Dual-Zone Presence Detection for Stable Device Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for automatically controlling devices based on user proximity exhibit instability and inefficiency due to frequent state changes when users make small movements near or away from activation zones, leading to flickering and non-intuitive interactions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method and apparatus that utilize two predetermined zones, where the device remains in its current state if the user is within the inner zone but outside the outer zone, and changes state only when entering or leaving the outer zone, introducing a hysteresis effect to stabilize the system and prevent unnecessary state changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single activation zone is used with threshold-based control, then the system responds intuitively to user presence, but the system becomes unstable and flickers when users remain near the boundary
Solution Approach 1:
The single activation zone is segmented into two concentric zones: an inner first predetermined zone and an outer second predetermined zone. The detector determines user presence in each zone separately, allowing the system to distinguish between users who are merely near the boundary and those who are genuinely present. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing stable control while maintaining intuitive operation.
2Ease of operation
If the activation zone boundary is set close to the device, then the device activates frequently for user convenience, but energy is wasted due to unnecessary activation when users do not intend to interact
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the activation area into inner and outer zones, the system can activate only when users enter the inner first predetermined zone, while merely entering the outer second predetermined zone prepares the system without full activation. This reduces energy waste from unnecessary activations while maintaining user convenience through gradual engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection in the outer second predetermined zone before requiring entry into the inner first predetermined zone for full activation. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare for potential user interaction without committing to full activation, thereby reducing energy waste while maintaining responsiveness.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a timer is used to delay deactivation, then flickering is reduced, but the device remains on too long making interaction non-intuitive and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-zone segmentation allows the system to maintain stable operation by requiring sustained presence in the inner zone for activation, naturally filtering out brief accidental triggers without needing long timer delays. This preserves interaction efficiency while eliminating flickering.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors user presence in both zones and adjusts device state based on real-time feedback. When users remain in the outer zone without entering the inner zone, the system maintains its current state, providing intuitive responsiveness without requiring extended timer delays that would reduce interaction efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
The status of a device is controlled by detecting (403) the presence of a user; changing the status of a device to a first state (405) if the presence of a user is detected within a first, predetermined zone; changing the status of the device to the second state (407) if the presence of a user is detected outside a second, predetermined zone, the first, predetermined zone being smaller than and being wholly contained within the second, predetermined zone; and maintaining (407) the current state of the device if the presence of a user is detected outside of the first, predetermined zone and within the second predetermined zone.