Motion Sensor Direction Detection for Security Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion sensor devices for home security only alert users to motion detection without providing directionality information, making it difficult for users to determine if an approaching entity is an unwanted visitor or a resident, and leading to unnecessary battery drain from activating additional components.
Innovation Solution
Using at least two motion sensors with overlapping fields of view, positioned vertically and angled differently, to determine the direction of motion, allowing the system to activate user alerts, camera recording, and other components only when entities are moving towards the device, thereby reducing battery drain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If motion sensors activate additional components (camera, audio) upon detecting any motion, then user awareness of potential security threats is improved, but battery drain increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the response based on the direction of motion detected. Different zones (front, back, left, right) trigger different actions - motion from the front activates alerts and recording, while motion from other directions does not. This selective activation based on localized directional information resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliability for critical directions while reducing energy consumption overall.
2Device complexity
If motion sensors provide only motion detection without directionality, then device complexity is reduced, but user ability to distinguish unwanted visitors from residents deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds the dimension of directionality to motion detection by using multiple sensors positioned at different orientations. Instead of a single motion sensor providing only presence/absence information, the system uses spatial arrangement of multiple sensors to detect the direction from which motion originates. This dimensional enhancement provides directional information without excessive complexity by using simple angular differences between sensor positions.
Data Source
AI summary
The application is directed to an electronic that includes multiple motion sensors, such as passive infrared sensors, that the electronic device uses to detect characteristics of objects. For instance, the motion sensors may be substantially vertically aligned and/or substantially horizontally aligned with one another, where each motion sensor is positioned at a respective angle with respect to a ground plane. When the motion sensors detect an object, the electronic device can then determine a direction at which the object is moving and/or a speed at which the object is moving. In some instances, the direction may include towards the electronic device or away from the electronic device. Additionally, based on the characteristics of the object, the electronic device may perform an action, such as generating image data using a camera and/or sending a user alert.