Mobile Device Location Control for Personalized Building Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load control systems cannot automatically adjust electrical loads such as lighting, temperature, and natural light based on the location of a user or their mobile device within a building, limiting personalized control and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A load control system that includes a controller determining the location of a mobile device and automatically controlling electrical loads through wireless communication, using a mobile device with a wireless communication circuit and a system controller that transmits commands to load control devices based on the device's location, allowing for personalized settings and energy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a load control system uses traditional control-source devices (occupancy sensors, remote controls), then basic load control functionality is achieved, but the system cannot automatically adjust loads based on user location and mobile device
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device serves multiple functions: it acts as a location sensor, a control source, and a user interface. The system uses the mobile device's existing wireless communication capabilities and location services to trigger load control, eliminating the need for separate location detection infrastructure and enabling personalized control based on the user's mobile device location
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a controller as an intermediary that receives location information from the mobile device and translates it into appropriate load control commands. This mediator coordinates between the mobile device's location data and the various load control devices, managing the complexity of multiple control scenarios and devices
2Productivity
If the system implements automatic load control based on mobile device location, then personalized control and energy efficiency are improved, but system complexity and communication requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device leverages its own built-in location services and wireless communication capabilities to provide location information to the system. The system automatically processes this information and adjusts loads without requiring additional external sensors or manual user input, enabling the system to serve itself with location-based control decisions
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the mobile device's location and automatically adjusts load settings based on the user's position. This creates a feedback loop where location information triggers appropriate load control actions, such as adjusting lighting or temperature when the user enters or leaves a space, improving energy efficiency through automatic responsive control
3Ease of operation
If control-source devices are added to enable mobile device-based control, then location-responsive control is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device is utilized as a multi-functional control source that combines location sensing, wireless communication, and user interface capabilities. This eliminates the need for separate location sensors and control interfaces, as the mobile device itself performs all these functions, thereby achieving personalized control without proportionally increasing the number of control devices
Data Source
AI summary
A load control system for controlling an electrical load in a space of a building occupied by an occupant may include a controller configured to determine the location of the occupant, and a load control device configured to automatically control the electrical load in response to the location of the occupant. The load control system may include a mobile device adapted to be located on or immediately adjacent the occupant and configured to transmit and receive wireless signals. The load control device may be configured to automatically control the electrical load when the mobile device is located in the space. The load control system may further comprise an occupancy sensor and the load control device may automatically control the electrical load when the occupancy sensor indicates that the space is occupied and the mobile device is located in the space.