Installation auxiliary device for facilitating installation of sensing device and method therefor

An auxiliary device for facilitating the installation of a sensing device and a method therefor are disclosed, and the installation support device includes a main body, a first light source assembly and a second light source assembly. The main body has a clamping mechanism configured for mounting the main body onto the sensing device, the first light source assembly and the second light source assembly are disposed on the main body and has at least one solid state light source, and the first light source assembly projects a first pattern along a first projecting direction, and the second light source assembly projects a second pattern along a second projecting direction. The two projecting directions are crossed each other at a predetermined distance, and whether the sensing device is installed at a desired position is determined according to a relative position between the first pattern and the second pattern.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an installation auxiliary device, and more particularly to an installation auxiliary device for facilitating the installation of a sensing device and a method therefor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Recently, various kinds of sensing devices, such as infrared sensing devices, thermo sensing devices, are employed to perform the environment detection and form vital components of security, automated lighting control, home control, energy efficiency, and other useful systems. These sensing devices need to be installed at appropriate locations so as to detect the predetermined area within the appropriate distance.

Nowadays, when a sensing device is installed, the sensing distance and the sensing range of the sensing device are usually measured manually and indirectly, for example, by using a laser range finder and analyzing the results. The sensing range of the sensing device is an area, however, the laser range finder can only measure the distance between two points and calculate the angle. Thus, if the laser range finder is used for helping the installation of the sensing device, it will need comprehensive calculations to know where the sensing range is.

On the other hand, some light devices, such as LED lighting devices, stage laser lighting devices, capable of projecting patterns are employed to determine whether the sensing device is positioned at appropriate location. However, the above-mentioned light devices can only project patterns. One can determine whether a sensing device is positioned at an appropriate location by comparing the focal length and the position of the pattern-projectable device, and then determining whether the projected patterns are clear or not. However, determinations of clarities of the patterns differ from people to people, and there isn't a standard of judgment. Further, such method cannot directly determine the sensing distance and the sensing range of the sensing device.

In other words, most methods in the prior arts are manually measuring the sensing distance, and then calculate the sensing range. Besides, if the sensing device is installed obliquely, using the laser range finder for calculating the sensing range will become more complicated.

Since the methods in the prior arts are indirectly determining the sensing range, the installations of sensing devices are usually very complicate and inconvenient.

Therefore, there is a need of providing an installation auxiliary device for facilitating the installation of a sensing device and a method therefor so as to obviate the drawbacks encountered from the prior arts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an installation auxiliary device for enabling a technician to directly determine whether a sensing device is positioned at a desired location, thereby simplifying the installation.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, an auxiliary device for facilitating the installation of a sensing device is provided. The installation support device includes a main body, a first light source assembly and a second light source assembly. The main body has a clamping mechanism configured for mounting the main body onto the sensing device. The first light source assembly is disposed on the main body and has at least one solid state light source, and the first light source assembly projects a first pattern along a first projecting direction. The second light source assembly is disposed on the main body and has at least one solid state light source, and the second light source assembly projects a second pattern along a second projecting direction. The first projecting direction and the second projecting direction are crossed each other at a predetermined distance, and whether the sensing device is installed at a desired position is determined according to a relative position between the first pattern and the second pattern.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method for adjusting a sensing distance and a sensing range of a sensing device by using an installation auxiliary device is provided. The method includes the following steps: (a) allowing the first light source assembly to project a first pattern along a first projecting direction and the second light source assembly to project a second pattern along a second projecting direction, wherein the first projecting direction and the second projecting direction are crossed each other at a predetermined distance; (b) analyzing a relative position between the first pattern and the second pattern; (c) determining whether the first pattern and the second pattern overlap each other and have the same size, wherein if the result is true, the sensing distance is the same as the predetermined distance and the sensing range is the same as a range covered by the first pattern and the second pattern, and the installation of the sensing device is performed; (d) if the result of step (c) is false, then determining whether the first pattern is larger than the second pattern and covers the second pattern, wherein if the result is true, the sensing distance exceeds the predetermined distance and the position of the sensing device is adjusted for shortening the distance between the sensing device and the ground, after that, back to the step (b); (e) if the result of step (d) is false, the sensing distance is within the predetermined distance, then determining whether a shorter sensing distance and a narrower sensing range are acceptable, wherein if the result is true, the installation of the sensing device is performed; and (f) if the result of step (e) is false, the position of the sensing device is adjusted for lengthening the distance between the sensing device and the ground, after that, back to the step (b) and repeating the steps (b) to (f) until the installation of the sensing device is performed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1Ais a schematic perspective view illustrating the structure of a sensing device.FIG. 1Bis a schematic perspective view illustrating the structure when the installation auxiliary device of the present invention is mounted on the sensing device. As show inFIGS. 1Aand1B, the installation auxiliary device2is used for facilitating the installation of a sensing device1. The sensing device1includes a base10, a sensing module11and a sensing element12. The sensing element12is disposed on the sensing module11, and the sensing module11is movably mounted on the base10. The installation auxiliary device2includes a main body20, a first light source assembly21and a second light source assembly22. The main body20is shaped as but not limited to a column20bthat a platform20ais connected with one side of the column20b. The main body20includes a clamping mechanism201configured for mounting the main body20onto the sensing device1. The first light source assembly21and the second light source assembly22are disposed on the platform20aof the main body20and have at least one solid state light source, respectively. The first light source assembly21projects a first pattern41(as shown inFIG. 6A) along a first projecting direction and the second light source assembly22projects a second pattern42(as shown inFIG. 6A) along a second projecting direction. The first projecting direction and the second projecting direction are crossed each other at a predetermined distance D (as shown inFIG. 5), and whether the sensing device1is installed at a desired location is determined according to a relative position between the first pattern and the second pattern. Besides, when the first pattern41and the second pattern42overlap each other and have the same size, the sensing distance of the sensing device1is the same as the predetermined distance D, and a sensing range of the sensing device1is the same as a range covered by the first pattern41and the second pattern42.

