Motion Detection Using Light Sensor Array Zone Averaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion detection systems in venues with multiple regions are costly and inefficient, as they require multiple PIR sensors or expensive smart cameras with high power consumption and complex networking, making it difficult to accurately determine the region of motion without initial and subsequent calibrations.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost imaging system with a two-dimensional array of light sensors and a control system that averages light intensity values to differentiate motion in multiple regions using a combination of fast and slow response characteristics, eliminating the need for multiple PIR sensors or expensive cameras.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple PIR sensors are used to detect motion in multiple regions, then the ability to determine which region contains motion is improved, but the cost of supply and installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor array is divided into multiple zones, each corresponding to a specific region of the venue. By segmenting the sensor array into distinct zones and processing light intensity values from each zone separately, the system can identify which specific region contains motion without requiring multiple separate PIR sensors. This segmentation approach maintains region identification accuracy while reducing the number of physical sensors needed.
2Measurement precision
If smart cameras with local processing are used to detect target motion in multiple regions, then motion detection capability is improved, but the cost of supply and installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential motion detection functionality from complex smart camera systems. Instead of using full-featured smart cameras with complex algorithms and calibration requirements, the system extracts the core function of detecting light intensity changes in specific zones and processes this information through a microcontroller. This extraction approach maintains motion detection accuracy while eliminating unnecessary complexity and calibration requirements.
3Productivity
If Ethernet cameras with backend processing are used to detect motion in multiple regions, then the ability to process video information is improved, but power consumption and network resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs only the partial action necessary for motion detection - processing light intensity values from divided zones through simple averaging and comparison operations on a microcontroller. Instead of capturing and processing full video frames with Ethernet cameras, the system performs just enough processing to detect motion in specific regions, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining the ability to identify which region contains motion.
4Device complexity
If a single PIR sensor is used with multiple Fresnel lenses, then cost is reduced, but the ability to determine in which region motion occurred is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from the spatial dimension approach of multiple Fresnel lenses focusing on different regions to a temporal-digital dimension approach. A single image sensor array captures light intensity information from all regions simultaneously, and the microcontroller processes this data in the digital domain by comparing average light intensity values from divided zones between successive frames. This dimensional change maintains region identification capability while using a single sensor.
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 solution enables reliable and cost-effective motion detection in multiple regions with reduced power consumption and simplified installation, accurately identifying the region of motion without the need for complex calibration or expensive hardware.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging system having a two-dimensional array of light sensors exposable to return light from each target over successive frames
Data Source
AI summary
An array of light sensors arranged along mutually orthogonal sensor rows and sensor columns is exposed to return light from a target over successive frames. The array is subdivided into mutually orthogonal zones, each having a sub-plurality of sensor rows and sensor columns. Each row of zones is scanned multiple times to produce output light intensity values, which are averaged to obtain an average zonal value for each zone for each frame. The average zonal value over the successive frames is simultaneously averaged with slow and fast response characteristics to obtain respective slow and fast response values for each zone, which are then compared to obtain a difference value for each zone. Motion of the target in any region of a venue is indicated when the difference value between the fast and slow response values in a corresponding zone exceeds a threshold value.