Volumetric Sensor Zone Segmentation for Continuous Access Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Volumetric monitoring systems cannot differentiate between authorized and unauthorized individuals, requiring deactivation when people are present, leading to inability to detect unauthorized access.

Innovation Solution

A device and method using multiple volumetric sensors to distinguish between authorized and unauthorized zones within a monitored space, allowing continuous operation even when people are present, with sensors like PIR or microwave/ultrasound technology and optical cones for enhanced detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If volumetric sensors are used to monitor a space, then detection capability is improved, but the system must be deactivated when persons are present, reducing security coverage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidcontinuous operation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The monitored space is segmented into multiple zones (first zone for authorized persons, second zone for unauthorized access detection). This allows the system to differentiate between authorized and unauthorized presence, enabling continuous operation while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A control unit acts as an intermediary that receives signals from volumetric sensors and processes them to distinguish between authorized and unauthorized persons. This mediator enables the system to maintain operation continuously by interpreting sensor data intelligently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If the system is deactivated when persons are present, then false alarms are reduced, but unauthorized access cannot be detected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefalse alarmsVSAvoidunauthorized access detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the space into authorized and unauthorized zones, the system can allow persons in the first zone without triggering false alarms while maintaining detection capability in the second zone for unauthorized access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different zones have different monitoring characteristics - the first zone tolerates presence of authorized persons while the second zone maintains strict detection, allowing the system to reduce false alarms locally without compromising overall security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If multiple volumetric sensors are deployed to distinguish zones, then monitoring precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvezone differentiation capabilityVSAvoidsensor network complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple volumetric sensors perform the same function of detecting movement, but their signals are processed by a control unit that interprets them collectively to determine zone occupancy. This multi-functional approach allows zone differentiation without requiring fundamentally different sensor types.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit serves as an intermediary that simplifies the complexity by centrally processing signals from multiple sensors and making unified decisions about zone status, rather than requiring complex distributed intelligence at each sensor node.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables continuous monitoring and detection of unauthorized access while allowing authorized individuals to move freely, enhancing security by distinguishing between zones and reducing false alarms.

Implementation Method 1

a first volumetric sensor SV1 for detecting a first movement signal S1 in the first zone 3A of the space and a second volumetric sensor SV2 for detecting a second movement signal S2 in a second zone 2NA of the space

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared radiation detection: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

sensors like PIR or microwave/ultrasound technology

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMicrowave detection: Microwave Radiation

Implementation Method 3

sensors like PIR or microwave/ultrasound technology

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasound detection: Ultrasound

Data Source

PatentEP2856446B1Device, system and method for monitoring a predetermined space
Publication Date: 2020.11.11 GUERZONI FILIPPO
  • EP2856446B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2856446B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2856446B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A method for monitoring a predetermined space (V), comprising the following steps: - a) preparing at least one first volumetric sensor (SV1 ) for detecting a first movement signal (S1 ) representative of movement in an authorised zone (3A) of said space (V); - b) preparing at least one second volumetric sensor (SV2) for detecting a second movement signal (S2) representative of movement in an unauthorised zone (2NA) of said space (V); - c) processing said first signal (S1 ) and second signal (S2) for identifying a movement in said space (V).