Passive Motion Tracking via Overlapping Sensor Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Passive motion detection systems are unable to accurately determine the location of a moving individual within a given area or track the path of motion over time.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising multiple passive motion detection sensors, such as PIR sensors, positioned at fixed distances and angles within overlapping detection zones, with a processor employing triangulation methods to calculate and record the location of motion, allowing for precise tracking of motion paths over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single passive motion detection sensor is used, then the system is simple and low-cost, but the system cannot determine the exact location of the individual within the given area
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the detection area into multiple overlapping detection zones using multiple sensors. Each sensor provides detection information for its specific zone, and the overlapping zones enable triangulation to determine precise location. This segmentation approach allows location determination without requiring a single complex sensor system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines outputs from multiple passive motion detection sensors to achieve precise location determination. By merging the detection signals from sensors positioned at known locations and using triangulation algorithms, the system achieves accurate position tracking while maintaining the simplicity of individual sensor components.
2Measurement precision
If a single passive motion detection sensor is used, then the system is simple and low-cost, but the system cannot track the path of motion of the individual
Solution Approach 1:
The detection area is segmented into multiple overlapping zones monitored by different sensors. As the individual moves through these zones, the system records which zones are activated and in what sequence, enabling continuous path tracking. The overlapping zones ensure continuous detection coverage throughout the motion path.
Solution Approach 2:
The overlapping detection zones ensure continuous monitoring coverage as the individual moves through the area. No matter where the individual is located, at least one sensor is detecting their presence, creating a continuous detection trail that forms the basis for accurate motion path tracking over time.
3Measurement precision
If multiple passive motion detection sensors with overlapping detection zones are used, then the location and path tracking capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system adds the dimension of spatial overlap between detection zones to achieve location determination. By monitoring which overlapping zones are activated and using the geometric relationship between sensor positions and zone boundaries, the system calculates precise location through triangulation without requiring complex sensor hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The overlapping detection zones act as intermediaries that enable location determination. These zones serve as the medium through which multiple sensors communicate their detection information, allowing the system to calculate position based on which zones are active and their geometric relationships, rather than requiring direct complex sensor coordination.
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 accurate location determination and path tracking of moving entities, such as humans, within a given area by using overlapping detection zones and triangulation calculations, enhancing the capability of passive motion detection systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the first and second passive motion detection sensors is a passive infrared (PIR) sensor
Implementation Method 2
the motion is of an infrared emitting entity
Data Source
AI summary
A system for detecting and tracking motion in a given area, including a first passive motion detection sensor operable for passively detecting motion in any of a first multiplicity of detection zones and, responsive thereto, for providing a first detection output signal including an indication of a first detection zone in which the motion was detected, a second passive motion detection sensor operable for passively detecting motion in any of a second multiplicity of detection zones, each of the second multiplicity of detection zones at least partially overlapping each of the first multiplicity of detection zones, and, responsive thereto, for providing a second detection output signal including an indication of a second detection zone in which the motion was detected, and a processor operable for receiving the first and second detection output signals and, responsive thereto, for providing an indication of a location of the motion.