Mysterious Camera-things in Atriums

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This is kind of an odd question, but I've been perplexed for years about this and I've never been able to find an answer. In almost every large building I go into that features an atrium (most nice hotels, Marriot's, Radisson's, etc.), there are small devices on either side that look something like security cameras. However, they are completely stationary, usually beige or white, slightly elongated, with some type of window or lense looking straight across the way. At the exact same location on the other side, there is an identical device perfectly aligned with the other one. There can be any number of these, depending on the size of the atrium, but most appear to be spaced about 30-50 ft. apart down the length of the building.

Does anyone have any idea as to what these things might do? I know we have a few people with experience in buildings, and I'd love to hear what you guys have to say. The only thing I can come up with is that they are used in some type of distance measurment, to make sure the two sections of the building are not moving too much independently of one another (which would put stress on the roof), but I wouldn't think it would take such large and sturdy looking things. I just hope one of you knows what these things are...I see them every day and I just can't figure them out!
 
pir-sensor.jpg

Are you talking about those things?
Motion Sensors.
 
I have a feeling that it is a theft deterent/detection system. Like the stand alone units at Target, Walmart, etc. Only these are in the wall to clean up the look a bit.

If not, I can't help you. :)
 
MistaX
Motion Sensors.
Click to expand...

Yup, their all over the place, I see them in most public buildings.

Jordan
The only thing I can come up with is that they are used in some type of distance measurment, to make sure the two sections of the building are not moving too much independently of one another (which would put stress on the roof)
Click to expand...

You've got quite an imagination :lol:
 
Try to steal something Jordan? :D
 
Walk in front of one, and the the little light should go on briefly to indicate it detected your movement.
 
Nope, you guys are pretty far off. It looks nothing like that, and why would they have a security device at the very top of a hotel's atrium dozens of stories high? There is no possible way it's a motion sensor, you can't even get close to it and in most cases they would only be accessible by some type of lift or scaffolding.
 
Do you have a photo/crude drawing of one to hand?
 
No, but I will try to get a picture of one tonight.
 
Like this?

Q-12A.jpg


They're speakers.
 
Definitely not.
 
Without having seen these devices I can only guess on their purpose, but it sounds like your close to the mark already, Jordan. If the devices are fitted directly opposite each other they are probably PE beams (photoelectric) and are commonly found in security systems or door chimes. They work by firing a PE beam from one to the other and when something interupts that beam the alarm will sound. Used in an atrium the way you have explained, I guess they probably go in to alarm if the structure moves enough to distort.

Of course they could be something completely different...
 
Here's a few horrible-quality pictures of the device that I grabbed with my cell phone. I'll try to take more when I have a real camera with me, if nobody can figure this out before then.

Note that there are only two of these devices in this small atrium.
 

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Those look like motion detectors to me...
 
Could be motion detectors to prevent possible crims from accessing the building through the ceiling....or they could be some kind of wide-angle stationary camera...

I guess :grumpy:
 
Nope, we were all wrong - I finally found it: it's a beam-type smoke detector! They are frequently used in large, open spaces, and when smoke interrupts the beam of light between them, they sound the alarm. I even found the exact detectors used in my pictures there.

Ah! Now I can sleep good...
 
They could be a multi sensor detector. They look a lot like video motion detectors, with a beam-type smoke detector. Two built in one?
 
Jordan
Nope, we were all wrong - I finally found it: it's a beam-type smoke detector! They are frequently used in large, open spaces, and when smoke interrupts the beam of light between them, they sound the alarm. I even found the exact detectors used in my pictures there.

Ah! Now I can sleep good...
Click to expand...
:lol: all wraped up about smoke decetors, i was gonna say.... um never better off not saying it :dopey:
 
And there's me reading the title and thinking "those little cameras-on-a-wire they use in open heart surgery?"

Interesting. Can't say I've ever noticed one.

Those pictures Jordan posted made me think of the really high zoom shots of buildings in GTA San Andreas, when it all gets pixelly and straight edged :)
 
I have one of those above my office window. It detects the sound of breaking glass.
 
They are used for heating, to save heating bills, there things detect movement and that puts the heating on. Our school has them all over the place.

EDIT: Oh yes, just saw your post Jordan about what they are for.
 
Jordan
Nope, we were all wrong - I finally found it: it's a beam-type smoke detector! They are frequently used in large, open spaces, and when smoke interrupts the beam of light between them, they sound the alarm. I even found the exact detectors used in my pictures there.

Ah! Now I can sleep good...
Click to expand...
I was just going to tell you that's what they were. Sorry I didn't see this thread sooner!
 
Yep, I missed the thread as well.

the smoke will collect at the top of the atrium, long before the fire and heat would reach that point. the smoke will spring the alarm long before the fire or heat would reach that height. It provides a quicker response time for the alarms. All about safety.
 
Isn't it "atria"?

:D
 
Wow, those are real cool. Pretty smart little idea. Haven't seen any of those anywhere here though.
 
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