Capacitive Sensor Mat for Precise Movement Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motion detectors in buildings can only detect movement and not its location, require a line of sight, and are visually intrusive, making them ineffective in areas with obstructions and unable to differentiate between multiple individuals or track individual movements accurately.
Innovation Solution
A flexible sensor mat with a capacitive sensing system integrated into a floor or wall, featuring a flexible base unit with sensing elements arranged on one side, allowing for accurate detection of movement and presence of multiple individuals, and capable of being cut to size to fit various room geometries, with optional heating functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional motion detectors are used to detect movement in a room, then movement detection is possible, but the location of movement cannot be localized and dead spaces are created where detection is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor mat is divided into multiple sensing zones or segments across its surface, each capable of independently detecting presence and movement. This segmentation allows precise localization of movement to specific areas while eliminating dead spaces through comprehensive zone coverage.
2Reliability
If conventional motion detectors are installed as additional structural elements, then movement detection is achieved, but they are clearly visible and have a negative effect on the visual impression in the room
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing functionality is extracted from traditional suspended motion detector housings and integrated directly into the floor surface through the sensor mat. This extraction eliminates the visible detector unit while preserving detection capabilities, as the sensing elements are now concealed within the floor covering.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor mat acts as an intermediary between the floor surface and the detection function. By embedding capacitive sensing elements within the mat structure, the system mediates between the need for visible aesthetics and the need for reliable detection, allowing both requirements to be satisfied simultaneously.
3Loss of information
If conventional motion detectors are used, then presence detection is possible, but it is not possible to distinguish the presence of a plurality of persons or to assign changes in position to individual persons
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the sensor mat possess distinct sensing characteristics and identification codes, allowing each sensing zone to be individually addressed. This local differentiation enables the system to distinguish between multiple persons based on their spatial distribution across different zones and to track individual movement patterns through sequential zone activation.
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
Enhances detection accuracy and range of motion tracking, reduces visual intrusion, and simplifies installation by allowing pre-fabrication and easy integration into building structures, while maintaining functionality in various orientations and environments.
Implementation Method 1
The sensing means (30) has capacitive sensing means (30) which have a capacitance signal that changes in response to the presence or movement of a person
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a sensor mat (4) for an area sensor system (1.2), particularly for monitoring a room (101) of a building (100), comprising a flexible base unit (10) that has a first carrier element (11) with a planar extension and a first main side (11.1) and a second main side (11.2), and at least one detection means (30) for detecting an event (3). In addition, the invention relates to an area sensor system (1.2) for detecting an event (3), and to a method (200) for producing a sensor mat (4).