When you think of the HALO smart sensor, you might think solely about detecting vape in a school bathroom, but it actually does a lot more than that – which is why it’s one of the most popular solutions we install. And, yes, it’s commonly used in schools but also in other applications, such as municipal, religious, cultural, and healthcare buildings.
The Basics: What it is
HALO is a multi-sensor (12 separate sensors) that functions as an indoor air quality monitoring system and an overall safety system. It provides real-time Air Quality and Health Indexes that send alerts when either index falls into a danger zone.
Because it does not record audio or video (it just senses and alerts), it is particularly useful in areas where privacy is a priority, such as bathrooms, dorms, and hotel / hospital / locker rooms.
8 Reasons It’s More than a Vape Sensor
1. Marijuana (THC) Detection
In addition to identifying vape, HALO also detects THC usage. In fact, HALO can distinguish between a person vaping and a person vaping a substance laced with THC.
2, Disease Prevention / Air Quality Monitoring
HALO also monitors particulate, humidity, VOCs, and chemicals and sends alerts to the designated personnel when unsafe levels are reached.
Additionally, when integrated with an HVAC system that has a BACnet controller, HALO can notify the HVAC system via its BACnet interface, instructing the HVAC to open its dampers and allow more fresh air into the room. When the levels return to normal, HALO notifies the HVAC system to return to normal operation which allows the HVAC to increase its efficiency in keeping the building heated and cooled.
Examples of Detection Capabilities:
- Particulate matter
- Humidity that produces mold and other Fungi
- VOCs – Trichloroethylene, Xylene
- Ammonia
- Carbon Monoxide
- Carbon Dioxide
3. Gunshot Detection
HALO can identify gunshots and their location with a two-factor authentication which uses frequency sound pattern and percussion. This sensor is 3rd party certified, and each device has a 25 ft. range with 360° radius detection.
4. Calls for Help
HALO’s sound monitoring allows building occupants to call for help using specific keywords. Each device comes preloaded with 5 spoken keyword phrases. These keywords can be used by anyone and is especially helpful in schools (i.e., bullying or teachers who need assistance), healthcare settings (i.e., nurses and hospital patients), and other public settings, such as retail or hotel personnel. Whenever the keyword is said aloud, HALO will send notifications to those who have been designated to receive the alerts.
5. Aggression Detection
By applying Machine Learning, HALO learns what normal sound levels are and what the signature of abnormal noise in a room is. It then alerts when a threshold above normal is detected for a specified length of time, such as fights in bathrooms, locker rooms, and dorm rooms.
6. Chemical and Gas Detection
HALO monitors for chemical spills and hazardous gases, as might occur in mechanical or utility rooms, custodial closets, and maintenance areas.
7. Vandalism & Trespassing Alerts
HALO generates notifications when lights or noise are detected in unauthorized areas and after hours.
8. Integrate with Video Management System
Although HALO itself does not record audio or video, HALO interfaces with a VMS in two possible ways. It can connect to a VMS via its event management system, thus allowing a direct correlation between the event time and the record time of the camera that monitors activities in/out of the room (think camera outside of a bathroom). HALO can also be connected to the VMS as a camera stream. The status of its sensors can be directly recorded as a video stream.
CM3 installs and integrates HALO into HVAC and Security systems. For more information, visit our HALO Smart Sensor page.