Automated presence detection and presence-related control within an intelligent controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional control systems lack the flexibility and intelligence to adaptively select operational modes and adjust control outputs based on the presence or absence of entities within a controlled environment, leading to inefficiencies and incorrect inferences.
Innovation Solution
Intelligent controllers that utilize sensor output and electronically stored information, such as rules and parameters, to determine the presence or absence of entities, adjusting control schedules and parameters to minimize errors and maximize efficiency in achieving desired operational modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional control systems are used, then system structure is simple, but the system lacks flexibility and intelligence to adaptively select operational modes based on entity presence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where sensor outputs are continuously monitored and fed back to the controller. The controller uses this feedback information to determine entity presence and dynamically adjust operational modes. This closed-loop feedback system enables adaptive behavior while maintaining manageable complexity through structured information processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller autonomously determines entity presence based on sensor inputs and electronically stored information without requiring external intervention. It self-adjusts operational modes and control outputs by processing feedback information internally, enabling intelligent adaptation while keeping the system architecture relatively simple.
2Measurement precision
If conventional control systems are used, then device complexity is low, but measurement precision of entity presence is insufficient leading to incorrect inferences
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it processes sensor outputs, stores and retrieves electronically stored information, determines entity presence, and adjusts operational modes. This multi-functional approach consolidates complex operations into a single intelligent controller, improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electronically stored information as an intermediary layer between raw sensor data and control decisions. This intermediary layer provides structured knowledge and rules that enhance the precision of presence detection by contextualizing sensor inputs, reducing incorrect inferences while maintaining reasonable controller complexity.
3Productivity
If conventional control systems are used, then system operation is straightforward, but productivity is reduced due to inability to maximize efficiency based on presence detection
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts operational modes based on real-time entity presence detection. The controller continuously monitors sensor feedback and modifies control outputs to maximize system efficiency under current conditions. This dynamic adaptation improves productivity while the automated nature of the adjustments maintains operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters automatically based on presence detection results. The controller adjusts control outputs and operational modes by modifying parameters in response to feedback information, enabling efficiency optimization without requiring complex manual intervention, thus maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes operating a controller according to a control schedule; detecting events that indicate occupancy; storing a record of the events that indicate occupancy in one or more memory devices; and causing the controller to enter an auto-away state. A determination that the controller should enter the auto-away state may be based at least in part on a length of a time interval during which no events that indicate occupancy were detected; and the stored record of the events that indicate occupancy. The method also includes detecting a pattern of instances where the controller enters the auto-away state over a plurality of days; and adjusting the control schedule based at least in part on the pattern of instances where the controller enters the auto-away state.