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UNI-DIRECTIONAL INFRARED VISITOR COUNTING SENSORS (OFFLINE)

SENSMAX SE

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1. Description

SensMax SE uni-directional infrared visitor counting sensors are autonomous, battery-powered devices designed to count visitors in areas with defined pedestrian passages, requiring no connection to the internet or a local network.

The sensors operate on the principle of infrared beam interruption. Each sensor structurally consists of two physical units — a Transmitter (TX) and a Receiver (RX), which are installed strictly opposite each other on the walls or frames of corridors, doors, or entrances. The transmitter emits an invisible, focused infrared barrier, and every interruption of this barrier (a person passing through) is registered as a crossing and stored in the receiver's internal memory.

Because these sensors use a uni-directional counting algorithm, they record any beam intersections without distinguishing the direction of movement (i.e., they do not separate incoming and outgoing visitors). To estimate the total volume of visitor traffic in reports, the total number of crossings obtained is typically divided by two.

Key Advantages:

  • 100% Autonomous Operation: Powered by standard AA batteries, eliminating the need for any cabling.
  • Wireless and Network-Free Data Collection: Data is read using a SensMax SE/DE handheld data collector via an infrared communication channel. This is an ideal solution for facilities where deploying IT infrastructure is impossible or unnecessary.
  • Large Memory Capacity: The sensor can store up to 250 days of hourly statistics in its internal memory.
  • Easy Installation: Installation takes just a few minutes and can be performed on any flat surface using the provided heavy-duty double-sided tape or specialized mounting brackets.
  • GDPR and Privacy Compliant: 100% compliant with personal data protection laws, as the sensors collect purely numerical crossing statistics without recording video or registering personal data.

2. System Architecture

The SensMax SE sensor operates in offline mode (without using a radio channel for automatic transmission). The data accumulated in the sensor's memory is read manually by staff using a special portable device — the SensMax SE/DE handheld data collector.

To collect statistics, you simply need to approach the sensor to a distance of less than 1 meter, point the collector at the sensor's front panel, and press the read button on the collector. Data is transmitted over a secure infrared channel. The collector is then connected to a PC via USB, and the data is transferred to the SensMax EasyReport software for generating charts and analytics.

3. Features and Advantages of Uni-directional Counting

SensMax SE uni-directional sensors are the optimal choice for the majority of small and medium-sized commercial facilities (retail stores, pharmacies, service salons, offices).

Key Advantages of the Solution:

  • Simple and Clear Reports: The sensor records every intersection of the IR beam. In the SensMax software, this data is displayed as an intuitive line on a graph.
  • Mathematical Accuracy (Divide by 2): In dead-end premises (where entry and exit are through the same door), every visitor crosses the beam twice — upon entering and exiting. The software automatically divides the total number of registered crossings by 2, providing accurate statistics of the actual number of visitors.
  • Configuration Flexibility for Transit Zones: If the sensor is installed in a transit (walk-through) zone where people only move in one direction without returning, the "divide by 2" function can be easily disabled in the settings.

4. Application

Retail stores, small boutiques, parks, washrooms, exhibition areas, or any other facilities where cabling is difficult, Wi-Fi / Ethernet is absent, or where installing an automatic data transmission system is not economically feasible.

5. Delivery Set

The standard SensMax SE sensor delivery set includes:

  • Transmitter unit (TX) — 1 pc.
  • Receiver unit (RX) — 1 pc.
  • AA 1.5V alkaline batteries — 4 pcs.
  • L-type mounting brackets — 2 pcs.

(The SensMax SE/DE handheld data collector is purchased separately; one collector can service up to 99 sensors).

6. Technical Specifications

  • Operating Principle: Interruption of a focused infrared barrier (Uni-directional).
  • Passage Width:
  • Optimal: 1.0 m – 5.0 m.
  • Maximum: up to 10.0 m.
  • Data Collection Method: Manual, using the SensMax SE/DE data collector via infrared channel.
  • Collector Reading Distance: less than 1 meter.
  • Internal Memory: 250 days of hourly data.
  • Counting Accuracy:
  • 95% at a passage width of 2.0 m to 3.0 m.
  • Margin of Error: For passage widths over 3.0 m, counting accuracy decreases by approximately 0.6% – 1.0% for each additional meter.
  • Infrared Beam Angle: The beam divergence is 6°.
  • Power Supply: 4 AA batteries (2 pcs. per TX and RX unit).
  • Battery Life: up to 2 years.
  • Operating Temperature: from -20°C to +55°C (can be extended to -30°C by using 1.5V lithium batteries, such as Energizer Ultimate Lithium 1.5V).
  • Protection Class: IP54 (IP68 in a special outdoor protective housing).
  • Enclosure Dimensions: 67 × 67 × 25 mm (for each Transmitter and Receiver unit).
  • Enclosure Material: ABS plastic, colors — black or white.

