System and method for smart building control using directional occupancy sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart building control systems face challenges in generating accurate and meaningful control inputs for environmental control systems due to limitations in sensor data processing and integration, particularly in capturing occupant usage data effectively across a building's lifecycle.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for smart building control using directional occupancy sensing, which involves a master control device that processes electrical signals from presence sensors to generate background and sensor values, subtracts background values to obtain measurement data, associates this data with moving objects, and determines tracks within a coordinate system to output control signals for environmental control systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional occupancy sensors are used in smart building control systems, then the system can detect occupant presence, but the measurement precision and accuracy of occupant usage data are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the occupancy detection task into multiple specialized sensor types (motion sensors, pressure sensors, thermal sensors, optical sensors) distributed throughout the building space. Each sensor type detects specific aspects of occupancy, and their data is integrated to achieve comprehensive and precise occupancy measurement, resolving the limitation of traditional single-type sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges data from multiple sensor types and multiple sensor locations into a unified occupancy model. The master control device combines signals from motion sensors, pressure sensors, thermal sensors, and optical sensors to generate comprehensive occupancy status, thereby improving measurement precision and reducing information loss
2Measurement precision
If more sensors are deployed to improve occupancy detection accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the building into multiple zones with distributed sensors, allowing localized detection without requiring a single complex centralized sensor system. Each zone has its own set of simple sensors that report to the master control device, maintaining individual component simplicity while achieving system-level precision
Solution Approach 2:
The master control device serves multiple functions: it receives data from various sensor types, processes the signals, determines occupancy status, identifies usage patterns, and controls environmental systems. This multi-functionality consolidates complexity into a single device rather than requiring complex individual sensors
3Speed
If real-time occupancy data processing is implemented, then responsiveness of control systems improves, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary processing of sensor data at the source, with each sensor or zone controller pre-processing raw signals before transmission to the master control device. This reduces the computational burden on the central system and enables faster real-time response by having data ready in a processed state
Solution Approach 2:
The master control device continuously processes occupancy data and updates environmental control systems in real-time without interruption. The system maintains continuous monitoring and control, ensuring responsive operation while optimizing processing efficiency through ongoing data flow management
4Measurement precision
If comprehensive sensor data collection is performed, then occupancy tracking accuracy improves, but energy consumption of the sensor system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system operates in periodic cycles, alternating between active data collection phases and low-power standby phases. Sensors are activated only when occupancy changes are detected or at scheduled intervals, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining accurate tracking of occupant movements during active periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses passive sensing methods where possible, such as harvesting thermal signatures or motion patterns that already exist in the environment rather than requiring active emission of energy. The sensors detect naturally occurring physical phenomena associated with occupancy, minimizing additional energy requirements
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes receiving a first plurality of electrical signals from presence sensors disposed in a physical space, generating background sensor values mapped to a coordinate system for the physical space, receiving, a second plurality of electrical signals from the presence sensors, and generating, based on the second plurality of electrical signals from the presence sensors, sensor values mapped to the coordinate system for the physical space at the first time and the second time. The method further includes subtracting the background sensor values from the sensor values mapped to the coordinate system to obtain measurement data, associating the measurement data with a moving object belonging to an object class, determining a track, based on the measurement data, the track comprising a link between a first node and another node in the coordinate system for the physical space; and outputting, a control signal associated with the determined track.