Non-PIR Imager Illumination Control for Extended Detection Range
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional passive infrared (PIR) sensors have limited sensing range and sensitivity, especially at ambient temperatures close to human body temperature, making them ineffective for automatically controlling illumination levels in lighting systems, particularly in outdoor settings where detection of objects at a distance is required.
Innovation Solution
An illumination system utilizing a two-dimensional non-PIR imager to capture images across the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, processing image data to detect ambient environmental characteristics indicative of human presence, and adjusting illumination levels accordingly, with features like motion detection and ambient light consideration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a PIR sensor is used to detect human presence for automatic illumination control, then the system can automatically adjust illumination levels, but the sensing range is limited to approximately 10 meters which is insufficient for tall light poles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive infrared (PIR) sensor system with an active imaging camera system. Instead of using thermal radiation detection mechanics, the invention uses visible light imaging to detect human presence. This substitution enables extended detection range beyond the 10-meter limitation of PIR sensors, allowing effective operation from tall light poles while maintaining automatic illumination control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the detection parameter from infrared thermal radiation (PIR) to visible light imaging. By detecting visual characteristics of humans in the visible spectrum rather than thermal signatures in the infrared spectrum, the system achieves extended sensing range and improved detection capability at distances greater than 10 meters while preserving automatic control functionality.
2Extent of automation
If a PIR sensor is used for illumination control, then automatic detection is achieved, but sensitivity is reduced when ambient temperature is close to human body temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the PIR sensor's thermal radiation detection mechanism with a camera-based visual imaging system. This replacement eliminates the temperature differential dependency inherent in PIR sensors, as the camera detects human presence through visual characteristics (shape, size, color, motion patterns) in the visible spectrum rather than thermal signatures, thereby maintaining high detection sensitivity across all ambient temperature conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the detection parameter from thermal radiation intensity (which requires temperature differential for PIR sensors) to visual image characteristics. By detecting human presence through visual features such as body shape, clothing color, and motion patterns in the visible spectrum, the system achieves reliable automatic detection independent of ambient temperature variations.
3Extent of automation
If a PIR sensor is used to detect heat-emitting objects, then human presence can be detected, but objects at ambient temperature such as open doors cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the PIR sensor's thermal detection mechanism with a camera-based visual imaging system. This substitution enables the detection of both heat-emitting objects and ambient temperature objects (such as open doors, vehicles, or structures) by detecting their visual characteristics. The camera system captures images that reveal the presence and nature of various objects regardless of their thermal properties, thereby enhancing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the detection parameter from thermal radiation (infrared) to visible light imaging. This parameter change allows the system to detect objects based on their visual appearance, color, shape, and reflectivity in the visible spectrum rather than their thermal emission properties. Consequently, the system can detect ambient temperature objects like open doors, parked cars, or architectural features that emit no thermal signature above background levels.
4Use of energy by moving object
If illumination level is reduced to conserve energy, then energy efficiency improves, but detection range and reliability of the imaging system may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic illumination control where the light source adjusts its output level based on real-time detection of human presence. When humans are detected via image processing, the system increases illumination to adequate levels for both detection and energy visibility. When no humans are present, the system reduces illumination to conserve energy. This dynamic adjustment maintains detection reliability while optimizing energy consumption throughout different operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention maintains continuous monitoring capability through the imaging system while using reduced illumination levels during periods of no human presence. The camera continues to capture images and process them for human detection even when illumination is minimized, ensuring that detection reliability is preserved without requiring continuous high-level illumination. This continuous useful action enables the system to quickly restore full illumination when humans appear.
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
Enables effective detection of human presence and motion at greater distances than PIR sensors, providing adaptive illumination control that conserves energy by adjusting light levels based on detected motion and ambient conditions, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of lighting systems.
Implementation Method 1
a two-dimensional non-Passive Infrared (non-PIR) imager operable to image an area and to produce image data representative of the images across at least part of a visible portion of an electromagnetic spectrum
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination system and methods to control a light source are provided. An illumination system includes a light source, a two-dimensional non-Passive Infrared (non-PIR) imager, and a controller. The light source may provide at least two levels of illumination. The non-PIR imager images an area and to produce image data representative of images across at least part of a visible portion of an electromagnetic spectrum. The controller is communicatively coupled to receive the image data from the non-PIR imager and process the received image data to detect at least one object in the area of a defined type of object. The controller is also coupled to control operation of the light source based on, at least in part, detection of the ambient characteristic of the environment. Alternatively, one or more components of a system may be used to monitor traffic, with or without active illumination.