Thermal Pixel-Array Occupancy Monitoring Beyond PIR False Shutoffs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing occupancy monitoring systems using passive infrared (PIR) sensors often incorrectly turn off lights in a room after a predetermined time, even if people are still present, due to their inability to accurately differentiate between occupancy and inactivity.
Innovation Solution
An occupancy monitoring system utilizing a thermal sensor with a pixel array to detect heat information, allowing for precise determination of occupancy and activity levels by comparing pixel values across different regions, and adjusting lighting and HVAC systems accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If passive infrared (PIR) motion sensors are used for occupancy sensing, then the system can detect motion in a room, but the lights will automatically turn off after a predetermined period even if people are still present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring approach into multiple independent sensor channels: PIR sensors detect motion while thermal cameras detect heat signatures. By segmenting the detection function across different sensor types, the system overcomes the limitation of PIR alone and accurately determines occupancy even when motion is absent, preventing premature light shutdown and energy waste.
2Measurement precision
If PIR sensors are used to control lighting, then the system can respond to motion, but it cannot differentiate between occupancy and inactivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges PIR motion detection with thermal camera-based heat signature detection into a unified occupancy monitoring system. This combination allows the system to precisely differentiate between occupancy and inactivity by cross-referencing data from both sensors, achieving high measurement precision while maintaining operational simplicity through integrated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an image processing unit as an intermediary that analyzes thermal data and generates occupancy information. This intermediary component bridges the gap between raw thermal data and actionable occupancy status, enabling precise differentiation between occupied and unoccupied states without significantly increasing system operational complexity.
3Measurement precision
If a thermal camera with pixel array is used to detect heat information, then the system can precisely determine occupancy and activity levels, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the thermal camera's pixel array into multiple regions of interest (ROIs) that can be independently analyzed. This segmentation allows the system to focus computational resources on specific areas where occupancy or activity is detected, achieving high measurement precision while reducing overall processing complexity by avoiding full-array analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality analysis by assigning different analysis parameters to different regions of the thermal image. For example, certain pixels are designated for occupancy detection while others monitor activity levels. This regional differentiation enables precise local measurements without requiring complex global processing, thereby managing device complexity effectively.
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 monitors occupancy and activity levels, ensuring that lighting and temperature conditions are maintained based on actual presence and activity, improving energy efficiency and user comfort.
Implementation Method 1
thermal sensor with a pixel array to detect heat information
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are embodiments of an occupancy monitoring system. The occupancy monitoring system includes a thermal sensor configured to monitor a gate (e.g., entry way) to a space. The thermal sensor includes a pixel array that generates a pixel value for each pixel in the pixel array, and the pixel value corresponds to a quantity of heat or thermal information detected by a pixel. The occupancy monitoring system acquires pixel values for the pixels of the pixel array. The occupancy monitoring system determines whether there is a change in occupancy of the space based on changes to a first region (or first pixel cluster) of the pixel array and a second region (or second pixel cluster) of the pixel array over time. The occupancy monitoring system may adjust lighting, temperature, and/or security systems for the space as the occupancy changes.