Multiple Sensor Lighting Control Circuit for Motion Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outdoor lighting systems struggle to effectively activate multiple lamps or devices based on motion detection in multiple fields of view and ambient light levels, often requiring physical wiring and lacking the ability to adjust viewing fields, leading to inadequate coverage and uniform illumination.
Innovation Solution
A control circuit system incorporating multiple passive infrared sensors, signal conditioning, and integrated logic circuits that include a 'look-down' motion sensor and photocell circuit, allowing for adjustable illumination levels and wide-angle detection, enabling activation of lamps at full or partial intensity based on sensed conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single wide angle motion detector is used to detect motion in a long narrow area, then the device complexity is reduced, but the detection coverage and precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection area into multiple zones using multiple PIR sensors positioned at different locations. Each sensor covers a specific zone, allowing precise detection of motion in different areas. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining low device complexity through a moderate number of sensors while significantly improving detection precision through zone-specific monitoring.
2Area of stationary object
If Fresnel lenses are used to improve the field of motion detection, then the detection coverage is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends detection coverage by deploying sensors in multiple spatial dimensions rather than using optical elements like Fresnel lenses. Multiple PIR sensors are positioned at different heights and angles to create overlapping detection zones, achieving comprehensive coverage through spatial arrangement rather than optical concentration, thus avoiding the complexity and cost of Fresnel lenses.
3Reliability
If multiple lamps are activated at full intensity based on motion detection, then the illumination effectiveness is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent activates specific lamps at specific intensity levels based on the location and characteristics of detected motion. Different zones have different illumination requirements, and the system provides appropriate illumination intensity for each zone rather than uniformly activating all lamps at full power. This local quality approach maintains illumination effectiveness while significantly reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system activates only the necessary lamps at the required intensity levels based on motion detection, rather than activating all lamps at full intensity. This partial action principle ensures sufficient illumination for security purposes while avoiding excessive energy consumption by limiting activation to only what is necessary for the detected situation.
4Device complexity
If a single motion sensor is used to detect motion in multiple zones, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple PIR sensors that can be configured for different detection patterns and zones, making the system adaptable to various applications such as driveway monitoring, walkway surveillance, and general security. The same basic sensor type serves multiple functions by being positioned and programmed differently, achieving universality without requiring specialized sensors for each application.
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 system provides efficient and adjustable lighting activation responsive to motion and ambient light, enhancing coverage and reducing the need for physical wiring, enabling aesthetically pleasing low-power illumination while maintaining high-power activation when necessary.
Implementation Method 1
The invention utilizes a motion sensor circuit that may include a plurality of passive infrared sensors (PIR) and associated signal conditioning circuitry to provide at least one output signal representative of a motion event
Implementation Method 2
The invention further comprises a photocell circuit that provides an output to the control circuit representative of a low ambient light level on a photocell
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit for operating a plurality of electrical devices at a plurality of varying power levels includes a plurality of motion sensor circuits for detecting motion relative thereto and having an a plurality of outputs conditioned upon motion detection. Additionally, a photocell sensor circuit for detecting a low ambient illumination level has an output command conditioned upon the detection of a predetermined illumination level that is electrically coupled to the control circuit having a plurality of inputs.