EP1178454A1 - Autonomous infrared sensing apparatus powered by a photovoltaic device - Google Patents

Autonomous infrared sensing apparatus powered by a photovoltaic device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1178454A1
EP1178454A1 EP00810656A EP00810656A EP1178454A1 EP 1178454 A1 EP1178454 A1 EP 1178454A1 EP 00810656 A EP00810656 A EP 00810656A EP 00810656 A EP00810656 A EP 00810656A EP 1178454 A1 EP1178454 A1 EP 1178454A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
sensing apparatus
infrared
autonomous
autonomous sensing
optical element
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP00810656A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1178454B1 (en
Inventor
Francis Thiebaud
Keith Brooks
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
GREATCELL SOLAR S.A.
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Greatcell Solar SA
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Publication date
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Priority to AT00810656T priority Critical patent/ATE320640T1/en
Priority to EP00810656A priority patent/EP1178454B1/en
Priority to DE60026684T priority patent/DE60026684T8/en
Publication of EP1178454A1 publication Critical patent/EP1178454A1/en
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
    • G08B13/18—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength
    • G08B13/189—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems
    • G08B13/19—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems using infrared-radiation detection systems
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
    • G08B13/18—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength
    • G08B13/189—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems
    • G08B13/19—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems using infrared-radiation detection systems
    • G08B13/193—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems using infrared-radiation detection systems using focusing means

Definitions

  • the invention deals with a compact and autonomous infrared sensing apparatus.
  • An infrared apparatus comprises at least:
  • One of the drawbacks of this apparatus is that the photovoltaic device is spatially separated from the infrared detector and from the optical element.
  • the present invention has as its object to propose a compact and autonomous infrared sensing apparatus which does not present this drawback.
  • Another object is to provide an apparatus of the aforementioned type improved in an economical way.
  • the invention has as its subject matter a compact and autonomous apparatus of the aforementioned type, more particularly characterised in that said the optical element of the sensing apparatus is physically disposed so as to cover essentially the entire surface of the photovoltaic device, and :
  • FIGS 1A to 1K Schematic cutaway drawing of the basic design (fig 1A) of the apparatus according to the invention and of optional designs (fig. 1B to 1K) of the same apparatus.
  • Figure 2 Parts of an autonomous infrared sensing apparatus designed for a compact assembling according to the invention.
  • a compact and autonomous infrared sensing apparatus 1 can be seen in the figures 1A to 1K and 2.
  • This autonomous sensing apparatus 1 comprising at least:
  • An infrared detector 4 is a device which absorbs infrared radiation "B" and converts it to an electric signal.
  • a photovoltaic element is a device which absorbs incoming photons and converts them to electricity.
  • An optical element 5, according to the invention, is a device which at least transmits a part of the incoming electromagnetic radiation "A" to the infrared detector and to the photovoltaic device.
  • An electronic circuit 6, according to the invention is a device which transforms the primary electric signal of the infrared detector in a secondary electronic signal "S" used to activate another electric or electronic element.
  • the optical element 5 of the sensing apparatus 1 is physically disposed so as to cover essentially the entire surface of the photovoltaic element 3, and :
  • An autonomous sensing apparatus characterised in that part of the optical element 5 which has functionality in the infrared part of the spectrum deflects the incoming infrared radiation onto the infrared detector 4.
  • the part of the optical element 5 which acts as an infrared optical element is a part which at least deflects the incoming infrared radiation onto the infrared detector 4.
  • the infrared detector 4 is disposed on the active surface 3A of the photovoltaic element 3 (figures 1A and 1D to 1K).
  • the active surface 3A of the photovoltaic element 3 is the part of the surface of this element which absorbs photons and converts them into electricity.
  • the infrared detector 4 is placed in a cavity 3B in the active surface 3A of the photovoltaic element 3 (figure 1 B).
  • the infrared detector 4 is disposed behind the photovoltaic element 3 such that infrared radiation "B” reaches said infrared detector 4 through an aperture 3C (figure 1C).
  • a sensing apparatus 1 can be constructed which is compact.
  • the source of energy 2 also comprises at least one of the following :
  • a sensing apparatus 1 can be constructed which is both compact and autonomous.
  • the autonomous sensing apparatus 1 might comprise a peripheral housing 7 including a mirror 8 with the purpose of recapturing photons which have been reflected from the active surface 3A of the photovoltaic element 3, thus increasing the possibility of photon capture by the photovoltaic element 3 (figure 1E).
  • the autonomous sensing apparatus 1 further comprises an alarm device 9.
  • This alarm device 9 could be for example, a device which uses light or sound to draw attention (figures 1F and 1J).
  • the autonomous sensing apparatus 1 comprises a switching element 10 for another electric or electronic device 11 (figures 1G and 1I).
  • the autonomous sensing apparatus 1 further comprises at least a radio frequency emitter 12 for communication with a second electronic system 13 equipped with at least a radio frequency receiver 14.
  • the autonomous sensing apparatus 1 further comprises at least a radio frequency 12 emitter for communication with a switching element 10 equipped with at least a radio frequency receiver 14 (figure 1I).
  • the autonomous sensing apparatus 1 further comprises at least an infrared emitter 15 for communication with a second electronic system 13 equipped with at least an infrared receiver 16 (figure 1H).
  • the autonomous sensing apparatus 1 further comprises at least an infrared emitter 15 for communication with a switching element 10 equipped with at least an infrared receiver 16 (figure 1I).
  • the said second electronic system 13 is an alarm device.(figure 1J)
  • the autonomous sensing apparatus 1 further comprises at least one additional sensing device 17 for the infrared, ultraviolet or visible radiation (figures 1K and 2).
  • the autonomous sensing apparatus further 1 comprises an additional sensing device 17 for the measurement of temperature or humidity (figures 1K and 2).

