Pyroelectric Focal Plane Array Layout for Low-Power People Counting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pyroelectric detectors for intrusion and presence detection are limited by high costs and energy consumption due to large physical size and low pixel counts, making them unsuitable for scalable and cost-effective occupancy detection and people counting with improved fidelity.
Innovation Solution
A silicon-based pyroelectric detector system with an infrared focal plane array, integrated power management, and energy harvesting capabilities, utilizing a combination of solar, thermal, acoustic, and vibration power sources, along with ferroelectric RAM for low power consumption and efficient data processing, allowing for scalable and cost-effective presence detection and people counting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pixel count is increased to improve detection fidelity, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detector array is segmented into multiple zones with different functional characteristics. First zone pixels have first characteristics optimized for certain detection tasks, while second zone pixels have second characteristics optimized for other tasks. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high detection fidelity across different regions without requiring uniformly high pixel counts everywhere, thus reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the detector array are assigned different pixel characteristics based on local detection requirements. The first zone pixels differ from second zone pixels in terms of their operational parameters, allowing each region to be optimized for its specific function. This local quality approach improves measurement precision where needed while avoiding unnecessary complexity in other regions.
2Device complexity
If physical size is reduced to lower cost, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional planar detector arrangements to a three-dimensional stacked architecture where first and second detector arrays are positioned at different depths. This dimensional change allows the system to maintain manufacturing precision through standardized stacking processes while reducing the overall footprint and device complexity compared to lateral expansions.
3Use of energy by moving object
If energy consumption is reduced for cost effectiveness, then use of energy is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector system operates in periodic cycles, alternating between active detection phases and low-power states. During active phases, detection is performed with full capability, followed by periods of reduced operation or standby mode. This periodic operation reduces average energy consumption while maintaining sufficient productivity for occupancy detection and people counting applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs partial action by activating only the necessary portion of the detector array for each detection task. Rather than operating all pixels continuously at full capacity, the system activates sufficient pixels to meet detection requirements and keeps others in lower-power states, achieving cost-effective operation without sacrificing essential detection productivity.
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 achieves reduced power consumption and cost while maintaining high fidelity in occupancy detection and people counting, with improved yield and reduced privacy concerns through selective motion-based detection and integration of components on a single chip for minimal size and weight.
Implementation Method 1
Pyroelectric detectors used for intrusion and presence detection
Implementation Method 2
The power acquisition device may comprise at least one of a solar power harvester
Implementation Method 3
a thermal power harvester
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A pyroelectric detector (20) includes a focal plane array (22) having a plurality of image sensors configured to convert electromagnetic energy into an electrical signal, and a memory module (24) coupled to the focal plane array. The focal plane array and the memory module are positioned on a common substrate platform (62).