Mobile Energy Audit System Using Image Analytics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy auditing processes are inefficient and prone to errors, requiring expert professionals and manual data collection, which can be time-consuming and difficult for homeowners to perform without extensive knowledge or motivation, especially since many energy characteristics are unknown or estimated.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device-based system that uses image analytics to derive identification information from pictures of objects in a structure, obtaining energy usage information from databases, and generating an energy audit, making the process seamless and intuitive for homeowners by automating data collection and providing energy-saving recommendations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual data collection by expert energy auditors is used, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service energy auditing by allowing homeowners to capture images of their equipment and receive automated analysis. The mobile application guides users through the process of photographing HVAC systems, water heaters, and other energy-consuming devices, then automatically extracts identification information and retrieves energy characteristics from databases without requiring expert auditor intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual data collection and analysis with automated image recognition and database querying systems. The mobile device captures images, image analytics extract equipment identification information, and the system automatically retrieves energy characteristics from databases, substituting human expert labor with automated computational processes.
2Measurement precision
If manual data input by users is required, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual data input with automated image recognition technology. Instead of requiring users to manually type in equipment specifications and energy characteristics, the mobile application captures images of equipment labels and manuals, uses image analytics to extract identification information automatically, and retrieves precise energy information from databases based on the extracted data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary image recognition system that bridges the gap between the user and the energy information database. The user simply captures images, and the intermediary system automatically processes these images to extract equipment identification information, which then queries the database for accurate energy characteristics, eliminating the need for users to manually input detailed information.
3Reliability
If comprehensive manual data collection is performed, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual data collection procedures with a streamlined mobile application that uses image recognition technology. Instead of requiring multiple measurement devices and complex data gathering tools, the system uses a standard mobile device with camera capabilities to capture images, automatically extracts equipment information through image analytics, and retrieves reliable energy characteristics from centralized databases.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method includes obtaining an address of a structure, obtaining picture of objects in the structure with a networked mobile device, deriving identification information from the pictures, using the identification information to obtain energy usage information from databases, and generating an energy audit based on the objects and energy usage information.