In this embodiment, preferably but not exclusively, the main body20of the installation auxiliary device2further includes a slot20b′ disposed on the column20bof the main body20, and the sensing device1further includes a protruding rib111disposed on the sensing module11of the sensing device1. The protruding rib111is configured to engage with the slot20b′ of the installation auxiliary device2correspondingly, and the relative position between the installation auxiliary device2and the sensing device1is fixed, so that the projecting directions of the first light source assembly21and the second light source assembly22are corresponding to the sensing element12. Consequently, the installation of sensing device1can be performed by using the installation auxiliary device2. It is noted that the number and shape of the protruding rib111and the slot20b′ as described above are only to explain the invention, if one of two structures can correspondingly engage with the other one, no matter what shapes or numbers they are, it should be covered by the present invention.

The following describes the operation of the clamping mechanism201.FIG. 2is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure when the installation auxiliary device of the present invention is mounted on the sensing device. As shown inFIG. 2, in this embodiment, the clamping mechanism201includes a plurality of shafts201a, a plurality of arms201b, a block201c, a plurality of resisting element201d, a plurality of elastic elements201eand a plurality of push elements201f, and these elements are all disposed within an accommodation space (not shown) of the main body20. The arm201bis connected to the shaft201aat the middle point thereof, so that the shaft201acan be served as a pivot for allowing the arm201bto rotate there around. Besides, a clamping end201b′ and a resisting end201b″ are defined at two ends of the arm201b, the clamping end201b′ is extended outwardly from the column20bof the main body20for clamping the outer edge of the sensing module11to perform a clamping action. The resisting end201b″ and the shaft201aare disposed within the accommodation space of the column20bof the main body20, and the resisting end201b″ abuts against the block201c. The two sides of the resisting element201dabut against an oblique surface on the bottom of the block201cand the push element201f, respectively. The elastic element201eis sleeved around one end of the push element201fand used for restoring the position of the push element201f.

After the installation of the sensing device1is performed, the installation auxiliary device2can be detached from the sensing device1. When the installation auxiliary device2is detached, the user can push the push element201f. Meanwhile, the elastic element201eis compressed by the push element201f, the push element201fabuts against the resisting element201d, and the resisting element201dabuts against the oblique surface on the bottom of the block201c. Under this circumstance, the resisting element201dtransfers an upward force from the oblique surface to the block201cand pushes the block201cupwardly. Then the block201cpushes the resisting end201b″ of the arm201b, and the clamping end201b′ rotates. Consequently, the clamping end201b′ is released from the outer edge of the sensing module11. Moreover, after the clamping mechanism201is released and the user releases the push element201f, the elastic element201erestores its original shape and the push element201fis returned to the initial position. The operation of mounting the installation auxiliary device2onto the sensing device1is the same as that of releasing the installation auxiliary device2from the sensing device1described above, and it's not described herein redundantly.

