Zone-Wise Presence Detection Reducing False Positives

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current presence detection systems, especially those using passive infrared sensors, are too sensitive and often lead to false switching off of lights due to minor movements, and the combination of ultrasound and passive infrared sensors is expensive and prone to false positives from non-human movements like plant leaf movements.

Innovation Solution

A presence detection system that uses a movement detection device with zone-wise detection and electronic processing to determine object presence based on movement and stored position information, allowing for adjustable sensitivity levels and self-learning to minimize false detections without the need for multiple high-sensitivity sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If highly sensitive sensors are used to detect small movements, then the system can detect persons sitting and typing, but false presence detection occurs due to minor movements like plant leaf movements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement detection sensitivityVSAvoidfalse presence detection rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The detection area is divided into multiple zones, and the system tracks the sequence of zone activations. By analyzing the spatial-temporal pattern of movements across zones rather than reacting to any single movement, the system distinguishes between intentional human presence and random environmental movements like plant leaves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary tracking of object positions across multiple zones before making a presence determination. This preliminary action of monitoring movement sequences allows the system to establish a baseline of intentional movement patterns before committing to a presence state, reducing false detections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If multiple sensors (ultrasound and passive infrared) are combined to improve detection accuracy, then small movements are detected, but the system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepresence detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor quantity and cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single movement detection sensor performs multiple functions by detecting both the presence of objects and their movement patterns across different zones. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate ultrasound and infrared sensors while maintaining detection accuracy through intelligent zone-based analysis.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of detection from static presence sensing to dynamic movement pattern analysis across multiple zones. By analyzing how objects move through space over time rather than simply detecting presence, the system achieves high accuracy with a single sensor type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If high sensitivity detection is used continuously, then presence is detected accurately, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepresence detection accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic scanning of detection zones rather than continuous monitoring. By systematically cycling through zones and activating detection only when movements are detected, the system maintains detection accuracy while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous high-sensitivity operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP2534929B2Presence detection system and lighting system comprising such system
Publication Date: 2022.02.16 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV
  • EP2534929B2 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2534929B2 patent drawingFigure 3A~3E
  • EP2534929B2 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A presence detection system (1) for detecting a presence of an object (3), particularly a person or an animal or vehicle, within an area (5) divided in detection zones (9A;9B;9C;9D) covering the area. The system comprises a movement detection device (11A;11B;11C;11D) for detecting a movement of the object. The system further comprises an electronic processing device (13) for storing information relating to a position of the object in a zone-wise way, based on a detected movement of the object. The electronic processing device is configured for determining the presence of the object within the area based on a detected movement of the object and stored information relating to the position of the object. The system is highly sensitive and highly prevents false presence detections. The invention also relates to a method for presence detection, and a lighting system comprising the presence detection system.