NL1041528B1 - Autonomous, portable and wireless event detection system. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention discloses an energy efficient, flexible, portable and autonomous system, devices and methods which are capable of detecting people and/or objects an which are capable of providing triggers relating to the detection, and/or safety alerts for more types of hazardous situations. Also provided is an alerting system for alerting road workers, first-aid helpers, policemen, firemen, road inspectors, road servicemen, people working with a recovery vehicle and the like. The invented device produces an alert in an area where people reside as soon as other types of hazardous situations occur, such as a deterioration of air quality. Furthermore the invented system enables detection of the presence, movement and duration of the presence of people and movable objects, in an energy efficient manner and with maximum flexibility in the choice of a monitored area.

Description

AUTONOMOUS, PORTABLE AND WIRELESS EVENT DETECTION SYSTEM TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to systems and devices which are arranged for detecting people and objects, traffic, visitors of shops etc. in a monitored area. More particular the invention relates to portable detection and alerting devices equipped with sensors and capable of communicating wirelessly to each other.

BACKGROUND

Warning systems add to safer conditions in all kinds of situations. For example in the case of a car accident, safety workers provide a road cordon with traffic cones, or other physical means. In buildings it becomes more and more normal to place safety devices such as smoke detectors. Other types of sensor technology is also incorporated in public spaces and public roads to increase safety.

Beside warning systems, it is also desirable to know the whereabouts of people in spaces, such as public spaces or shops. A typical venue such as a trade fair or a market and even shops and shopping centers draw a lot of public. Sellers such as shop-assistants, salespersons and stand operators need to pay attention to customer’s buying signals and interests in the offered products and services (hereinafter referred to as “merchandise"). Furthermore the shop owner and producer of the merchandise both need to know if a shop or a stand on a fair draws sufficient attention of potential buyers in order to assess if it is justified to keep the shop open or to participate at a venue. On the one hand it is of interest to know how many people move around in the neighborhood of a point of sale. On the other hand it is of interest to the supplier of the goods or services if there is an interest in a particular piece of merchandise offered.

Current solutions aimed at increasing safety are for example described in the following patents and patent applications. USA patent application US 2005/0238425 A1 by Safar discloses a pavement marker includes a support structure adapted to be mounted on a highway pavement intermediate first and second highway lanes in a position visible to oncoming traffic. One or more red and yellow lights are directed toward the oncoming traffic. A sensor on it senses nearby traffic. A receiver on it receives an incoming signal from a first companion pavement marker that is mounted on the highway pavement more distant from the oncoming traffic. A transmitter on it transmits an outgoing signal to a second companion pavement marker that is mounted on the highway pavement less distant from the oncoming traffic. A solar-charged, battery-powered circuit controls operation according to information from the sensor and the receiver in order to relay advance warning of slowed, stopped, and all-clear traffic conditions to the oncoming traffic via multiple spaced-apart pavement markers.

International patent application WO 2008/109947 A1 by Inventis Technology PTY Ltd discloses an apparatus for communicating with a traffic alert device is disclosed. The apparatus comprises interface means for selecting information on the apparatus. The apparatus also comprises transmission means for transmitting the selected information to the traffic alert device, via wireless communication, in order to modify the behaviour of the traffic alert device. USA patent US 6,384,742 B1 by Harrison discloses a traffic warning system which alerts approaching vehicle traffic to the presence of a pedestrian in a crosswalk. The system includes a plurality of surface mounted lights partially embedded in and placed across a roadway. The lights are activated by the pedestrian, either by manual switch or by a sensor, before he enters the crosswalk. Once activated, the flashing lights warn drivers of approaching vehicles that the pedestrian may have entered the crosswalk, and that caution should be exercised. USA patent application US 2007/0085703 A1 by Clark discloses a traffic crossing warning device is provided. The device includes a beam transmitter for transmitting a beam such as an IR beam, and a beam sensor in electrical communication with a signal processor for sensing the IR beam. In addition, the device includes a multimedia warning beacon, and a mounting device for supporting the beacon adjacent a roadway intersection. The warning beacon is activated when the beam sensor senses that the beam is not being received for a predetermined period of time. In one aspect, the warning beacon has a warning light, a speaker for delivering an audible signal, and a display for providing a written warning. A method for warning motorists of the presence of an oncoming locomotive object such as a train using the warning device is also provided. USA patent application US 2004/0130463 A1 by Bloomquist et al. discloses A vehicle safety and control system provides early warning and includes a network including a plurality of remotely located modules disposed along a vehicle pathway. Each module is communicably connected to at least one of the other modules. The modules include a measurement system including at least one sensor for obtaining sensor data. The sensor data provides position and velocity data for objects proximate thereto. The modules also include an illuminated display having a plurality of observable distinct states, the observable states including states relating to the sensor data.

