Virtual Sensor Overlay for Real-Time Detection Zone Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for installing sensors, such as PIR detectors, are limited to specific situations and require camera recording capabilities, making them impractical for a wide range of applications and installations.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device and method that use a processor to obtain images, determine sensor locations and detection zones, and superimpose virtual representations of sensors and detection zones over images, allowing users to specify or adapt sensor properties, including location and settings, for real-time testing and optimization without the need for a physical sensor or camera.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a PIR detector with camera recording capability is used to visualize detection zones, then the detection zone can be recorded and reviewed, but the method is limited to specific situations and requires camera recording capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection zone visualizationVSAvoidapplication range
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the sensor and its detection zone that can be superimposed over camera images. This virtual representation allows visualization without requiring the physical sensor to have camera recording capabilities, thereby expanding applicability to any sensor type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary that receives images from a camera, processes them, and superimposes virtual sensor representations. This intermediary approach separates the camera function from the sensor function, allowing independent selection of camera and sensor types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If a sensor with integrated camera is used to capture and transmit images, then real-time visualization is possible, but the sensor becomes more complex and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereal-time visualizationVSAvoidsensor structure
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the system into separate functional components: a camera for image capture, a mobile device for processing and visualization, and a sensor for detection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device serves multiple functions: it acts as the camera, the processing unit, the display device, and the control interface. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for specialized expensive sensor designs while maintaining real-time visualization capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If sensor installation is tested with physical sensors before purchase, then proper functionality can be verified, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and requires physical presence

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor functionality verificationVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables users to perform preliminary testing and visualization of sensor placement and detection zones before actual sensor installation or purchase. The virtual representation allows users to explore different installation scenarios and verify functionality in advance, saving time during actual installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

By using virtual representations of sensors and detection zones superimposed on real-time camera images, the system allows virtual testing and verification of sensor placement without requiring physical sensors to be present during the planning phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

4Measurement precision

If the detection zone is determined based on sensor location, then accurate coverage can be visualized, but the system becomes more complex requiring multiple parameters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection zone accuracyVSAvoidsystem parameters
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows users to adjust sensor parameters such as detection range and sensitivity, and the detection zone is dynamically recalculated based on these parameters. This enables accurate visualization while keeping the interface simple through intuitive parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3776506B1Superimposing a virtual representation of a sensor and its detection zone over an image
Publication Date: 2024.09.25 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV
  • EP3776506B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3776506B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3776506B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An electronic device (1) is configured to obtain an image captured with a camera, determine a location for a sensor, determine a detection zone of the sensor in relation to the image based on the location determined for the sensor, and display the image, a virtual representation (54) of the sensor and a virtual representation (55) of the detection zone superimposed over the image. The electronic device is configured to allow a user to specify or adapt at least one property for the sensor (17). This at least one property includes the location for the sensor and may further include the orientation and/or the settings of the sensor.