Interactive Control Device with PIR Sensor for Energy Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interactive control devices for service apparatuses in rooms, such as hotel rooms, require manual activation by pressing a mechanical key, which can be difficult for users to identify, especially if they are not expecting a touchscreen interface, leading to inconvenience and energy inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
An interactive control device equipped with a capacitive touchscreen and a PIR sensor that automatically detects user presence and distance, allowing for automatic activation of service apparatuses like lighting and heating, and only powering the screen when necessary to conserve energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the screen is kept in active condition to allow immediate user interaction, then ease of operation is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The PIR sensor performs preliminary detection of user presence before the screen is activated. When the sensor detects a user approaching, it triggers the screen to wake from sleep mode in advance, ensuring the interface is ready for interaction before the user needs to use it.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical activation (pressing physical buttons) with automatic sensor-based activation. The PIR sensor detects infrared radiation from the user's body to automatically trigger screen activation, eliminating the need for mechanical user action.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the screen is kept in inactive condition to save energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The PIR sensor performs preliminary detection of user presence before the screen is activated. When the sensor detects a user approaching, it triggers the screen to wake from sleep mode in advance, ensuring the interface is ready for interaction before the user needs to use it.
Solution Approach 2:
The system serves itself by automatically detecting user presence and activating the screen without requiring manual intervention. The PIR sensor and control unit work autonomously to monitor the environment and trigger activation when appropriate, making the system self-aware and self-activating.
3Ease of manufacture
If a mechanical key is used to activate the screen, then ease of manufacture is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in identification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical activation (pressing physical buttons) with automatic sensor-based activation. The PIR sensor detects infrared radiation from the user's body to automatically trigger screen activation, eliminating the need for mechanical user action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual indicators (light emission or color changes) to indicate when the screen is active or inactive. This helps users identify the screen's state from a distance, improving ease of operation by making the device's status immediately recognizable without physical contact.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device is easily identifiable and partially independent of user presence, automatically controlling service apparatuses upon detection, optimizing energy usage by activating only when needed and allowing for use with low-output power sources like batteries and solar panels.
Implementation Method 1
a PIR sensor which detects the distance of a user from the device
Data Source
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AI summary
Described is an interactive control device (1) for at least one service apparatus (2), comprising a control unit (3), a screen (4) operatively connected to the control unit (3) having touch selection means (5) for interacting with the user. The touch selection means (5) are configurable between an active condition wherein they receive the touch information of the user and an inactive condition wherein they do not receive the touch information of the user. More specifically, the interactive control device (1) comprises a presence and distance sensor (7) operatively connected to the control unit (3) and configured for generating a detection signal (8) representing the presence and the distance of a user relative to the sensor (7). The control unit (3) is configured for receiving the detection signal (8), for processing it and for generating a control signal of at least part of the service apparatus (2) as a function of the processing.