On the other hand, methods and devices have been proposed to aid suppliers or marketing people in measuring interest of customers in physical products.

One such an example is disclosed in US 2010/0138037A1 by Newzoom Inc., wherein a data center is proposed supporting a network system for vending products to customers and associated vending methods are provided. The network system includes a data center and a plurality of vending stores remotely located from the data center and connected to the data center through a network interface. The vending stores also include an automated dispensing mechanism for immediate dispensing of purchased products to the customers. The data center may include an enterprise resource planning module and the vending stores may contain user interfaces for collecting inventory and maintenance data during stocking and maintenance.

Another example is described in patent application JPH03259715A by Tei Enu Tei KK, wherein a method is proposed to measure the degree of customer's interest by distributing a first body at a first place and fitting a second body thereto at a second place, and providing a means which knows that this process is possible halfway between both the places.

Another solution is proposed in patent application JP2010009444A by Giken Torasutemu KK, wherein a merchandise interest degree measuring device is provided with an image processing device. The image processing device is provided with a person recognizing means for recognizing a rough outline of a person image in a photographed image by a normal line vector, for recognizing the person image as a virtual gravity center based on the normal line vector, and for tracking the virtual gravity center with time series; a moving speed measuring means for measuring instantaneous moving speed of each of the virtual gravity centers within a plurality of interest measuring areas; and a staying time measuring means for measuring a moving time of the virtual gravity center not larger than interest moving speed within the interest measuring areas, and for registering this as the staying time into a storage device in every person. A further solution is proposed in EP2538385A1 by Team Lab Inc., wherein a digital signage system is provided which can measure depth of interest of customers and can perform sales promotion to the customers. The digital signage system of the present invention can measure depth of interest of customers, by which a database memorizes an amount of time during which the customers have taken out a clothes hanger from a hanger tack and a time update updates this and accumulates them. Willingness of the customers to buy can be increased by analyzing clothing information which the customers have picked up and by displaying an image with respect to the garment on a monitor in the vicinity of the customers. A further solution is proposed in US2014278742A1 by MacMillan, wherein a system for analyzing a customer's behavior in a store is provided. The system includes a data capturing unit, which has a first sensor configured to capture an image and an activity of the customer at a preset interval in the store during a first time period when the customer navigates a pre-defined area. The system also includes a data processing unit for processing the image and activity of the customer, which creates a behavior file for the customer from the image and the activity captured by the data capturing unit, and creates a statistics for activities of a plurality of customers in the store for a pixel or a predefined zone in the store for a pre-defined second time period wherein the statistics value is set at zero at the beginning of the pre-defined second time period. The system further includes a data reporting unit for presenting the statistics. A disadvantage of the current art solutions is that the disclosed devices cannot be placed adequately and flexibly in ad hoc unsafe traffic situations. Furthermore the used sensors are aimed at detecting traffic or hazardous situations and warn traffic, whereas no means are provided to warn safety workers or inhabitants of buildings. Furthermore the currently used sensors in shops and vendor machines for example need to be installed more or less permanently, or form integrated part of other machinery. Furthermore most current people tracking systems use video camera’s which impose a great risk of breaching the privacy of people who are monitored.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an energy efficient, flexible, portable and autonomous system, devices and methods which are capable of detecting people and/or objects an which are capable of providing triggers relating to the detection, and/or safety alerts for more types of hazardous situations. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an alerting system for alerting road workers, first-aid helpers, policemen, firemen, road inspectors, road servicemen, people working with a recovery vehicle and the like. It is a further object of the invention to produce an alert in an area where people reside as soon as other types of hazardous situations occur, such as a deterioration of air quality. It is yet a further object of the invention to detect the presence, movement and duration of the presence of people and movable objects, in an energy efficient manner and with maximum flexibility in the choice of a monitored area.

The object is realized by the following clauses. 1. A system for detection of a plurality of events, the system comprising a plurality of autonomous, wireless and portable devices, wherein an event of the plurality of events comprises an object related event such as the presence, entering and/or movement of a person or an object within a range of a first device of the plurality of devices, the first i device of the plurality of devices comprising: an autonomous power source, such as a battery and/or a solar panel; a first set of sensors comprising one or more sensors arranged for detection of the event with at least one of the sensors of the first set of sensors having a default state of being armed; i - a processing unit arranged for registering the event, processing the registered event and producing a first trigger related to the processed registered event; a wireless sending unit arranged for wirelessly sending the first trigger, characterized in that, l the system further comprises a second device of the plurality of devices, the second device further comprising: an autonomous power source, such as a battery and/or a solar panel; a wireless receiving unit, arranged for wireless reception of the first trigger; a second set of sensors comprising one or more sensors with at least one of the sensors of the second set of sensors having a default state of being disarmed; a processing unit arranged for processing the first trigger; the processing unit further arranged for arming the second sensor as result of reception of the first trigger.

