Premise occupancy detection based on smartphone presence

Abstract

A method and an apparatus are disclosed for dynamically detecting and updating occupancy of a predefined space based on the presence of smartphones carried by people. In some embodiments, smartphones may include an app that transmits a unique identification used to adjust a count automatically maintained by a remote or local computer to determine the number of people entering or leaving a predefined area. The occupancy level may allow the determination of whether the capacity of the predefined space has been exceeded. Such determinations may be indicated by generating an alarm. Detection of occupancy is useful in many applications such as space monitoring in schools or other buildings, fire evacuation, burglary detection, security purposes, detection of unauthorized presence, starting video cameras in a space to start recording events, calling security staff, space preparation (turning on lights, heat, etc.), space overflow estimation, and other applications.