Calendar-Driven Location Automation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location automation systems are inefficient in adapting to changes in occupant schedules, leading to unnecessary resource usage and manual coordination challenges, particularly in scenarios like heating, security, and appliance control.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a computing device with access to a calendar database to process calendar data and update location automation settings, ensuring that automation events align with calendar events, thereby synchronizing and prioritizing updates based on user schedules and proximity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If remote control via website or mobile application is used to change location automation settings, then the system can be controlled remotely, but it requires inordinate amount of time and bandwidth, and requires development of special applications and websites
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically monitors calendar data and adjusts location automation settings without requiring user intervention. The processor detects changes in calendar entries and autonomously updates HVAC, lighting, and appliance settings based on the updated schedule, eliminating the need for manual remote control operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively processes calendar data to predict upcoming schedule changes and pre-adjusts automation settings before the actual change occurs. By continuously monitoring calendar entries and preparing setting adjustments in advance, the system ensures settings are already optimized when schedule changes happen, eliminating reactive manual control needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If location automation settings are manually coordinated among multiple occupants via telephone calls, then the settings can be adjusted, but it increases complexity and time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system consolidates multiple occupants' calendar data into a single integrated schedule. The processor merges calendar entries from all occupants, automatically resolves conflicts using priority rules, and generates unified automation settings that accommodate everyone's schedule, eliminating the need for manual coordination among occupants.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an automated scheduling intermediary that mediates between multiple occupants' calendar data and the location automation settings. This intermediary processor analyzes all calendar entries, determines optimal settings based on occupancy patterns, and implements adjustments without requiring direct communication or coordination between occupants.
3Temperature
If heating is run longer than necessary to accommodate schedule changes, then the location is warm when occupants arrive, but resources are wasted heating an unoccupied space
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts heating schedules based on real-time calendar data analysis. Instead of using fixed temperature schedules, the processor continuously monitors calendar entries and modifies HVAC settings to match actual occupancy patterns, ensuring heating is provided only when and where occupants are present, thereby eliminating energy wastage while maintaining comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where calendar data changes automatically trigger heating schedule adjustments. The processor monitors calendar entries for schedule changes and immediately updates HVAC settings accordingly, creating a responsive system that adapts heating patterns to actual occupancy needs, preventing both energy wastage and comfort issues.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for controlling a location automation system via computing device having access to a calendar database is provided. Calendar data, from the calendar database, is processed to determine that at least one location automation event controlled by the location automation system is affected by the calendar data. The location automation setting data is updated, based on the calendar data, such that the at least one location automation event occurs according to the calendar data.