By disarming sensors as much as possible in this manner, the energy consumption of the invented battery or solar powered devices is largely reduced. In other words keeping the devices in sleep mode as long as possible, reduces power as much as possible. Only when a first device detects for example the entrance of a customer in a shop, a second device needs to arm its sensor(s) (i.e. turn into wake state). After all, there is no need to arm all sensor all the time, when there is no event. Active sensors are known to use quite a lot of energy in active state. By reducing the power consumption, a smaller battery or solar capacity is needed, or the operational time of the device may be extended. This has the advantage that less maintenance is necessary and the devices may be less expensive, or less costly to produce. Less power consumption also implies less burden on the environment in general, which suits very well in striving for a sustainable society. By designing the devices to be portable, the system may be configured in a very flexible manner and people having to work with devices may easily position the devices to their likes. By reducing the battery size because of less power consumption, the devices become lighter in weight and smaller, therefore the devices are easier to hide away in shop shelfs or easier to incorporate n existing road traffic devices for that matter.

It needs to be understood that the second device may take the role of the first device and vice versa, so both first and second device may be equipped with the same components, for example to send as well as receive triggers.

The system may be configured such that the first device comprises a master device, and the second device comprises a slave controlled by the master device, or vice versa.

The system may comprises that at least one of the devices is a central device arranged for collecting communicated events and/or triggers.

The system may incorporate one or more devices arranged for having a temporary physical or wireless connection to a safety device such as a burglar alarm system, a smoke- or fire alarm, a traffic pylon, a traffic sign, a variable message sign, a high level warning device, a road surface marker, a traffic light or a rumble strip, a safety vest, a safety helmet, a safety shoe or to an on-board driving assistance device of a vehicle. A device of the system may comprise a height sensor, arranged for detecting the height of a vehicle approaching a bridge. When the device is for example placed at the front of the bridge, the device may send out a (e.g. visible) warning to an approaching truck when it is detected that the height of the truck is higher than the height of the bridge. This may prevent a lot of accidents resulting from this misjudgement of truck drivers with this respect. For this purpose the sensor may comprise a laser positioned at the upper edge, or preferably below the edge (providing a bigger margin). When directed horizontally towards the truck the laser light will reflect on the truck when the truck is too high. This refection will trigger the alert. Other types of sensors may also be used. 2. The system according to clause 1, characterized in that a first sensor of the first and/or the second set of sensors comprises a long range and/or a wide-angle sensor and a second sensor of the first and/or second set of sensors respectively, comprises a short range sensor and/or a small-angled sensor respectively.

To ensure the longest possible autonomy (and therefor mobility) of the devices, a wide-angle sensor may be installed in the device, such as a passive infrared sensor, which uses very little power and which enables the device to switch on the (e.g. active) long range sensors, which consume more power, only when it is necessary. 3. A system according to clause 2, characterized in that the processing unit is further arranged for arming the short range sensor and/or small-angle sensor when the long range sensor and/or the wide-angle sensor respectively, detects a first event of the plurality of events, wherein the processing unit is further arranged for sending the first trigger when the short range and/or small angle sensor detects a second event of the plurality of events. 4. The system according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the event further comprises a variation in air characteristics, wherein the device further comprises that a first sensor of the first and/or second set of sensors comprises an object sensor, arranged for detection of an object related event and an air sensor, arranged for detection of the variation in air characteristics, wherein the device is arranged for, as result of detection of an object related event by the object sensor, arming the air sensor, and wherein the device is further arranged for sending a second trigger as result of a detection of the variation in air characteristics.

By only activating (arming) an air sensor when a presence is detected, the device reduces power consumption as well. A relation between the presence of an object and an environment variation may be established. For example a passing vehicle may cause a sudden and dangerous increase of air pollution. Another example: A lot of people at the same place in a shop may cause a deterioration of air quality. Appropriate measure may be taken when this is detected.

In this way also a relation may be generated between the presence of an object, a hazardous situation and the presence of multiple mobile warning devices.

The system may have one or more devices with means to register the event only when the variation exceeds a thresholds. By only registering changes beyond a threshold, memory space is saved, superfluous signaling is prevented and power consumption reduced.

Examples of parameters that may be used as input for determining air quality are: - temperature of the air; - air composition as defined by the amount of gases such as carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide and particles such as smoke particles; - air humidity; - wind speed; - rain, snow, hail, water.

