Presence Detection Sensor Configuration via Static Element Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current presence detection sensors have cumbersome and difficult installation procedures, requiring manual adjustments that are inefficient and prone to errors, which hinders their effective configuration and energy efficiency in lighting control systems.

Innovation Solution

A configuration unit and method that utilize a transmitter and receivers to estimate the location of static elements through probing signals, automatically configuring the sensor for presence detection by determining the direction, transmitting range, and power of the probing signal, thereby optimizing sensor settings and reducing energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual adjustment of sensor settings is performed, then the sensor can be configured for presence detection, but the installation procedure becomes cumbersome and difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of sensor configurationVSAvoidcomplexity of installation procedure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor performs automatic self-configuration by detecting static elements in the environment and autonomously determining optimal detection parameters, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and simplifying installation procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor conducts preliminary detection of the installation environment during setup, automatically identifying static elements and pre-configuring detection parameters before actual use, thereby streamlining the installation process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If manual adjustment of sensor settings is performed, then the sensor can be configured, but the configuration process becomes time-consuming and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveefficiency of sensor configurationVSAvoidtime for installation and configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor automatically configures itself by detecting the environment and setting optimal parameters without human intervention, dramatically reducing configuration time and improving installation efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of sensor parameters with automated electronic detection and configuration systems, eliminating time-consuming manual operations

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If the sensor detection range is increased to cover more area, then more targets can be detected, but false detections from static elements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection coverage areaVSAvoidaccuracy of presence detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor applies different detection strategies to different spatial regions, using refined detection criteria in areas with static elements while maintaining broader detection coverage in open spaces, thereby improving overall accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor performs preliminary mapping of static elements in the environment and uses this information to adjust detection parameters and exclude static regions from active detection, preventing false detections while maintaining coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution provides a convenient, reliable, and energy-efficient configuration of presence detection sensors, reducing manual intervention and improving detection accuracy by automatically adjusting settings based on static element locations, leading to enhanced performance and reduced energy usage.

Implementation Method 1

The return signal is generated by reflection of the probing signal against the static element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS9161417B2Configuration unit and method for configuring a presence detection sensor
Publication Date: 2015.10.13 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV
  • US9161417B2 patent drawing
  • US9161417B2 patent drawing
  • US9161417B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A configuration unit (1) and a method for configuring a sensor (2) comprising a transmitter (4) and a plurality of receivers (6) are provided. The configuration unit is operatively connected to the transmitter and the plurality of receivers, and is adapted to estimate the location of a static element (8) based on a probing signal (5) transmitted by the transmitter and based on a return signal (7) received by the plurality of receivers. The return signal is generated by reflection of the probing signal against the static element. Moreover, the configuration unit is adapted to configure the sensor, for presence detection of a target (9), based on the estimated location of the static element.