Motionless Person Detection Using Door-Aware Motion Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to reliably detect motionless persons in confined spaces, often resulting in false positive alerts and delaying response to medical emergencies.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a door sensor and motion sensor interfaced with a programmable digital controller that uses timers and configurable settings to distinguish between door motion and human presence, reducing false alerts and enabling rapid detection of motionless individuals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a motion sensor is used to detect motion within an enclosed space, then motionless persons can be detected, but false positive alerts occur due to door motion being mistaken for human presence
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the detection process into distinct phases: door event detection, motion detection during door operation, and motionless person detection. By separating door-related motion from human presence detection through temporal segmentation, the system eliminates false positives while maintaining reliable detection of actual threats.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of door events before initiating motion detection for human presence. By detecting door opening/closing events first and establishing a time window during which door motion is expected, the system preemptively prevents false alerts before they can occur.
2Productivity
If the system alerts on any motion detected, then rapid response to emergencies is enabled, but false alarms delay response to actual medical emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its detection sensitivity and alert thresholds based on the current operational state. During door operation events, the system temporarily suppresses alerts for motion in specific zones, while maintaining high sensitivity for motionless person detection. This dynamic adaptation enables rapid response to genuine emergencies while filtering out false alarms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor detection patterns and system state over time. By analyzing the temporal relationship between door events and motion detection, the system learns to distinguish between normal door-related motion and genuine emergency situations, improving alert accuracy while maintaining rapid response capability.
3Loss of time
If the system monitors continuously for motion, then motionless persons are detected quickly, but energy consumption increases and false positives occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic monitoring intervals rather than continuous monitoring. Motion detection is activated at specific periods: immediately upon door closure and at scheduled intervals thereafter. This periodic approach maintains quick detection capability for motionless persons while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
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 the reliability of motionless person detection by minimizing false alarms and allowing for quicker response to potential medical emergencies.
Implementation Method 1
a motion sensor for detecting motion within the enclosed space
Implementation Method 2
a door sensor for interfacing a door enclosing an enclosed space
Data Source
AI summary
A motionless person detection system has a door sensor for operably interfacing a door of an enclosed space. The system also has a motion sensor for detecting motion within the enclosed space. A controller operably interfaces the door sensor and the motion sensor. The controller is configured to reliably detect a motionless person using signals received from the door sensor and the motion sensor whilst eliminating or reducing false positives. The system has particular application for toilet facilities of private residences, retirement homes, gyms, public buildings, charter vessels and the like where occupants thereof may experience a medical episode and wherein rapid alerting and fast medical emergency response is required.