Dynamic Thermostat Activation Based on User Position Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing programmable thermostats for heating and cooling homes do not account for deviations in a person's schedule, leading to unnecessary energy use when they arrive home later than expected, as they start heating or cooling the home at a preselected time regardless of actual arrival time.
Innovation Solution
A system that tracks a person's position and travel habits to determine the precise time of arrival at home, allowing devices such as thermostats, lighting, or music systems to be activated only when the person arrives, ensuring the home is at a desired temperature or state coinciding with their arrival, thereby reducing energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a programmable thermostat is set to begin heating or cooling at a preselected time before the person anticipates arriving home, then the home will reach a comfortable temperature by the time the person arrives, but unnecessary energy will be used if the person arrives later than anticipated
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the thermostat activation time based on real-time monitoring of the user's position and estimated time of arrival. Instead of using a fixed preselected time, the system continuously updates when to activate heating or cooling based on the user's actual travel progress, thereby avoiding unnecessary energy consumption while ensuring comfortable temperature upon arrival.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by monitoring the user's position via GPS or other location services and using this information to adjust the thermostat activation time. The system receives feedback about the user's actual arrival time and uses this feedback to optimize future thermostat activation times, eliminating wasted energy when the user arrives later than anticipated.
2Reliability
If the thermostat is activated earlier to ensure comfortable temperature upon arrival, then the temperature requirement is met, but energy is wasted during additional time the user is away
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by activating the thermostat in advance, but the timing of this preliminary action is dynamically optimized based on real-time user position data. The system calculates the precise moment when heating or cooling should begin to ensure comfortable temperature upon arrival, avoiding both premature activation (waste) and delayed activation (comfort failure).
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of thermostat activation time based on varying user travel conditions. By monitoring user position and calculating updated estimated time of arrival, the system adjusts the activation time parameter dynamically, ensuring optimal energy efficiency while maintaining temperature comfort reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment directed to a method for providing a specified state at a premises to which a user travels. Comprises determining a time of operation needed by a device located at the premises to provide the specified state, after device activation. One or more positions of the user are detected when the user is within a boundary, the boundary being determined in part by the time of operation. Detected user positions are used to determine a time of arrival of the user at the premises. A time to activate the device is computed from the arrival time and time of operation, collectively, wherein activating the device at the computed time causes the specified state to be provided at a time that coincides with arrival of the user at the premises.