ESPectre: Wi-Fi-Based Motion Detection System
ESPectre is an innovative motion detection system leveraging Wi-Fi Channel State Information (CSI) analysis to detect movement without the use of cameras or microphones. This project features seamless integration with Home Assistant, allowing users to maximize their smart home capabilities while ensuring privacy.

Key Features

• Privacy-Preserving Detection: Detects movement in various environments while safeguarding individual privacy by avoiding audio and visual surveillance.
• Affordability: Requires minimal hardware investment (approximately €10 for an ESP32-S3 device) alongside software, which is entirely open source and free to use.
• Quick Setup: Initial setup can be completed in as little as 30-45 minutes, making it accessible for users with basic command line knowledge without extensive programming skills required.

How It Works

ESPectre operates by analyzing disturbances in Wi-Fi signals caused by movement within a designated area. The ESP32-S3 device listens for changes in the Wi-Fi environment, allowing it to infer movement through various detectable parameters.

Advantages:

• No Cameras Required: Eliminates privacy concerns related to visual monitoring.
• Works Through Walls: Utilizes Wi-Fi's ability to penetrate barriers, providing flexible placement options.
• Affordable and Effective: A low-cost solution for a wide array of applications.

Use Cases

1. Home Security: Get notified of unexpected presence when away from home.
2. Elderly Care Monitoring: Track the activity levels of elderly individuals to ensure safety.
3. Smart Automation: Activate lights or climate control based on room occupancy.
4. Energy Efficiency: Automatically manage electricity consumption in unoccupied spaces.

Setup & Configuration

To implement ESPectre, users need:

• Hardware: A Wi-Fi router and an ESP32-S3 device.
• Software: An MQTT broker (like Home Assistant or Mosquitto) and ESP-IDF for firmware development.

For detailed setup instructions, refer to the included documentation.

Mathematical Approach

This project employs a unique mathematical method rather than machine learning, making it operationally efficient without the need for extensive datasets. It extracts multiple features from the captured CSI data that aid in accurate movement detection.

Security and Privacy

ESPectre is designed with privacy in mind. It does not collect personal information, ensuring compliance with privacy laws such as GDPR. Users are encouraged to use this technology responsibly and ethically, obtaining consent where necessary.

Future Enhancements

Looking ahead, the potential integration of machine learning techniques could enhance its capabilities further, enabling functionalities such as gesture recognition and advanced activity classification.

By using ESPectre, users can transform their homes into smart environments with effective motion detection, all while maintaining privacy and security.