Wireless Scout Sensor Network for Scalable Occupancy Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional occupancy-based load management systems face limitations in scalability, flexibility, and reliability due to state-based logic and onymous communication, which restricts the number of sensors, requires complex wiring, and makes maintenance and emergency operations challenging in large spaces.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of stateless sensors using anonymous communication and a Master-Scout event reporting concept allows for an unlimited number of sensors, remote operation, and flexible configuration, enabling robust and adaptive lighting control systems that can handle sensor additions, removals, and failures, and integrate with various control systems for enhanced energy efficiency and emergency responses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple sensors are parallel wired to a single load controller, then occupancy detection coverage is improved, but cable run length and wiring complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoccupancy detection coverageVSAvoidcable run length

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with a wireless communication system. Sensors communicate occupancy status wirelessly to the load controller, eliminating the need for long cable runs and complex wiring while maintaining multi-sensor coverage capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The load controller is designed to receive and process signals from multiple sensors simultaneously through wireless communication, making it capable of handling various sensor types and configurations without requiring dedicated wiring for each sensor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple sensors are parallel wired to a single load controller, then occupancy detection coverage is improved, but installation and maintenance complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoccupancy detection coverageVSAvoidinstallation and maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Wireless communication eliminates the need for physical wiring installation and reduces maintenance complexity associated with cable connections, sensor mounting, and troubleshooting electrical issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless sensor system allows for easy addition, removal, or repositioning of sensors without requiring professional installation or rewiring, enabling end-users to perform their own installation and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of information

If onymous communication is used between sensors and load controller, then sensor state tracking is achieved, but system complexity and configuration requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor state trackingVSAvoidsystem configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses anonymous communication where all sensors transmit identical occupancy status signals without individual identification. This homogenizes the communication protocol, eliminating the need for complex configuration and tracking of individual sensor states while maintaining accurate occupancy detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

4Reliability

If state-based logic is used in occupancy sensors, then occupancy state determination is achieved, but adaptability to sensor additions and removals decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoccupancy state determinationVSAvoidsensor configuration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using state-based logic where sensors maintain and communicate their internal state, the patent inverts the approach by using anonymous event-based communication where sensors simply report occupancy events without maintaining configured states. This allows dynamic addition and removal of sensors without reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS10353368B2Multi-sensor, event based occupancy determination and load management system

Publication Date: 2019.07.16 HART BRENDA KAY MS

AI summary

An improved occupancy detection and load management system wherein a plurality of scout sensors and their surrogates may be networked to a master controller to control the load of a designated control zone. When occupancy is detected by an actual sensor or a sensor surrogate, scout sensors report only that event and each event, regardless of source, has the potential to initiate or sustain the occupied state of the master controller. As a zone becomes unoccupied, event reports stop being sent allowing the master controller to time out and exit its occupied state. Loss or addition of scout sensors does not affect operation as the master does not track individual sensors which additionally allows event reports to be created and sent by plurality of sources including momentary contact buttons, user controls, personal computers, and other building automation systems like fire alarms, security, and access control.