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Photometry And Measurement Of Optical Pulse Characteristics (AREA)
  • Geophysics And Detection Of Objects (AREA)
  • Burglar Alarm Systems (AREA)
  • Light Receiving Elements (AREA)

Abstract

An autonomous infrared sensing apparatus (1) comprising at least:
  • a source of energy (2) including at least one photovoltaic element (3),
  • an infrared detector (4),
  • an optical element (5),
  • an electronic circuit (6),
   characterised in that the said optical element (5) of the sensing apparatus (1) is physically disposed so as to cover essentially the entire active surface (3A) of the photovoltaic element (3), and :
  • said optical element (5) exhibits a high transparency in at least part of the spectrum in which the photovoltaic device (3) is capable of converting photons into electrical energy, and
  • at least a part of said optical element (5) acts as an infrared optical element.
Figure 00000001

Description

  • The invention deals with a compact and autonomous infrared sensing apparatus.
  • An infrared apparatus comprises at least:
    • a source of energy including at least one photovoltaic element,
    • an infrared detector,
    • an optical element, and
    • an electronic circuit.
  • This case is well illustrated in the US Patent No. 4,982,176 entitled is "Solar powered lighting and alarm system activated by motion detection".
  • One of the drawbacks of this apparatus is that the photovoltaic device is spatially separated from the infrared detector and from the optical element.
  • The present invention has as its object to propose a compact and autonomous infrared sensing apparatus which does not present this drawback.
  • Another object is to provide an apparatus of the aforementioned type improved in an economical way.
  • To this end, the invention has as its subject matter a compact and autonomous apparatus of the aforementioned type, more particularly characterised in that said the optical element of the sensing apparatus is physically disposed so as to cover essentially the entire surface of the photovoltaic device, and :
    • said optical element exhibits a high transparency in at least part of the spectrum in which the photovoltaic device is capable of converting photons into electrical energy, and
    • at least a part of said optical element acts as an infrared optical element.
  • The invention will be better understood from reading the description which follows, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the attached drawing in which:
  • Figures 1A to 1K : Schematic cutaway drawing of the basic design (fig 1A) of the apparatus according to the invention and of optional designs (fig. 1B to 1K) of the same apparatus.
  • Figure 2 : Parts of an autonomous infrared sensing apparatus designed for a compact assembling according to the invention.
  • A compact and autonomous infrared sensing apparatus 1 can be seen in the figures 1A to 1K and 2.
  • This autonomous sensing apparatus 1 comprising at least:
    • a source 2 of energy including at least one photovoltaic element 3,
    • an infrared detector 4,
    • an optical element 5,
    • an electronic circuit 6.
  • An infrared detector 4 is a device which absorbs infrared radiation "B" and converts it to an electric signal.
  • A photovoltaic element is a device which absorbs incoming photons and converts them to electricity.
  • An optical element 5, according to the invention, is a device which at least transmits a part of the incoming electromagnetic radiation "A" to the infrared detector and to the photovoltaic device.
  • An electronic circuit 6, according to the invention, is a device which transforms the primary electric signal of the infrared detector in a secondary electronic signal "S" used to activate another electric or electronic element.
