Portable control device for controlling a motion sensor

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to portable control devices for controlling motion detectors and methods for controlling motion detectors by means of portable control devices.

[0002] Various technologies are available for detecting movements using motion detectors. Movements can be detected using infrared radiation, radar waves, ultrasound, or even camera images, among others. To avoid unwanted motion detection, it is always necessary to make settings on the motion sensors. In addition to the obvious adjustment of the field of view or detection range of the motion sensors, it may be possible or necessary to adjust other operating parameters. In particular, the adjustability of the motion detection range—i.e., the maximum distance up to which movement should be detected—is of interest, but is usually difficult to implement.

[0003] It is usually necessary to determine the resulting "sensor range" from the measured values ​​of the various motion detector types. For example, a radar sensor does not have a fixed range. Distinguishing between motion detection in the immediate vicinity and non-motion detection at a greater distance is achieved by setting a threshold for the intensity of the received, backscattered radar waves detected by the sensor. A low threshold corresponds to the ability to detect movements even at greater distances, while a high threshold limits motion detection to the sensor's immediate vicinity.

[0004] For example, US 2017 / 245347 A1 describes a motion sensor that can communicate wirelessly with a user device so that sensor settings can be adjusted via an application running on the user device.

[0005] GB 2 524 029 A discloses a system for testing a presence detector. A sensor unit is attached to a surface of a building. The sensor unit comprises a sensing element for detecting presence. A remote device is arranged to communicate with the sensor unit via wireless signals. The remote device comprises a display 121. The sensor unit is arranged to operate in a test mode in which it sends a detection signal to the remote device in response to detection of presence by the sensing element of the sensor unit. The remote device is arranged to activate the display to indicate detection of presence in response to receipt of a detection signal from the sensor unit.

[0006] To adjust the range of a radar sensor, it is currently necessary to set a specific threshold on the sensor and then check whether the threshold corresponds to the desired range by moving within the sensor's detection area. If this is not the case, the threshold must be adjusted again on the sensor and the result checked again at the appropriate distance from the sensor. These steps are repeated until a satisfactory result for the sensor range is found.

[0007] Similarly, adjustment and testing operations may be necessary for other sensor types until a desired sensor range is found, since the sensor measurements cannot be directly converted into a range scale.

[0008] This results in a significant loss of time during the installation and maintenance of motion sensors, particularly in larger systems with multiple motion detectors, such as those found in hotels, underground car parks, or similar locations. Even a trained technician will have to adjust and test the sensor at least twice on average to set the range. Assuming 10 minutes for one set-up and test (climbing to the sensor, which is usually installed near the ceiling, adjusting the threshold, positioning within the detection zone, and testing the range), a system with 10 motion sensors would take 200 minutes, or approximately three and a half hours. The current range adjustment of motion detectors is therefore extremely time-consuming and therefore costly.

[0009] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a control device for motion sensors with which control can be carried out in accordance with the range setting, which is reliable, quick, and easy to implement. This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims, which define the present invention. Embodiments not covered by the subject matter of the claims do not constitute part of the invention.

[0010] According to the invention, a portable control device for controlling a motion sensor comprises communication means, display means and input means.

[0011] The communication means are used for wireless communication with a motion sensor and are suitable for receiving a detection signal currently generated in the motion sensor from the motion sensor while the control device is located within a detection range of the motion sensor. The display means are used to display this detection signal. The input means are used to set a detection threshold at which movement is detected by the motion sensor, based on the displayed detection signal. The set detection threshold is transmitted to the motion sensor via the communication means and set there as the valid detection threshold.

[0012] A portable control device is used to adjust the detection threshold, which allows the detection threshold to be changed within the detection range of the motion sensor. For this purpose, the control device is equipped with communication means, such as a radio antenna or a Bluetooth interface. While an operator of the control device moves within the detection range of the motion sensor, the motion sensor generates a detection signal corresponding to the movement and transmits it to the control device via the communication means.

