Dual-Mode Occupancy Sensor for Battery Life and Detection Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Home occupancy sensors suffer from shorter battery life due to frequent signal transmissions, while motion sensors have longer battery life but may not provide accurate continuous occupancy updates, leading to a desire for a dual-purpose sensor that can eliminate the need for both types.
Innovation Solution
A person detection device (PDD) that can automatically switch between motion sensor and occupancy sensor modes, using a processor, memory, and transceiver to receive commands and configure its operation, employing passive infra-red detection and optional thermopile sensors to detect movement and occupancy, and transmit signals accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If occupancy sensors transmit signals every time occupancy is sensed, then accurate occupancy detection is achieved, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor dynamically changes its transmission behavior based on the detected occupancy state. When occupancy is detected, the sensor transmits signals frequently to provide accurate real-time information. When no occupancy is detected, the sensor reduces transmission frequency to conserve battery power, thus resolving the contradiction between accurate detection and battery life.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor changes the transmission parameter (signal transmission frequency) based on the operational context. In occupancy mode, high transmission frequency is used for accurate detection. In motion-only mode, lower transmission frequency is used to extend battery life, thereby resolving the contradiction through parameter adaptation.
2Duration of action of moving object
If motion sensors use a preset dwell time to limit transmissions, then battery life is extended, but accurate continuous occupancy updates are prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor transitions from a static dwell time limitation to a dynamic transmission strategy. When occupancy is detected, the sensor becomes responsive and transmits immediately without waiting for the dwell time to expire, thereby achieving both battery conservation and accurate occupancy updates through adaptive behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in motion-detection mode with dwell time limitations for battery conservation, and switch to occupancy-detection mode with responsive transmissions for accurate updates. This multi-functionality allows the single device to resolve the contradiction by selecting the appropriate mode based on requirements.
3Measurement precision
If both motion sensors and occupancy sensors are installed, then accurate occupancy detection and extended battery life can be achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a single sensor device that can operate in multiple modes: motion-detection mode and occupancy-detection mode. By integrating both functionalities into one device, the system eliminates the need for separate motion sensors and occupancy sensors, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining accurate occupancy detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of motion sensing and occupancy sensing into a single integrated sensor device. This merging allows the system to use one sensor for both security motion detection and home automation occupancy monitoring, reducing the total number of devices needed and simplifying the overall system architecture.
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 PDD extends battery life by optimizing signal transmission based on mode operation, providing accurate occupancy detection and reducing the need for multiple sensors, thus enhancing both security and home automation functionality.
Implementation Method 1
employing passive infra-red detection and optional thermopile sensors to detect movement and occupancy
Implementation Method 2
employing passive infra-red detection and optional thermopile sensors to detect movement and occupancy
Data Source
AI summary
A person-detection device that automatically configures itself as a motion sensor or an occupancy sensor upon receiving a command from a home security panel or home automation hub.