  • In a notable way, the optical element 5 of the sensing apparatus 1 is physically disposed so as to cover essentially the entire surface of the photovoltaic element 3, and :
    • said optical element 5 exhibits a high transparency in at least part of the spectrum in which the photovoltaic element 3 is capable of converting photons into electrical energy, and
    • at least a part of said optical element 5 acts as an infrared optical element.
  • An autonomous sensing apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that part of the optical element 5 which has functionality in the infrared part of the spectrum deflects the incoming infrared radiation onto the infrared detector 4.
  • In a notable way, the part of the optical element 5 which acts as an infrared optical element is a part which at least deflects the incoming infrared radiation onto the infrared detector 4.
  • In a variant, the infrared detector 4 is disposed on the active surface 3A of the photovoltaic element 3 (figures 1A and 1D to 1K).
  • The active surface 3A of the photovoltaic element 3 is the part of the surface of this element which absorbs photons and converts them into electricity.
  • In another variant, the infrared detector 4 is placed in a cavity 3B in the active surface 3A of the photovoltaic element 3 (figure 1 B).
  • In another variant, the infrared detector 4 is disposed behind the photovoltaic element 3 such that infrared radiation "B" reaches said infrared detector 4 through an aperture 3C (figure 1C).
  • In this way a sensing apparatus 1 can be constructed which is compact.
  • In an embodiment, (figure 1D) the source of energy 2 also comprises at least one of the following :
    • a non-rechargeable battery 2A,
    • a rechargeable battery 2B,
    • a capacitor 2C.
  • In this way a sensing apparatus 1 can be constructed which is both compact and autonomous.
  • In a special design the autonomous sensing apparatus 1 might comprise a peripheral housing 7 including a mirror 8 with the purpose of recapturing photons which have been reflected from the active surface 3A of the photovoltaic element 3, thus increasing the possibility of photon capture by the photovoltaic element 3 (figure 1E).
  • Preferably, the autonomous sensing apparatus 1 further comprises an alarm device 9. This alarm device 9 could be for example, a device which uses light or sound to draw attention (figures 1F and 1J).
  • In a variant, the autonomous sensing apparatus 1 comprises a switching element 10 for another electric or electronic device 11 (figures 1G and 1I).
  • In an embodiment, as pictured on figure 1H , the autonomous sensing apparatus 1 further comprises at least a radio frequency emitter 12 for communication with a second electronic system 13 equipped with at least a radio frequency receiver 14.
  • In another embodiment the autonomous sensing apparatus 1 further comprises at least a radio frequency 12 emitter for communication with a switching element 10 equipped with at least a radio frequency receiver 14 (figure 1I).
  • In a variant the autonomous sensing apparatus 1 further comprises at least an infrared emitter 15 for communication with a second electronic system 13 equipped with at least an infrared receiver 16 (figure 1H).
  • In another variant the autonomous sensing apparatus 1 further comprises at least an infrared emitter 15 for communication with a switching element 10 equipped with at least an infrared receiver 16 (figure 1I).
  • In an embodiment the said second electronic system 13 is an alarm device.(figure 1J)
  • The autonomous sensing apparatus 1 further comprises at least one additional sensing device 17 for the infrared, ultraviolet or visible radiation (figures 1K and 2).
  • The autonomous sensing apparatus further 1 comprises an additional sensing device 17 for the measurement of temperature or humidity (figures 1K and 2).

