Glossary of Terms

Common terms used throughout the Everything Presence documentation.

Sensor Technology

mmWave (Millimeter Wave)

A radar-based technology that detects presence by measuring reflected radio waves. Unlike PIR sensors, mmWave can detect stationary people by sensing micro-movements like breathing and heartbeat.

PIR (Passive Infrared)

A motion sensor that detects changes in infrared radiation (body heat). PIR sensors only trigger on movement—they cannot detect someone sitting still.

Detection Terms

Presence

Indicates someone is in the detection area, whether moving or stationary. mmWave sensors excel at presence detection because they can sense micro-movements.

Motion

Active movement detected by the sensor. PIR sensors detect motion; mmWave sensors detect both motion and static presence.

Occupancy

A combined sensor state available on EP1, EPL, and Pro. On EP1 and Pro, it merges PIR and mmWave data. On EPL, it reflects overall mmWave presence. Occupancy shows "detected" if any active sensor detects someone, and only clears when all sensors are clear.

Target

A detected person or object. EPL and Pro can track up to 3 targets simultaneously, reporting their position, speed, and distance.

Timing Settings

On Latency

The delay before the sensor reports presence after detecting someone. A small delay (0-2 seconds) can help filter out brief false triggers.

Off Latency / Blind Time

The delay before the sensor reports "clear" after losing detection. Longer values (15-60 seconds) prevent lights from turning off if you pause briefly.

Sensitivity Settings

Trigger Sensitivity (EP1)

How easily the sensor initially detects presence. Higher values = more sensitive, may cause more false positives. Lower values = less sensitive, may miss subtle movements.

Sustain Sensitivity (EP1)

How easily the sensor maintains detection after the initial trigger. Higher values help maintain detection of very still people.

Sensitivity (EPL)

Controls detection sensitivity. Higher values detect smaller movements but may increase false positives from environmental interference.

Zone Terms (EPL and Pro)

Zone

A defined area within the sensor's field of view. When someone enters a zone, that zone's binary sensor turns on. Zones can be rectangles or custom polygons.

Polygon Zone

A custom-shaped zone defined by multiple coordinate points, allowing irregular shapes beyond simple rectangles.

Entry Zone

A special zone that detects when someone enters or exits an area. Useful for door monitoring or counting. Currently available on EPL only.

Occupancy Mask / Exclusion Zone

An area where detections are ignored. Use masks to exclude problem areas like ceiling fans or busy windows.

Coordinate Terms (EPL and Pro)

X Coordinate

Horizontal position relative to the sensor. Negative values are to the left, positive to the right.

Y Coordinate

Distance from the sensor. Always positive, measured in millimeters.

Angle

The direction to a target, measured in degrees from the sensor's center line.

Other Terms

ESPHome

The firmware platform that runs on EP1, EPL, and Pro devices. ESPHome integrates natively with Home Assistant.

Firmware

The software running on the sensor. Firmware updates add features and fix issues.

Entity

A sensor, switch, or control exposed to Home Assistant. Each device exposes multiple entities (e.g., "mmWave", "Temperature", "Illuminance").