Integrated Sensor Fusion for Door State Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional door and window monitoring systems require two separate parts and rely on additional magnets, which are inefficient and lack reliability in determining object states without auxiliary means.
Innovation Solution
A single-device solution using a magnetometer and acceleration sensor integrated in a common housing, acquiring magnetic field and acceleration measurements to determine object states from predefined states, with the ability to define and limit state transitions, and include memory for calibration and wireless communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a two-part sensor system with permanent magnets is used for door and window monitoring, then the magnetic field triggering mechanism provides state detection capability, but the system complexity increases and additional auxiliary components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the magnetometer and acceleration sensor into a single integrated monitoring device that attaches to only one part of the door or window frame. This eliminates the need for separate permanent magnets and reed contacts distributed across two parts, reducing system complexity while maintaining state detection reliability through fused sensor data analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions using a single unit: it detects both magnetic field changes and acceleration patterns, processes both types of measurement data, and determines object states through combined analysis. This multi-functional approach replaces the specialized two-part magnetic triggering system with a universal monitoring solution
2Productivity
If conventional two-part sensors are used for monitoring, then state detection is possible, but auxiliary means such as permanent magnets are required which reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the permanent magnets from the monitoring system by using an integrated sensor unit that relies on magnetometer and acceleration sensor measurements instead. This removes the auxiliary magnetic components while maintaining the core monitoring function, improving efficiency by reducing the quantity of auxiliary substances required
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical magnetic triggering system (permanent magnets and reed contacts) with an electronic sensing system based on magnetometer and acceleration sensors. This substitution eliminates the need for physical magnetic components and their associated mechanical interactions, improving productivity by removing auxiliary means
3Ease of operation
If multiple sensors are integrated in a common housing, then the device can determine object states without auxiliary means, but the sensor integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the magnetometer and acceleration sensor into a single common housing, creating one integrated device that attaches to the door or window frame in a single location. This consolidation simplifies installation by eliminating the need to attach separate components to multiple parts, while the internal integration of sensors manages the complexity through unified housing design
4Reliability
If state transitions are defined and limited in the determination process, then the reliability of state ascertaining is improved, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining valid state transitions and transition rules before the monitoring process begins. The processing device is programmed with predetermined state sequences and transition constraints, allowing it to evaluate sensor data against these pre-established criteria. This approach improves reliability by ensuring only physically possible transitions are recognized, while managing processing complexity through pre-computed transition logic rather than real-time complex calculations
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 provides efficient, reliable, and adaptive monitoring of object states, allowing only valid transitions and enabling continuous recalibration and energy-efficient operation with wireless data transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetometer that is designed to acquire a magnetic field and to provide a first measurement value as a function of the acquired magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
an acceleration sensor that is designed to acquire an acceleration and to provide a second measurement value as a function of the acquired acceleration
Data Source
AI summary
A device and a method for determining states of an object to be monitored, such as a window or a door. The measurement values of a plurality of sensors, in particular a magnetometer and an acceleration sensor, are merged and are evaluated together. For the determination of a new state from a group of predefined states, only state transitions that are actually possible are taken into account. State transitions that are not possible or are not allowed are not taken into account.