Claims (18)

  1. An autonomous infrared sensing apparatus (1) comprising at least:
    a source of energy (2) including at least one photovoltaic element (3),
    an infrared detector (4),
    an optical element (5),
    an electronic circuit (6),
       characterised in that the said optical element (5) of the sensing apparatus (1) is physically disposed so as to cover essentially the entire active surface (3A) of the photovoltaic element (3), and :
    said optical element (5) exhibits a high transparency in at least part of the spectrum in which the photovoltaic device (3) is capable of converting photons into electrical energy, and
    at least a part of said optical element (5) acts as an infrared optical element.
  2. An autonomous sensing apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that part of the optical element (5) which has functionality in the infrared part of the spectrum deflects the incoming infrared radiation onto the infrared detector (4).
  3. An autonomous sensing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that said infrared detector (4) is disposed on the active surface (3A) of the photovoltaic element (3).
  4. An autonomous sensing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that said infrared detector (4) is disposed in a cavity (3B) in the active surface (3A) of the photovoltaic element (3).
  5. An autonomous sensing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that said infrared detector (4) is disposed behind the photovoltaic element (3) such that infrared radiation reaches said detector through an aperture (3C).
  6. An autonomous sensing apparatus according to one of the claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the source of energy (2) comprises a non-rechargeable battery (2A).
  7. An autonomous sensing apparatus according to one of the claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the source of energy (2) comprises a rechargeable battery (2B).
  8. An autonomous sensing apparatus according to one of the claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the source of energy (2) comprises a capacitor (2C).
  9. An autonomous sensing apparatus according to one of the claims 1 to 8, characterised in that it comprises a peripheral housing (7) and disposed inside said peripheral housing (7), a mirror (8) with the purpose of recapturing photons which have been reflected from the active surface (3A) of the photovoltaic element.
  10. An autonomous sensing apparatus according to one of the claims 1 to 9, characterised in that it further comprises an alarm device (9).
  11. An autonomous sensing apparatus according to one of the claims 1 to 9, characterised in that it further comprises a switching element (10) for another electric or electronic device (11).
  12. An autonomous sensing apparatus according to one of the claims 1 to 11, characterised in that it further comprises at least a radio frequency emitter (12) for communication with a second electronic system (13) equipped with at least a radio frequency receiver (14).
  13. An autonomous sensing apparatus according to one of the claims 1 to 11, characterised in that it further comprises at least a radio frequency emitter (12) for communication with a switching element (10) equipped with at least a radio frequency receiver (14).
  14. An autonomous sensing apparatus according to one of the claims 1 to 11, characterised in that it further comprises at least an infrared emitter (15) for communication with a second electronic system (13) equipped with at least an infrared receiver (16).
  15. An autonomous sensing apparatus according to one of the claims 1 to 11, characterised in that it further comprises at least an infrared emitter (15) for communication with a switching element (10) equipped with at least an infrared receiver (16).
  16. An autonomous sensing apparatus according to one of the claims 11 to 15, characterised in that said second electronic system (13) is an alarm device.
  17. An autonomous sensing apparatus according to one of the claims 1 to 16, characterised in that it further comprises at least one additional sensing device (17) for the infrared, ultraviolet or visible radiation.
  18. An autonomous sensing apparatus according to one of the claims 1 to 17, characterised in that it further comprises an additional sensing device (17) for the measurement of the temperature or the humidity.
EP00810656A 2000-07-21 2000-07-21 Autonomous infrared sensing apparatus powered by a photovoltaic device Expired - Lifetime EP1178454B1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT00810656T ATE320640T1 (en) 2000-07-21 2000-07-21 AUTONOMOUS PHOTOVOLTAIC POWERED INFRARED DETECTION DEVICE
EP00810656A EP1178454B1 (en) 2000-07-21 2000-07-21 Autonomous infrared sensing apparatus powered by a photovoltaic device
DE60026684T DE60026684T8 (en) 2000-07-21 2000-07-21 Autonomous photovoltaic infrared detection device

