Motion Sensor Adaptive Lighting Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motion sensors require manual configuration of sensitivity and time delay, which is inaccurate and energy inefficient, leading to unnecessary lighting activation after occupants leave the area.

Innovation Solution

A motion sensor system that autonomously adjusts its behavior based on instantaneous and average motion signals, using a counter to differentiate between presence and non-presence states, eliminating the need for manual configuration and reducing energy waste.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual configuration of sensitivity and time delay is used, then the motion sensor can be adjusted to different environments, but additional hardware components and installer work are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptation to different environmentsVSAvoidadditional hardware components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The motion sensor automatically adapts to different environments by monitoring motion patterns and self-configuring sensitivity and time delay parameters without requiring manual intervention, potentiometers, or proprietary configuration tools

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration (potentiometers, dip-switches) with an automated electronic adaptation system that uses motion signal analysis to dynamically adjust sensor parameters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of energy

If fixed time delay is used after motion detection, then lighting means can be turned off after delay, but energy is wasted when lights remain on after occupants leave

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy waste from unnecessary lightingVSAvoidautomatic detection of occupancy status
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors motion signals during the delay period and provides feedback to determine whether to maintain or terminate lighting, using motion pattern analysis to detect when occupants have actually left the area

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The time delay parameter is made dynamic rather than fixed, automatically adjusting based on analyzed motion patterns to extend lighting when occupants remain stationary and terminate it when they leave

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If high sensitivity threshold is used, then motion is detected more accurately, but lights turn on unnecessarily for small motions like hand waving

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion detection accuracyVSAvoidfalse positive lighting activation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sensitivity threshold is made dynamic by analyzing the temporal pattern of motion signals, adjusting the effective threshold based on whether motion is sustained or transient, thereby distinguishing genuine occupancy from false triggers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary analysis of motion signal patterns before triggering lighting activation, evaluating whether detected motion represents actual occupancy or transient interference

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3076764B1Motion detection and lighting means
Publication Date: 2020.05.06 TRIDONIC GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3076764B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3076764B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3076764B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c

AI summary

It is proposed a method for identifying a presence state (P) or a non-presence state (NP) of people in an area (21) covered by a motion sensor (1), wherein the motion sensor (1) changes autonomously its behaviour depending on ongoing motion sensing.