Door Status Indicators for Distributed Energy and Security Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security and energy management systems lack the ability to provide real-time status information at each entry/exit door, requiring individuals to approach a central control unit for system status, and they do not offer flexible operation modes beyond high alert or disarmed settings.
Innovation Solution
A status indication device that communicates with central security and energy management systems to provide real-time system status and control via LEDs or other indicators at each door, allowing individuals to interact with the system without needing to approach a central unit, and offering flexible operation modes based on their presence or departure.
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 centralized, but individuals must approach the control unit to access system status information, reducing convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized control system into distributed status indication devices placed at multiple entry/exit doors. Each device independently displays system status information, allowing individuals to access status at any door without needing to approach a central control unit. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining centralized system control while distributing information access points throughout the premises.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to system status access by placing status indication devices at multiple locations (different doors) rather than requiring access at a single central location. This dimensional change allows users to obtain status information from any door, significantly improving convenience while the devices remain connected to the centralized system for data retrieval.
2Adaptability or versatility
If security systems operate in high alert mode only, then security coverage is maximized, but individuals cannot operate the system in flexible modes for different situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation modes that can change based on user needs and situational context. The system transitions between different states (disarmed, armed-stay, armed-away) and provides different status information accordingly. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt to various scenarios while maintaining appropriate security levels, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes system parameters (alert level, monitoring intensity, status display content) based on the operation mode. In high-security modes, the system provides comprehensive status information and maintains high alert levels. In lower-security modes, the system adjusts parameters to provide simplified status information, allowing flexible operation while maintaining adaptability to different security requirements.
3Ease of operation
If simplified energy status is provided to individuals leaving an area, then convenience is improved, but detailed energy consumption information may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides partial information (simplified energy status) at the point of exit to improve convenience, while the complete detailed information remains available through other means (energy management device interface, billing statements). This partial action at the door provides sufficient information for immediate decisions without requiring users to access detailed data, resolving the contradiction between convenience and information completeness.
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.