Desktop Occupancy Sensor with Charging Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing desktop occupancy monitoring systems face challenges in user acceptance due to privacy concerns and lack of motivation for maintenance, as users do not want to be monitored and may not have incentive to fix or replace occupancy sensors.
Innovation Solution
A desktop apparatus with an integrated occupancy sensor, mobile device charging interface, and controller that communicates occupancy data to an upstream network, motivating users to occupy and maintain the desktop by providing a functional charging service and controlling power to external devices based on sensed occupancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an occupancy sensor is installed to monitor desktop usage, then building resource management capability is improved, but user privacy concerns increase and user acceptance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the occupancy sensor with a mobile device charging interface into a single desktop apparatus. This merging transforms a potentially intrusive monitoring device into a useful charging station that incidentally detects occupancy through mobile device presence, thereby reducing privacy concerns while maintaining resource management capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device charging interface serves as an intermediary that indirectly detects occupancy. Instead of directly monitoring the user, the system detects the presence of the mobile device in the charging interface, which serves as a proxy for user presence, thereby reducing direct surveillance concerns
2Reliability
If an occupancy sensor is installed to monitor desktop usage, then desktop availability tracking is improved, but user motivation to maintain the sensor decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the occupancy sensor with the charging interface, the system creates a single apparatus where the charging function provides ongoing user interaction and motivation. Users naturally interact with the charging interface by placing and removing devices, which simultaneously activates the occupancy detection, eliminating the need for separate maintenance motivation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the mobile device itself as the trigger for occupancy detection. When a user places their device in the charging interface, the device's presence automatically activates the sensor and communicates occupancy status, eliminating the need for users to manually maintain or activate the monitoring system
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components (occupancy sensor, charging interface, network interface) are integrated into a single desktop apparatus, then device versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The desktop apparatus is designed as a universal platform that performs multiple functions: mobile device charging, occupancy detection, and network communication. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise be separate devices into a single unit, improving versatility while managing complexity through functional integration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges previously separate components (occupancy sensor, charging interface, network interface) into a single integrated desktop apparatus. This consolidation reduces the number of separate devices needed while managing complexity through unified design and shared power/communication infrastructure
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatuses, methods and systems for a desktop occupancy sensing device are disclosed. One desktop apparatus includes an occupancy sensor, a mobile device charging interface, a controller, and a structure. The occupancy sensor operates to sense occupancy proximate to the desktop apparatus. The controller operates to determine occupancy of a desktop based on the sensed occupation, and the controller operates to communicate the determined occupancy to an upstream network. The occupancy sensor, the mobile device charging interface, and an interface to the upstream network are disposed within the structure as a single unit, and the structure is adapted to be placed on or affixed to the desktop.