Single PIR Sensor Multi-Mode Occupancy Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing occupancy sensing systems using single passive infrared (PIR) sensors can only detect one type of motion, requiring multiple sensors and additional components to sense multiple occupancy modes, increasing cost, complexity, and size.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a single PIR sensor with bandpass filters or sampling modules to differentiate between types of motion, such as human and vehicle motion, allowing for controlled lighting adjustments based on detected motion types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple PIR sensors are used to detect multiple types of motion, then the detection capability is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single PIR sensor is designed to perform multiple detection functions by analyzing different characteristics of the infrared signal. The sensor detects both human motion and vehicle motion by processing the same sensor output through different filtering and sampling operations, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensors while maintaining multi-type detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the processing parameters of the PIR sensor output to differentiate between motion types. By applying different bandpass filters with distinct frequency ranges and using different sampling rates, the same sensor can extract different motion characteristics corresponding to humans versus vehicles, resolving the contradiction between single-sensor simplicity and multi-type detection versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple PIR sensors are used to detect multiple types of motion, then the detection capability is improved, but the system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal detection approach where one PIR sensor handles all motion detection needs through sophisticated signal processing. The controller applies different bandpass filters and sampling rates to the same sensor output to identify both human and vehicle motion, significantly reducing component count and system cost while preserving detection versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces physical multiplication of sensors with computational processing methods. Instead of using multiple hardware sensors to detect different motion types, the patent substitutes this with digital signal processing techniques (filtering and sampling) applied to a single sensor's output, achieving the same functional result at lower hardware cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple PIR sensors are used to detect multiple types of motion, then the detection capability is improved, but the system size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidsystem size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple potential sensors into a single PIR sensor system. By combining different signal processing pathways (different bandpass filters and sampling rates) within one sensor unit, the system achieves multi-type motion detection capability in a compact form factor, reducing the physical space required compared to multiple separate sensor assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

A single PIR sensor unit is designed to universally detect multiple motion types through internal signal processing differentiation. The same sensor hardware, when processed through different filter and sampling configurations, can identify both human and vehicle motion, eliminating the need for multiple sensor units and reducing overall system size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 efficient detection of multiple occupancy modes with a single PIR sensor, reducing system complexity and cost while allowing for tailored lighting responses to different types of motion.

Implementation Method 1

use of passive infrared (PIR) sensors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation detection: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS10440801B1Multi-mode occupancy sensor and lighting system control

Publication Date: 2019.10.08 ABL IP HLDG LLC

AI summary

A system detects multiple occupancy modes for a PIR sensor. The a single PIR motion sensor that generates a sensor output signal that is filtered or sampled to determine more than one type of motion. Upon determining the types of motion detected, the system controls a lighting system based on the type or types of motion detected.