Occupancy Sensor PIR IR Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current occupancy monitoring methods are laborious, costly, and inaccurate due to the lack of a suitable low-cost sensor for automated occupancy detection in office spaces.
Innovation Solution
A combination of a passive infrared sensor (PIR), an infrared sensor (IR), and an ambient temperature sensor, configured to accurately detect occupancy by processing signals from both sensors simultaneously, with the IR sensor's field of view extending beyond the desk surface and the ambient temperature sensor compensating for temperature changes, integrated into a wireless communication system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual monitoring methods are used, then occupancy data can be collected, but the process becomes laborious and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical monitoring with an automated sensor-based system. The occupancy sensor automatically detects and records occupancy status without human intervention, substituting the mechanical action of manual counting and tracking with electronic sensing and data collection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The occupancy sensor system is self-operating, automatically detecting occupancy and transmitting data without requiring external manual operation. The sensor performs its own monitoring function continuously, eliminating the need for human workers to manually track occupancy.
2Measurement precision
If traditional occupancy sensors are used, then occupancy detection is possible, but accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing technologies (infrared sensor, passive infrared sensor, and ambient temperature sensor) into a single integrated occupancy sensor system. This merging of multiple detection mechanisms allows the system to cross-validate signals and accurately distinguish between actual occupancy and environmental temperature variations, thereby improving both accuracy and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The ambient temperature sensor acts as an intermediary element that compensates for environmental temperature changes. By measuring ambient temperature and using it to adjust the readings from the infrared sensors, the system eliminates false detections caused by temperature fluctuations, thereby improving detection accuracy.
3Ease of manufacture
If automated occupancy monitoring is implemented, then labor costs are reduced, but suitable low-cost sensors are unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive infrared and passive infrared sensor components that can be mass-produced at low cost. These affordable sensors enable automated occupancy monitoring systems to be deployed widely without requiring significant investment, making automation economically viable for ordinary office environments.
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 solution provides accurate and automated occupancy monitoring, reducing costs and improving data accuracy, enabling efficient space optimization by detecting presence or absence with extended battery life through intermittent operation and eliminating the need for pre-calibration.
Implementation Method 1
a passive infrared sensor (PIR sensor)... configured to confirm occupancy or non-occupancy in dependence on signals measured by both the PIR sensor and the IR sensor
Implementation Method 2
an infrared sensor (IR sensor)... the IR sensor is preferably configured such that its field of view is below the desk surface out beyond the rear edge of the desk surface
Implementation Method 3
The occupancy sensor may further comprise an ambient temperature sensor. The value sensed by the ambient temperature sensor may be subtracted from the value sensed by the IR sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An occupancy sensor includes a passive infrared sensor (PIR sensor) and an infrared sensor (IR sensor). The occupancy sensor is configured to confirm occupancy or non-occupancy in dependence on signals measured by both the PIR sensor and the IR sensor.