Thermal Motion Detector Low Power Triggering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security systems face challenges in reliably capturing thermal images of intruders in monitored locations, especially in low light conditions, and require significant power consumption and infrastructure, which limits their effectiveness and operational duration.
Innovation Solution
A thermal imaging system that uses a thermal motion sensor and a thermal imaging sensor operating in the same IR spectrum, allowing for motion detection and image capture independent of light conditions, with components maintained in a low power mode to reduce power consumption and extend battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the thermal imaging sensor operates continuously to capture thermal images, then the image capture reliability is improved, but the power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal imaging sensor operates in periodic cycles, switching between low-power mode and active imaging mode based on motion detection events. The system activates the thermal imaging sensor only when motion is detected by the motion detector, rather than operating continuously, thus reducing overall power consumption while maintaining reliable image capture when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The motion detector continuously monitors the environment in advance to detect motion before triggering the thermal imaging sensor. This preliminary detection allows the system to prepare for image capture only when necessary, avoiding unnecessary power consumption from continuous thermal imaging operation.
2Speed
If the thermal imaging sensor is kept in operational mode to ensure immediate image capture, then the response time is improved, but the battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic motion detection to trigger thermal imaging operation. The motion detector operates continuously at low power to monitor for motion, and only activates the power-intensive thermal imaging sensor when motion is detected, thereby extending battery life while maintaining rapid response capability when intruders are present.
3Reliability
If multiple sensors and infrastructure components are deployed to improve detection reliability, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines a motion detector and thermal imaging sensor into an integrated security system where both components operate in the infrared spectrum. The motion detector and thermal imaging sensor work together as a coordinated unit, sharing power management and control logic, which reduces overall system complexity compared to separate independent systems while maintaining high detection reliability.
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 system effectively captures high-quality thermal images without external light sources, reducing power consumption and extending operational time, while avoiding false positives and simplifying installation with reduced wiring needs.
Implementation Method 1
one or more motion detectors being a thermal motion sensor adapted for operation at infrared (IR) wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
a thermal imaging sensor... Capturing one or more thermal images of at least a part of the monitored location
Data Source
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AI summary
A system of capturing thermal images in a monitored location, comprising one or more motion detectors for detecting a motion in a monitored location, the one or more motion detector being a thermal motion sensor, and a thermal imaging sensor, operating in a low power mode, triggered by a motion detection indication to enter an operational mode in order to capture one or more thermal images of at least a part of the monitored location. The motion detection indication is generated by the one or more motion detectors at a detection of a motion in the monitored location.