Gesture-Controlled Virtual Building Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of physical hardware for building space control is expensive and inflexible, leading to delays and increased construction costs, and once a building is occupied, control mechanisms can be inconveniently located, resulting in lost time and productivity.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing cameras to analyze gesture interactions with virtual control elements, allowing for flexible placement and eliminating the need for expensive dedicated control hardware, enabling users to control building settings such as lighting and temperature through intuitive gestures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If physical hardware (thermostats, switches, wiring) is installed for building space control, then control function is achieved, but installation cost and construction time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses virtual control elements that replicate the function of physical hardware without requiring actual installation. The virtual thermostat and switches are displayed on screens or tablets, allowing users to control building settings remotely through a graphical interface, thereby eliminating the need for physical hardware installation and reducing both cost and construction time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical control system (thermostats, switches, wiring) with an electronic/software-based virtual control system. Users interact with building controls through a graphical user interface on mobile devices or tablets, substituting the need for physical hardware with digital interfaces and wireless communication protocols.
2Adaptability or versatility
If physical control hardware is installed in building spaces, then control function is provided, but adaptability to space changes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual control elements can be dynamically repositioned on different screens or devices without any physical modification to the building infrastructure. The system adapts to different spatial configurations and can be relocated as needed, providing high flexibility and adaptability compared to fixed physical hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual control system can be accessed through multiple devices (smartphones, tablets, computers) and displayed on various screens throughout the building. This universal accessibility allows the same control functionality to serve multiple locations and purposes, enhancing versatility without requiring dedicated hardware at each location.
3Ease of operation
If physical control hardware is installed, then initial control function is achieved, but long-term operational convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces mobile devices and display screens as intermediaries between users and the building control system. Instead of users needing to physically access controls installed in hard-to-reach locations, they can interact with virtual representations of controls through their handheld devices, significantly improving accessibility and reducing the time required to make adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, devices, and systems for building space control are described herein. One device includes a memory, and a processor configured to execute executable instructions stored in the memory to receive a recording of a gesture interaction with a virtual control element associated with a setting of a space in a building, analyze the recorded gesture for gesture characteristics, and modify the setting of the space based on the virtual control element and the gesture characteristics.