Pet Detection Sensor Fusion for Low-False-Alarm Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing security systems suffer from high rates of false positive alarms due to pets, which are inefficient and consume excessive power, particularly in battery-powered sensors.

Innovation Solution

A sensor system that combines motion detection with object detection and classification to differentiate between pets and potential threats, using a low power mode to conserve energy and reduce false alarms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If motion detection is used to detect intruders, then intruder detection capability is improved, but false positive alarms increase due to pets

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintruder detection capabilityVSAvoidfalse positive alarms
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary classification system that sits between motion detection and alarm generation. This intermediary layer analyzes motion characteristics and object properties to distinguish between intruders and benign objects like pets, thereby reducing false positives while maintaining intruder detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameters used for detection by analyzing multiple characteristics of motion events (such as speed, size, shape, and movement pattern) rather than relying on a single threshold. This multi-parameter analysis enables the system to differentiate between intruders and pets based on their distinct motion signatures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If continuous monitoring is performed to detect threats, then security coverage is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity coverageVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic monitoring where the sensor alternates between active monitoring modes and low-power states. Instead of continuous full-power operation, the system periodically activates monitoring capabilities only when motion is detected or during specific monitoring intervals, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining security coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts its operational state based on environmental conditions and detection needs. The monitoring intensity and power consumption are made variable rather than fixed, allowing the sensor to optimize between security coverage and energy efficiency by adapting to current situational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Duration of action of stationary object

If battery-powered sensors operate continuously to maintain security, then operational availability is improved, but battery life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational availabilityVSAvoidbattery life
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The battery-powered sensor employs periodic operation cycles where it alternates between active security monitoring and low-power sleep modes. This periodic action extends battery life by reducing the duration of high-power operation while maintaining operational availability through periodic wake-up and monitoring phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes its operational parameters adaptively to extend battery life. By adjusting monitoring intensity, update frequencies, and power consumption levels based on current needs, the sensor optimizes the balance between operational availability and battery life, allowing longer operation periods without requiring frequent battery replacements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4407568B1Methods and apparatus for detecting pets
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 SIMPLISAFE INC
  • EP4407568B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4407568B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4407568B1 patent drawingFigure 4A

AI summary

Methods and apparatus for pet detection in security systems. In one example, a method (900) includes detecting (902) a motion event in a scene using a motion detector, based on detecting the motion event, activating (808) an image capture device to acquire a plurality of images of the scene, applying (812) a motion detection process to the plurality of images to detect motion in the scene, applying (814) an object detection process to at least one of the plurality of images to detect an object in the scene, pairing (816) the motion with the object to locate a moving object, identifying (908) the moving object as a pet, and based at least in part on identifying the moving object as a pet, deactivating (914) the image capture device.