Person Presence Sensor with Pivoting Cover Slits for Range Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing devices face challenges in maintaining detection sensitivity and adjusting detection ranges effectively, particularly in preventing sensitivity decreases and contamination issues with their sensor units.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a sensor unit comprising a photosensitive sensor with multiple lenses and a cover featuring slits, along with a moving mechanism that pivots the sensor to adjust detection states, allowing the second slit to be positioned on the optical axis of the first lens, thereby adjusting the detection range without limiting the angle of view and preventing sensitivity loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a sensor unit is used to detect person presence, then detection capability is provided, but detection sensitivity decreases and contamination occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidcontamination
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is divided into multiple slits (first slit, second slit) that correspond to different detection ranges. The sensor unit is segmented into first sensor and second sensor, each responsible for different detection zones. This segmentation allows selective use of different detection paths without exposing the entire sensor to contamination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover acts as an intermediary element between the external environment and the photosensitive sensor. It provides physical protection while allowing controlled light passage through slits. The cover mediates between the need for sensor protection and the need for detection capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the detection range is adjusted using masks or lens arrays, then detection range adjustment is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection range adjustmentVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor unit can be pivoted dynamically between different detection states (first detection state, second detection state) to adjust the detection range. This dynamic repositioning allows the system to adapt detection range without requiring multiple fixed sensor units or complex mask mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A single sensor unit serves multiple functions by detecting different ranges through pivoting. The same sensor unit can detect both far-range targets (when pivoted to first detection state) and near-range targets (when pivoted to second detection state), eliminating the need for separate sensors for different ranges

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple lenses are arranged side by side, then detection range adjustment is enabled, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection range adjustmentVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple lenses (first lens, second lens) are merged into a single integrated sensor unit assembly. The lenses are positioned side by side with their optical axes aligned parallel to each other, allowing them to function as a unified detection system. This combining approach simplifies manufacturing compared to using separate sensor units for each lens

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This configuration enhances detection sensitivity by preventing contamination and allows for adjustable detection ranges, ensuring reliable operation and cost-effective adjustment of the sensor unit's detection capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

a first lens, and a second lens which focus on a photosensitive element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight focusing: Lens

Implementation Method 2

the photosensitive sensor including a first lens, and a second lens which focus on a photosensitive element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3922969B1Image processing device comprising a person presence sensor unit
Publication Date: 2025.01.01 TOSHIBA TEC KK
  • EP3922969B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3922969B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3922969B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A sensor apparatus includes a sensor for sensing infrared emitted by a person, a cover, and a moving mechanism. The photosensitive sensor includes a first lens and a second lens which focus on a photosensitive element. The cover includes a first and a second slit. The moving mechanism is configured to move the photosensitive sensor and the cover relative to each other so that the first or the second slit is arranged on the optical axis of the first lens.