Wireless Sensor Auto-Configuration via Signal Strength Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing security systems lack the ability for end users to reconfigure or alter settings without requiring the installer's intervention, limiting flexibility and usability.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that detect and adjust sensor types based on location changes by analyzing signal strengths from sensors, allowing for automatic reconfiguration and triggering alarms or notifications as needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If security systems are installed with fixed configurations, then system stability and reliability are improved, but adaptability and ease of reconfiguration deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidreconfiguration capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects sensor locations and adjusts sensor types based on signal strength measurements without requiring installer intervention. The security panel autonomously performs configuration changes when sensors are moved, enabling the system to reconfigure itself while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes sensor type parameters based on detected location changes. When a sensor's signal strength indicates it has been moved to a different location, the system automatically adjusts the sensor type configuration to match the new environmental context, resolving the contradiction between fixed configuration stability and reconfiguration adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If manual reconfiguration by installers is required, then configuration accuracy is improved, but installation time and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The security panel automatically detects when sensors are moved by monitoring signal strength changes and autonomously reconfigures the system accordingly. This eliminates the need for installer intervention, reducing installation and reconfiguration time while maintaining configuration accuracy through automated detection and adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors wireless signal strength from sensors and uses this feedback to automatically detect location changes. When signal strength indicates a sensor has been moved, the system triggers automatic reconfiguration, ensuring accurate sensor placement detection and configuration adjustment without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If sensors are allowed to be moved to different locations, then system flexibility and adaptability are improved, but false alarms and measurement accuracy may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor relocation flexibilityVSAvoidsensor trigger accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors signal strength from each sensor and compares it against expected values for known locations. This feedback mechanism enables the system to detect when a sensor has been moved and automatically adjust the sensor type configuration to match the new location characteristics, preventing false alarms while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

When the system detects a sensor location change through signal strength analysis, it automatically changes the sensor type parameter to correspond to the new location. This dynamic parameter adjustment ensures that sensor triggers remain accurate and meaningful regardless of sensor relocation, resolving the contradiction between relocation flexibility and trigger accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables faster and more accurate installation and reorganization of security systems by automatically determining sensor locations and adjusting settings, enhancing user flexibility and system responsiveness.

Implementation Method 1

detecting a first wireless signal from a first sensor; determining a first signal strength of the first wireless signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWireless signal propagation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3803817B1Method for auto configuring wireless sensors in diy security systems
Publication Date: 2024.01.10 CARRIER CORP
  • EP3803817B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3803817B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3803817B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of determining a location of one or more sensors in a security system is provided. The method including: detecting a first wireless signal from a first sensor; determining a first signal strength of the first wireless signal; associating the first signal strength of the first wireless signal with a first location; detecting a second wireless signal from the first sensor; determining a second signal strength of the second wireless signal; associating the second signal strength of the second wireless signal with the second location; detecting a first sensor trigger using the first sensor; and determining that the first sensor trigger occurred at the second location.