During the testing phase, how should all beam-type sensors be evaluated?

Beam-type sensors, which are designed to detect the interruption of a beam of light (infrared or visible), need to be evaluated under conditions that accurately assess their performance in real-world scenarios. Utilizing minimal intrusion during testing serves to ensure that the sensors can detect the most subtle breaches of the beam, which is important for verifying their sensitivity and reliability.

Testing with minimal intrusion helps establish a baseline for how effectively the sensor can respond to slight variations or partial obstructions. This type of assessment is crucial in scenarios where security is paramount, as the goal is to minimize false negatives (where an intruder bypasses detection) while also balancing the potential for false positives (where harmless events trigger an alarm). By confirming that a sensor performs accurately with minimal intrusion, one can gain confidence in its ability to perform under various conditions without overlooking potential security breaches.

In contrast, testing with maximum intrusion or varying levels of sensitivity may not provide a comprehensive assessment of how the sensor will perform in its intended environment, and simulated alarms may not effectively simulate real operational conditions. Therefore, testing with minimal intrusion serves as a crucial method for evaluating beam-type sensors reliably.