User Presence Detection Using Multi-Sensor Fusion and Dynamic Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining user presence in a specific space are inaccurate, leading to inefficient energy usage and user inconvenience due to incorrect activation or deactivation of electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a combination of sensors to determine user presence by measuring distance, identifying access direction, and calculating motion nonoccurrence duration, allowing for more accurate control of electronic devices based on user presence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single sensor is used to determine user presence, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision is insufficient leading to incorrect presence determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensors (motion sensor, contact sensor, distance sensor) to detect user presence. The controller integrates signals from these different sensors to determine presence more accurately than any single sensor could achieve alone, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the detection function into multiple specialized sensors, each responsible for detecting specific aspects of user presence (motion, contact, distance). This segmentation allows each sensor to be optimized for its specific function while collectively achieving high measurement precision.
2Loss of energy
If motion nonoccurrence duration is used to determine user absence, then energy efficiency is improved, but user convenience deteriorates when users remain stationary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines motion sensor data with contact sensor data to determine user presence. When a user remains stationary, the contact sensor continues to detect their presence through body contact, preventing false absence determination while allowing energy-saving deactivation when users truly leave, thus resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and user convenience.
3Measurement precision
If distance sensing is used to determine user entry, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically selects and activates the second sensor based on the user access direction identified by the first sensor. This dynamic approach allows the system to use distance sensors only when needed for entry detection, improving measurement precision while minimizing device complexity by activating additional sensors only when necessary.
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 approach enhances the accuracy of user presence determination, leading to improved energy efficiency and reduced user inconvenience by accurately controlling electronic devices in response to user activity.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a distance between a door and a user through a distance sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to a sensor network, Machine Type Communication (MTC), Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication, and technology for Internet of Things (IoT). The present disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the above technologies, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services.A communication apparatus performs a method for determining a user's presence in a specific space. In the method, the apparatus receives a first signal from a first sensor and identifies a user access direction, based on the received first signal. Then, the apparatus selects a second sensor, based on the identified user access direction, receives a second signal from the selected second sensor, and determines whether a user enters in the specific space, based on the received second signal.