Mobile Warning Sign for Restricted Area Entry Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing warning systems for restricted areas, such as those in forestry work, are not effective in preventing unauthorized entry and reliably alerting authorities when an unauthorized person enters a restricted area.

Innovation Solution

A warning system comprising a mobile sign unit with a movement sensor and signal device that issues optical and acoustic signals when an unauthorized person approaches or enters a restricted area, while also transmitting signals to a central unit via radio for real-time monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If barriers are set up to cordon off the restricted area, then the area is marked as restricted, but people may still overlook or disrespect the barriers and enter the danger zone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffectiveness of restricted area markingVSAvoidsimplicity of barrier system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple warning functions into a single integrated system: motion detection, optical signaling, acoustic signaling, and radio communication are merged into the mobile information sign unit. This creates a multi-layered warning system that is more reliable than simple barriers while remaining relatively simple in structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile information sign unit acts as an intermediary between the restricted area boundary and unauthorized persons. It detects motion, processes it, and triggers appropriate warning signals (optical/acoustic) and notifications to the central unit, serving as an active mediator that enhances the passive barrier system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If additional signaling devices are added to detect and warn unauthorized persons, then the reliability of the warning system improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of unauthorized entry detectionVSAvoidcomplexity of warning system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile information sign unit is designed as a multi-functional device that performs motion detection, optical signaling, acoustic signaling, and radio communication functions. This universal device consolidates multiple components into one unit, improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs self-service mechanisms where the motion sensor automatically detects unauthorized persons, triggers the appropriate signaling devices, and sends notifications to the central unit without human intervention. This automation improves reliability while keeping the operational complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If optical and acoustic signals are emitted when motion is detected, then unauthorized persons are warned, but it may sometimes be undesirable to generate disturbing signals (e.g., during criminal arrests or in private areas)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffectiveness of unauthorized entry warningVSAvoiddisturbing signals in sensitive areas
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The warning system is designed to be dynamic and adaptive. The control unit can adjust the behavior of signaling devices based on the situation, allowing signals to be suppressed or modified when appropriate. This dynamic control enables the system to balance warning effectiveness with avoiding unnecessary disturbance in sensitive contexts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system can change its operational parameters (signal emission, signal type, signal intensity) based on detected conditions. The control unit processes motion detection data and adjusts the output parameters of optical and acoustic signals accordingly, allowing flexible response to different situations including when signal suppression may be appropriate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The system effectively prevents unauthorized entry into restricted areas by alerting individuals with optical and acoustic signals and informs authorities through a central unit, thereby ensuring safety during forestry work or other restricted activities.

Implementation Method 1

the information sign unit has at least one motion sensor which detects movements of objects in the vicinity of the information sign unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMotion detection:

Implementation Method 2

the information sign unit has at least one signaling device which is suitable for emitting an optical and/or acoustic signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 3

the information sign unit has at least one signaling device which is suitable for emitting an optical and/or acoustic signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic signal generation:

Implementation Method 4

a central unit which is suitable for receiving a signal transmitted via radio from the at least one information sign unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio wave reception: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4154231B1System for warning about entering a restricted area
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 PFANNER SCHUTZBEKLEIDUNG
  • EP4154231B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4154231B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4154231B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a warning system comprising at least one mobile notification unit (10), which optically identifies a boundary (12) of a restricted area (14), wherein the notification unit has at least one motion sensor (16), which detects movements of objects (18) in the environment of the notification unit (10), and wherein the notification unit (10) has at least one signal device (20, 22), which is suitable for outputting an optical and/or acoustic signal, if the motion sensor (16) has detected a movement of an object (18) in the environment of the notification unit (10), and a central unit (24) which is suitable for receiving a signal sent via radio from the at least one notification unit (10) and to then output a notification to a user (26) of the central unit.