makes it possible to supervise an area remotely and is a solid foundation for many automation or security applications

 Technologies used

ESP8266

The ESP8266 is the heart of the system.

It performs several essential functions

• • acquiring measurements from the ultrasonic sensor;
    
  • calculating and processing the measured distances;
    
  • connecting to the Wi-Fi network;
    
  • transmitting data to the IoT platform;
    
  • communication between the embedded system and the user interface.

  
  

HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor

The HC-SR04 is a distance sensor that uses ultrasound.

Its role is to emit an ultrasonic wave and then measure the time it takes to come back after meeting an obstacle.

This technology provides a reliable distance measurement, without physical contact with the detected object.

It is widely used in detection systems, robotics and automation solutions.

HTTP protocol

The HTTP protocol handles exchanges between the ESP8266 and the YoupiLab IoT platform.

With each new measurement, the microcontroller sends the data to the platform in order to update the information displayed on the dashboard.

 System features

• 
  
  •  Precise measurement of the distance between the sensor and detected objects;
  •  Real-time presence detection;
  •  Automatic transmission of data to an IoT platform;
  • Remote access to measurements via a web interface;
  •  Continuous supervision of the monitored area.

  
  

 Application areas

• This solution can be adapted to many contexts, including:
  

  • residential or professional security systems;
    
  • intrusion detection;
    
  • lighting automation based on presence;
    
  • smart access control;
    
  • smart building management;
    
  • monitoring of space occupancy.