Time-of-Flight Sensor for Intruder Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer systems struggle to effectively maintain user privacy by detecting intruders behind the user without relying on energy-intensive camera systems, which can be intrusive and ineffective under certain conditions, especially when faces are partially hidden.
Innovation Solution
A computer system equipped with a time-of-flight sensor that acquires distance information to detect individuals behind the user, consuming less energy and capable of distinguishing users from intruders, even under varying light conditions and with partially hidden faces, using criteria such as distance, movement, and duration of presence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a camera with image processing algorithms is used to detect intruders, then intruder detection capability is improved, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the camera-based optical detection system with a time-of-flight sensor system that uses electromagnetic waves (infrared light) to measure distance and detect intruders. This substitution eliminates the need for continuous image acquisition and complex image processing algorithms, thereby significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining intruder detection capability through simple distance measurement and movement detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential detection function from the complex camera system, using a time-of-flight sensor to measure distance and detect movement without capturing images. This extraction approach removes unnecessary components (image processing algorithms, continuous camera operation) while retaining the core function of intruder detection, thus reducing energy consumption.
2Reliability
If a camera is used continuously to detect intruders, then detection reliability is improved, but user privacy is compromised and user experience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using the time-of-flight sensor to detect intruders only when necessary (when movement is detected or periodically at low power intervals) rather than continuous monitoring. The system activates detection only when needed, maintaining reliability while respecting user privacy and reducing intrusion感.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the camera system with a time-of-flight sensor that does not capture images or visual data, thereby maintaining detection reliability without compromising user privacy. The sensor only measures distance and movement, eliminating the need for continuous visual monitoring that would intrude on user privacy.
3Reliability
If face detection algorithms are used, then intruder detection is improved, but accuracy decreases when faces are partially hidden
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces face detection algorithms with a time-of-flight sensor system that detects intruders based on distance measurement and movement detection. This substitution eliminates the dependency on facial recognition, thereby maintaining high detection accuracy even when faces are partially hidden by masks or other objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameters from facial recognition features to distance and movement parameters. By using time-of-flight measurements to detect changes in distance and movement patterns, the system can accurately identify intruders regardless of facial visibility, as the detection is based on spatial and temporal parameters rather than visual recognition.
4Reliability
If a confidentiality filter is applied to the screen, then viewing privacy is improved, but the solution is incomplete as it does not prevent viewing from behind the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the privacy protection into two parts: (1) the confidentiality filter that prevents side viewing, and (2) the time-of-flight sensor system that detects and alerts the user to intruders from behind. This segmentation allows the system to address different viewing angles and intruder positions separately, providing comprehensive privacy protection that combines both approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the time-of-flight sensor as an intermediary system that works in conjunction with the confidentiality filter. The sensor detects intruders and provides alerts to the user, serving as a mediator that enhances the privacy protection provided by the confidentiality filter alone, thereby achieving comprehensive privacy protection against various intruder positions.
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 provides a non-intrusive and energy-efficient method for detecting individuals behind the user, enhancing privacy while minimizing false positives and not requiring continuous camera usage, allowing for accurate differentiation between the main user and potential intruders.
Implementation Method 1
a time-of-flight sensor disposed in the vicinity of the screen and configured to acquire distance information of several zones of a scene located facing the screen in a field of view of the time-of-flight sensor
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment a computer system includes a display screen, a time-of-flight sensor disposed in a vicinity of the screen and configured to acquire distance information of several zones of a scene facing the screen in a field of view of the time-of-flight sensor and a processor configured to determine a presence of a user of the computer system in the scene, detect a presence of at least one individual other than the user from the distance information acquired by the time-of-flight sensor and inform the user when a presence of the at least one individual other than the user is detected.