Sensor Device for Non-Intrusive Presence Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for continuous monitoring of individuals with diminished mental or physical capabilities, particularly those living alone, as existing wearable devices can be intrusive and ineffective in detecting vital sign deviations or falls without constant human attention.
Innovation Solution
A combined sensing device with vertically and diagonally oriented sensors, connected to a hardware processor, which detects a person's presence and absence in monitored premises, and activates an alarm system only upon absence or deviation from expected vital sign patterns, reducing power consumption and radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wearable devices are used for continuous monitoring, then monitoring capability is improved, but user comfort and ease of operation deteriorate due to intrusiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary sensing device that monitors persons without requiring them to wear anything. The device uses sensors (motion sensors, cameras, microphones) to detect and analyze person behavior, vital signs, and environmental conditions indirectly, eliminating the need for direct contact with the monitored person while maintaining monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/wearable monitoring systems with a field-based sensing system. Instead of using physical sensors attached to the person (mechanical approach), the system uses electromagnetic fields, acoustic fields, and optical fields to detect and monitor person behavior and vital signs from a distance
2Measurement precision
If sensors are activated continuously for monitoring, then detection capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by activating sensors only during specific time periods when monitoring is needed. The system uses motion sensors to detect presence, then activates additional sensors (cameras, microphones, vital sign sensors) only when a person is detected, rather than keeping all sensors running continuously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the sensor activation state changeable based on detected conditions. The system dynamically adjusts which sensors are active based on motion detection results, person presence, and monitoring requirements, optimizing power consumption while maintaining detection capability
3Measurement precision
If sensors are activated continuously for monitoring, then detection capability is improved, but radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by activating sensors only during specific time periods when monitoring is needed. The system uses motion sensors to detect presence, then activates additional sensors (cameras, microphones, vital sign sensors) only when a person is detected, rather than keeping all sensors running continuously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of continuous radiation exposure into a benefit by using motion detection as a trigger. The system uses low-power motion sensors to detect presence, then selectively activates higher-power sensors only when needed, turning the motion detection capability into a protective mechanism that reduces overall radiation exposure
Data Source
AI summary
A sensing device, comprising: a first sensor, directed vertically down in relation to an identified orientation of the sensing device; at least one second sensor, directed diagonally forward in relation to the identified orientation; at least one hardware processor, electrically connected to the first sensor and the second sensor adapted to: receive at least one first signal from the first sensor or the second sensor indicating a person's presence in a monitored premises; and until receiving at least one second signal from the first sensor or the second sensor indicating an absence of the person from the monitored premises: during a predetermined delay time after receiving the first signal, determine whether one or more expected signals are received from the first sensor or the second sensor; and determine an alarm system operation to be taken subject to the one or more expected signals not being received, according to the determination.