Hinge Sensor for Barrier Direction Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack an efficient method to determine the direction of movement through openings, such as doorways, which is crucial for home automation and security systems to trigger appropriate responses like turning off lights or arming security features.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a combination of hinge sensors and motion sensors to detect the movement of a barrier and an object, determining the direction of movement based on the timing of motion detection relative to barrier movement, with data wirelessly transmitted to a controller for automation and security functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If motion sensors alone are used to detect movement, then motion detection capability is provided, but the direction of movement through openings cannot be accurately determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines motion sensors with hinge sensors into an integrated system. The motion sensor detects movement of objects while the hinge sensor detects barrier position changes. By merging these two sensor types and coordinating their data through timing relationships, the system achieves accurate direction determination without requiring complex individual sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge sensor acts as an intermediary element that provides reference timing data about barrier movement. This intermediary information allows the system to determine whether motion detected by the motion sensor occurred before or after barrier movement, enabling direction determination without direct observation of the moving object's path.
2Reliability
If hinge sensors and motion sensors are combined to determine movement direction, then accurate ingress and egress detection is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the hinge sensor about barrier position changes to interpret motion sensor data. The hinge sensor provides continuous feedback on when the barrier moves, allowing the motion sensor data to be contextualized and accurately interpreted for direction determination. This feedback mechanism improves reliability while keeping the system architecture manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge sensor continuously monitors and is ready to detect barrier movement before it occurs. This preliminary monitoring state allows the system to immediately capture timing relationships when motion is detected, improving reliability without requiring complex real-time processing during the actual movement event.
3Extent of automation
If timing-based direction determination is implemented, then automated responses can be triggered, but processing time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors both hinge and motion sensors in advance, maintaining ready-state data about barrier position and motion conditions. When an event occurs, the timing relationship is already captured, allowing immediate automated response without requiring complex real-time analysis, thus reducing processing time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are described for determining operation of an openable barrier and direction of movement of a person through an opening controlled by the barrier. A method includes detecting with a hinge sensor a closed position for the barrier, the hinge sensor being mounted to a hinge of the barrier, determining with the hinge sensor when the barrier changes position from the closed position to an open position, detecting with at least one motion sensor motion of an object in proximity to the opening, and determining a direction of movement of the object through the opening based on whether the motion is detected before or after detecting the change in position of the barrier.