Pyroelectric detector system
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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 efficient occupancy detection and people counting with improved fidelity.
Innovation Solution
A silicon-based pyroelectric detector system integrating a focal plane array, memory module, processor, signal conditioning module, and wireless communication module on a common substrate platform, with power management and energy harvesting capabilities, allowing for efficient operation in sleep and full capability modes to reduce power consumption and enhance detection fidelity.
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 manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is divided into multiple discrete pixels arranged in an array configuration, allowing the system to achieve high measurement precision through spatial segmentation of the detection field while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point or low-resolution detection to a two-dimensional array of pixels, adding spatial dimensionality to the detection system. This enables high-fidelity detection across the entire field of view by distributing measurement points across multiple dimensions rather than requiring excessive pixels in a single dimension
2Measurement precision
If pixel count is increased to improve detection fidelity, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional components including the pixel array, readout integrated circuit, and signal processing elements are merged into a single integrated detector assembly. This consolidation reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while enabling high pixel counts for improved detection fidelity, as the integration approach allows for scalable production
3Measurement precision
If array size is increased to accommodate more pixels, then measurement precision is improved, but physical size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested architecture where the pixel array is integrated within a compact substrate, and the readout integrated circuit is positioned adjacent to or within the same package. This nesting approach allows high pixel density while minimizing the overall physical footprint of the detector system
4Measurement precision
If energy consumption is increased to support higher pixel counts, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The readout integrated circuit employs periodic sampling and correlation techniques to detect thermal signals from the pixel array. This periodic action approach allows the system to achieve high measurement precision with lower energy consumption by processing signals in discrete time intervals rather than continuous operation, reducing overall power requirements
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 integrated system achieves cost-effective and energy-efficient occupancy detection and people counting with improved fidelity, reducing physical size and power consumption while maintaining detection accuracy and scalability.
Implementation Method 1
a focal plane array integrated into the substrate platform, the focal plane array including a plurality of image sensors configured to convert electromagnetic radiation into an electrical signal
Data Source
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).