[0013] The detection signal is then displayed on the control device's display means, which may be a screen. The detection signal may be stored in a memory of the control device.

[0014] Communication and display means allow an operator of the control device to view the signal actually detected by the motion detector while performing the movements that generate the signal. This enables the operator to immediately understand how their current movements affect the motion detection. It is therefore not necessary to determine this by setting thresholds on the motion detector and then checking the settings in the detection area. Rather, a single glance at the display means of the control device is sufficient to understand the effects of the currently performed movements on the motion detector.

[0015] The detection threshold can then be easily entered directly into the control device using the input means and transmitted to the motion detector. In particular, the detection threshold can be set to the value of the detection signal caused by the current movement. Since a movement closer to the sensor typically generates a stronger detection signal than a movement further away from the sensor, this corresponds to setting the detection threshold to a sensor range corresponding to the operator's position.

[0016] This makes it possible to easily adjust the range of the motion sensor. All that is required is to establish communication between the control device and the motion sensor, signal the reset of the detection threshold, move to the desired distance in front of the motion sensor, and adjust the detection threshold according to the detection signal displayed at that moment. This saves a significant amount of the time previously required for sensor adjustment. Furthermore, the range adjustment becomes more reliable due to the direct comparison between the detection signal and the detection threshold.

[0017] The display and input devices can be combined to form a touchscreen. In this case, the control device can be implemented, for example, using a smartphone or tablet, on which the programs or applications (apps) required for the functionalities described above are stored or executed. This allows any smartphone or similar device to be used as a control device, provided it has a communication interface with the motion sensors, e.g., via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or NFC. This eliminates the need for additional control devices.

[0018] Alternatively, the input means can also be provided separately from the display means. For example, input can also be made via rotary knobs, slide controls or a keyboard attached to or connected to the control device, such as on a laptop. This can be advantageous if special functions are to be implemented that cannot be realized with a smartphone or the like, such as increased impact resistance. It is also possible to implement the display means not as a screen, but rather, for example, in the form of several illuminated displays that, for example, use five different lights to indicate five levels of detection signal strength. The threshold value could then also be set accordingly to five levels, for example by operating print heads, rotary heads or sliders.

[0019] According to an embodiment not claimed, the signal exchange between the motion sensor and the control device can also be largely automatic. In this case, the only necessary input at the control device is to start the range adjustment. The motion sensor then measures the detection signal and automatically sets the detection threshold to the measured detection signal. The detection signal is then "displayed" at the control device only to the extent that it is recognizable from the control device that an adjustment of the detection threshold has been started or is being carried out. The range of the motion sensor can also be easily adjusted in this way.

[0020] The display means may be suitable for displaying the set detection threshold in addition to the detection signal. This provides a particularly intuitive and, due to its ease of use, time-saving adjustment of the range.

[0021] The display means are suitable for displaying an intensity of the detection signal currently generated in the motion detector, and the input means may be suitable for setting the detection threshold to an intensity value.

[0022] The motion sensor sends the intensity of the received detection signal to the control device. In the case of a radar sensor, this can be the detected intensity of the radar waves emitted by the sensor and backscattered by a moving object, or quantities derived from them, such as a Doppler signal. An IR sensor can measure the intensity of the infrared radiation emitted by an object. In general, the displayed intensity can be used for any type of sensor that operates based on measurements of radiation or waves reflected or emitted by a moving object. For example, ultrasonic sensors or similar sensors can also be used.

[0023] The intensity of the signal measured by the motion sensor can be easily compared to a detection threshold. If the intensity is higher than a threshold set based on movement at a specific distance, it can be assumed that the corresponding movement occurs at a distance from the sensor that is smaller than the specified distance. An operator can therefore easily adjust the range based on the intensity. Since the signal generated by adults typically depends only slightly on their specific body shape for common sensor types (radar, IR, ultrasonic sensors, and the like), it is thus possible to reliably adjust the range. This range is, to a first approximation, correct not only for the specific (adult) operator of the control device, but for all adults.