For measuring these parameters for example the following sensors may be used: a temperature sensor; - a carbon dioxide sensor; - a carbon monoxide sensor; - an air humidity sensor; - a wind speed sensor; - a rain-, snow, hail- or water sensor. 5. The system according to clause 4, characterized in that the second device comprises a control unit of a mobile air quality regulating unit such as a portable air conditioning- or heating device, said control unit arranged for operating the air quality regulating unit as result of reception of the second trigger.

Especially in buildings, the invention serves a purpose to take appropriate automated measures to improve environmental conditions, for example when one of the invented devices detects unacceptable levels of air pollution or deteriorated air quality.

When a dangerous event happens, such as the approach of a car, development of smoke, rain or snow, the devices may produce an alert, which assists for example an approaching car, a safety worker, a shop owner, or customer of the shop. 6. A system according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the first device and/or second device of the plurality of devices comprises an alerting means arranged for producing an alert as result of detection of the event and/or as result of receiving of the first and/or second trigger.

Instead of sending details of the event a simple trigger may suffice to trigger an alert at another device.

In a building dangerous levels of carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide may be detected and trigger an alert. Outside, for example on the road, the detection of a temperature below zero may cause an alert for traffic, to warn them for freezing roads. When building a road, producing a new layer of tarmac causes a lot of fumes and possibly hazardous gasses. The invented system may aid the road workers to warn them for hazardous levels of air pollution. Also, a crashed truck may leak hazardous gases.

Examples of alerts are: - a device arranged for producing an audible alert; - a device arranged for producing a visual alert, such as a light, a flashing light or a movement of a flag; - a device for illuminating a road surface; - a device arranged for producing a tactile alert, such as a vibration, a tap, or an electrical shock.

The latter example is especially useful if a road worker, concentrated at his/her work needs to be alerted without visual aids. The portable device may for example be incorporated in a safety vest. 7. A device for detection of a plurality of events, the device comprising an autonomous and portable device, wherein an event of the plurality of events comprises an object related event such as the presence, entering and/or movement of a person or an object within a first range of the device, the device comprising: an autonomous power source, such as a battery and/or a solar panel; a first sensor arranged for a detection of a first event of the plurality of events; a processing unit arranged for registering the first event, processing the registered event and producing a first trigger related to the processed registered first event; a wireless sending unit arranged for wirelessly sending the first trigger, characterized in that, the device further comprises: a wireless receiving unit, arranged for wireless reception of a second trigger form a second device; the first sensor having a default state being disarmed; the processing unit further arranged for processing the second trigger; the processing unit further arranged for arming the first sensor as result of reception of the second trigger. 8. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the device comprises a first light source arranged for emitting light as result of the arming of the first sensor and a second light source arranged for emitting light as result of detection of the first event by the first sensor. 9. A method for detection of a plurality of events by a plurality of autonomous and portable devices, wherein an event of the plurality of events comprises an object related event such as the presence, entering and/or movement of a person or an object within a range of a first device of the plurality of devices, the method comprising the steps of: A. arming a sensor of a first device of plurality devices; B. the sensor of the first device detecting the event; C. a processing unit of the first device registering the event, processing the registered event and producing a trigger related to the processed registered event; D. a wireless sending unit of the first device wirelessly sending the trigger, characterized in that, the method further comprises the steps of: E. a wireless receiving unit of the second device wirelessly receiving the trigger; F. a processing unit of the second device processing the trigger; G. the processing unit of the second device arming a sensor of the second device as result of receiving the second trigger. 10. The method according to clause 9, characterized in that the processing unit of the second device disarms the sensor of the second device when a predetermined period has passed after receiving the trigger.

The devices of the system may be positioned along in a sequence positioned in a substantial longitudinal direction of the road, wherein the first device is arranged for being positioned at the beginning of the sequence, said beginning facing towards the direction of regular traffic on the road, and further devices of the sequence of the plurality of devices are positioned in subsequent positions.

One of the devices may be arranged for being positioned at the end of the sequence, the device comprising a sensor facing in the same direction as regular traffic on the road, which is particularly useful for detecting ghost drivers.

Further examples of embodiments comprise the following.

The system may have a device arranged for having a physical connection to an existing road traffic control device such as a traffic pylon, a traffic sign, a variable message sign, a high level warning device or a channeling device such as a traffic cone, a road surface marker, a traffic light or a rumble strip, or to an on-board driving assistance device of a vehicle.

The device may comprises an extending counter weight element such as a battery holder protruding in a downward direction, arranged for being inserted in the top hole of a traffic pylon.

