Pool Entry Detection Grid Using Infrared Beam Interruption Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pool safety systems are unreliable due to user dependency and frequent false detection of motion, often using single beam break detection methods, necessitating a more accurate and user-independent system for unauthorized entry detection.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a grid of infrared light beam emitters and receivers positioned around a pool perimeter, with a processor that monitors interruptions in the grid and generates an alarm message when the interruption level exceeds a predetermined threshold, allowing for automatic detection of unauthorized entry without user involvement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional single beam break detection is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to frequent false detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection system into multiple independent light beam channels (e.g., multiple emitters and receivers positioned at different locations). Each beam forms an independent detection zone, and the system evaluates interruptions across multiple beams rather than relying on a single beam. This segmentation reduces false detections by requiring coordinated interruptions across multiple beams to trigger an alarm, thereby improving measurement precision while managing device complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-dimensional (single beam) detection to multi-dimensional detection by arranging multiple light beams in spatial configurations (e.g., parallel beams at different heights or angles). This dimensional expansion creates a volumetric detection zone that provides more comprehensive coverage and enables the system to distinguish between legitimate entries and false triggers by analyzing interruption patterns across multiple spatial dimensions.
2Reliability
If user monitoring is required, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to user dependency and frequent false alarms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-monitoring system where the pool safety system automatically detects, evaluates, and responds to unauthorized entries without requiring user intervention. The system includes automated threshold evaluation, false alarm filtering, and alarm generation capabilities. This self-service approach improves reliability by eliminating human error and dependency while managing complexity through integrated processing logic that autonomously handles detection and response functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors light beam interruptions, compares detected events against predetermined thresholds, and adjusts its response based on the evaluation results. The feedback loop includes monitoring the number of interrupted beams, determining whether interruptions exceed thresholds, and automatically generating alarms only when genuine threats are detected. This feedback-driven approach enhances reliability by systematically filtering false alarms while automating the monitoring process.
3Measurement precision
If multiple light beams form a grid, then measurement precision improves for detecting unauthorized entry, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection system into multiple independent light beam channels (e.g., multiple emitters and receivers positioned at different locations). Each beam forms an independent detection zone, and the system evaluates interruptions across multiple beams rather than relying on a single beam. This segmentation reduces false detections by requiring coordinated interruptions across multiple beams to trigger an alarm, thereby improving measurement precision while managing device complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a threshold-based evaluation system that requires a predetermined number of beams to be interrupted simultaneously before triggering an alarm. This partial action approach means that not every single beam interruption triggers an alarm; instead, the system waits for a threshold level of coordinated interruptions. This reduces false alarms from minor obstructions while maintaining high detection accuracy for genuine unauthorized entries, balancing the complexity of multiple beams with intelligent threshold-based filtering.
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
The system provides high accuracy in detecting unauthorized pool entries, reducing false alarms and ensuring timely alerts to remote devices or home alarm systems, enhancing pool safety without requiring user monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
The system comprises a plurality of light beam emitters, such as infrared light beam emitters
Implementation Method 2
The processor monitors the grid, detects unauthorized entry into the pool based on an interruption of one or more of the light beams forming the grid
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for automatically detecting unauthorized entry into a pool requiring no user involvement, and having a high degree of accuracy. The system comprises a plurality of light beam emitter devices and a plurality of light beam receiver devices positioned about the pool and a processor in communication with the plurality of light beam emitter devices and the plurality of light beam receiver devices. The plurality of light beam emitter devices emit a plurality of light beams and the plurality of light beam receiver devices receive a plurality of emitted light beams to form a grid extending across a the pool. Additionally, the processor monitors the grid, detects unauthorized entry into the pool based on an interruption of the grid, and generates and transmits an alarm message based on whether a level of the interruption of the grid exceeds a predetermined threshold.