[0024] The intensity is displayed on a scale between a minimum intensity and a maximum intensity, and the intensity threshold can be set on the same scale. A scale is provided as visual feedback, indicating the intensity elicited by a movement currently being performed by an operator of the control device. At the same time, the operator can easily enter the detection threshold on this scale, e.g., using a touchscreen directly on the scale, using a keyboard, or using push buttons or rotary knobs. This allows the detection threshold to be set precisely, and thus the range to be adjusted accurately. Furthermore, an experienced operator can use the intensity displayed on the scale for a specific distance to determine the intensity at other distances, and can then set the detection threshold to the intensity estimated on the scale.This allows the range of motion sensors to be adjusted even more flexibly and thus more time-saving.

[0025] The display means may be suitable for displaying further operating parameters of the motion sensor or of an electrical device controlled by the motion sensor, the input means may be suitable for receiving settings of the further operating parameters, and the communication means may be suitable for transmitting the received settings of the further operating parameters to the motion sensor. This allows further operating parameters of the motion sensor to be monitored and adjusted, such as an activation period, a transmission frequency, an interface selection, and the like. Furthermore, in devices in which the motion sensor is integrated into or connected to the device controlled by the motion sensor, such as lights, elevators, windows, doors (such as garage doors or department store doors), or the like, the operating parameters of these devices can also be transmitted to the control unit, displayed there, and adjustable from there.For example, the activation period or brightness of a light after motion detection or a delay time between motion detection and activation of a motor for elevator or door control can be set via the control device.

[0026] The communication means can be configured for wireless communication. In particular, the communication means can be configured as a Bluetooth interface that communicates with a Bluetooth interface of the motion sensor. However, the wireless connection can also be established via WLAN or the like. Communication via infrared interfaces is also possible. This allows data to be transmitted between the motion sensor and the control device, even over long distances.

[0027] A computer program product, when executed on a portable device with display means, input means, and communication means, can cause the device to function as a control device as described above. Thus, any device having the appropriate technical components, such as a smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, or laptop, can be used as a control device as described above by means of a suitable program, application, or app.

[0028] A motion detection system can comprise a control device as described above and a motion sensor, at least one of whose operating parameters can be adjusted by the control device. In this way, the range of motion sensors in a motion detection system can be adjusted in a simple and reliable manner.

[0029] A method for controlling a motion sensor by means of a control device as described above comprises: detecting a movement of an operator of the control device within a detection range of the motion sensor by the motion sensor; receiving and displaying the detection signal generated by the motion sensor due to the movement of the operator by the control device; setting the detection threshold to the displayed detection signal with the control device in order to set a range of the motion sensor to the position of the operator; transmitting the set detection threshold to the motion sensor and setting the set detection threshold as a valid detection threshold of the motion sensor.These methods enable an operator of the control device to easily set the detection threshold of a motion sensor such that, after setting the detection threshold, the sensor has a detection range that corresponds to the distance of the operator from the motion sensor.

[0030] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the figures. However, this description is to be understood as purely exemplary. The present invention is defined by the subject matter of the claims. It shows: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a control device in use; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a possible embodiment of a control device; and Fig. 3 a schematic flow diagram of a method for using a control device.

[0031] The Fig. 1 shows schematically the use of a control device 100 for controlling a motion sensor 200 by an operator 300.

[0032] The motion sensor 200 can detect movements in a detection or viewing area 210 defined by the sensor's design. In principle, the motion sensor 200 can use any detection method known from the prior art for this purpose. For example, the motion sensor 200 can measure infrared radiation emitted or reflected by an object in the detection area 210 if the motion sensor 200 itself emits infrared rays. Likewise, the motion sensor 200 can also be designed as an ultrasonic sensor whose measurements are based on the detection of reflected sound waves. Essentially, any sensor can be used that is capable of registering movement in the detection area 210, for example, based on detected radiation or detected waves.

