Hybrid Sensor Controller for Motion Detection Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current sensor-driven light control systems face inefficiencies due to poor performance in low ambient light conditions, leading to false triggers and increased energy expenditure from non-optical sensors, which are less accurate in such environments.

Innovation Solution

A controller system that integrates both non-optical and light sensors to adjust illumination levels dynamically, using the non-optical sensor to initiate increased lighting when motion is detected in low light conditions and verifying with a light sensor to prevent false triggers, thereby optimizing energy use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If non-optical sensors are used for motion detection in low ambient light conditions, then motion detection can be performed, but false triggers increase and accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion detection accuracyVSAvoidenergy expenditure from false triggers
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines non-optical sensors (PIR, ultrasonic, microwave) with optical sensors (light sensors, cameras) to create a hybrid sensing system. The non-optical sensors provide initial motion detection capability in low light, while optical sensors verify detections to eliminate false triggers, achieving both low-light operation and high accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by using optical sensor verification of non-optical sensor detections. The optical sensor results feed back to confirm or reject motion events, creating a closed-loop system that reduces false triggers while maintaining energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If light sensors are used for motion detection, then accuracy is improved, but minimum threshold ambient light levels must be met

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion detection accuracyVSAvoidambient light level requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary motion detection using non-optical sensors that do not require ambient light. When motion is detected preliminarily, the system then activates optical sensors to verify the detection, allowing accurate motion detection to occur before sufficient ambient light is available

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Non-optical sensors serve as intermediaries that bridge the gap between low ambient light conditions and optical sensor requirements. They detect motion in low light and trigger optical sensor verification only when appropriate, mediating between the two sensor types

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of energy

If lighting devices are dimmed or turned off for energy saving, then energy consumption is reduced, but ambient light levels become insufficient for light sensor operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumption of lighting systemVSAvoidlight sensor performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between non-optical and optical sensor modes based on ambient light conditions and lighting device states. In low ambient light or when lighting is dimmed, non-optical sensors are activated for motion detection, while optical sensors are used when ambient light is sufficient, creating a dynamic adaptation to changing conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This approach enhances the accuracy of motion detection and reduces unnecessary energy consumption by ensuring that lighting levels are adjusted only when verified by both sensors, thus improving the reliability and efficiency of light control systems.

Implementation Method 1

a non-optical sensor and a light sensor are provided. The non-optical sensor is configured to detect motion in a sensing region

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared radiation detection: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

sensors such as passive infrared sensor (PIR) sensors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPassive infrared sensor detection: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 3

the light sensor is configured to sense light in the visible frequency band in a sensing region in order to detect motion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight sensing: Light

Implementation Method 4

light sensors (e.g., cameras, Position Sensitive Devices (PSD) etc.)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPosition Sensitive Device detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3033923B1Sensing within a region.
Publication Date: 2017.11.01 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV
  • EP3033923B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2b
  • EP3033923B1 patent drawingFigure 3a
  • EP3033923B1 patent drawingFigure 3b

AI summary

A controller comprising a control module configured to: use a non-optical sensor to perform motion detection; in response to the non-optical sensor detecting motion whilst one or more lighting device is operating in a first state whereby the lighting device(s) illuminates an environment according to a first level or emits no light, control the lighting device(s) to operate in a second state whereby the lighting device(s) illuminates the environment according to a second level higher than the first level, use a light sensor to perform motion detection whilst the lighting device(s) is operating in the second state; if no motion is detected by the light sensor, control the lighting device(s) to operate in the first state or a further state; and in response to the light sensor detecting motion, control the lighting device(s) to illuminate the environment according to a third level higher than the second level.