Portable Multi-Sensor Placement for Location-Based Application Switching

Solution Overview

Problem

The proliferation of multiple sensor devices in homes and offices for various applications leads to increased power consumption and decreased aesthetics, as each application typically uses its own sensor devices.

Innovation Solution

A portable sensor device equipped with multiple sensor types that transmits different types of environmental data based on its location, allowing a single device to be used for multiple applications by activating/deactivating sensors and adjusting sampling rates and granularities based on location, thereby reducing the need for multiple devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sensor devices are installed for different applications, then application functionality is ensured, but power consumption increases and aesthetics deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication functionalityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The portable sensor device is designed to perform multiple sensor functions across different applications (lighting control, security, environmental monitoring) using a single multi-functional platform with various sensor modalities, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensor devices and thereby reducing overall power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple sensor types (motion sensors, light sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors) are integrated into a single portable device, combining their functions so that one device can serve multiple applications simultaneously or sequentially, reducing the total number of devices and power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sensor devices are installed for different applications, then application functionality is ensured, but the number of devices increases and aesthetics are degraded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication functionalityVSAvoidnumber of sensor devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The portable sensor device is designed to perform multiple sensor functions across different applications (lighting control, security, environmental monitoring) using a single multi-functional platform with various sensor modalities, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensor devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple sensor types (motion sensors, light sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors) are integrated into a single portable device, combining their functions so that one device can serve multiple applications simultaneously or sequentially

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a portable sensor device is repositioned to switch between applications, then device versatility is improved, but location determination complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice versatilityVSAvoidlocation determination complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A communication unit serves as an intermediary between the portable sensor device and external devices, facilitating automatic location determination and application switching through wireless communication without requiring complex manual configuration or processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12625218B2System for monitoring a space by a portable sensor device and a method thereof

Publication Date: 2026.05.12 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV

AI summary

A method and a system for monitoring a space by a portable sensor device (102) are disclosed. The portable sensor device (102) comprising a first sensor (120) of a first sensor type for providing first sensor data indicative of first environmental information in the space, and a second sensor (122) of a second sensor type for providing second sensor data indicative of second environmental information in the space. The method comprises determining a location of the portable sensor device (102) in the space, transmitting, if the portable sensor device (102) is located at the first location, the first sensor data indicative of the first environmental information via the communication unit to a first device or application (110) of a plurality of devices or applications (110, 112), and transmitting, if the portable sensor (device 102) is located at the second location, the second sensor data indicative of the second environmental information via the communication unit to a second device or application (112) of the plurality of devices or applications (110, 112).