Single Pixel Thermopile Sensor Angular Orientation for Presence Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor technologies for presence detection in built environments are often expensive, privacy-sensitive, and overly complex, limiting their applicability for controlling electrical devices like lighting.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device comprising a Single Pixel Thermopile oriented at an angle relative to a surface, coupled with a controller that measures temperature signals over time to detect asymmetric patterns indicative of movement direction, location, and speed, allowing for the control of electrical devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a Single Pixel Thermopile is used for presence detection, then cost is reduced, but spatial resolution and measurement capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the single-pixel thermopile's limited spatial measurement into a functional advantage by orienting it at an angle (20-45 degrees) relative to the surface. This angular orientation creates an elongated detection area projection on the surface, enabling movement direction detection through temporal temperature pattern analysis. The system compensates for spatial resolution limitations by adding temporal and angular dimensions to the measurement approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent deliberately introduces asymmetry by orienting the single pixel thermopile at an angle rather than perpendicular to the surface. This asymmetric orientation causes the detection region to project an elongated area on the surface, creating asymmetric temperature patterns when objects move across different directions. The controller detects these asymmetric patterns to determine movement direction, transforming a potential disadvantage into a functional capability.
2Measurement precision
If cameras or thermopile arrays are used for presence and activity detection, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the single pixel thermopile perform multiple functions that would traditionally require different sensor types. By analyzing temporal temperature patterns from the angled orientation, the system can detect presence, determine movement direction, and infer activity patterns using a single inexpensive sensor, replacing cameras, PIR sensors, and thermopile arrays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex sensing systems (cameras, PIR sensors, thermopile arrays) with an inexpensive single pixel thermopile. The system achieves adequate detection capability for controlling electrical devices without requiring expensive hardware, making the solution economically viable for widespread deployment in built environments.
3Ease of operation
If traditional presence sensors are used, then presence detection is achieved, but privacy concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the thermal information necessary for presence and movement detection, deliberately excluding visual information. By using a single pixel thermopile that measures only temperature patterns, the system achieves presence detection functionality without capturing images or identifiable visual data, thereby preserving privacy while maintaining operational effectiveness.
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 solution provides a cost-effective and privacy-preserving method for determining movement characteristics, enabling the control of electrical devices such as lighting systems, while extending the application of Single Pixel Thermopile technology beyond its spatial limitations.
Implementation Method 1
A Single Pixel Thermopile (SPT) converts thermal energy into electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is related to an application of a Single Pixel Thermopile (SPT). The invention provides a sensor device comprising a Single Pixel Thermopile and a controller, wherein the Single Pixel Thermopile is configured to monitor a detection region and to measure over time a temperature signal of said detection region; wherein the detection region is bounded by a surface and the Single Pixel Thermopile is oriented at an angle of at least 20 degrees normal to the surface; wherein a projection of the detection region onto the surface renders an elongated detection area with a length axis and a width axis; wherein the controller is configured to: obtain the temperature signal of the detection region; determine a movement characteristic of a person moving across said surface by detecting a pattern in the temperature signal of the detection region; output an output signal configured to control an electrical device upon determining the movement characteristic.