Auto-Configurable Occupancy Sensor for Battery-Life Tradeoffs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Home occupancy sensors suffer from shorter battery life due to frequent signal transmissions, while motion sensors have longer battery life but less accurate occupancy detection due to their dwell time, making it desirable to combine both functions into a single sensor for reduced device count and improved accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A person detection device (PDD) that can automatically switch between motion sensor and occupancy sensor modes, using a processor, memory, and transceiver to receive commands and configure its operation, employing passive infra-red detection and optional thermopile sensors to detect movement and occupancy, and transmit signals accordingly to security and home automation hubs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If occupancy sensors transmit signals every time occupancy is sensed, then occupancy detection accuracy is improved, but battery life deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor dynamically adjusts its transmission frequency and detection mode based on received commands. It can switch between occupancy sensor mode (continuous monitoring and transmission) and motion sensor mode (dwell time limited transmission), allowing the system to optimize between accuracy and battery consumption based on current operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor changes its operational parameters (transmission frequency, detection sensitivity, mode of operation) in response to commands from external devices. This allows the same hardware to operate with different parameter sets to achieve either high accuracy occupancy detection or extended battery life depending on the situation
2Duration of action of moving object
If motion sensors use a preset dwell time to limit transmissions, then battery life is improved, but occupancy detection accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor transitions from static dwell time operation to dynamic mode switching. When receiving commands indicating occupancy monitoring is needed, it switches to occupancy sensor mode with continuous transmission capability, eliminating the accuracy limitation while maintaining battery efficiency through selective mode activation
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is designed to perform both occupancy sensing and motion sensing functions using the same hardware platform. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace both dedicated occupancy sensors and motion sensors, providing accurate occupancy detection when needed while maintaining the battery efficiency of motion sensors when continuous monitoring is not required
3Device complexity
If a single sensor is used for both motion and occupancy detection, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The single sensor achieves high adaptability through dynamic mode switching capabilities. It can be configured via received commands to operate as either an occupancy sensor or a motion sensor, allowing the same physical device to adapt to different functional requirements without sacrificing versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor integrates both occupancy detection and motion detection capabilities in a single unified device. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple separate sensors while maintaining full functionality through software-controlled mode switching and configurable operational parameters
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 PDD extends battery life by optimizing signal transmission based on mode and reduces the need for multiple sensors, providing accurate occupancy detection and motion sensing with adjustable dwell times, enhancing both security and home automation functionality.
Implementation Method 1
employing passive infra-red detection and optional thermopile sensors to detect movement and occupancy
Implementation Method 2
employing passive infra-red detection and optional thermopile sensors to detect movement and occupancy
Data Source
AI summary
A person-detection device that automatically configures itself as a motion sensor or an occupancy sensor upon receiving a command from a home security panel or home automation hub.