Motion detection sensor with computer interface

• US 5,281,961 A
• Filed: 01/21/1992
• Issued: 01/25/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 07/06/1990
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: James Himonas, Jill S. Himonas
• Original Assignee: Novitas, Inc.
• Inventors: Elwell, Brian E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Yusko, Donald J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Holloway, III, Edwin C.
• Application Number:
  US07/830,441
• Time in Patent Office: 735 Days
• Field of Search: 340/825, 340/825.06, 340/825.31, 340/825.34, 340/528, 340/541, 340/552, 340/554, 340/572
• US Class Current: 340/554
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/56 for presence detection presence detection using near field arrangements G01V3/00, e.g. G01V3/08, G01V3/12; burglar, theft or intruder alarms with electrical actuation G08B13/22 - G08B13/26
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/115 by determining the presence or movement of objects or living beings
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 20/40 Control techniques providing energy savings, e.g. smart controller or presence detection

Abstract

A ceiling sensor designed to interface with the computerized controllers of energy management systems is disclosed. This ceiling sensor is operable to detect motion through the use of a transmitted signal of predetermined frequency which when received has experienced a Doppler shift. Comparison of the received signal with its frequency change to the transmitted signal produces motion detection which when incorporated with an isolated latching relay enables the switching on and off of light, heating, air conditioning or security interfaces. A ceiling sensor is disclosed which is operable to detect the short, quick movements of employees working in a narrow range field of view such as a shop aisle or warehouse corridor. A second ceiling sensor is disclosed which is operable to detect the gross, large movements of employees in a large area such as an open room or warehouse. A method of fabricating a ceiling sensor for a computer controller interface is also described.

Claims

1. A motion detection sensor for interface with a computerized controller of an energy management system containing a plurality of energy management elements, said sensor comprising:

means for transmitting an original signal at a predetermined frequency into a room;

means for receiving a Doppler shifted return signal from said transmitted original signal;

amplification means for amplifying said received Doppler shifted return signal;

comparator means for comparing said amplified, Doppler shifted return signal to said original signal;

motion detection means for producing a motion detection indication signal if said received Doppler shifted amplified signal does not equal said original transmitted signal;

an isolated dry contact, latching relay responsive to a first pulse to latch in a first contact closure position and to a second pulse to latch in a second contact closure position;

pulse means for producing said first and second pulses in response to said motion detection indication signal to indicate occupancy in said room to said computerized controller by said first contact closure position and to indicate the absence of occupancy in said room to said computerized controller by said second contact closure position,

whereby any one or more of said plurality of said energy management elements of said energy management system is controllable by said computerized controller in accordance with the occupancy, or absence of occupancy of said room.

2. The invention of claim 1 wherein said predetermined frequency is 25 Khz.

3. The invention of claim 1 wherein said means for transmitting further comprises:

at least two transmitters so that said original signal is transmitted with a predetermined field of view.

4. The invention of claim 3 wherein said predetermined field of view is a narrow field of view of approximately 90 linear feet.

5. The invention of claim 3 wherein said predetermined field of view is a wide field of view of approximately 2,160 square feet.

6. The invention of claim 1 wherein said amplification means is a three-stage amplifier.

7. The invention of claim 1 wherein said motion detection means further comprises:

a light emitting diode illuminated when said motion indication detection signal is produced.

8. The invention of claim 1 wherein said pulse means further comprises:

means for generating said first pulse in response to said motion detection indication signal;

delay means for generating said second pulse a predetermined time after the generation of said second pulse; and

reset means responsive to said motion detection indication signal for resetting said delay means to restart said predetermined time,

whereby said latching relay is latched in said first contact closure position by said motion detection indication signal and latched in said second contact closure position if said motion detection indication signal is absent for said predetermined time.

9. The invention of claim 8 wherein said delay means further comprises:

means for adjusting said predetermined time in a range of about 30 seconds to about 12 minutes.

10. The invention of claim 1 wherein said latching relay further comprises:

first, second and third contact leads, said firs and second leads being connected in said first contact closure position and said second and third leads being connected in said second contact closure position,

whereby said computerized controller may selectively use a pair of connected leads or a pair of unconnected leads as an indication of occupancy or the absence of occupancy.

11. A ceiling mounted motion detection switch configured to interface with a computerized controller of an energy management system comprising:

means for transmitting signals having at least two transmitters, said transmitters transmitting an original signal at a predetermined ultrasonic acoustic transmission frequency into a room using a predetermined field of view;

timing means for delaying said transmission of said original signal for a predetermined time in arrange of between 30 seconds to 12 minutes;

means for receiving return signals having at least two receivers, said receivers operable to receive a Doppler shifted return signal;

amplification means operable to amplify said received Doppler shifted return signal;

comparator means operable to compare said received, Doppler shifted amplified signal to said original transmitted signal;

a motion detection indicator, said motion detection indicator operable to be initiated on if said received Doppler shifted amplified signal does not equal said original transmitted signal; and

isolated latch relay pulse means operable to turn on or turn off any one of a plurality of elements of said energy management system when said received Doppler shifted amplified signal does not equal said original transmitted signal.

12. A method of indicating occupancy, or the absence of occupancy, in a room to a computerized controller of an energy management system containing a plurality of energy management elements, said method comprising the steps of:

transmitting a original signal at a predetermined transmission frequency into a room

receiving a Doppler shifted return signal caused by movement in said room;

comparing said received, Doppler shifted return signal to said original transmitted signal;

activating a motion detection indicator if said received Doppler shifted amplified signal does not equal said original transmitted signal;

latching an isolated, dry contact interfacing relay in response to said activating of said motion detection indicator whereby any of said elements of said energy management system is controllable by said computerized controller in accordance with the occupancy, or absence of occupancy, in said room.