Computing device interaction with surrounding environment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computing devices lack the ability to seamlessly interact with and control surrounding environments based on user presence and preferences, leading to conflicts in settings when multiple users are present in the same space.
Innovation Solution
Portable computing devices detect user presence and preferences, communicating with service computing devices to adjust environmental settings such as lighting, climate, and entertainment systems, using sensors and conflict resolution rules to accommodate multiple users' preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If portable computing devices automatically control environmental settings based on user presence, then user convenience and comfort are improved, but conflicts arise when multiple users with different preferences are present in the same space
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting user presence before environmental conflicts occur. Sensors detect when users enter a zone, and the computing device proactively retrieves stored preference profiles and applies appropriate settings before any conflict can arise, thereby maintaining both convenience and multi-user adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The computing device acts as an intermediary between multiple users and the environmental控制系统. It stores and manages preference profiles for different users, receives sensor data about user presence, and mediates the selection and application of appropriate settings based on which users are currently present, thus resolving potential conflicts
2Productivity
If environmental settings are automatically adjusted based on sensor detection, then productivity and efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple sensors and communication protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The computing device performs multiple functions: it serves as a user interface for inputting preferences, a database for storing preference profiles, a control system for adjusting environmental settings, and a conflict resolution mechanism. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate dedicated devices into a single portable computing device
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically detecting user presence through sensors, retrieving the appropriate preference profile, and applying the correct environmental settings without requiring manual user intervention. The computing device autonomously manages the entire process from detection to settings application
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, a computing device may receive an indication that a first user and a second user are located in a zone of an interior space or other surrounding environment. Settings of one or more controllable devices may be controlled based on user profiles including implicit or explicit user preferences, such as for controlling lighting, ambient temperature, entertainment, security, etc., in the zone. When there is conflict between the user preferences, the conflict may be resolved, such as by determining a hierarchy between the users, by averaging the preferred settings, or based on other techniques. Further, a portable computing device may be associated with a user and may provide sensor information. The sensor information may include biometric sensor information that is indicative of a bodily condition of the user and that can be used for determining a context of the user or the zone.