Sensor Observation
Walking around Bed-Stuy on Sunday afternoon, I found a number of sensors. The first system of sensors that I saw were part of a red light camera on Marion St. The camera system was comprised of three individual elements. One seemed to be an infrared camera, one may have been a light, and one looked like a motion detector. The sensor is capable of detecting whether or not automobiles come to a full stop before entering an intersection with a stop sign.
These sensors are relatively noticeable, and most web mapping platforms like Google Maps and Waze will warn users when they are approaching a speed camera or red light camera. At night, if a motorist sets off a red light camera, they may notice a quick flash of light as the device photographs their license plate. However, for this camera specifically, it seems like it may contain infrared technology that would not require light to take photographs at night. Since the red light camera is designed to police motorists driving in the neighborhood, there is only one stage of interaction.
On the same block as the red light sensor, I encountered two “smart” doorbells; one is an intercom system for an apartment building, and one is a Ring doorbell. These devices each contain one camera, and they may also contain an infrared light for viewing at night. These sensors make themselves known, since they are designed to be used by patrons entering the building. Both of these devices have multiple stages of interaction; they sense a presence in front of them, then they allow the user to press a button or keys to contact someone in the building that they are installed on.
On some Ring “smart” doorbells, they can be programmed to greet any pedestrians walking by with an automated message that says “Hi, you are currently being recorded”. In that case, the sensor announces itself to deter any potential unwanted visitors.
