Technique for controlling equipment based on biometric information

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing IoT-based systems for controlling equipment, such as air conditioners, fail to accurately adjust temperature according to individual user preferences due to subjective perception of temperature, which varies among people, even in the same environment, leading to ineffective temperature control.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that utilize biometric signals, such as heart rate, galvanic skin response, and EEG, to determine the user's emotional state and calculate the calorific value, enabling precise adjustment of temperature based on actual user needs, rather than statistical estimations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If temperature is adjusted based on apparent temperature calculated by formula, then temperature control can be automated, but it cannot accurately reflect individual user preferences since temperature perception differs person to person

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic temperature controlVSAvoidtemperature perception accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/formula-based apparent temperature calculation system with a biometric sensing system. Instead of using environmental parameters and fixed formulas, the system directly measures physiological indicators (heart rate, skin temperature, galvanic skin response) that reflect the user's actual thermal state and emotional condition, thereby substituting an indirect calculation method with a direct biological measurement approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces biometric signals as an intermediary between the user's subjective temperature perception and the automated control system. These physiological measurements serve as a mediator that translates the user's internal state into quantifiable data that can be processed by the control algorithm, enabling accurate reflection of individual preferences without requiring direct user input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If temperature control follows preset rules at the same apparent temperature, then control simplicity is maintained, but it does not match the user's actual wishes since users may want different temperature adjustments based on their conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidpersonalized temperature adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static, fixed-rule temperature control into a dynamic system that continuously adapts to changing user states. By continuously monitoring biometric parameters and adjusting temperature control decisions in real-time based on the user's current physiological and emotional state, the system maintains simplicity of operation while achieving high adaptability to individual needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameters from fixed environmental thresholds to variable biometric indicators. Instead of relying on predetermined apparent temperature thresholds, the system uses dynamically measured physiological parameters (heart rate, skin temperature, galvanic skin response) that vary with the user's state, enabling personalized temperature adjustments while maintaining automated operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If biometric signals are continuously measured to determine personalized temperature control, then accuracy of temperature adjustment is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser state measurement accuracyVSAvoidbiometric sensing and processing system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a multi-functional control system that simultaneously processes multiple types of biometric signals (heart rate, skin temperature, galvanic skin response) and integrates them with environmental sensor data. This universal approach allows the single control system to perform diverse functions: monitoring physiological state, determining emotional condition, calculating thermal comfort, and controlling temperature, thereby managing complexity through functional integration rather than separate specialized systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3376343B1Technique for controlling equipment based on biometric information
Publication Date: 2020.10.28 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3376343B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3376343B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3376343B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~4D

AI summary

This disclosure relates to technologies for a sensor network, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, machine type communication (MTC), and Internet of Things (IoT). This disclosure can be utilized in intelligent services based on the above technologies, such as smart homes, smart buildings, smart cities, smart cars or connected cars, health care, digital education, retail sales, security and safety related services, etc. This disclosure relates to a method for generating an instruction for controlling equipment on the basis of biometric information, comprising: a step of obtaining at least one biometric information; a step of determining whether to calculate a calorific value by using stored biometric information and the obtained biometric information, and calculating the calorific value by using the stored biometric information and the obtained biometric information according to the determined result; and generating an instruction for controlling the equipment on the basis of the calculated calorific value.