Motion Sensor Device with Adjustable Detection Zones

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motion sensor devices, particularly those using infrared and high-frequency technologies, face limitations in detection area precision, sensitivity to environmental influences, and user-friendliness, making them unsuitable for consumer applications that require flexible and easy configuration.

Innovation Solution

A motion sensor device that generates electronic distance and angle signals using high-frequency detectors or image acquisition systems, with signal processing and control means that allow for adjustable detection areas via an interface unit, enabling flexible configuration of detection zones and visualization of settings for user-friendly operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If high-frequency sensors are used for motion detection, then detection sensitivity is improved, but detection precision varies with movement direction and object distance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion detection sensitivityVSAvoiddetection consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The detection area is divided into multiple zones with different detection parameters. The system segments the detection space radially into near, medium, and far zones, each with optimized sensitivity settings. This allows the sensor to maintain high detection sensitivity across all directions and distances by applying zone-specific detection thresholds and signal processing parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If detection area is expanded to cover larger space, then coverage is improved, but false activations increase due to environmental influences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection area coverageVSAvoidfalse activations
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the detection area are assigned different detection sensitivities and parameter settings. The system applies local quality optimization by configuring near zones with higher sensitivity for small objects, while far zones use lower sensitivity thresholds to filter out environmental noise. This spatially varying detection quality maintains comprehensive coverage while minimizing false activations from temperature changes and light conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex detection area configurations are implemented, then detection flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection area configurabilityVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection area configuration is made dynamic and adaptable through programmable parameters that can be adjusted without physical reconfiguration. The system allows dynamic setting of radial zone boundaries, detection thresholds, and sensitivity parameters through software control. This enables flexible detection area configurations while maintaining simple device architecture, as changes are implemented through parameter modification rather than physical restructuring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution provides a precise, reproducible, and user-friendly motion detection system that can be easily configured for various detection areas, reducing false activations and improving sensitivity, suitable for consumer applications and broader motion detection uses.

Implementation Method 1

high-frequency or radar sensors, which work on the basis of a change in reflected and detected high-frequency waves and usually use the Doppler principle for this purpose

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDoppler effect: Doppler Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3123198B1Motion sensor device and use thereof
Publication Date: 2018.08.22 STEINEL
  • EP3123198B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3123198B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3123198B1 patent drawingFigure 2c~2d

AI summary

The invention relates to a motion sensor device for detecting a detection object in a detection region, comprising detector means (12), in particular high-frequency detector means (12), designed for motion detection of the detection object and provided in a sensor housing (10), which detector means are designed to produce an electronic distance signal (a) and angle signal (phi) corresponding to the detection object, wherein the distance signal (a) corresponds to an instantaneous distance of the detection object from the sensor housing (13) and the angle signal corresponds to an instantaneous position angle (phi) of the detection object in a plane of motion of the detection object, in particular the floor surface or parallel thereto in an installed state of the motion sensor device, and comprising signal-processing and control means (14), which are connected downstream of the detectors and which are designed to activate a device (11) to be connected downstream of the motion sensor device in dependence on the distance signal and the angle signal, wherein the signal-processing and control means have detection-region determining means (16), which have an interface unit (18, 20) for setting and/or specifying a boundary of the detection region at least in some sections, which interface unit can be set, configured, and/or actuated by an operating person. According to the invention, the signal-processing and control means have comparing means (22), which are designed to compare a distance signal and angle signal produced by the detector means for a detection object with data of a specified or set boundary of the detection region, which boundary can be variably specified or set frontally (32) and laterally (30, 34) in the plane of motion in relation to the sensor housing.