Home Automation Control Sequence Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Home automation systems that rely solely on geolocation data for controlling peripheral devices can be inflexible and may execute unwanted control sequences, such as automatic garage door opening or window operation, without considering temporary user presence or adverse weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
The method involves adapting control sequences based on external signals, including geolocation data, movement data, and environmental data from sensors, allowing for more flexible and context-aware operation by integrating signals from devices outside the home automation system, such as smartphones and environmental sensors, to modify or suspend control actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the system executes control sequences automatically based on geolocation data when a user approaches, then automation and convenience are improved, but the system may execute unwanted control sequences when the user is only briefly passing by or when adverse weather conditions exist
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by starting the control sequence execution in advance when the user approaches the building, but delays the actual execution until confirmation is received. This allows the system to prepare for automation while maintaining the option to cancel if conditions are not appropriate, thus resolving the contradiction between automation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms by monitoring multiple parameters (geolocation data, movement data, environmental data) and requiring confirmation before executing control sequences. This feedback loop ensures that automation only occurs when appropriate conditions are met, improving reliability while maintaining automation benefits.
2Reliability
If the system requires user confirmation before executing control sequences, then reliability is improved, but automation is reduced and user interaction is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system sends a preliminary notification to the user's device before executing control sequences, allowing the user to confirm or cancel. This preliminary action maintains high reliability by requiring user confirmation while minimizing the need for interaction by only requiring confirmation when necessary, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and automation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system monitors multiple data sources including environmental sensors and movement data, then adaptability and context-awareness are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a portable electronic device (smartphone or tablet) that serves multiple functions: it provides the user interface for notifications and confirmation, processes geolocation data, detects movement data through sensors, and communicates with the building automation system. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high adaptability and context-awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable electronic device leverages its own built-in sensors and capabilities (GPS for geolocation, accelerometers for movement detection, environmental sensors) to provide data without requiring separate dedicated sensors in the building system. This self-service approach reduces device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a home automation system with a central control device (1) and peripheral devices (2) which are commutatively connectable to the central control device (1) and controllable by the central control device (1), wherein the central control device (1) is configured to control the peripheral devices (2) in an executable control sequence in an operating state and, optionally, to control them in response to direct user inputs, and wherein the central control device (1) receives person geolocation data and determines the execution of the control sequence based on this data. The invention is characterized in that the central control device (1), while maintaining the operating state, adapts the execution of the control sequence based on a received external signal, which may differ from the direct user inputs.