The device may have a wireless communication connection to an existing road traffic control device such as a traffic pylon, a traffic sign, a variable message sign, a high level warning device or a channelling device such as a traffic cone, a road surface marker, a traffic light or a rumble strip, or to an on-board driving assistance device of a vehicle. When the invented system communicates a warning to a car, the on-board systems may warn the driver immediately, even before visual contact with the road cordon for example.

The device may be arranged for having a physical connection or a wireless communication connection with an existing wearable safety device such as a safety vest, safety helmet or a safety shoe. A preferred position of the wearable device may be the shoulder of a safety vest. The device may also be incorporated in a safety helmet. The tip of the helmet may for example comprise an array of warning lights shining downward or towards the face of the safety worker.

The device may be an on-board driving assistance device of a vehicle.

The device may further comprise a counting unit arranged for counting the number of triggers.

The device may further comprises a calculation unit arranged for calculating a parameter such as: - an average of the number of triggers of the one or more triggers produced by the one or more sensors; - a ratio of the number of triggers of the one or more triggers; - a time between two triggers of the one or more triggers produced by the same sensor of the one or more sensors; - a time between the first trigger and the second trigger. - a statistical overview of triggers of the one or more triggers.

The device may further comprise a memory unit for storing data such as: - the occurrence of the first and/or the second trigger; - a date- and/or time stamp per stored occurrence; - a designation of the sensor of the one or more sensors producing the trigger.

The sensor may comprise a sensor, such as: - manual switch; - active ultrasonic sensor; - active Infrared sensor; - passive infrared sensor; - LIDAR sensor; - RADAR sensor; - capacitive sensor; - pressure sensor arranged for measuring a pressure exerted on the device; - optical sensor such as photoresistor or a phototransistor; - optical sensor arranged for detecting a flash length of 1/000 to 1/200; - Active Reader Passive Tag; - Active Reader Active Tag; - Wi-Fi receiver; - Bluetooth receiver; - Near-Field Communication unit; - microphone; - gyroscope - temperature sensor - acceleration sensor.

The device may comprise a sound or vibration generating unit arranged for generating a sound or vibration respectively in response to the one or more triggers.

The device may further comprise a message sending unit arranged for sending an electronic message in response to the one or more triggers, to a receiver unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures show views of embodiments in accordance with the present invention. FIGURE 1 shows a top view of an embodiment of a system according to the present invention providing an alerting system for approaching traffic. FIGURE 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an invented device of the system arranged for being mounted to a traffic cone. FIGURE 3 shows the method according to the present invention depicted in a flow diagram.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention is now described by the following aspects and embodiments, with reference to the figures. FIGURE 1 shows a top view of an embodiment of a system according to the present invention providing an alerting system for approaching traffic on a road, wherein a plurality of invented devices is placed on a piece of road where a safety worker is working. A partial road cordon may be applied for example because of a car accident. To increase the safety of both the approaching traffic and the safety worker the following measures are taken. A first traffic cone 201a is placed on road 301 towards the regular direction of the approaching traffic. The following traffic cone 201b is placed at a distance behind the first traffic cone 201a and a third traffic cone 201c is placed behind the second traffic cone 201b. The invented devices 101 a,b,c are physically connected to the traffic cones 201 a,b,c respectively. The device 101 a comprises a preferably range sensor, for example a radar or ultrasonic sensor which faces the approaching cars. Device 101 a is arranged for detecting with a detection beam 111 an approaching car 401 and upon detection can send a signal 701 to the second device 101b. Device 101 a has a sender and device 101 b has a receiver for enabling the sending, respectively receiving of the signal. At the same time or shortly before or after first device 101a can send a signal 702 to a device 101 d which is worn by safety worker 501. Device 101 d is arranged for alerting safety worker 501. With this alert safety worker 501 may become aware of approaching traffic. A more intense alert may be provided when car 401 is approaching very fast or deviates from the safe route. The alert may comprise a (LED) light lighting up, e.g. by flashing, a vibration, or even a small electrical shock, which is not harmful, but may be felt even under loud and stormy conditions for example. Optionally devices 101a,b,c may also be provided with an alerting device such as a (LED) light, which lights up or flashes as soon as the device 101 a,b,c detects the approaching car 401. In this way the approaching car 401 is warned for the road cordon. Especially at poor lighting conditions, this provides extra safety. The lighting up of the devices 101 a,b,c may also alert the safety worker 501 in addition to the alert of the worn device 101 d. The activation of the alerting devices may be controlled by the devices themselves or may be controlled by a master device such as the first device 101a, in which case the following devices 101b,c and wearable device 101 d are acting as slaves. Each following device 101b,c,d may be arranged for sending a signal to a following or all devices in order to warn them for an approaching car 401. In this way the signal is passed forward through a chain of devices. As soon as the vehicle has passed, the alerts may be terminated. FIGURE 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an invented device 101 a of the system arranged for being mounted to a traffic cone 201a. The device 101a comprises a lower half 102 which comprises the electronics and a sensor for example an long range ultrasonic sensor comprising a sender 104a and receiver 104b, the working of which is known to a skilled person. Alternatively a radar, LIDAR or Leddar may be applied. A short range sensor may be applied too as long as the part of the road that has to be monitored is detectable by the sensor. The device further comprises a semi-sphere 103 which is at least partly transparent. A (Power LED) light mounted on an electronical circuit board in lower half 102 is arranged for providing an alert as described above. The light may shine through the (partly) transparent semi-sphere 103. The shape of a semi-sphere is chosen because rain and dirt is easily washed away. Additionally a light may be incorporated which illuminates the road surface, which may assist approaching cars to follow the safe route. To enable easy mounting, mobility of the device and flexible positioning, the device 101 a may be provided with a protrusion 105 which is arranged for being inserted into hole 202 of traffic cone 201 a. The protrusion 105 may be provided with a weight to secure the device to the traffic cone 201 a, or the protrusion 105 may be arranged for holding a battery pack, which also serves as weight. Arrow 120 indicates the direction of device 101a to be inserted in traffic cone 201a. FIGURE 3 shows the method according to the present invention depicted in a flow diagram.

