Single PIR Sensor Directional Motion Detection Indoors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems require multiple sensors to determine the direction of motion of occupants within a structure, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A single sensor, such as a PIR sensor with multiple pads or an asymmetric lens sensor, is used to generate an indication of directional motion without relying on signals from additional sensors, allowing for the generation of control signals for devices within the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to determine directional motion, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single sensor is divided into multiple sensor pads arranged in an array, where each pad independently detects motion in its specific zone. This segmentation allows directional motion detection through signal comparison between pads while maintaining a simple single-sensor physical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor pads are positioned asymmetrically to create distinct detection zones with different spatial relationships to the sensor center. This asymmetric arrangement enables the system to differentiate between motion directions (e.g., left-to-right versus right-to-left) by comparing which asymmetric zones are activated.
2Device complexity
If a single sensor is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The single sensor incorporates multiple detection elements (sensor pads) arranged in a spatial array, effectively adding a dimensional aspect to a traditionally point-based sensor. This allows the system to detect not just presence/absence of motion but also the spatial pattern and direction of motion across multiple zones within a single sensor footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The single multi-pad sensor performs multiple functions: it detects motion presence, determines motion direction, and provides spatial localization information. By integrating these capabilities into one sensor unit, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring multiple separate sensors, thus reducing deployment complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
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 efficient detection of directional motion using a single sensor, allowing for automated control of devices and mapping of motion patterns within a structure, while reducing the complexity of sensor deployment.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor may include a PIR sensor including a first sensor pad and a second sensor pad where the first sensor pad may be configured to produce a positive pulse signal when the first sensor pad detects motion
Implementation Method 2
an asymmetric lens sensor including two asymmetric lenses or apertures that focus radiation on a detector and cause the detector to generate pulse signals of different sizes based on the size of a lens or aperture of the two asymmetric lenses or apertures that focused radiation on the detector
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and techniques are provided for presence and directional motion detection. Signals may be received from a sensor positioned in a structure. An indication of directional motion may be generated based on the signals from the sensor. The indication of directional motion may be generated without using signals from additional sensors. A control signal for a device in the structure may be generated in response to the indication of directional motion. The control signal may be sent to the device in the structure to be implemented by the device.