Stereoscopic Pyroelectric Thermal Sensor for Single-Sensor Passage Counting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing counting devices for objects and living beings with thermal signatures require heavy infrastructure due to the need for multiple sensors to determine direction and nature, making them difficult to move or reconfigure.
Innovation Solution
A pyroelectric sensor with two pairs of detection cells, one masked and one unmasked, combined with an optical lens, allows stereoscopic counting and direction determination, using a processing unit and algorithm to analyze thermal signatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are arranged in a passage zone to determine direction and nature of passing entities, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and infrastructure weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is segmented into multiple detection cells (at least two pairs of cells) within a single integrated sensor unit. Each cell can independently detect thermal signatures, allowing the system to determine direction and nature of passing entities through pattern recognition across cells rather than requiring multiple separate sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sensing functions (direction detection, nature identification, counting) are merged into a single sensor unit with multiple detection cells. The patent combines what would traditionally require multiple separate sensors into one integrated component that processes thermal infrared signals to achieve the same measurement precision.
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are deployed to screen the passage zone, then reliability of counting is improved, but ease of movement and reconfiguration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensing functions into a single sensor unit that can be easily moved and reconfigured. By integrating multiple detection cells and processing capabilities into one compact device, the system maintains high reliability for direction determination and counting while becoming portable and adaptable to different locations.
3Device complexity
If a single sensor with multiple detection cells is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The single sensor is segmented into multiple detection cells (at least two pairs) that work together to determine direction and nature of passing entities. This internal segmentation within the single sensor unit provides the necessary measurement precision without requiring multiple separate sensors, thus reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from spatial distribution of multiple sensors to a dimensional approach within a single sensor by using multiple detection cells arranged in specific patterns. This allows direction and nature determination through the spatial arrangement and signal processing across cells within one sensor unit.
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
The solution simplifies counting infrastructure by providing accurate counting and direction determination with a single sensor, achieving high precision and reducing the need for multiple sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a pyroelectric component, preferably digital, integrating at least two pairs of detection cells
Implementation Method 2
at least one optical lens, advantageously adapted to the thermal infrared signal, such as a Fresnel lens, a germanium lens or a zinc selenide lens, placed in front of the pyroelectric component of said sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The subject matter of the present invention concerns a sensor for counting and/or determining the direction of passage of objects and/or living beings, each having a thermal signature, comprising or consisting of:a pyroelectric component, preferably digital, integrating at least two pairs of detection cells; andone cell of which is masked in each pair of cells.The present invention further concerns a mechanical passage collecting unit comprising such a sensor and an optical lens. The present invention further concerns the use of such a sensor, for example in the form of a mechanical passage collecting unit, in a device. The present invention concerns the device as such. The present invention also concerns the sensor data processing algorithm.