Dual UWB Radar Occupancy Detection for Blind Spot Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional occupancy detection systems in the hospitality industry, such as those using passive infrared (PIR) sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and noise sensors, are ineffective in accurately determining the presence of occupants, leading to increased energy, operational, and maintenance costs due to blind spots and inaccurate detection.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing dual ultra-wide band (UWB) radars to transmit and receive radar signals, allowing for the detection of occupants and determination of their activities, vital signs, and preferences, which are then used to adjust room settings and provide health status alerts, thereby improving occupancy monitoring and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If passive infrared (PIR) sensors are used to detect occupancy, then the system can detect motion in the room, but it fails to detect sleeping users and produces false motion detection leading to blind spots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection task into multiple independent sensor components (PIR sensor for motion detection, ultrasonic sensor for presence detection, noise sensor for activity detection) that work together to overcome the limitations of any single sensor type, eliminating blind spots and false detections
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple different sensing technologies (infrared, ultrasonic, acoustic) into a unified occupancy detection system that cross-validates signals from each sensor to achieve reliable and accurate occupancy status determination
2Measurement precision
If manual checking by maintenance staff is performed to verify room occupancy, then occupancy status can be confirmed, but energy costs and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic occupancy detection and room status management through sensor networks and centralized processing, eliminating the need for manual checking by maintenance staff and reducing operational costs while maintaining accurate occupancy information
3Ease of operation
If facilities such as lights continue to operate in unmonitored rooms, then occupants have access to amenities, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors occupancy status using multiple sensors and provides real-time feedback to control facilities automatically - when no occupancy is detected, lights and other energy-consuming facilities are automatically turned off, while maintaining availability when occupants are present
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 system accurately monitors occupancy, reduces energy and operational costs, and provides timely health risk alerts, enhancing the efficiency of room management and occupant comfort.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more processors are configured to cause, via the detection unit, transmission of radar signals within the room over a predefined period of time. The one or more processors are further configured to receive, via the detection unit, reflected signals corresponding to the transmitted radar signals
Implementation Method 2
The one or more processors are further configured to receive, via the detection unit, reflected signals corresponding to the transmitted radar signals, the reflected signals being indicative of information associated with the room
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure describe systems and methods for monitoring occupancy in a room. The method comprises causing, via a detection unit, transmission of radar signals within the room over a predefined period of time. The method further comprises receiving, via the detection unit, reflected signals corresponding to the transmitted radar signals, the reflected signals being indicative of information associated with the room. The method further comprises determining, based on the reflected signals, presence of one or more occupants within the room. The method further comprises, in response to determining presence of the one or more occupants within the room, determining one or more of: an activity associated with the one or more occupants within the room, preferences associated with usage of the room by the one or more occupants within the room, and a visualization map associated with the room.