Electrochromic PIR Sensor Mask for Adjustable Detection Zones
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing passive infrared (PIR) sensors lack flexible control over their field of view, leading to potential human error and inefficiencies in installation and correction processes.
Innovation Solution
A passive infrared sensor equipped with an electrochromic mask comprising multiple electrochromic sections, controlled by a voltage source, allows for dynamic adjustment of the sensor's field of view by altering the transparency or reflectivity of these sections to manage infrared signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual masking with black tape is used to control field of view, then installation is simple, but human error occurs and corrections require more time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual masking system (black tape application) with an electrochromic mask system controlled by voltage signals. The electrochromic sections can be electrically controlled to become transparent or opaque, eliminating manual intervention and its associated errors while maintaining ease of installation through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control of the field of view through electrochromic sections that can change their optical properties (transparent/opaque) in real-time based on voltage application. This allows flexible adjustment of detection zones without physical reconfiguration, improving both installation reliability and operational versatility.
2Device complexity
If manual masking is used to restrict field of view, then device structure is simple, but flexibility and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochromic mask provides dynamic control of the field of view by allowing sections to switch between transparent and opaque states through voltage control. This enables flexible configuration of detection zones without changing the physical structure, maintaining structural simplicity while dramatically improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameter (transparency) of the mask sections through voltage control rather than physically altering the structure. This allows the same simple structure to achieve multiple field of view configurations, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and control flexibility.
3Manufacturing precision
If electrochromic mask is added to enable dynamic field of view control, then field of view control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochromic mask is divided into multiple independently controllable sections, each corresponding to specific detection zones. This segmentation allows precise control of the field of view by activating only the necessary sections, achieving high precision without requiring complete reconfiguration of the entire sensor structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrochromic mask serves multiple functions: it acts as a field of view control mechanism, a detection zone configurator, and an error-correction tool. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving precise control.
4Loss of time
If electrochromic sections are used to control infrared transmission, then installation time is reduced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochromic sections can be controlled to switch states periodically or as needed, rather than remaining constantly active. This allows the system to consume energy only when field of view adjustment is required, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining the ability to quickly correct installation errors or reconfigure detection zones.
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
Enables rapid and error-free installation with precise control over the sensor's field of view, allowing multiple detection zones to be monitored independently, reducing human intervention and enhancing installation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an electrochromic mask comprising a plurality of electrochromic sections... applying a voltage to one or more of the plurality of electrochromic sections to control transmission of a predetermined range of infrared signals
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a field of view of a passive infrared sensor, the method comprising: providing a passive infrared sensor comprising: an infrared detector configured to detect infrared signals from a plurality of detection zones; and an electrochromic mask comprising a plurality of electrochromic sections; and applying a voltage to one or more of the plurality of electrochromic sections to control transmission of a predetermined range of infrared signals to the detector from one or more of the plurality of detection zones.