Orientation-Based Sensor Signal Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing use of multiple sensor devices for various applications, such as lighting and security, leads to higher power consumption and decreased aesthetics in homes and offices, as each application typically requires its own set of sensor devices.

Innovation Solution

A system that utilizes a single electromagnetic radiation sensor, which can be rotated to switch between different applications, allowing the same sensor signal to be transmitted to multiple devices or applications based on its orientation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sensor devices are installed for different applications, then application functionality is improved, but power consumption increases and aesthetics deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication functionalityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single sensor device that can serve multiple applications by detecting its orientation and routing sensor signals to different target devices or applications accordingly. The sensor device includes a sensor, processor that determines orientation, and transmitter that routes signals based on orientation, enabling one device to replace multiple dedicated sensor devices for applications like lighting control, security, and automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sensor devices are installed for different applications, then application functionality is improved, but aesthetics deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication functionalityVSAvoidaesthetics
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single sensor device that can serve multiple applications by detecting its orientation and routing sensor signals to different target devices or applications accordingly. The sensor device includes a sensor, processor that determines orientation, and transmitter that routes signals based on orientation, enabling one device to replace multiple dedicated sensor devices for applications like lighting control, security, and automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Use of energy by moving object

If a single sensor device is used for multiple applications, then power consumption is reduced and aesthetics are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic orientation detection to enable a single sensor device to serve multiple applications. The processor determines the sensor device's orientation in real-time and dynamically routes sensor signals to different target devices or applications based on the detected orientation, allowing one device to replace multiple dedicated sensor devices while maintaining low power consumption and improved aesthetics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that receives sensor signals and routes them to appropriate target devices based on orientation. This intermediary layer (the processor and transmitter) manages the complexity of multi-application support, shielding the sensor itself from needing to be application-specific while enabling flexible signal routing to different applications like lighting control, security, and automation systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3841846B1Transmitting sensor signal in dependence on device orientation
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV
  • EP3841846B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3841846B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3841846B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

An electronic device, e.g. a sensor device (41), is configured to receive a sensor signal from an electromagnetic radiation sensor (43), determine an orientation of the electromagnetic radiation sensor (43) based on said sensor signal or based on an orientation signal received from an orientation sensor (4) comprised in said electromagnetic radiation sensor, and transmit the sensor signal to one of a plurality of devices or applications in dependence on the determined orientation. The plurality of devices or applications comprises a first device or application, e.g. a light control device or application, and a second device or application, e.g. a security device or application. The plurality of devices or applications may also comprise a third device or application, e.g. a people counting device or application.