Portable Control Device for Motion Sensor Threshold Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for adjusting the detection range of motion sensors are time-consuming and labor-intensive, requiring multiple adjustments and tests to set a suitable threshold, especially in large systems with multiple detectors.

Innovation Solution

A portable control device with communication, display, and input means allows direct adjustment of the detection threshold by displaying the detection signal generated by the operator's movement within the sensor's range, enabling easy and reliable setting of the threshold without trial and error.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the detection threshold is adjusted by trial and error method, then the sensor range can be set, but the adjustment process becomes extremely time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor range setting accuracyVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the motion sensor continuously provides detection signals to the portable control device, which displays real-time feedback to the user. This allows the user to see the immediate effect of threshold adjustments without trial-and-error physical testing, directly resolving the time-consuming adjustment process while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The portable control device serves as an intermediary between the user and the motion sensor. It receives detection signals from the sensor, processes the threshold adjustment commands from the user, and transmits the adjusted thresholds back to the sensor. This intermediary eliminates the need for direct trial-and-error testing by the user and automates the adjustment process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the detection threshold is adjusted manually on the sensor, then the range can be modified, but the process requires climbing to the sensor location which is usually near the ceiling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethreshold adjustabilityVSAvoidadjustment accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The portable control device acts as a remote intermediary that allows users to adjust the detection threshold from ground level without physically accessing the ceiling-mounted sensor. The control device communicates wirelessly with the sensor, transmitting threshold adjustment commands and receiving detection signals, thereby making the adjustment process accessible and safe.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physically accessing the sensor (climbing to ceiling location) with a wireless electronic system. The portable control device uses wireless communication to remotely adjust the sensor's detection threshold, substituting mechanical access with electronic control and eliminating the need for physical proximity to the sensor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If the detection threshold is set without real-time feedback, then the adjustment process is simple, but it requires multiple adjustments and tests to achieve satisfactory results

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment process simplicityVSAvoidsystem setup efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The portable control device displays real-time detection signals received from the motion sensor, providing immediate feedback to the user about the current threshold effectiveness. This feedback loop allows users to make informed adjustments in a single pass rather than requiring multiple trial-and-error cycles, significantly improving setup efficiency while maintaining process simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection and displays the detection signal before the user finalizes the threshold adjustment. This preliminary action allows the user to see the expected outcome of the adjustment beforehand, enabling more accurate threshold setting in a single attempt and reducing the need for repeated adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3877963B1Portable control apparatus for controlling a motion sensor
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 STEINEL
  • EP3877963B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3877963B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3877963B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a portable control apparatus (100) for controlling a motion sensor (200), comprising communication means (110), display means (120) and input means (130). The communication means (110) allow wireless communication with a motion sensor (200) and are suitable for receiving a detection signal, currently generated in the motion sensor (200), from the motion sensor (200) while the control apparatus (100) is in a detection region (210) of the motion sensor (200). The display means (120) allow this detection signal to be displayed. The input means (130) allow the adjustment of a detection threshold at which a movement is detected by the motion sensor (200), on the basis of the displayed detection signal. The adjusted detection threshold is transferred to the motion sensor (200) by the communication means (110) and set there as the applicable detection threshold.