Motion Sensor Granular Occupancy Detection via Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current occupancy sensors report occupancy states inaccurately due to long timeout intervals, leading to false positives and missed granular motion profiles, resulting in less than ideal occupancy information.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system with motion sensors that transmit granular motion data at a higher rate, using bit vectors to compactly convey occupancy information, and processing this data to adjust reporting intervals and lighting control, while incorporating a processor to override false readings and adjust reset times based on actual occupancy patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a long timeout interval is used in motion sensors to prevent false negatives, then reliability of occupancy detection is improved, but measurement precision of occupancy information deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the occupancy detection process into multiple granular time intervals within the timeout period. Instead of a single binary state, the system divides the timeout interval into smaller segments and tracks motion events in each segment, creating a detailed motion profile that precisely captures occupancy patterns while maintaining the extended detection window.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the reporting behavior based on detected motion patterns. During active motion periods, the sensor transitions to a granular reporting mode that provides detailed occupancy information. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high measurement precision during occupancy events while preserving reliability through the extended timeout interval.
2Measurement precision
If granular motion data is transmitted at a higher rate, then measurement precision of occupancy information is improved, but loss of time for data transmission increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic data transmission at strategically selected intervals rather than continuous transmission. Granular motion data is collected and processed locally, with summaries transmitted at predetermined periods. This approach maintains high measurement precision through continuous monitoring while reducing overall transmission time by sending aggregated information rather than every individual data point.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential occupancy information from the granular motion data for transmission. Instead of sending complete raw data streams, the system identifies and transmits only the critical occupancy events and patterns, significantly reducing transmission time while preserving the precision needed for accurate occupancy determination.
3Measurement precision
If granular motion data is transmitted at a higher rate, then measurement precision of occupancy information is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary processing of granular motion data locally within the sensor device before transmission. Motion patterns are analyzed and summarized in real-time, with only the essential occupancy information forwarded to the central system. This preliminary action reduces the complexity burden on the central processing device while maintaining high measurement precision through local intelligence.
4Measurement precision
If timeout interval is reduced to improve occupancy accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to false negatives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process into multiple granular time intervals, allowing the system to maintain a longer overall timeout interval for reliability while achieving higher measurement precision through detailed analysis of motion patterns within each segment. This segmentation enables the system to detect subtle occupancy changes without prematurely terminating detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor motion patterns and adjust detection sensitivity accordingly. When motion is detected in earlier segments, the system adjusts its behavior in subsequent segments to maintain occupancy detection accuracy, preventing false negatives while preserving measurement precision through adaptive feedback control.
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 approach provides more accurate and granular occupancy determination, reducing energy wastage by optimizing lighting control and enabling efficient data transmission, while also enhancing emergency response by providing timely and refined motion sensing data.
Implementation Method 1
Occupancy or motion sensors typically use infrared (IR) or ultrasonic technology
Implementation Method 2
Occupancy or motion sensors typically use infrared (IR) or ultrasonic technology
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, a system and a method for improving the determination of occupancy in an area is disclosed. The apparatus represents a motion sensor that provides improved granularity of the determination of motion within a first time period, wherein samples are collected during the first time period and then integrated over the first time period to determine a level of motion. The determined level of motion during the first time period are stored and transmitted at the end of a second time period. In one aspect of the invention, the occupancy is determined based on the collected level of motion inpreceding first time periods. In another aspect of the invention, the collected information is transmitted over a network, where the transmitted data may be further collected and processed.