The method comprises the steps of arming a sensor 1002 of a first device 101a. The sensor of the first device 101a detects an event 1003 and a processing unit of the first device 101a processes the event 1004, which processing comprises registering the event, processing the registered event and producing a trigger related to the processed registered event. A wireless sending unit of the first device 101a sends the trigger wirelessly 1005 to the second device 101b. Subsequently a wireless receiving unit of the second device 101b wirelessly receives the trigger 1006. A processing unit of the second device 101b processes the trigger 1007 and arms a sensor 1008 of the second device 101b as result of receiving the second trigger.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb "to comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The article "the" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. In the device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims (10)

1. Een systeem voor detectie van een veelvoud van gebeurtenissen, het systeem omvattende een veelvoud van autonome, draadloze en draagbare toestellen, waarin een gebeurtenis van de veelvoud van gebeurtenissen een aan een voorwerp gerelateerde gebeurtenis omvat zoals aanwezigheid, binnenkomst en/of beweging van een persoon of een voorwerp binnen een bereik van een eerste toestel van de veelvoud van toestellen, het eerste toestel van de veelvoud van toestellen omvattende: - een autonome stroombron, zoals een batterij en/of een zonnepaneel; - een eerste set van sensoren omvattende één of meerdere sensoren ingericht voor de detectie van de gebeurtenis waarbij ten minste één van de sensoren van de eerste set van sensoren een standaard status heeft zijnde alert-op-detectie; - een verwerkingseenheid ingericht voor het registreren van de gebeurtenis, het verwerken van de geregistreerde gebeurtenis en het produceren van een eerste trigger gerelateerd aan de verwerkte geregistreerde gebeurtenis; - een draadloze zendeenheid ingericht voor het draadloos verzenden van de eerste trigger, met het kenmerk dat, het systeem voorts een tweede toestel van de veelvoud van toestellen omvat, het tweede toestel voorts omvattende: - een autonome stroombron, zoals een batterij en/of een zonnepaneel; - een draadloze ontvangsteenheid, ingericht voor de draadloze ontvangst van de eerste trigger; - een tweede set van sensoren omvattende één of meerdere sensoren waarbij ten minste één van de sensoren van de tweede set van sensoren een standaard status heeft zijnde niet-alert-op-detectie; - een verwerkingseenheid ingericht voor het verwerken van de eerste trigger; - de verwerkingseenheid voorts ingericht voor het op alert-op-detectie stellen van de tweede sensor als resultaat van de ontvangst van de eerste trigger.A system for detecting a plurality of events, the system comprising a plurality of autonomous, wireless and portable devices, wherein an event of the plurality of events comprises an event related to an object such as presence, entry and / or movement of an person or object within a range of a first device of the plurality of devices, the first device of the plurality of devices comprising: - an autonomous power source, such as a battery and / or a solar panel; - a first set of sensors comprising one or more sensors arranged for the detection of the event, wherein at least one of the sensors of the first set of sensors has a standard status of being alert-on-detection; - a processing unit arranged for registering the event, processing the recorded event and producing a first trigger related to the processed recorded event; - a wireless transmitting unit adapted to send the first trigger wirelessly, characterized in that, the system further comprises a second device of the plurality of devices, the second device further comprising: - an autonomous power source, such as a battery and / or a solar panel; - a wireless receiving unit adapted for the wireless reception of the first trigger; - a second set of sensors comprising one or more sensors, wherein at least one of the sensors of the second set of sensors has a standard status of being non-alert-on-detection; - a processing unit adapted to process the first trigger; - the processing unit further adapted to set the second sensor to alert-on-detection as a result of the reception of the first trigger. 2. Het systeem volgens conclusie 1, met het kenmerk dat een eerste sensor van de eerste en/of tweede set van sensoren een lange afstand en/of een wijde-hoek sensor omvat en een tweede sensor van respectievelijk de eerste en/of tweede set van sensoren, respectievelijk een korte afstand sensor en/of een smalle-hoek sensor omvat.The system according to claim 1, characterized in that a first sensor of the first and / or second set of sensors comprises a long distance and / or a wide-angle sensor and a second sensor of the first and / or second set respectively of sensors, a short-distance sensor and / or a narrow-angle sensor, respectively. 