Occupancy detection apparatus and method for controlling the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional occupancy detection systems, such as those using Passive InfraRed (PIR) sensors and Impulse Response-Ultra Wide Band (IR-UWB), face limitations in accurately determining the location of occupants in large spaces due to high sensitivity to environmental factors and the need for multiple sensors, leading to increased costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A single occupancy detection apparatus with one transmission antenna and two reception antennas processes signals in real-time to track the location of occupants by eliminating background noise and extracting correlation signals, allowing for accurate distance measurement and location tracking without the need for multiple modules, thus simplifying installation and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple PIR sensors are used to detect accurate location in large space, then location accuracy is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions (occupancy detection and location tracking) into a single radar module. The radar module integrates transmission and reception antennas with signal processing capabilities to simultaneously determine both presence and position of occupants, eliminating the need for multiple separate PIR sensors while maintaining location accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The radar module is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting occupancy presence, determining location, and providing distance measurement. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for separate sensors dedicated to each function, reducing overall system complexity while improving measurement precision through integrated signal processing.
2Measurement precision
If multiple radar modules are used for occupancy detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges transmission and reception functions into a single radar module, where the module contains both transmission antennas and reception antennas. This integration allows one module to perform complete radar detection operations, improving detection accuracy while reducing the number of separate modules needed compared to systems requiring multiple distributed radar units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple reception antennas within a single module to capture signal information from different spatial dimensions. By processing signals from multiple antennas through correlation analysis, the system achieves accurate location determination in three-dimensional space using a single modular unit rather than multiple distributed modules.
3Ease of manufacture
If PIR sensor is used for occupancy detection, then cost is reduced, but location determination capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical-based PIR sensing mechanism with a radar-based electromagnetic wave system. This substitution enables the system to provide both occupancy detection and precise location determination capabilities that PIR sensors cannot achieve, while maintaining cost-effectiveness through the use of a single integrated radar module rather than multiple expensive sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental detection parameter from infrared radiation detection (PIR) to electromagnetic wave reflection detection (radar). This parameter change enables the system to measure both presence and location by analyzing the time delay and phase information of reflected radar signals, providing location determination capability that was absent in PIR-based systems.
4Measurement precision
If IR-UWB technology is used for occupancy detection, then distance measurement accuracy is improved, but the need for multiple modules increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple radar modules into a single integrated unit that performs all necessary IR-UWB detection functions. The unified radar module processes signals from multiple reception antennas internally, achieving accurate distance measurement through correlation analysis while eliminating the need for multiple separate modules and their associated synchronization and communication infrastructure.
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 approach enables efficient, long-distance occupancy detection and zone sensing with a single device, supporting intelligent HVAC control, reducing energy consumption, and providing services as needed while maintaining low installation and management costs.
Implementation Method 1
receiving a reflected signal corresponding to the transmission signal
Data Source
AI summary
An occupancy detection apparatus and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. The occupancy detection apparatus may include a transmitter including one transmission antenna for outputting a transmission signal, a receiver including a first reception antenna and a second reception antenna, each for receiving a reflected signal corresponding to the transmission signal, and a processor for eliminating a background signal corresponding to a background from each of the reflected signals, and extracting a signal reflected from an occupant from each of the reflected signals by extracting a correlation between the transmission signal and the reflected signal free of the background signal.