Load control system responsive to sensors and mobile devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current load control systems fail to utilize information collected from occupants and their mobile devices to effectively control electrical loads, limiting their ability to be responsive and convenient.
Innovation Solution
A load control system that includes a system controller and mobile devices capable of sensing parameters about occupants, such as physical conditions, to automatically adjust electrical loads like lighting, temperature, and window treatments based on detected information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If load control systems use traditional control devices without occupant sensing, then the system structure remains simple, but the system cannot respond to occupant-specific conditions and loses adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces mobile devices as intermediary components that bridge occupants and the load control system. These mobile devices contain sensors that detect occupant parameters (location, activity, biometrics) and communicate this information to the control system, enabling responsive control without requiring direct integration of complex sensing infrastructure throughout the building
Solution Approach 2:
The patent leverages the multi-functionality of mobile devices, which already serve as personal computers, communication tools, and sensors. By utilizing these existing universal devices for occupant detection and control purposes, the system gains adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity, as the mobile device performs multiple functions simultaneously
2Ease of operation
If load control systems collect and process occupant information from sensors and mobile devices, then the system becomes more perceptive and convenient, but the processing complexity and data management burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the system automatically processes occupant information without requiring manual intervention. The control system autonomously receives sensor data, processes occupant parameters, determines appropriate load control actions, and executes control commands without user involvement in the processing steps, thereby improving ease of operation while managing complexity through automation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes feedback loops where sensor information about occupant conditions is continuously monitored and fed back to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically adjust electrical loads based on real-time occupant status, improving convenience through automatic response while managing processing complexity through structured feedback protocols
3Loss of energy
If the system automatically controls electrical loads based on sensed parameters, then energy efficiency improves, but the system requires more sophisticated sensing and communication infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having mobile devices continuously monitor and cache occupant parameter information before control decisions are needed. The system pre-processes sensor data and maintains ready-to-use occupant profiles, enabling rapid energy-efficient control responses without requiring complex real-time processing infrastructure at the moment of control action
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses mobile devices as intermediary communication nodes that simplify the sensing infrastructure requirements. Instead of deploying extensive fixed sensor networks throughout the building, the mobile device acts as a portable sensing and communication intermediary, reducing the complexity of fixed infrastructure while enabling energy-efficient automatic control based on occupant presence and conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A load control system may control an electrical load in a space of a building based on one or more parameters regarding the physical condition of an occupant. The parameters may be gathered by one or more sensing devices. The sensing devices may be included in a mobile device. A system controller may receive the parameters and may automatically control the electrical loads in response to the parameters. The system controller may control the electrical load to attempt to adjust the physical condition of the occupant in response to the sensed parameters. The system controller may control the electrical load to provide an alert, an alarm, and/or a warning in response to the sensed parameters.