Motion-Activated Switch Control Using Camera Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motion-activated switches often fail to detect stationary objects or those beyond a certain range, leading to unnecessary device shutdowns even when people are present in the environment.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a relay controller with a camera and motion sensor that captures images and performs object detection to selectively toggle devices based on the presence of objects of interest, rather than relying solely on motion triggers and timers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If motion sensors with limited range and sensitivity are used, then device complexity is reduced, but detection precision deteriorates causing false shutdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a motion sensor and a camera into an integrated switch control system. The motion sensor detects motion triggers while the camera captures images for object detection, merging two detection mechanisms to overcome the limited range and sensitivity of motion sensors alone, thereby improving detection precision without excessive complexity increase
Solution Approach 2:
The camera acts as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between motion detection and accurate object identification. When motion is detected, the camera captures images that are processed to confirm object presence, serving as a mediator that verifies motion sensor detections and reduces false shutdowns
2Reliability
If timers are used to control switch duration, then energy consumption is reduced, but reliability deteriorates when people are present but undetected
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback through continuous image capture and object detection. The camera periodically captures images and the object detection algorithm provides feedback about object presence to the relay controller, which adjusts relay state accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures devices remain on when people are present while allowing energy-saving shutdowns when no objects are detected, improving reliability without excessive energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary object detection through image capture before making the decision to keep devices on or off. By capturing images and detecting objects in advance, the system can proactively maintain device operation when needed rather than reacting to motion triggers alone, improving reliability of device operation
3Measurement precision
If motion triggers alone are used, then device complexity is minimized, but measurement precision deteriorates for stationary objects
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its detection strategy based on motion triggers. When motion is detected, the system activates image capture and object detection routines. This dynamic approach allows the system to use more complex detection methods only when needed, improving object detection accuracy for both moving and stationary objects while managing overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides methods, devices, and systems for controlling motion-activated switches. The present implementations more specifically relate to relay controller that prevent motion-activated switches from turning off devices associated with an environment in which people are present. In some aspects, a motion-activated switch may include a relay controller coupled to a motion sensor, a camera, and a relay. The motion sensor outputs a motion trigger to the relay controller responsive to detecting motion in an environment. The motion trigger may cause the relay controller to acquire one or more images of the environment, via the camera, and selectively toggle the relay based on the acquired images. For example, the relay controller may close the relay responsive to identifying an image that includes an object of interest or may open the relay controller may open the relay responsive to identifying an image that does not include an object of interest.