FIG. 3Ais a bottom view illustrating the installation auxiliary device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 3Bis a bottom view illustrating the installation auxiliary device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B, the first light source assembly21,31and the second light source assembly22,32are disposed on the platform20aof the main body20. According to the first embodiment, as shown inFIG. 3A, the first light source assembly21includes four solid state light sources21a,21b,21cand21d, the second light source assembly22also includes four solid state light sources22a,22b,22cand22d, and the beams projected from the solid state light sources21a,21b,21c,21d,22a,22b,22cand22dof the first light source assembly21and second light source assembly22are composed of solid linear lines, and the beam colors of the first light source assembly21and second light source assembly22are different. Alternatively, the projected beams can be composed of dotted lines. The linear lines projected from the first light source assembly21form a first pattern41(as shown inFIG. 6A), and the linear lines projected from the second light source assembly22form a second pattern42(as shown inFIG. 6A). Preferably but not exclusively, the first pattern41and the second pattern42are quadrangle.

According to the second embodiment of the present invention, as shown inFIG. 3B, the first light source assembly31includes a solid state light source31aand the solid state light source31ais covered by a photo mask (not illustrated), so that the first light source assembly31can directly project the first pattern41. The second light source assembly32includes four solid state light sources32a,32b,32cand32d. The beams projected from the solid state light sources32a,32b,32cand32dof the second light source assembly32can be composed of dotted line or solid line. Consequently, the first light source assembly31directly projects the first pattern41, and the beams projected from the second light source assembly32form a second pattern42. Preferably but not exclusively, the first pattern41and the second pattern42are one of quadrangle, circle and triangle.

The following describes the embodiment which the projected beams are dotted lines.FIG. 7Ais a schematic view illustrating the status when the projected first pattern is larger than and covers the projected second pattern according to the second embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 7Bis a schematic view illustrating the status when the projected first pattern and the projected second pattern are in an overlap relation according to the second embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 7Cis a schematic view illustrating the status when the projected second pattern is larger than and covers the projected first pattern according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIGS. 7A to 7C, preferably but not exclusively, the first pattern51is composed of solid lines, and the second pattern52is composed of dotted lines. In other embodiments, the colors of the first pattern51and the second pattern52are different from each other, so that the users can distinguish the patterns easily. It is noted that the first light source assembly21,31and the second light source assembly22,32are employed to project patterns, and the number of solid state light source, the color of the projected beams and the shape of projected patterns can be varied according to the practical requirements.

The following describes the method for adjusting a sensing distance and a sensing range of a sensing device by using an installation auxiliary device of the present invention.FIGS. 4A and 4Bcombined show a flow chart illustrating the method for adjusting a sensing distance and a sensing range of the sensing device by using the installation auxiliary device. As shown inFIGS. 1A, 1B, 4A, and 4B, the installation auxiliary device2is detachably mounted on the sensing module11of the sensing device1by the clamping mechanism201of the installation auxiliary device2. Then, the method for adjusting a sensing distance and a sensing range of the sensing device1by using the installation auxiliary device2is performed. The method includes the following steps. Firstly, the first light source assembly21(as shown inFIG. 3A) is enabled to project a first pattern41(as shown inFIG. 6A) along a first projecting direction and the second light source assembly42(as shown inFIG. 3A) is enabled to project a second pattern42(as shown inFIG. 6A) along a second projecting direction (see step S10). In this embodiment, the first pattern41along the first projecting direction and the second pattern42along the second projecting direction are preset to cross each other at a predetermined distance D (as shown inFIG. 5). Then, analyze a relative position between the first pattern41and the second pattern42(see step S11). Thereafter, determine whether the first pattern41and the second pattern42overlap each other and have the same size (see step S12). If the result is true, the sensing distance is the same as the predetermined distance D and the sensing range is the same as a range covered by the first pattern41and the second pattern42, and the installation of the sensing device1is performed. If the result is false, then the step S120is performed to determine whether the first pattern41is larger than the second pattern42and covers the second pattern42. If the result is true, the sensing distance exceeds the predetermined distance and the position of the sensing device1is adjusted for shortening the distance between the sensing device1and the ground (see S1201). After that, back to the step S11. If the result of step S120is false, the sensing distance is within the predetermined distance, and then determine whether a shorter sensing distance and a narrower sensing range are acceptable (see step S1202). If the result is true, the installation of the sensing device1is performed. In addition, if the result of step S120is false, the position of the sensing device1is adjusted for lengthening the distance between the sensing device1and the ground (see step S1203). After that, back to the step S11and repeat the steps S11to S1203until the installation of the sensing device1is performed.

