LiDAR 3D Point Map for Privacy-Preserving Entity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home security systems fail to monitor private areas effectively, as they capture sensitive images that can be misused, and do not deter pets or children from entering off-limits spaces without compromising privacy.
Innovation Solution
A smartphone-based system using LiDAR technology to create a 3D point map of an environment, allowing users to define boundaries and detect entities like pets or children without capturing recognizable images, and provide alerts or deterrent actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional home security systems capture images to monitor areas, then detection capability is improved, but privacy is compromised and images can be misused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential detection function from traditional security systems by using LiDAR to detect entities based on their 3D spatial signature rather than capturing images. This allows the system to determine presence, movement, and location without capturing visual data that could compromise privacy or be misused.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary representation - the 3D point cloud map - that serves as a mediator between the physical environment and the detection system. This intermediary captures spatial information necessary for monitoring while filtering out visual details that would compromise privacy, effectively decoupling detection capability from image capture.
2Reliability
If traditional security systems monitor private areas, then safety monitoring is improved, but they cannot effectively deter pets or children without compromising privacy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical/mechanical image capture system with a LiDAR-based 3D mapping system. This substitution allows the system to monitor safety by detecting entity presence and movement through spatial point clouds rather than visual images, enabling effective monitoring of pets and children while maintaining privacy.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If LiDAR technology is used to create 3D point maps, then privacy is maintained while detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the multi-functionality of LiDAR technology, which is already integrated in many smartphones and tablets for purposes such as augmented reality, navigation, and 3D modeling. By repurposing this existing component for privacy-preserving security monitoring, the system achieves privacy protection without requiring entirely new specialized hardware, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 real-time monitoring and deterrence of entities in private areas while maintaining privacy, preventing safety concerns and property damage by alerting users and allowing them to take actions remotely.
Implementation Method 1
A first sensor, such as a LiDAR sensor, can be used to scan a physical environment with laser beams and generate a three-dimensional (3D) point map or baseline 3D visualization of the physical environment, such as a room or home environment.
Implementation Method 2
LiDAR technology to create a 3D point map of an environment
Data Source
AI summary
The document discloses technology that improves the ability of a user to detect and deter the presence of an entity (e.g., person, animal) in a selected area. The system generates a three-dimensional (3D) point map of an environment. The system can then use 3D imaging technology such as LiDAR (light detection and ranging) to generate a baseline 3D point map that includes the selected area within the environment. In operation, the system can use the 3D technology to monitor for the entity and provide alerts in real time or near real time when the entity is present in the selected area, and/or the system can perform a deterrent action that is perceivable by the entity.