System and method for occupancy estimation

Abstract

An occupancy estimator calculates an occupancy estimate (x) of a region based on sensor data (z) provided by one or more sensor devices and a model-based occupancy estimate generated by an occupant traffic model (f). The occupant traffic model (f) is based on predicted movement of occupants throughout a region. The occupancy estimation system includes an occupancy estimator algorithm (20) that combines the sensor data (z) and the model-based occupancy estimate generated by the occupant traffic model (f) to generate an occupancy estimate (x) for the region.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to estimating the occupancy of an area, and more particularly to estimating the occupancy of people within the area based on a combination of sensor data and occupant traffic models. Background technique [0002] Knowledge about the occupancy of a particular area can be used in a variety of applications. For example, knowledge of occupancy within a building can be used to improve the efficiency, comfort, and convenience of the building and, in emergency situations, the search and rescue efforts of first responders by providing information about the location of occupants. Typically, building occupancy is determined based solely on data provided by sensors. These occupancy estimates may generate errors due to lack of sensor data or errors in sensor data accumulated over time. Contents of the invention [0003] This document describes a system for estimating occupancy in an area. The system includes an input operatively ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

These occupancy estimates may be generated inaccurately due to lack of sensor data or errors in sensor data accumulated over time

Images