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP00810656A EP1178454B1 (en) 2000-07-21 2000-07-21 Autonomous infrared sensing apparatus powered by a photovoltaic device

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EP1178454A1 true EP1178454A1 (en) 2002-02-06
EP1178454B1 EP1178454B1 (en) 2006-03-15

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AT (1) ATE320640T1 (en)
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Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2005114610A1 (en) * 2004-05-19 2005-12-01 Powtier Controls Ltd. Wireless sensors
WO2006057322A1 (en) * 2004-11-25 2006-06-01 Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. Wireless sensor device
EP2565712A1 (en) * 2011-09-05 2013-03-06 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Projection System, Projection Apparatus, Sensor Device, Power Generation Control Method, and Computer Program Product
US10320384B2 (en) 2014-06-02 2019-06-11 Xyz Interactive Technologies Inc. Touch-less switching
US10452157B2 (en) 2014-10-07 2019-10-22 Xyz Interactive Technologies Inc. Device and method for orientation and positioning

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN104111446A (en) 2009-01-27 2014-10-22 Xyz互动技术公司 A Method And Apparatus For Ranging Finding, Orienting, And/or Positioning Of Single And/or Multiple Devices

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4982176A (en) * 1990-01-17 1991-01-01 Frank Schwarz Solar powered lighting and alarm systems activated by motion detection
DE4419019A1 (en) * 1994-05-31 1995-12-07 Pro Innovatio Forschungszentru Programmable combined on-off switch and dimmer control unit
DE29718173U1 (en) * 1997-10-14 1998-01-08 Richter, Ulrike, 36399 Freiensteinau Additional rear light
DE29823657U1 (en) * 1997-10-15 1999-09-09 Röhm GmbH, 64293 Darmstadt Solar module with functionally integrated back

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4982176A (en) * 1990-01-17 1991-01-01 Frank Schwarz Solar powered lighting and alarm systems activated by motion detection
DE4419019A1 (en) * 1994-05-31 1995-12-07 Pro Innovatio Forschungszentru Programmable combined on-off switch and dimmer control unit
DE29718173U1 (en) * 1997-10-14 1998-01-08 Richter, Ulrike, 36399 Freiensteinau Additional rear light
DE29823657U1 (en) * 1997-10-15 1999-09-09 Röhm GmbH, 64293 Darmstadt Solar module with functionally integrated back

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2005114610A1 (en) * 2004-05-19 2005-12-01 Powtier Controls Ltd. Wireless sensors
WO2006057322A1 (en) * 2004-11-25 2006-06-01 Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. Wireless sensor device
US7792553B2 (en) 2004-11-25 2010-09-07 Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd. Wireless sensor device
EP2565712A1 (en) * 2011-09-05 2013-03-06 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Projection System, Projection Apparatus, Sensor Device, Power Generation Control Method, and Computer Program Product
US9013400B2 (en) 2011-09-05 2015-04-21 Ricoh Company, Limited Projection system, projection apparatus, sensor device, power generation control method, and computer program product
US10320384B2 (en) 2014-06-02 2019-06-11 Xyz Interactive Technologies Inc. Touch-less switching
US10452157B2 (en) 2014-10-07 2019-10-22 Xyz Interactive Technologies Inc. Device and method for orientation and positioning

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE60026684D1 (en) 2006-05-11
DE60026684T2 (en) 2006-12-21
ATE320640T1 (en) 2006-04-15
DE60026684T8 (en) 2007-05-16
EP1178454B1 (en) 2006-03-15

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