Virtual Sensors for Security Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional security systems rely on physical sensors for monitoring, which can be costly and require extensive installation, limiting their flexibility and ability to detect complex events.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of virtual sensors, specifically image sensors configured to detect custom events, which can be trained to sense various conditions such as door openings, person presence, and facial recognition, using image data and user-defined inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional physical sensors are used for security monitoring, then reliability of detection is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a single image sensor to perform multiple sensor functions simultaneously. The image sensor can detect door openings, motion, presence, and even perform facial recognition, replacing what would traditionally require multiple specialized physical sensors. This multi-functional approach maintains detection reliability while significantly reducing system complexity and installation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs copying by creating virtual sensor data from image data. Instead of using physical sensors that directly detect physical quantities, the system captures images and processes them to generate sensor-like detection data. This copying approach allows traditional security systems to be upgraded with intelligent monitoring capabilities without requiring extensive physical infrastructure changes.
2Measurement precision
If traditional physical sensors are used for security monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation and installation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing physical mechanical sensors with an optical-based image sensor system. The image sensor captures visual information that is then processed to provide detection capabilities similar to traditional sensors. This substitution maintains measurement precision for detection events while dramatically simplifying installation, as the image sensor can be positioned remotely and connected via standard communication interfaces without requiring physical mounting on doors or windows.
3Adaptability or versatility
If virtual sensors using image data are implemented, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but measurement precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the sensor system configurable and adaptable through software. The image sensor can be programmed to detect different events (door openings, motion, presence) and adjust its detection parameters based on the specific application. This dynamic configurability provides high adaptability while maintaining precision through adjustable detection thresholds and processing algorithms that can be optimized for each detection task.
Data Source
AI summary
Virtual sensor technology, in which a camera is controlled to capture at least one configuration image of an area monitored by a monitoring system and input is received that defines one or more characteristics of the at least one configuration image that enable sensing of an event in the area. Based on the received input, configuration data used in sensing the event is generated and stored. After storage of the configuration data, the camera is controlled to capture one or more images of the area, the one or more images are analyzed based on the configuration data, and occurrence of the event is detected based on the analysis of the one or more images. Based on detecting occurrence of the event, a transmitting device is controlled to send, to a controller of the monitoring system, a signal that indicates the detection of the occurrence of the event.