A Modified Fluorescent Lamp for Discreet Biometric Surveillance

A standard 48-inch two-bulb fluorescent lamp was modified to be used as a capacitive sensing system. The lamp sensor system demonstrated the ability to detect the presence and motion of human targets at ranges of up to 10 feet between the lamp and the closest edge of the target. Proof of concept was also demonstrated for metal detection by demonstrating the ability to differentiate between a human target and the same human target carrying conducting (metallic) objects. The lamp sensor shows potential for low-cost and widespread discreet security monitoring and biometric surveillance.