Mobile Device Location Sensing for Personalized Load Control
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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 an occupant using a mobile device with wireless communication capabilities, allowing for automatic control of electrical loads like lighting intensity, temperature, and natural light based on the occupant's location, with features like beacon signals and signal strength signatures for precise location determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a control-source device is used to control a control-target device, then load control functionality is achieved, but the system cannot automatically control loads based on user location or mobile device position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary between the control-source device and control-target device. The mobile device receives location information, determines the user's position within the building, and transmits this information to the control-source device, which then automatically controls the appropriate control-target devices. This intermediary approach enables location-based automation without requiring direct complex integration between all system components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control systems with wireless communication-based automation. Instead of requiring physical presence or manual operation of control devices, the system uses wireless signals to transmit location data and control commands, enabling automatic load control based on the user's position without mechanical intervention.
2Loss of energy
If location-based control is implemented using mobile devices, then personalized and energy-efficient control is achieved, but the system requires additional wireless communication infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device leverages its own existing wireless communication capabilities and location determination functions to provide location information to the control system. Rather than requiring a separate dedicated location tracking infrastructure, the system utilizes the self-service capabilities of the mobile device itself, reducing the need for additional infrastructure while enabling energy-efficient location-based control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system controls electrical loads based on occupancy sensor data alone, then basic automation is achieved, but personalized control based on specific user preferences is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by associating specific control preferences and parameters with individual users or mobile devices. Each user can have customized settings for lighting intensity, temperature, and other environmental parameters based on their personal preferences. The system applies these localized preferences automatically when detecting the user's position, enabling personalized control without requiring complex manual configuration for each location.
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.