Anomaly detection based on airflow measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Physical security systems are vulnerable during power outages, as backup batteries are depleted, and existing anomaly detection methods fail to continuously monitor for intrusions or system malfunctions without consuming power.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method using an airflow alerter, such as an anemometer, to detect real-time airflow patterns and alert for anomalies, which can redirect messages to a SIEM system and issue user alerts, while being powered by wind energy to maintain operation during outages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If backup batteries are used to maintain security systems during power outages, then security monitoring can continue, but the batteries are depleted and the system becomes vulnerable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity monitoring continuityVSAvoidbackup battery power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The airflow alerter monitors HVAC system airflow to detect intrusions and anomalies, serving the security function without consuming backup battery power. The system uses the existing HVAC system's operational state (airflow patterns) as the detection mechanism, making the security system self-sufficient during power outages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces airflow pattern analysis as an intermediary mechanism between power availability and security monitoring. By using airflow patterns from the HVAC system as the detection medium, the system can identify intrusions and anomalies without requiring direct power consumption for active sensing during outages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If active sensors and cameras are used for intrusion detection, then detection capability is enhanced, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintrusion detection capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces active electronic sensors and cameras with a passive mechanical detection approach using an airflow alerter. The system detects intrusions by monitoring changes in airflow patterns caused by physical presence or HVAC malfunctions, eliminating the need for powered electronic sensing components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The HVAC system's own airflow serves as the detection medium, making the detection mechanism self-powered. The system leverages the existing operational airflow from the HVAC system to detect intrusions, requiring no additional power for active sensing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If disaster recovery plans focus on restoring operations, then operational continuity is achieved, but security level restoration is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational recovery speedVSAvoidsecurity level restoration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The airflow alerter is pre-configured with predetermined airflow patterns that represent normal HVAC operation. During power outages, the system can immediately detect deviations from these pre-established patterns, enabling security monitoring without requiring post-recovery configuration or setup.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous security monitoring capability throughout the power outage period by continuously comparing real-time airflow patterns against predetermined patterns. This uninterrupted detection capability ensures security monitoring continues without interruption during the operational recovery phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables continuous anomaly detection and alerting for intrusions or HVAC malfunctions without consuming backup power, ensuring persistent security monitoring even during power outages.

Implementation Method 1

receiving, by the processor, a real-time airflow pattern detected from an airflow alerter, wherein the real-time airflow pattern is generated by a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAnemometer measurement: Sonic Anemometer

Implementation Method 2

the anemometer further includes one or more conductive ends and a battery, wherein the battery is charged by a wind power generated by the one or more conductive ends

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWind power generation: Wind Power

Data Source

PatentUS11512861B2Anomaly detection based on airflow measurement

Publication Date: 2022.11.29 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

A computer-implemented method for anomaly detection in a data processing system comprising a processor and a memory comprising instructions which are executed by the processor, the method including: receiving, by the processor, a real-time airflow pattern detected from an airflow alerter, wherein the real-time airflow pattern is generated by a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in a particular facility; comparing, by the processor, the real-time airflow pattern to a predetermined airflow pattern for the HVAC system; and when the real-time airflow pattern is different from the predetermined airflow pattern, receiving, by the processor, an alert message indicating an anomaly from the airflow alerter.