Furniture Capacitance Sensing for Accurate Occupancy Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing occupancy detection systems, such as those using passive infrared sensors, often produce false readings due to motion from objects like pillows or pets, and can fail to detect occupancy when there is no motion, leading to inaccurate lighting control in furniture environments.

Innovation Solution

A standalone capacitance detection device integrated into furniture, utilizing capacitive sensors to detect changes in capacitance to accurately determine occupancy, which can control lighting states and monitor usage patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If passive infrared sensors are used to detect motion, then motion detection capability is provided, but false occupancy indications occur due to motion from objects like pillows or pets

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoccupancy detection accuracyVSAvoidfalse occupancy indications

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces passive infrared motion sensors with capacitive sensing technology that measures electrical capacitance changes directly caused by human contact or proximity. This substitution eliminates false readings from non-human motion sources like pillows or pets, as the capacitive sensor specifically detects the electrical properties of the human body rather than general motion in the environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the detection parameter from infrared motion detection to capacitance measurement. By monitoring changes in electrical capacitance caused by human contact with furniture surfaces or proximity to capacitive sensors, the system achieves more reliable occupancy detection that distinguishes human presence from other motion sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If passive infrared sensors are used for occupancy detection, then motion-based detection is achieved, but occupancy is not detected when there is no motion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoccupancy detection accuracyVSAvoidmissed occupancy detection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces motion-based infrared detection with contact-based capacitive sensing. The capacitive sensors detect occupancy through direct contact or proximity interaction with furniture surfaces, eliminating the requirement for motion to trigger detection. This allows the system to accurately detect stationary occupants who are simply present on or near the furniture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The capacitive sensing system is integrated into the furniture surfaces themselves, creating a continuous monitoring field that is always active and ready to detect occupancy. This preliminary setup ensures that occupancy detection is available regardless of motion state, as the sensors continuously monitor for changes in capacitance that indicate human presence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If capacitive sensors are integrated into furniture surfaces, then accurate occupancy detection is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoccupancy detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor integration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates capacitive sensing capability into existing furniture surfaces, allowing the furniture to serve dual purposes: its original function plus occupancy sensing. The capacitive sensors can be incorporated into various furniture components (seats, armrests, headboards) without requiring separate dedicated sensor housings or complex mounting structures, thereby reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the sensing function with the furniture structure itself. Rather than adding separate sensor systems, the capacitive sensing elements are integrated directly into the furniture surfaces, combining the structural and sensing functions into a unified system that reduces component count and simplifies installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 effectively reduces false occupancy indications and accurately detects presence or absence, enabling precise control of lighting and other features, such as bed functions, while monitoring usage patterns for various settings like hotels or homes.

Implementation Method 1

a capacitance detection sensor for detecting and/or sensing capacitance measurements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS10197259B2Standalone capacitance sensor for furniture

Publication Date: 2019.02.05 L & P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO

AI summary

A system and method for incorporating occupancy-detecting technology into furniture is provided. More particularly, the invention relates to detecting occupancy by a standalone capacitance detection device. The standalone capacitance detection device is configured for integration with any number of furniture items. Further, the detected capacitance may be used to determine commands for controlling a variety of devices associated with the standalone capacitance detection device. Additionally, methods for determining occupancy of a furniture item and a system for monitoring occupancy are described herein.