Sensor Light Distribution Overlap for Secure Data Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

The installation of sensors with a fixed range or coverage area in smart home systems is cumbersome and time-consuming, often requiring trial and error, and lacks a secure and efficient method for accessing sensor data.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising sensors with a specific coverage area and light sources emitting light with a distribution that overlaps the sensor area, embedding a code in the light, allowing devices with light detectors to determine their location within the sensor's range and access sensor data securely.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If trial and error method is used to install sensors, then sensor coverage can be achieved, but installation time and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor coverageVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensors provide real-time coverage information to a central controller, which then guides the installation process. This eliminates trial-and-error by providing immediate feedback on whether the sensor is properly positioned and covering the required area, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining reliable coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring sensor parameters, coverage areas, and evaluation criteria before installation. The central controller prepares the optimal placement positions and coverage requirements in advance, so that during installation, the sensor can be quickly positioned and verified without requiring iterative adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If sensors are installed without secure access control, then ease of operation is improved, but security and data protection are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata accessVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by applying different access control levels to different sensors and data types. Each sensor can have its own authentication requirements and access permissions, allowing easy access for authorized users while maintaining security. The central controller manages these local access policies, enabling differentiated security without compromising overall ease of operation for legitimate users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 method simplifies the installation process by providing real-time feedback on sensor coverage and secure access to sensor data, reducing false positives and enabling users to easily obtain relevant data without database searches.

Implementation Method 1

one or more light sources for emitting light having a light distribution resembling the shape of the sensing volume

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 2

a light detector arranged for detecting the code embedded in the light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3479659B1System and method for providing a device access to sensor data
Publication Date: 2019.10.30 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV
  • EP3479659B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3479659B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3479659B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system (100) for informing a device (120) whether it is located in a sensing volume (112) of a sensor (104) is disclosed. The system (100) comprises the sensor (104) covering the sensing volume (112), the sensing volume (112) having a particular shape. The system further comprises one or more light sources (106) for emitting light having a light distribution (114) resembling the shape of the sensing volume (112), the one or more light sources (106) being arranged with respect to the sensor (104) such that the sensing volume (112) substantially overlaps the light distribution (114), and a driver (108) for driving the one or more light sources (106) to embed a code (116) in the light.