Optical Entry Monitoring Using Passive Reflective Door Markers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing security systems require numerous door and window sensors, which increase costs, installation time, and are aesthetically unappealing, and rely on batteries and magnets that are expensive and difficult to procure.

Innovation Solution

A passive object system with optical base stations that detect the presence and movement of uniquely shaped, power-efficient passive objects mounted on doors and windows, using visible or infrared light to transmit alarm signals to a central controller or local devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional door and window sensors are used to monitor each entry point, then unauthorized entry detection capability is improved, but system cost and installation complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunauthorized entry detection capabilityVSAvoidnumber of sensors required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sensor functions into a single optical base station that can detect movement across multiple door and window openings using one or more cameras. This merging approach eliminates the need for individual sensors at each entry point while maintaining comprehensive monitoring coverage, directly resolving the contradiction between detection capability and system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical base station serves multiple functions: it monitors multiple entry points simultaneously, provides both presence detection and movement detection, and can identify specific opened entries. This multi-functional device replaces numerous single-purpose sensors, reducing overall system complexity while enhancing detection reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If traditional door and window sensors are installed at each entry point, then monitoring coverage is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to visible sensors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring coverageVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the sensing function from traditional visible magnetic or contact sensors and relocates it to an optical base station equipped with a camera. This extraction allows the monitoring function to be achieved through visual detection rather than physical sensors, maintaining comprehensive coverage while eliminating aesthetic concerns associated with visible sensors on doors and windows

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If battery-powered sensors are used, then wireless operation is achieved, but maintenance difficulty and operating cost increase due to battery replacement requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless operation capabilityVSAvoidbattery replacement convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The optical base station is designed to be wired to power sources and communication networks, eliminating the need for battery replacements. This self-service approach ensures continuous operation without maintenance interruptions, resolving the contradiction between wireless convenience and maintenance burden by providing a permanently powered alternative

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If magnets are used in traditional sensors, then sensor functionality is achieved, but procurement difficulty and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor functionalityVSAvoidprocurement difficulty and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces magnetic sensing mechanisms with optical detection using cameras and image processing. This substitution eliminates dependence on rare earth magnets and their associated procurement challenges, while maintaining reliable detection functionality through visual field analysis and movement detection algorithms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Reduces sensor count and cost, eliminates the need for batteries and magnets, and provides effective unauthorized entry detection with minimal visual impact.

Implementation Method 1

an optical sensor configured to generate electronic signals indicative of a viewing area of the optical sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12597324B2Intrusion detection system, apparatus and method

Publication Date: 2026.04.07 UNIVERSAL ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A system, method and apparatus is described, for monitoring entry doors and windows for unauthorized entry. Passive objects are installed onto movable portions of doors and windows in the structure. An optical base station is mounted to a wall or ceiling of the structure in view of at least some of the passive objects. The passive objects are configured to reflect visible and/or infrared light and, in some cases, comprise a unique, geometric shape. The optical base station monitors the passive objects and when a passive object is moved, for example, when a door or a window is open, the optical base station senses the movement and, in response, transmits an alarm signal to a security system central controller, which may then cause a security response to occur.