Desktop Occupancy Sensor Integrated with Charging Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for monitoring occupancy of desktops in office spaces face challenges such as user privacy concerns and lack of motivation for maintaining occupancy sensors, as well as inefficiencies in controlling environmental conditions and managing desk availability.
Innovation Solution
A desktop apparatus integrated with an occupancy sensor, charging interface, and controller that senses occupancy, charges mobile devices, and communicates occupancy data to an upstream network, providing a single unit that can be affixed or placed on a desktop to enhance user motivation and improve environmental control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If occupancy sensors are installed on desktops to monitor occupancy, then occupancy monitoring capability is improved, but user privacy concerns increase and user motivation to maintain the sensor decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the occupancy sensor with a charging device into a single integrated unit. The sensor is embedded within the charging device housing, which itself is placed on the desktop. This merging approach allows the sensor to be less obtrusive and more functional, reducing user privacy concerns while maintaining monitoring capability. The charging function provides additional value that encourages user acceptance.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated unit serves multiple functions: occupancy sensing, device charging, and potentially environmental control triggering. By making the system multi-functional, the patent increases user acceptance and motivation to maintain the sensor, as users interact with the system for legitimate purposes like charging devices rather than solely for monitoring.
2Measurement precision
If occupancy sensors are installed on desktops to monitor occupancy, then occupancy monitoring capability is improved, but ease of operation decreases due to lack of user motivation
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the sensor with a charging device, the system provides a tangible benefit (charging) that motivates users to interact with and maintain the system. The sensor becomes part of a useful function rather than a separate monitoring device, improving ease of operation through user cooperation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows users to benefit from the sensor indirectly through the charging function. Users naturally place their devices on the charging unit, which simultaneously activates the occupancy sensor without requiring separate user action for monitoring. This self-service approach maintains monitoring capability while improving user motivation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate occupancy sensors and charging devices are used, then functionality is comprehensive, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the occupancy sensor, charging device, and environmental control interface into a single unified structure. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and connections required, simplifying installation and maintenance while maintaining comprehensive functionality. The sensor is positioned within the charging device housing, sharing the same physical space and power supply.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate devices are placed on desktop to achieve monitoring and charging functions, then functionality is comprehensive, but visual clutter and user acceptance decrease
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the occupancy sensor housing with the charging device housing, the patent creates a single visual unit on the desktop. This eliminates the clutter of multiple separate devices while maintaining both monitoring and charging functions. The integrated design presents a cleaner, more professional appearance that improves user acceptance.
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 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 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.