[0033] In the following, it will be assumed that the motion sensor 200 emits radar waves and detects movements based on the reflected radar waves. Such motion sensors 200 are known from the prior art. A detailed description is therefore omitted here.

[0034] The operator 300 is located with the portable control device 100 in the detection area 210 in order to perform a range adjustment (and / or other adjustments) of the motion sensor 200. To do this, the operator 300 moves to a distance of his choice from the motion sensor 200 after starting the range adjustment, e.g., by starting a program stored on the control device 100. This movement is detected by the motion sensor 200 and converted into a detection signal. For example, the motion sensor 200 can detect a radar wave backscattered by the operator 300 and determine its amplitude, frequency, and phase. Movement can be inferred from the measured signal. The signal can be detected more clearly the closer the operator is positioned to the motion sensor 200.

[0035] The detection signal determined by the motion sensor 200 is communicated to the control device 100 via a communication connection 115. For this purpose, the control device 100 has communication means 110 that are suitable for exchanging data with corresponding communication means in the motion sensor 200. The communication means 110 can provide a radio or infrared interface known per se. For example, communication can take place via Bluetooth or WLAN.

[0036] The detection signal generated by the current movement of operator 300 is then displayed by display means 120 of control device 100. Operator 300 thus receives immediate, quasi-instant feedback on how his or her currently executed movements are perceived by motion sensor 200. This allows operator 300 to easily understand whether the distance traveled during the executed movements results in a desired detection signal in motion sensor 200.

[0037] The display means 120 can be designed as a screen, e.g., an LCD screen or the like, on which a display corresponding to the detection signal is shown. However, the display means 120 can also be designed in a much simpler manner, e.g., as a plurality of lights, each representing a specific strength of the detection signal, or as a simple display field for numerical displays, wherein the strength or intensity of the detection signal is represented by a number, e.g., from 0 to 100. The only decisive factor here is that the motion sensor 200 provides the operator 300 with feedback about the currently present detection signal.

[0038] This allows the operator 300 to set a detection threshold of the motion sensor 200 using input means 130 of the control device 100. This threshold determines whether or not a measured detection signal triggers an event (e.g., light on, motor on / off, or the like) in a device controlled by the motion sensor 200. For example, the detection threshold can indicate the intensity of the signal measured by the motion sensor at which the event is triggered.

[0039] The input means 130, together with the display means 120, can be designed as a touchscreen. This is particularly intuitive because the display of the detection signal and the input of the detection threshold can be carried out via a single interface. In particular, it is possible to display the set detection threshold superimposed on the detection signal on the touchscreen and also to change it there. Alternatively, the input can also be made via any other type of input interface, e.g., via a keyboard, push buttons, or rotary or slide controls. The only relevant fact is that the detection threshold can be set taking into account the currently output detection signal.

[0040] Operator 300 can thus enter a detection threshold using input means 120 of control device 100, which is then transmitted to motion sensor 200 via communication means 110. There, the detection threshold is set as the newly valid detection threshold, e.g., by default or based on a corresponding command in the signal from control device 100 to motion sensor 200. The threshold for triggering events using motion sensor 200 can thus be easily set by operator 300, who is located remotely from motion sensor 200.

[0041] The detection threshold can be adjusted according to the displayed detection signal. This allows an operator 300 to use their own positioning in the detection area 300 to adjust the range of the motion sensor 200. In the simplest case, the detection threshold is set to the currently displayed size of the detection signal. The range of the motion sensor 200 then corresponds, to a first approximation, to the distance of the operator 300 from the motion sensor 200.

[0042] However, the operator 300 can also freely select the detection threshold based on the displayed detection signal in order to set a distance to the motion sensor 200 as the range that differs from his current position based on his experience.

