Opening Movement Detection via Radiation Reflection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing home automation devices for monitoring openings, such as windows and doors, face reliability issues due to insufficient sensitivity, leading to undetected movements and increased false positives, and are often expensive and energy-inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A method and device utilizing electromagnetic and acoustic radiation reflection signals to detect movements of openings relative to a fixed frame, with transmitters and receivers positioned to emit and capture radiation, comparing instantaneous reflection signals to reference values to generate displacement signals, allowing for reliable detection of slight movements without false positives.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sensors with high sensitivity are used to detect low-speed movement of the sash, then detection capability is improved, but cost increases and false positives increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidfalse positives
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the detection threshold based on the type of movement detected. Acceleration-based detection triggers a different threshold level than position-based detection, allowing the system to be more sensitive to genuine intrusions while filtering out normal operational movements. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making sensitivity context-dependent rather than fixed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback loops that analyze the characteristics of detected movements and adjust subsequent detection parameters. When false positives are detected, the system learns to distinguish between genuine threats and normal operations by comparing movement patterns, thereby reducing false alarms while maintaining detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If sensors with high sensitivity are used to detect low-speed movement of the sash, then detection capability is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces complex, expensive mechanical sensing systems with a combination of simpler sensors (accelerometers and position sensors) coupled with intelligent signal processing. This substitution achieves high detection capability through software-based analysis rather than relying on expensive hardware, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters of standard sensors to achieve high detection capability. By adjusting sampling rates, threshold levels, and analysis algorithms, the system extracts maximum performance from inexpensive components, eliminating the need for costly specialized sensors while maintaining high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If continuous monitoring is performed to detect any movement, then detection reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs periodic monitoring with variable intervals rather than continuous monitoring. During low-risk periods, monitoring occurs at extended intervals, while during high-risk periods or when anomalies are detected, the monitoring frequency increases. This periodic approach maintains detection reliability while significantly reducing average energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The monitoring system dynamically adjusts its activity level based on detected conditions. When no threats are present, the system enters low-power mode with reduced monitoring frequency. Upon detecting potential threats or anomalies, it transitions to high-alert mode with continuous monitoring, thereby balancing reliability requirements with energy conservation throughout the operational cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 reliable and energy-efficient detection of opening movements, minimizing false alarms and compatibility with various types of openings, without requiring precise position measurement or complex installation.

Implementation Method 1

Each emitter is chosen and arranged to emit radiation, chosen from electromagnetic radiation and acoustic radiation, towards a second element: distinct from said first element, chosen from the fixed frame and a monitored opening sash, so that the emitted radiation is at least partially reflected by said second element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation emission and reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

At least one receiver is chosen and arranged to: capture radiation, called reflected radiation, emanating from at least one emitter fixed to a first element and reflected by a second element, and provide signals, called reflection signals, representative of at least one characteristic of said reflected radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3383058B1Method and system for monitoring at least one panel opening in comparison to a frame.
Publication Date: 2020.05.27 MYFOX
  • EP3383058B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3383058B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3383058B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a home automation method for monitoring at least one monitored opening (21) relative to a fixed frame (22). At least one transmitter (24) is attached to a first element chosen from the fixed frame and a monitored opening. The transmitter is adapted to emit radiation, chosen from electromagnetic radiation and acoustic radiation, towards at least a portion of at least one second element, distinct from said first element and chosen from the fixed frame and a monitored opening. At least one receiver (26) is chosen and arranged to capture reflected radiation emanating from at least one transmitter and reflected by at least one second element, and to provide reflection signals representative of at least one characteristic of said reflected radiation.