Location-Based Device Control via Positioning Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote control systems for electrical and electronic devices in large spaces lack flexibility and autonomy, relying on visual signaling and manual intervention for location and control, which is inefficient and inflexible, especially for devices like WiFi access points and lighting systems that require dynamic regulation and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A location-based system using Bluetooth 4.0 positioning signals with unique identifiers and a central control module that allows remote, autonomous control of devices without physical connections, enabling precise location determination and parameter adjustment, such as light intensity, through a mobile control device and processor module.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If visual signaling mechanisms (signs, maps, lighting) are used to locate devices, then users can find devices easily, but device location cannot be hidden when security is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice location detectionVSAvoidsecurity risk from exposed device locations
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces positioning signals as an intermediary mechanism between devices and users. Instead of direct visual exposure, devices emit signals that can be detected by control devices, allowing location information to be transmitted without visual exposure. This resolves the contradiction by enabling location detection while maintaining physical concealment for security purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical/visual signaling systems (signs, physical maps, lighting mechanisms) with electromagnetic positioning signals. This substitution allows devices to be located through signal detection rather than visual exposure, enabling both easy location detection and physical concealment when security is required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Shape

If devices are hidden in false ceilings or floors to improve aesthetics, then visual appearance is improved, but maintenance and location become extremely difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoiddevice accessibility for maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses positioning signals as an intermediary to bridge the gap between hidden devices and maintenance personnel. Control devices can detect and locate hidden devices through signal transmission without requiring physical access or opening ceilings/floors, thus maintaining aesthetic appearance while enabling easy maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces physical inspection methods (opening ceilings, visual search) with electromagnetic signal detection. This allows maintenance personnel to locate hidden devices instantly through signal tracking, eliminating the need to open structural elements and preserving aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If predefined light circuits with fixed regulation mechanisms are used, then lighting control is established, but flexibility to dynamically cluster or decluster circuits is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting control stabilityVSAvoiddynamic circuit clustering flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic positioning signals that enable real-time identification and control of individual devices regardless of their physical location or circuit configuration. This allows lighting circuits to be dynamically clustered or declustered by simply changing which devices are activated based on their detected positions, providing flexibility while maintaining control stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal control system where the same positioning and control mechanism works for any device configuration or clustering scenario. The system can adapt to different lighting scenarios (individual control, area control, dynamic clustering) without requiring predefined circuits, achieving both reliability and versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If operators must know installation details to control devices, then precise control is possible, but remote operation speed and efficiency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidoperator training and decision time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables devices to self-identify through their positioning signals, eliminating the need for operators to know installation details. The control device automatically detects device positions and identities, allowing operators to control devices intuitively without training, thus achieving both precision and speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback through positioning signals that continuously provide information about device locations and statuses. This feedback mechanism allows the control system to automatically determine which devices to control and how, reducing operator cognitive load and enabling fast, precise remote operation without requiring installation knowledge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3422758B1Location-based system and method for controlling a plurality of electrical or electronic devices
Publication Date: 2021.08.11 BEABLOO SL
  • EP3422758B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3422758B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3422758B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a location-based system and method for controlling electrical or electronic devices comprising: beacons coupled to said devices for sending and receiving positioning signals; a control device for determining the position thereof, on the basis of the positioning signals received, and sending it to a central control module together with indications to act on a parameter of the devices; a central control module for sending control instructions to a processor module of the corresponding device, which is determined depending on the position of the control device; and a processor module, coupled to each of the devices, for directly acting on the parameters of the device depending on the control instructions received.