Building Occupancy Monitor Using Wireless Device Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated systems for controlling office environments, such as lighting and HVAC, are inefficient due to the need for numerous sensors and imprecise timing systems, leading to unnecessary energy waste when people arrive early or leave late.
Innovation Solution
A building monitor that uses a processor and receiver to wirelessly detect electronic devices and environmental conditions, adjusting the state of building systems based on occupancy levels and environmental changes to optimize energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If motion sensors are installed throughout the office to sense movement, then occupancy detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses existing electronic devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops) that employees already possess and use daily, rather than installing dedicated motion sensors throughout the office. These universal devices serve multiple functions including communication, computation, and now occupancy detection, eliminating the need for additional specialized sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of directly detecting physical motion through sensors, the system detects the presence and movement of employees by monitoring wireless signals (WiFi, Bluetooth) emitted by their electronic devices. This indirect copying of motion information through signal analysis reduces the need for physical sensors while maintaining detection accuracy.
2Extent of automation
If timing systems are used to control lighting and HVAC during set hours, then automation is improved, but adaptability to irregular schedules deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the presence or absence of electronic devices in the office and uses this real-time feedback to dynamically adjust building systems. Unlike fixed timing systems, the automation adapts to actual occupancy patterns, allowing employees to arrive early or leave late without wasting energy, while maintaining high levels of automated control.
3Area of stationary object
If a large number of sensors are installed to detect occupancy throughout the office, then occupancy detection coverage is improved, but installation complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system leverages the ubiquity of electronic devices already present in employees' possession, eliminating the need to install numerous sensors throughout the office space. A single receiver can detect signals from multiple devices across the entire office area, providing comprehensive coverage without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Wireless signals from electronic devices serve as intermediaries between the employee and the occupancy detection system. Instead of directly installing sensors in every location, the system uses these signal intermediaries to indirectly detect occupancy throughout the office, reducing installation complexity while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
A building monitor for controlling an environment in a region of a building. The monitor is configured to couple to a building system and operable to change a state of a building system. The monitor comprises a processor and a receiver coupled to the processor. The receiver is configured to wirelessly detect the presence of one or more electronic device thereby to indicate an occupancy level of a region of a building. The processor is configured to receive an environmental signal indicative of an environmental condition in a region of a building. The monitor is configured to output a signal for controlling a state of a building system in dependence on the indicated occupancy level and/or the indicated environmental condition.