Occupancy Sensor Blocks With Motion-Triggered Image Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current occupancy monitoring systems in work areas lack efficient and energy-effective methods to track human presence and space utilization, often requiring continuous power and infrastructure, which hinders real-time data transmission and privacy concerns.
Innovation Solution
A method employing sensor blocks with integrated optical and motion sensors that transition between active and inactive states based on motion detection, recording images and extracting non-visual insights to transmit quantitative and qualitative data wirelessly, reducing power consumption and preserving privacy by focusing on data relevance and value to facility operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous occupancy monitoring is implemented using traditional systems, then real-time data transmission is achieved, but energy consumption increases and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor block transitions between active and inactive states periodically, activating only when motion is detected and remaining inactive during periods of no motion. This periodic operation enables real-time monitoring capability when needed while dramatically reducing average power consumption compared to continuous monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system dynamically adjusts its operational state based on detected conditions. The sensor block automatically transitions from an inactive low-power state to an active monitoring state when motion is detected, and returns to inactive state when no motion is present, optimizing the balance between monitoring reliability and energy efficiency.
2Loss of information
If traditional occupancy monitoring systems are deployed, then comprehensive space utilization tracking is achieved, but infrastructure complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor block is a self-contained unit that integrates motion sensing, image capture, processing, and wireless transmission capabilities within a single device. It autonomously determines occupancy status by processing images locally and transmits only essential data, eliminating the need for complex centralized infrastructure while maintaining accurate occupancy tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring function is segmented into independent sensor blocks that can be distributed throughout the facility. Each sensor block operates independently to monitor its specific zone, reducing the complexity of centralized systems while maintaining comprehensive coverage through multiple simple, deployable units.
3Measurement precision
If image recording is performed continuously for occupancy analysis, then accurate occupancy detection is achieved, but energy consumption and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Image recording is performed periodically only when the sensor block is in the active state following motion detection, rather than continuously. This approach maintains accurate occupancy detection by capturing images at relevant moments while significantly reducing energy consumption and data processing requirements compared to continuous recording.
Solution Approach 2:
The motion sensor performs preliminary detection to determine whether image recording is necessary. By activating the optical sensor and performing image capture only after motion is detected, the system ensures accurate occupancy detection when needed while avoiding unnecessary energy expenditure during periods of no activity.
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 real-time monitoring of occupancy and space utilization, improving facility efficiency, comfort, and productivity while minimizing energy usage and infrastructure needs, allowing for intelligent data collection and transmission.
Implementation Method 1
an output of a motion sensor, integrated into the sensor block, indicating motion in a field of view
Implementation Method 2
recording a first image through the optical sensor at a first time
Data Source
AI summary
One variation of a method for monitoring occupancy in a work area includes, at a sensor block: transitioning from an inactive state into an active state when an output of a motion sensor indicates motion in a work area; during a scan cycle in the active state, recording an image through an optical sensor at a time, detecting a set of humans in the image, detecting a second set of human effects in the image, predicting a second set of humans occupying but absent the work area based on the second set of human effects, and estimating a total occupancy in the work area at the time based on the set of humans and the second set of humans; and transmitting the total occupancy to a remote computer system for update of a scheduler for the work area.