Acoustic Building Automation for Window State Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building automation systems require multiple sensors to detect the open or closed state of numerous windows and doors, leading to increased costs and complexity, especially in large buildings, as they rely on traditional contact switches that need to be individually connected to a bus system.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses a single microphone to detect acoustic signals from outside the building, comparing them with stored reference signals to determine the open or closed state of windows and doors, thereby controlling heating actuators to conserve energy, utilizing a microphone already present in modern automation systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple contact switches are installed to detect the state of each window and door, then the detection reliability is improved, but the device complexity and installation cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection functions (window state, door state, ambient noise detection) into a single acoustic sensor that can detect all these states through acoustic signals, eliminating the need for multiple separate contact switches and their individual connections to the bus system
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic sensor serves multiple functions: it detects whether windows are open or closed, detects door states, and identifies ambient noise levels, replacing the need for specialized sensors for each function and simplifying the overall system architecture
2Measurement precision
If a large number of sensors are installed to monitor all windows and doors, then the measurement precision is improved, but the installation cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact switches with an acoustic sensing system that uses sound waves to detect window and door states, eliminating the need for physical contact and reducing installation complexity while maintaining detection precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses acoustic copies (sound waves) of the ambient environment to infer the physical state of windows and doors, creating a virtual model of building openings through acoustic analysis rather than direct physical measurement
3Measurement precision
If traditional contact switches are used for each opening, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the loss of time for installation and maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple detection tasks into a single acoustic sensor deployment, reducing installation time from installing numerous individual contact switches to installing one acoustic sensor that performs all detection functions simultaneously
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces the need for multiple sensors, lowers component and installation costs, and effectively manages energy consumption by accurately detecting ambient noise to adjust heating outputs based on the state of openings, enhancing the efficiency of building automation systems.
Implementation Method 1
Detecting an acoustic signal in a room of a building that has a building automation system; comparing the detected acoustic signal with at least one acoustic reference signal
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for building automation comprising the steps of: - detecting an acoustic signal in a room (1) of a building (100) that has a building automation system (2); - comparing the detected acoustic signal with at least one acoustic reference signal to which building status information is assigned; - applying the building status information when generating a control command to actuate a sensor (3) or an actuator (4) of the building automation system (2) if, during the comparison, a match between the detected acoustic signal and the acoustic reference signal assigned to the building status information has been detected. A corresponding building is further described.