Gesture Detection Circuitry for Hazard Alarms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hazard detection systems often require users to physically interact with them, even if they are out of reach, leading to inconvenient and unsafe scenarios, as they typically lack touchless gesture recognition capabilities.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of gesture detection circuitry using sensors like passive infrared (PIR) and ultrasonic sensors to detect user gestures, allowing for touchless interaction with hazard detection systems, such as silencing audible alarms, without the need for physical contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hazard detection systems are mounted high on walls or ceilings for optimal detection coverage, then detection effectiveness is improved, but user accessibility for pressing physical buttons deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection effectivenessVSAvoiduser accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical button-pressing system with an optical gesture recognition system. The PIR sensor detects infrared radiation patterns from hand movements, and the microprocessor analyzes these patterns to recognize gestures such as waving or circling motions, thereby silencing alarms without physical contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary gesture recognition system between the user and the hazard detection system. Instead of direct physical contact, users perform gestures in the vicinity of the device, which are detected by PIR sensors and processed by the microprocessor to trigger system responses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If hazard detection systems use loud audible alarms for safety warnings, then safety alert effectiveness is improved, but user comfort deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety alert effectivenessVSAvoiduser discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the environment for gesture patterns that indicate user presence and intent. When a recognized gesture is detected, the system provides feedback by silencing the alarm, allowing users to control the alarm based on their needs without being forced to endure unnecessary loud noises.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If hazard detection systems require physical contact for operation, then system reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates when system is out of reach

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidoperational convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides self-service by automatically detecting and responding to gesture commands. When the microprocessor recognizes a valid gesture pattern from the PIR sensor data, it automatically silences the alarm without requiring the user to physically reach or touch the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 users to interact with hazard detection systems, like silencing alarms, from a distance, enhancing safety and convenience by allowing touchless control, even when the system is mounted out of reach.

Implementation Method 1

a passive infrared sensor that detects movement of at least one object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation detection: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

at least one ultrasonic sensor that detects presence of at least one object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic detection: Ultrasound

Data Source

PatentUS10186140B2Systems and methods for detecting gesture events in a smart home system

Publication Date: 2019.01.22 GOOGLE LLC

AI summary

Hazard detection systems and methods according to embodiments described herein are operative to enable a user to interface with the hazard detection system by performing a touchless gesture. The touchless gesture can be performed in a vicinity of the hazard detection system without requiring physical access to the hazard detection system. This enables the user to interact with the hazard detection system even if it is out of reach. The hazard detection system can detect gestures and perform an appropriate action responsive to the detected gesture. In one embodiment, the hazard detection system can silence its audible alarm or pre-emptively turn off its audible alarm in response to a detected gesture. Gestures can be detected by processing sensor data to determine whether periodic shapes are detected.