3. Een systeem volgens conclusie 2, met het kenmerk dat de verwerkingseenheid voorts is ingericht voor het op alert-op-detectie stellen van de korte afstand sensor en/of de smalle-hoek sensor wanneer respectievelijk de lange afstand sensor en/of de wijde hoek sensor, een eerste gebeurtenis van de veelvoud van gebeurtenissen detecteert, waarin de verwerkingseenheid voorts is ingericht voor het verzenden van de eerste trigger wanneer de korte afstand en/of de smalle-hoek sensor een tweede gebeurtenis van de veelvoud van gebeurtenissen detecteert.A system according to claim 2, characterized in that the processing unit is further adapted to set the short-distance sensor and / or the narrow-angle sensor to alert-on-detection when the long-distance sensor and / or the wide angle sensor, detects a first event of the plurality of events, wherein the processing unit is further adapted to send the first trigger when the short distance and / or the narrow-angle sensor detects a second event of the plurality of events. 4. Het systeem volgens één van de voorgaande conclusies, met het kenmerk dat de gebeurtenis voorts een variatie in luchteigenschappen omvat, waarin het toestel voorts omvat dat een eerste sensor van de eerste en/of tweede set van sensoren een voorwerp sensor omvat, ingericht voor de detectie van een aan het voorwerp gerelateerde gebeurtenis, en een lucht sensor, ingericht voor de detectie van de variatie in lucht eigenschappen, waarin het toestel is ingericht voor, als resultaat van detectie van een aan het voorwerp gerelateerde gebeurtenis door de voorwerp sensor, het op alert-op-detectie stellen van de lucht sensor, en waarin het toestel voorts is ingericht voor het verzenden van een tweede trigger als resultaat van een detectie van de variatie in lucht eigenschappen.The system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the event further comprises a variation in air characteristics, wherein the device further comprises that a first sensor of the first and / or second set of sensors comprises an object sensor adapted for the detection of an event related to the object, and an air sensor arranged for the detection of the variation in air properties, wherein the device is arranged for, as a result of detection of an object related event by the object sensor, the alerting-on-detection of the air sensor, and wherein the device is further adapted to send a second trigger as a result of a detection of the variation in air properties. 5. Het systeem volgens conclusie 4, met het kenmerk dat het tweede toestel een controle eenheid van een mobiele luchtreguleringseenheid zoals een draagbare airconditioning- of verwarmingstoestel omvat, genoemde controle eenheid ingericht voor het bedienen van de luchtreguleringseenheid als resultaat van de ontvangst van de tweede trigger.The system according to claim 4, characterized in that the second device comprises a control unit of a mobile air control unit such as a portable air conditioning or heating device, said control unit adapted to operate the air control unit as a result of the receipt of the second trigger . 6. Een systeem volgens één van de voorgaande conclusies, met het kenmerk dat het eerste en/of tweede toestel van de veelvoud van toestellen een waarschuwingsmiddel omvat ingericht voor het produceren van een waarschuwing als resultaat van de detectie van de gebeurtenis en/of als resultaat van de ontvangst van de eerste en/of tweede trigger.A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and / or second device of the plurality of devices comprises a warning means adapted to produce a warning as a result of the detection of the event and / or as a result of receiving the first and / or second trigger. 7. Een toestel voor detectie van een veelvoud van gebeurtenissen, het toestel omvattende een autonoom en draagbaar toestel, waarin een gebeurtenis van de veelvoud van gebeurtenissen een aan een voorwerp gerelateerde gebeurtenis omvat zoals aanwezigheid, binnenkomst en/of beweging van een persoon of een voorwerp binnen een bereik van het toestel, het toestel omvattende: - een autonome stroombron, zoals een batterij en/of een zonnepaneel; - een eerste sensor ingericht voor de detectie van een eerste gebeurtenis van de veelvoud van gebeurtenissen; - een verwerkingseenheid ingericht voor het registreren van de eerste gebeurtenis, het verwerken van de geregistreerde eerste gebeurtenis en het produceren van een eerste trigger gerelateerd aan de verwerkte geregistreerde eerste gebeurtenis; - een draadloze zendeenheid ingericht voor het draadloos verzenden van de eerste trigger, met het kenmerk dat, het toestel voorts omvattende: - een draadloze ontvangsteenheid, ingericht voor de draadloze ontvangst van een tweede trigger van een tweede