FIG. 5is a schematic view illustrating the beams projected from the installation auxiliary device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is noted that only four solid state light sources21a,21b,22a, and22bof the first light source assembly21and the second light source assembly22are shown inFIG. 5for easily describing the present invention. As shown inFIG. 5, the solid state light sources21a,21bof the first light source assembly21project beams21a′,21b′ along a first projecting direction, and the solid state light sources22a,22bproject beams22a′,22b′ along a second projecting direction, and the first projecting direction and the second projecting direction are preset to cross each other at a predetermined distance D. In other words, the beam21b′ projected from the solid state light source21bof the first light source assembly21crosses the beam22a′ projected from the solid state light source22aof the second light source assembly22at the intersection point23a, and the beam21a′ projected from the solid state light source21aof the first light source assembly21crosses the beam22b′ projected from the solid state light source22bof the second light source assembly22at the intersection point23a′. It is noted that theFIG. 5only shows two sides of the installation auxiliary device2, the other sides of the installation auxiliary device2also project beams in the same way. Consequently, the beams projected from the first light source assembly21form the first pattern41(as shown inFIG. 6A), and the beams projected from the second light source assembly22form the second patter42(as shown inFIG. 6A). A first plane A1is defined by the solid state light sources disposed on the installation auxiliary device2, and a second surface A2is defined by an extending plane of the intersection points23a,23a′. By adjusting the first projecting direction of the first light source assembly21and the second projecting direction of the second light source assembly22, the distance between the first surface A1and the second surface A2can be adjusted to the preferable sensing distance (i.e. the predetermined distance D) of the sensing device1. Consequently, the user can determine whether the sensing device1is installed at an appropriate or desired position according to a relative position between the first pattern41and the second pattern42. The details are described below.

FIG. 6Ais a schematic view illustrating the status when the projected first pattern is larger than and covers the projected second pattern according to the first embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 6Bis a schematic view illustrating the status when the projected first pattern and the projected second pattern are in an overlap relation according to the first embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 6Cis a schematic view illustrating the status when the projected second pattern is larger than and covers the projected first pattern according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is noted that the first projecting direction and the second projecting direction of the installation auxiliary device2are adjusted and preset to cross each other at the predetermined distance D (i.e. the preferable sensing distance of the sensing device1) in advance.

As shown inFIGS. 5, 6A, 6B and 6C, during the installation of the sensing device1by using the installation auxiliary device2, if the vertical distance between the installation auxiliary device2and the ground is shorter than the predetermined distance D (i.e. the first surface A3is served as the ground), the relative position and the sizes of first pattern41projected from the first light source assembly21and the second pattern42projected from the second light source assembly22are shown inFIG. 6A. Under this circumstance, the second pattern42is larger than and covers the first pattern41. As shown inFIG. 5, the vertical distance between the installation auxiliary device2and the ground is within the predetermined distance D, thus, the installation of the sensing device1is performed.

If the vertical distance between the installation auxiliary device2and the ground is the same as the predetermined distance D (i.e., the second surface A2is served as the ground), the relative position and the sizes of first pattern41projected from the first light source assembly21and the second pattern42projected from the second light source assembly22are shown inFIG. 6B. Under this circumstance, the size of the first pattern41is the same as that of the second pattern42, and the four sides of the first pattern41are all overlap the four sides of the second pattern42. As shown inFIG. 5, the vertical distance between the installation auxiliary device2and the ground is the same as the predetermined distance D, thus, the installation of the sensing device is performed, and the sensing range of the sensing device1is the same as the range covered by the first pattern41and the second pattern42.

If the vertical distance between the installation auxiliary device2and the ground is longer than the predetermined distance D (i.e. the fourth surface A4is served as the ground), the relative position and the sizes of first pattern41projected from the first light source assembly21and the second pattern42projected from the second light source assembly22are shown inFIG. 6C. Under this circumstance, the first pattern41is larger than and covers the second pattern42. As shown inFIG. 5, the vertical distance between the installation auxiliary device2and the ground excesses the predetermined distance D, thus, the sensing device1fails to be installed at an appropriate or desired position, and the position of the sensing device1should be appropriately adjusted. Consequently, the users can directly determine whether the sensing device1is installed at an appropriate position according to the relative position of the first pattern41and the second pattern42.

In conclusion, the installation auxiliary device of the present invent utilizes a first light source assembly to project a first pattern along a first direction and a second light source assembly to project a second pattern along a second direction, and sets the first direction and the second direction to cross each other at a predetermined distance. By further utilizing the principle that the relative position between the first pattern and the second pattern varies with the distance between the installation auxiliary device and the ground, the installation auxiliary device of the present invent can help the user to directly determine whether the sensing device is installed at an appropriate or desired position. Besides, when the first pattern and the second pattern overlap each other, the range covered by the first pattern and the second pattern is the same as the sensing range of the sensing device, that is, the sensing range and the sensing distance of the sensing device is visualized. Thus, the installation of the sensing device can be simplified by using the installation auxiliary device of the present invention.