Object Detection Sensor Network for Motion Path Calculation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional object detection sensors lack the capability to accurately determine the direction of movement, position, and number of objects, resulting in low spatial resolution and imprecise motion path calculation.

Innovation Solution

A network of object detection sensors using multiple sensor elements, such as dual or quad pyroelectric sensors, outputs analogue signals that are processed by connected processing units to determine the direction, distance, and number of objects, employing machine learning algorithms to analyze signal waveforms and patterns for precise motion path calculation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional object detection sensors are used, then the system is simple and easy to implement, but the spatial resolution and measurement precision of motion detection are low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion detection precisionVSAvoidsensor network complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the detection area into multiple zones using an array of sensor elements, where each element detects motion in its specific zone. This segmentation allows precise determination of motion direction and position by analyzing which specific sensor elements detect the motion, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring a completely new sensor system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from binary motion detection (present/absent) to spatially-resolved detection by adding a dimensional component that identifies the specific location and direction of motion across the sensor array. This dimensional enhancement enables precise motion path calculation while maintaining the use of conventional sensor elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If digital output of motion sensors is used, then the system is simple to process, but the spatial resolution is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial resolutionVSAvoidsignal processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the sensor output into multiple analog signals corresponding to different sensor elements or zones. By processing these segmented analog signals individually to determine motion characteristics in each zone, the system achieves high spatial resolution while maintaining manageable processing complexity through localized analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality analysis by examining the specific characteristics of analog signals from individual sensor elements or zones to determine motion direction and position. This localized signal analysis enables precise spatial resolution by identifying which specific zones detect motion and in what direction, rather than treating all sensor output uniformly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If multiple sensor elements are used to determine motion direction, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion direction determination accuracyVSAvoidsensor element configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the sensor array into multiple elements with specific spatial arrangements, where each element contributes to motion direction determination. By analyzing which segments detect motion and their relative positions, the system achieves accurate motion direction determination without requiring complex individual sensor elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the outputs of multiple sensor elements into a unified motion detection system that calculates direction and position. By combining information from several simpler sensor elements working in parallel, the system achieves high measurement precision for motion direction while distributing the complexity across multiple identical or similar sensor components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 enables accurate determination of object movement direction, position, and number, improving spatial resolution and allowing for adaptive feature learning to enhance detection accuracy in various environments.

Implementation Method 1

The object detection sensor can be a pyroelectric sensor having a multiplicity of sensor elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPyroelectric effect: Pyroelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3624077B1Object detection sensor network for calculating a motion path of an object
Publication Date: 2023.11.01 ZUMTOBEL LIGHTING GMBH
  • EP3624077B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3624077B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3624077B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to object detection sensors and provides a network 100 including at least two object detection sensors 101, 101'. Each object detection sensor 101, 101' has at least two detection windows 102a, 102b, 102a', 102b' covering different detection areas 103a, 103b, 103a', 103b' or detection angles 104a, 104b, 104a', 104b'. The network 100 also includes one or more processing units 105 supplied with an analogue output signal 106 of each of said object detection sensors 101, 101' and designed for calculating a motion direction 107 of a detected object 108 within the Field-of-View, FOV, 109, 109' of each object detection sensor 101, 101' based on said analogue output signal 106. Further, the network includes a signal combination unit 110, supplied with time-synchronized information of each of the processing units 105 representing the respective calculated motion direction 107, and designed for calculating a motion path 112 of the detected object 108 in an area covering the FOVs 109, 109' of all object detection sensors 101, 101'.