Group Preference Feedback for Low-Transaction Building Comfort Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in efficiently collecting and aggregating individual preferences to optimize environmental conditions, such as temperature, in buildings, due to high transaction costs and the complexity of varying individual preferences over time.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising feedback devices that allow individuals to provide preference feedback in a single action, which is collected and processed by a computer to construct a group preference model, enabling real-time adjustments to environmental parameters like temperature to optimize comfort and reduce energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional survey methods are used to collect individual preferences, then preference information can be obtained, but transaction costs are high and response rates are low
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic collection of preference information through sensors and automated feedback mechanisms, eliminating the need for manual survey administration and response processing. Individuals passively provide preference data through their interactions with the building environment and automated questionnaires, reducing transaction costs for both collectors and respondents.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual paper-based survey methods with electronic automated systems including sensors, computer-based questionnaires, and automated data processing. This substitution of mechanical manual processes with electronic automation dramatically reduces transaction costs and improves information collection efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If building environmental settings are adjusted to accommodate individual preferences, then occupant comfort improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system adjusts environmental conditions locally rather than uniformly across the entire building. By using sensors to detect individual preferences and making targeted adjustments in specific zones or personal spaces, the system improves occupant comfort while minimizing overall energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary adjustments in unoccupied or satisfied areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system makes environmental adjustments only when and where needed based on detected preferences, rather than continuously adjusting all systems throughout the building. This partial action approach avoids excessive energy consumption while still providing comfort improvements where actually required by occupants.
3Measurement precision
If continuous monitoring of individual preferences is implemented, then group preferences can be accurately determined, but system complexity and transaction costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multi-functional components that serve multiple purposes. Sensors not only detect environmental conditions but also track individual preferences and occupancy patterns. The same electronic platform collects both environmental data and preference feedback, reducing overall system complexity while enabling continuous monitoring and accurate determination of group preferences.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosed is directed to systems, methods, and devices for obtaining feedback information from individuals to reveal group preferences and to systems, methods, and devices for enabling providers to provide outcomes which utilize, at least in part, the preferences of the group. For example, a system comprising a plurality of devices, wherein at least one device of the plurality of devices captures at least one feedback in one substantially simple transaction; and the at least one device of the plurality of devices sends the at least one captured feedback to at least one computer; and the at least one computer receives the least one feedback; and the at least one feedback can be given at one or more of the following: periodic time intervals, predefined time intervals, random time intervals, substantially random time intervals and substantially any time.