Presence Detection Using Infrared and Electrostatic Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing presence detection devices, particularly those using infrared temperature sensors, are prone to false positives due to environmental disturbances and are difficult to install and regulate, while microwave sensors face issues with metal objects and lack distinction between humans and other entities, leading to false alarms.
Innovation Solution
A presence detection system combining an infrared temperature sensor with an electrostatic-charge-variation sensor and a processing unit that jointly processes temperature and charge-variation signals to accurately detect human presence, reducing false alarms and improving installation and regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If infrared temperature sensors are used for presence detection, then heat emission from individuals can be detected, but environmental disturbances and heating sources cause false positives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing technologies (infrared temperature sensors, microwave sensors, and motion detectors) into a dual-technology or multi-technology presence detector. The system requires both temperature change and motion detection to trigger an alarm, thereby eliminating false positives from environmental heat sources while maintaining accurate human presence detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts detection parameters such as temperature thresholds and sensitivity levels based on environmental conditions. By continuously monitoring baseline temperature and adapting detection criteria, the system maintains high accuracy while reducing false alarms caused by environmental variations.
2Measurement precision
If microwave sensors are used for presence detection, then movement of objects can be detected, but metal objects and non-human entities cause false alarms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates microwave motion detection with infrared temperature sensing and other detection methods. By requiring corroboration from multiple sensor types, the system distinguishes human presence from metal objects and other non-human entities, significantly reducing false alarms while maintaining motion detection capability.
3Reliability
If multiple sensors are combined to improve detection accuracy, then false positives are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs integrated presence detection devices that combine multiple sensing functions within a single unit. The dual-technology detector incorporates both infrared and microwave sensors along with processing logic in one device, simplifying installation and operation while maintaining high detection accuracy through multi-parameter monitoring.
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 enhances detection accuracy by reducing false positives and negatives, differentiates between humans and pets, and automatically adjusts to environmental conditions, providing reliable presence detection.
Implementation Method 1
temperature sensors based on detection of radiation in the infrared (IR) range
Implementation Method 2
a voltage VT=NαΔT is generated as a result of the Seebeck effect, being proportional to the difference in temperature ΔT
Implementation Method 3
an electrostatic-charge-variation sensor configured to provide a charge-variation signal indicative of a variation of electrostatic charge associated with the at least one individual
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with an embodiment, a detection device includes: an infrared temperature sensor configured to provide a temperature signal associated with an heat emission of at least one individual within a monitored area; an electrostatic-charge-variation sensor configured to provide a charge-variation signal indicative of a variation of electrostatic charge associated with the at least one individual; and a processing unit, coupled to the infrared temperature sensor and to the electrostatic-charge-variation sensor, the processing unit configured to detect a presence of the at least one individual within the monitored area by receiving the temperature signal and the charge-variation signal, and jointly processing the temperature signal and charge.