toestel; - de eerste sensor hebbende een standaard status zijnde niet-alert-op-detectie; - de verwerkingseenheid voorts ingericht voor het verwerken van de tweede trigger; - de verwerkingseenheid voorts ingericht voor het op alert-op-detectie stellen van de eerste sensor als resultaat van de ontvangst van de tweede trigger.A device for detecting a plurality of events, the device comprising an autonomous and portable device, wherein an event of the plurality of events comprises an event related to an object such as presence, entry and / or movement of a person or an object within a range of the device, the device comprising: - an autonomous power source, such as a battery and / or a solar panel; - a first sensor adapted to detect a first event from the plurality of events; - a processing unit arranged for registering the first event, processing the registered first event and producing a first trigger related to the processed registered first event; - a wireless transmitting unit adapted to send the first trigger wirelessly, characterized in that the device further comprises: - a wireless receiving unit adapted to wirelessly receive a second trigger from a second device; - the first sensor having a standard status of being non-alert-on-detection; - the processing unit further adapted to process the second trigger; - the processing unit further adapted to alert-to-detect the first sensor as a result of the receipt of the second trigger. 8. Het toestel volgens één van de voorgaande conclusies, met het kenmerk dat het toestel een eerste lichtbron omvat ingericht voor het uitstralen van licht als resultaat van het op alert-op-detectie stellen van de eerste sensor en een tweede lichtbron omvat ingericht voor het uitstralen van licht als resultaat van detectie van de eerste gebeurtenis door de eerste sensor.The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises a first light source adapted to emit light as a result of the first sensor being alerted to detection and a second light source adapted to emitting light as a result of detection of the first event by the first sensor. 9. Een methode voor het detecteren van een veelvoud van gebeurtenissen door een veelvoud van autonome en draagbare toestellen, waarin een gebeurtenis van de veelvoud van gebeurtenissen een aan een voorwerp gerelateerde gebeurtenis omvat zoals aanwezigheid, binnenkomst en/of beweging van een persoon of een voorwerp binnen een bereik van een eerste toestel van de veelvoud van toestellen, waarbij de methode de volgende stappen omvat: A. op alert-op-detectie stellen van een sensor van een eerste toestel van de veelvoud van toestellen; B. de sensor van het eerste toestel detecteert de gebeurtenis; C. een verwerkingseenheid van het eerste toestel registreert de gebeurtenis, verwerkt de geregistreerde gebeurtenis en produceert een trigger gerelateerd aan de verwerkte geregistreerde gebeurtenis; D. een draadloze zendeenheid van het eerste toestel zendt de trigger draadloos, met het kenmerk dat, de methode voorts de stappen omvat zijnde: E. een draadloze ontvangsteenheid van een tweede toestel ontvangt de trigger draadloos; F. een verwerkingseenheid van het tweede toestel verwerkt de trigger; G. de verwerkingseenheid van het tweede toestel stelt een sensor van het tweede toestel op alert-op-detectie als resultaat van de ontvangst van de trigger.A method for detecting a plurality of events by a plurality of autonomous and portable devices, wherein an event of the plurality of events comprises an event related to an object such as presence, entry and / or movement of a person or an object within a range of a first device of the plurality of devices, the method comprising the steps of: A. alerting-on detection of a sensor of a first device of the plurality of devices; B. the sensor of the first device detects the event; C. a processing unit of the first device records the event, processes the recorded event and produces a trigger related to the processed recorded event; D. a wireless transmitting unit of the first device transmits the trigger wirelessly, characterized in that the method further comprises the steps of: E. a wireless receiving unit of a second device receives the trigger wirelessly; F. a processing unit of the second device processes the trigger; G. the processing unit of the second device sets a sensor of the second device on alert-on-detection as a result of receiving the trigger. 10. De methode volgens conclusie 9, met het kenmerk dat de verwerkingseenheid van het tweede toestel de sensor van het tweede toestel op niet-alert-op-detectie stelt wanneer een vooringestelde periode voorbij is na ontvangst van de trigger.The method according to claim 9, characterized in that the processing unit of the second device sets the sensor of the second device to non-alert-on-detection when a preset period has elapsed after receipt of the trigger.