Door-Mounted Status Interface for Real-Time Energy System Checks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security and energy management systems lack the ability to provide real-time status information and control options at each entry/exit door, requiring individuals to approach a central control unit for system status and often necessitate high alert modes that are inconvenient for everyday use.
Innovation Solution
A status indication device that communicates with central security and energy management systems to provide real-time status and control options at each entry/exit door, allowing individuals to receive and manage system settings through a user interface without needing to access a central control unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a central control unit is used for security and energy management systems, then system control and monitoring are achieved, but individuals must approach the central control unit to check system status, reducing convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized control system into distributed status indication devices placed at multiple entry/exit points throughout the home or business. Each device independently displays system status information (security armed/disarmed state, energy consumption levels), allowing individuals to obtain information at any location without returning to a central control unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point (central control unit) information display to multi-point distributed display across different spatial locations. Status indication devices are positioned at various doors and entry points, creating a distributed information network that provides system status throughout the premises rather than at one centralized location.
2Reliability
If security system operates in high alert mode to ensure safety, then security monitoring is enhanced, but it becomes inconvenient for everyday use when full security is not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic security modes that can be independently configured at different entry points. Individuals can select between high alert mode (full security monitoring) and low alert mode (reduced monitoring) based on their specific needs at each location and time, allowing flexible adaptation rather than a single static security level for the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows different security alert levels to be configured at different entry/exit points independently. Each status indication device can operate in high alert or low alert mode based on local conditions and user preferences, enabling granular control over security intensity at each location rather than uniform system-wide security levels.
3Ease of operation
If multiple status indication devices are distributed throughout the premises, then system status information is more accessible, but device complexity and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses identical or similar status indication devices replicated at multiple locations throughout the premises. Each device is a standardized unit that displays the same types of system status information (security state, energy consumption), simplifying installation, maintenance, and user understanding compared to using different types of devices at each location.
Solution Approach 2:
The status indication devices are designed to perform multiple functions: displaying security system status (armed/disarmed), showing energy consumption information, and providing location-specific control options. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices for different purposes, simplifying the overall system architecture despite the distributed nature of the devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus is described for providing energy system status information. A status indication device may be mounted near an entry door for determining when an individual is about to leave an area. When the status indication device determines that an individual is about to leave an area, it displays an energy status to the individual, so that the individual can decide whether to place energy-consuming devices in a conservation mode of operation.