Building Automation Positioning with Adaptive Weighting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing building automation systems face challenges in accurately controlling actuators based on a person's position due to susceptibility to interference and the need for a transceiver, with current methods lacking adaptability in weighting factors and precision in position determination.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing the results of at least two different locating methods, where the results are weighted based on hit probability and position detection accuracy, with adaptive weighting factors to correct position determination based on user interactions, allowing for precise actuator control without requiring a transceiver and improving reliability and accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple location tracking methods are used to improve position determination accuracy, then the reliability of position detection is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of position detectionVSAvoidcomplexity of location tracking system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple location tracking methods (Wi-Fi tracking, radio field analysis, and motion detector-based tracking) into a unified positioning system. Each method's results are merged and weighted according to their respective probabilities of success and detection accuracy, creating a composite position determination that leverages the strengths of each individual method while compensating for their weaknesses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the weighting factors of different location tracking methods based on their current probability of success and detection accuracy. When one method performs poorly or experiences interference, its weight is reduced, and the system relies more heavily on methods that are currently providing reliable data, thereby maintaining overall system reliability without requiring manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If weighting factors are fixed for each location method, then the system is simpler to operate, but the position determination accuracy deteriorates when certain methods experience interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of system operationVSAvoidposition determination accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The weighting factors for each location tracking method are made dynamic rather than fixed. The system continuously evaluates the probability of success and detection accuracy of each method and automatically adjusts their weights accordingly. This allows the system to adapt to changing environmental conditions and interference patterns without requiring manual reconfiguration, maintaining both ease of operation and high positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the results of each location tracking method are continuously monitored and evaluated. Based on this feedback regarding detection accuracy and success probability, the system automatically recalibrates the weighting factors to optimize position determination. This feedback loop ensures that the system maintains high accuracy even when individual methods experience temporary interference or degradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If a transceiver device is required for location tracking, then the position detection accuracy is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates as users must carry additional equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition detection accuracyVSAvoidconvenience of location tracking
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system is designed to work with multiple types of transceivers including smartphones, tablets, and dedicated tracking devices, all of which users already carry or possess for other purposes. By making the location tracking system universal and compatible with common devices, the patent eliminates the need for users to carry specialized tracking equipment while maintaining high position detection accuracy through the use of multiple tracking methods.

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

4Reliability

If adaptive weighting factors are implemented to correct position determination, then the reliability of actuator control is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of actuator controlVSAvoidcomplexity of control system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-calibration and self-correction by automatically adjusting the weighting factors of location tracking methods based on detected position errors. When the determined position does not match the actual triggering position, the system autonomously recalibrates the weights to correct the discrepancy, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex external calibration equipment while maintaining high actuator control reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3486736B1Method for controlling at least one actuator integrated into a building automation system based on the position of a person
Publication Date: 2019.12.11 INSTA ELEKTRO GMBH
  • EP3486736B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3486736B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A method for controlling at least one actuator integrated into a building automation system based on the person's position, in which the results of at least two different positioning methods are used for determining the person's position, and which method is carried out with the following steps: - Weighting the positioning results of each positioning method depending on its probability of success with the person and its position detection accuracy, - Determining the current position of the person based on the weighted results of the positioning methods, - Comparing the determined position with positions stored in a database and defined as triggering positions for the actuator.- If the determined position sufficiently matches a position defined as triggering the actuator, the at least one actuator assigned to the position is controlled via the building automation system using the control data provided for that position; and - a situation assessment is carried out regarding the probability of a hit and the accuracy of the determined position of the person, whereby the current results of the location methods, reference data records of these location methods stored in a database corresponding to the determined position, and any corrective action taken by the person in response to the actuator activation are included in the situation assessment; and whereby, in the event of a negative situation assessment, the weighting factor of at least one of the location methods is adapted to correct the determined position.