7. Sensor Elements and Indication

Receiver (RX)

Front View (Receiver RX)

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[1] IR Link LED - Orange
[2] Crossing LED - Red
[3] RF Link LED - Green
[4] Battery LED - Red
[5] Device serial number

Rear / Inside View (RX)

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[6] Battery compartment
[7] Pairing button

Receiver RX Indicator Table

Element / LED Type / Color Status Description
[1] Link LED LED / Orange Flashes Indicates that the transmitter and receiver units are properly aligned and the IR barrier is active.
[2] Crossing LED LED / Red Flashes 1 time Lights up upon each intersection of the IR beam by a pedestrian (passage registration).
[3] RF Link LED LED / Green Flashes 1x in 30 s Indicates that the device is turned on and operating normally.
[4] Battery LED LED / Red Flashes Indicates low battery power. The batteries need to be replaced soon.
[6] Battery compartment Hardware N/A Located inside the enclosure. Holds 2 AA batteries.
[7] Pairing button Button Press 1 time Internal button for initializing the sensor and pairing it with the SensMax SE/DE handheld collector.

Transmitter (TX)

Front View (Transmitter TX)

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[1] Power LED - Green
[2] Battery LED - Red
[3] IR Emitter

Rear / Inside View (TX)

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[4] Battery compartment

Transmitter TX Indicator Table

Element / LED Type / Color Status Description
[1] Power LED LED / Green Flashes 1x per 10 sec Indicates that the device is working.
[2] Battery LED LED / Red Flashes Indicates low battery power. The batteries need to be replaced soon.
[4] Battery compartment Hardware N/A Located inside the enclosure. Holds 2 AA batteries.

8. Physical Mounting and Alignment

  • Recommended Height: Install the sensors at a height of 1.5 – 1.6 meters from the floor level. This height is optimal for detecting crossings by a human torso, excluding false triggers from low-hanging bags or animals.
  • Horizontal Alignment: The Transmitter (TX) and Receiver (RX) units must be installed strictly opposite each other on the same horizontal axis.
  • In places with uneven walls, it is recommended to use additional accessories (V-type rotatable plastic bracket or L-type corner bracket).

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9. Commissioning and Data Reading

Step 1. Time Setup and Synchronization on the Collector

  1. Install and run the EasyReport software on your PC.
  2. Connect the SensMax SE/DE handheld collector to the PC using a USB cable.
  3. Wait for about 1 minute — the collector will automatically synchronize its time with your computer.
  4. Disconnect the collector from USB (the collector's battery charges while connected; the CHARGE indicator turns off when fully charged).

Step 2. Pairing the Sensor with the Collector

To initialize the sensor, perform the following steps:

  1. Insert the batteries into the sensor units, observing polarity.
  2. Open the receiver (RX) cover and press the internal button once.
  3. Within the next 10 seconds, point the handheld collector directly at the sensor's front panel (at a distance of less than 1m) and press the READ button on the collector. (Attention: before reading, make sure to disconnect the collector from the USB cable).

After the first reading by the collector, the sensor starts operating and counting visitors. Make sure that when the beam between the units is crossed, the passage indicator (CROSSING) on the receiver flashes.

Step 3. Regular Data Collection

You can read data at any frequency convenient for you: multiple times a day, once a week, once a month, or even once every 250 days (which is the capacity of the sensor's internal memory).

  1. Approach the sensor and point the collector at the front panel from a distance of less than 1 meter.
  2. Press the READ button on the collector to copy the accumulated hourly statistics from the sensor to the collector's memory.
  3. Return to the computer and connect the collector via USB.
  4. In the EasyReport software, select the collector and click Download from collector to import the statistics into the database and build reports.

10. Certification and Standards Compliance

  • CE (Conformité Européenne): Fully compliant with EU directive requirements.
  • RoHS: Manufactured without the use of hazardous substances.
  • GDPR Compliant: Sensors fully comply with the EU General Data Protection Regulation. They record exclusively quantitative anonymous statistics.

11. Ordering Information

Uni-directional Sensors (Offline)

Model / Part Number Description Compatible Collector
SensMax SE Uni-directional infrared visitor counting sensor (offline) SensMax SE/DE

Data Collectors

Model / Part Number Description Compatible Sensors
SensMax SE/DE Handheld data collector for infrared offline sensors SensMax SE, SensMax DE

Accessories

Model / Part Number Description Compatible Sensors
V-type bracket Plastic rotatable bracket (up to 180° horizontally) All SE/DE series sensors
L-type bracket 90-degree bracket for perpendicular mounting All SE/DE series sensors
Outdoor housing Hermetic waterproof protective box (IP68) All SE/DE series sensors

Contacts

SensMax is a registered trademark. SensMax reserves the right to make changes to the products described herein without prior notice. The information contained in this publication regarding device applications and the like is provided solely for your convenience. SensMax disclaims all liability arising from this information and its use. The use of SensMax devices in life-support and/or safety-critical applications is entirely at the buyer's risk, and the buyer agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless SensMax against any and all damages, claims, suits, or expenses arising from such use. No licenses are conveyed, implicitly or otherwise, under any intellectual property rights of SensMax.