[0043] This greatly simplifies the range adjustment of motion sensors 200. Instead of having to perform multiple steps to adjust the sensitivity of the motion sensor 200 directly on the sensor, with intermediate testing of the sensor response, the range adjustment can be performed in a simple, time-saving, and convenient manner directly in the detection area 210. Furthermore, the display of the detection signal allows for more reliable adjustment of the sensor range, since the detection threshold is not set by trial and error, but based on the values ​​actually measured by the sensor. This eliminates the need for laborious "scanning" of the detection area with a portable controller. Rather, a range adjustment that appears to be correct at first glance (at first glance) can be performed in a single step.

[0044] An example of an embodiment of the control device 100 is shown in the Fig. 2 shown. Here, the control device 100 is designed as a smartphone that has a touchscreen as a combined display means 120 and input means 130. Similarly, a tablet or a smartwatch can also be configured as a control device. The smartphone constituting the control device 100 has the usual communication means 110, such as radio antennas for mobile communications, for connecting to a WLAN, a Bluetooth interface, an infrared interface, an NFC interface, and the like. The smartphone can therefore communicate with any motion sensor 200 that has a corresponding interface.

[0045] The above-described functionalities of the control device 100 are implemented on the smartphone by means of an application or app, i.e., a computer program. The smartphone has all the necessary components known from the prior art, such as processors, memory, and the like. By running the app, the smartphone can function as the control device 100.

[0046] Using the app, the smartphone is able to display all motion sensors within its range and select them for control. Fig. 2 A display is shown after selecting the "XYZ" sensor. Once the sensor is selected, any adjustment of the detection threshold in the app may result in a resetting of the detection threshold in the selected motion sensor 200. However, it may also be necessary to actively set a new detection threshold in the app by activating a corresponding field.

[0047] As an indicator for the range of this motion sensor, the Fig. 2 a scale 122 is shown, on which the intensity of the detection signal is displayed. The scale 122 ranges from a minimum to a maximum intensity, but can also refer to any desired intensity range. The fluctuation range 124 of the currently measured intensity is displayed on the scale 122 as a hatched area. In addition, the current intensity 125 is shown as a black bar. An operator of the control device 100 can therefore recognize at a glance which intensity range of the sensor signal the movements he performs lead to. It goes without saying that the concrete representation of the scale 122 and the displayed intensity 124, 125 in the Fig. 2 is purely exemplary. Any other corresponding form of representation is also possible.

[0048] The displayed intensity 124, 125 depends on the distance of the operator 300 to the motion sensor 200. The closer the operator 300 is to the motion sensor 200, the closer the displayed intensity 124, 125 is to the maximum value. Thus, by displaying the detection signal or its intensity and their own position in the detection area 210, the operator 300 can establish a relationship between the range of the motion sensor 200 and the measured detection signal.

[0049] In order to adjust the range, a representation of a slider 126 is superimposed on the representation of the scale 122. The position of the slider 126 on the scale 122 sets the detection threshold to the intensity corresponding to the position and transmits it to the motion sensor 200. For example, if the slider 126 is moved into the displayed intensity range 124, 125 using a corresponding gesture, this corresponds to setting a corresponding intensity threshold in the motion sensor 200. This can also be viewed as a range adjustment, since movements at a distance greater than the distance at which the detection threshold was set generate a lower intensity and therefore will not trigger an event. Conversely, movements at a shorter distance lead to a greater intensity and thus to the triggering of an event.

[0050] In this way, it is possible to adjust the range of a large class of motion sensors, such as radar or RF sensors, in a simple, reliable and time-saving manner by means of a control device 100, which can be designed as a smartphone, for example.

[0051] In addition, further operating parameters of the motion detector 200 can be changed or adjusted by means of the control device 100. This is the case for the example of Fig. 2 represented by fields 128. Such parameters can be, for example, an activation period, a transmission frequency, an interface selection, and the like. Furthermore, the devices controlled by the motion sensor 200, such as lights, elevators, windows, doors (such as garage doors or department store doors), or the like, or their operating parameters, can also be controlled by means of the control device 100 via the motion sensor 200.

