Single-Radar Zone Control for Localized Room Device Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlling electric or electronic devices in rooms activate the entire room when a person is detected, even though only specific zones may need activation, often requiring multiple sensors to differentiate between zones.
Innovation Solution
A method using a single radar sensor to define and control different zones within a room, allowing for the detection of activity and subsequent activation of devices only in the specific zone where activity is detected, enabling precise control of electric or electronic devices in various zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to detect activity in different zones, then zone differentiation precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection space into multiple zones by processing signals from different spatial directions using a single radar sensor. The system segments the room into zones based on angular position and distance, allowing precise zone identification without requiring multiple physical sensors. Each zone is defined by specific angular ranges and distance thresholds from the radar sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point detection model to a multi-dimensional detection model by utilizing angular position, distance, and velocity information from the radar sensor. This dimensional expansion allows the system to differentiate zones within a single sensor's field of view, resolving the contradiction between zone precision and sensor quantity.
2Device complexity
If a single radar sensor is used to control zones, then device complexity is reduced, but zone detection precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for the limitations of a single sensor by exploiting multiple dimensions of the radar signal: azimuth angle, elevation angle, distance, and velocity. This multi-dimensional information space allows precise zone differentiation that would otherwise require multiple sensors positioned at different locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts detection parameters such as angular thresholds, distance ranges, and velocity filters to optimize zone detection accuracy. By changing these parameters based on the defined zone boundaries and activity patterns, the single radar sensor achieves precision comparable to multiple sensors.
3Reliability
If devices in the entire room are activated upon person detection, then reliability of device activation is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by activating devices only in the specific zone where activity is detected, rather than throughout the entire room. Each zone has its own activation rules and associated devices, allowing energy-efficient localized control while maintaining reliable activation where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial activation by selectively enabling devices in affected zones only, avoiding the excessive action of activating all devices in the room. This partial approach reduces energy consumption while maintaining sufficient reliability for the actual user needs.
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 allows for efficient and precise control of electric or electronic devices in specific zones of a room using a single radar sensor, reducing the need for multiple sensors and enabling localized activation of devices based on detected activity, such as presence, movement, or gestures.
Implementation Method 1
detecting activity within the defined boundaries of at least one of the at least two different zones of the room or area with a radar sensor
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention provides a method for triggering the start of an action of at least one electric or electronic device in at least one zone (3a, 3b) of at least two different zones (3a, 3b) of a room or area (1) in a house or building. The method comprises in a first step defining the boundaries (4) of the at least two different zones (3a, 3b) in the room or area (1). The method further comprises detecting activity within the boundaries (4) of at least one of the at least two different zones (3a, 3b) of the room or area (1) with a radar sensor (2), and based on the detected activity, controlling at least one electric or electronic device only in that at least one zone (3a, 3b) where the activity was detected.