Combined PIR and Proximity Sensors for UV Occupancy Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current occupancy detection systems for ultraviolet lighting in lavatories, such as aircraft lavatories, are not reliable enough to accurately determine occupancy, which can lead to ineffective germicidal disinfection and potential exposure of occupants to unnecessary UV light.
Innovation Solution
A combined system using a motion sensor and a proximity sensor, such as a passive infrared (PIR) and infrared (IR) sensor, to detect changes in infrared signatures and distances, providing redundant and improved accuracy in determining occupancy status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single occupancy sensor is used, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability and measurement precision of occupancy detection are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a motion sensor and a proximity sensor into a single occupancy detection system. The motion sensor detects motion events while the proximity sensor measures distance to surfaces, and their data are processed together to determine occupancy status with higher reliability than either sensor could provide alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The occupancy sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting motion, measuring distance, identifying occupancy status, and controlling UV lighting. This multi-functionality approach allows a single sensor system to address multiple detection requirements without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Reliability
If occupancy detection accuracy is improved, then UV disinfection effectiveness is enhanced, but unnecessary UV exposure to occupants increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors occupancy status using the combined sensor data and uses this feedback to control the UV lighting. When occupancy is detected, the UV lighting is turned off or adjusted to prevent unnecessary exposure. When unoccupancy is confirmed, UV lighting is activated for disinfection, creating a closed-loop control system that balances effectiveness and safety.
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
The combined sensor system enhances the reliability and accuracy of occupancy detection, ensuring effective UV disinfection while minimizing unnecessary exposure to UV light by accurately identifying the presence or absence of occupants.
Implementation Method 1
the first signal indicating a distance to a surface and an infrared signature of the area
Implementation Method 2
the first signal indicating a distance to a surface and an infrared signature of the area
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining occupancy of an area is disclosed herein. The method includes receiving a first signal from an occupancy sensor, the first signal indicating a distance to a surface and an infrared signature of the area, determining a first infrared signature of the area based on the first signal from the occupancy sensor, receiving a second signal from the occupancy sensor, the second signal indicating the distance to a surface and the infrared signature of the area, determining a second infrared signature of the area based on the second signal, the second infrared signature being different than the first infrared signature, determining that the area is occupied based at least on part on the second infrared signature being different than the first infrared signature, and setting a status of the area to occupied in response to the second infrared signature being different than the first infrared signature.