[0052] These operating parameters can be transmitted to the control device 100, displayed there, and adjustable from there. For example, the activation period or the brightness of a light after motion detection or a delay time between motion detection and activation of a motor for the elevator or door control can be set via the control device. This is done, for example, in the example of Fig. 2 in one of the fields 128, in which corresponding values ​​for the operating parameters can be entered.

[0053] In addition to setting the detection threshold, the control device 100 thus makes it possible to adapt a wide class of operating parameters of the motion detector 200 or of electrical devices that it controls.

[0054] A method for adjusting a range of a motion sensor by means of a control device as described above comprises the following steps:At S310, a movement of an operator of the control device within a detection range of the motion sensor is detected by the motion sensor. To do this, the operator positions themselves at a desired distance from the motion sensor while holding the control device in their hand and performs a typical movement to be detected by the motion sensor. At S320, the detection signal generated by the motion sensor due to the operator's movement is sent to the control device, received by the control device, and displayed. The operator thus receives immediate feedback of the detection signal generated by their movement. At S330, the detection threshold is set with the control device to the displayed detection signal in order to adjust the range of the motion sensor to the operator's position.Based on the displayed detection signal, it is therefore particularly easy, intuitive, and time-saving to set the detection threshold of the motion sensor to a value that corresponds to a range limitation of the distance of the operator from the motion sensor. At step S340, the set detection threshold is transmitted to the motion sensor and set there as the valid detection threshold. This fixes the detection threshold setting. The detection threshold remains at the set value until a new detection threshold is entered into the control device or the control device issues a command to repeat steps S310 to S340 to set a new detection threshold.

[0055] The devices and methods described above make it possible to carry out range adjustments of motion sensors in a simple, reliable and time-saving manner.

Claims

1. A portable control device (100) for controlling a motion sensor (200), comprising communication means (110) for wirelessly communicating with a motion sensor (200), adapted to detect a detection signal currently present in the motion sensor (200) from the motion sensor (200) while the control device (100) is located in a detection area (210) of the motion sensor (200); display means (120) for displaying the detection signal; and input means (130) for setting a detection threshold at which motion is detected by the motion sensor (200) based on the indicated detection signal; wherein the communication means (110) are also suitable for transmitting the set detection threshold value to the motion sensor (200) as a valid detection threshold value of the motion sensor (200), characterised in that the display means (120) are adapted to indicate an intensity of the detection signal currently generated in the motion detector (200) on a scale (122) between a minimum intensity and a maximum intensity; and the input means (130) are adapted for setting the detection threshold to an intensity value with respect to the same scale (122)2. The control device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the display means (120) and the input means (130) are combined in the form of a touch screen.

3. The control device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the display means (120) are adapted to display the set detection threshold value in addition to the detection signal.

4. The control device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the display means (120) are adapted to display further operating parameters of the motion sensor (200) or of an electrical device controlled by the motion sensor (200); the input means (130) are adapted to receive settings of the further operating parameters; and the communication means (110) are adapted to transmit the settings received for the further operating parameters to the motion sensor (200).

5. The control device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication means (110) are designed to communicate by radio.

6. A computer program product which, when executed on a portable device having display means (120), input means (130) and communication means (110), causes the device to function as a control device (100) according to any of the preceding claims.

7. A motion detection system, comprising A control device (100) according to any of claims 1 to 5; and a motion sensor (200), of whose operating parameters at least a detection threshold value can be set by the control device (100).

8. A method for controlling a motion sensor (200) by means of a control device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising detecting a movement of an operator (300) of the control device (100) in a detection range (210) of the motion sensor (200) by the motion sensor (200); receiving and displaying the detection signal generated by the motion sensor (200) due to the movement of the operator (300) by the control device (100); adjusting the detection threshold to the displayed detection signal with the control device (100) to adjust a range of the motion sensor (200) to the position of the operator (300); transmitting the set detection threshold value to the motion sensor (200) as a valid detection threshold value of the motion sensor (200).