Controller Allocating Tasks to Multi-Sensor Presence Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In smart homes and offices, multiple presence sensor systems are often installed, leading to resource wastage when both systems can detect human presence independently, as they are not optimized to work synergistically.
Innovation Solution
A controller that integrates a first sensor system (e.g., cameras, microphones, microwave sensors) with a second sensor system (RF-based sensing) to determine overlapping areas and allocate different tasks, such as data communication or presence detection, to optimize resource usage and improve synergy between the two systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple presence sensor systems are installed to improve detection coverage, then detection reliability is improved, but resource wastage increases when both systems perform the same task in overlapping areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring area into different zones based on sensor coverage overlap. The controller identifies overlapping areas where both sensor systems can detect presence, and non-overlapping areas where only one system provides coverage. This segmentation allows different tasks to be assigned to different sensor systems in different areas, reducing redundant resource consumption while maintaining reliable detection coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different operational modes to different spatial locations. In overlapping coverage areas, one sensor system is designated for presence detection while the other performs alternative tasks such as data communication or environmental monitoring. In non-overlapping areas, the single covering sensor system performs presence detection. This local differentiation optimizes resource usage while ensuring comprehensive coverage.
2Measurement precision
If both sensor systems perform presence detection in overlapping areas, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to coordination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functionality of two different sensor systems under a single controller that manages task allocation. By merging the control functions, the system achieves coordinated operation without requiring complex inter-sensor communication protocols. The controller centrally determines which sensor system performs which task in which area, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining the ability to leverage both systems' detection capabilities when needed.
3Productivity
If sensor systems are allocated different tasks in overlapping areas, then resource efficiency is improved, but detection capability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the sensor systems multi-functional by enabling them to perform both presence detection and alternative tasks such as data communication, environmental monitoring, or object tracking. The controller dynamically allocates tasks based on current needs and sensor capabilities. This universality ensures that even when one sensor system is assigned to a non-detection task in an overlapping area, the other system can compensate for presence detection, maintaining overall detection reliability while improving resource efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller (1) for performing presence detection with a first sensor system (41,42) and a second sensor system (31-37) is configured to receive sensor signals from the first sensor system and/or the second sensor system. The second sensor system is of a different type than the first sensor system. The controller is further configured to determine which first one or more areas of the plurality of areas are in both the sensor range of the first sensor system and the sensor range of the second sensor system based on the sensor signals and control the second sensor system to perform, with respect to the first one or more areas, a second task other than a first task to be performed by the first sensor system. The first task comprises obtaining sensor data to be used for presence detection in the first one or more areas.